Offbeat Places in Kashmir to Visit

• By: Sambhav Aggarwal
• Apr 10, 2025

While most travelers flock to Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, Kashmir holds a secret side—quieter, raw, and wildly beautiful. If you’re looking to swap tourist trails for tranquil meadows, ancient ruins, and untouched alpine valleys, here are six offbeat gems that deserve a spot on your itinerary:

1. Naranag – A Blend of History and Himalayas

Location: Ganderbal District, around 50 km from Srinagar
Best Time to Visit: May to October

Naranag is a small, sleepy village tucked into the foothills of the Harmukh mountains. The biggest draw here is the ancient Naranag Temple ruins, dating back to the 8th century and believed to be built by the Karkota Dynasty. These stone structures, surrounded by fir trees and misty hills, have a haunting beauty to them.

It’s also a base camp for several treks, including the Gangbal Lake trek and the Harmukh Glacier. Ideal for trekkers and spiritual seekers alike.

✅ Perfect for: History lovers, trekkers, and those seeking solitude.

2. Aharbal Waterfall – The Niagara of Kashmir

Location: Shopian District, around 70 km from Srinagar
Best Time to Visit: April to September

Tucked away in South Kashmir, Aharbal is one of the most powerful yet lesser-known waterfalls in the region. Surrounded by pine forests and fed by the Veshu River, the waterfall plunges over 25 meters into a deep gorge, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle.

Unlike many other waterfalls in India, Aharbal is remarkably peaceful and rarely crowded. There are also short nature walks around and trout fishing opportunities nearby.

✅ Perfect for: Day trips, picnics, photographers, and nature lovers.

3. Bangus Valley – Kashmir’s Secret Meadow

Location: Kupwara District, around 150 km from Srinagar
Best Time to Visit: June to September

If you want to experience the untouched beauty of Kashmir, Bangus Valley is a must-visit. Still largely unexplored, the valley boasts lush meadows, wildflowers, and scenic vistas that rival Switzerland. It’s surrounded by snow-capped peaks and thick conifer forests.

Due to limited infrastructure, it’s best explored via local guides. But that’s also its charm—few tourists, no noise, and the raw scent of pine in the air.

✅ Perfect for: Nature explorers, camping, and travelers who love discovering new places.

4. Nigeen Lake – Tranquility by the Water

Location: Srinagar
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, especially May to October

Often overshadowed by the famous Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake is its quieter cousin. With fewer shikaras and houseboats, the lake is incredibly peaceful. It’s surrounded by willow and poplar trees and offers crystal-clear reflections of the surrounding mountains.

You can stay in a traditional houseboat, take a romantic shikara ride, or simply enjoy sunrise by the water. Many say it’s what Dal Lake used to be—before the crowds.

✅ Perfect for: Peace seekers, couples, and anyone wanting a serene Srinagar experience.

5. Tosa Maidan – From Firing Range to Flower Field

Location: Budgam District, around 60 km from Srinagar
Best Time to Visit: May to September

Once an army firing range, Tosa Maidan has now opened up for travelers and is quickly gaining attention as one of the most picturesque meadows in Kashmir. Vast and sprawling, it’s surrounded by towering peaks and forested ridges.

It’s perfect for camping, star-gazing, and even off-road biking. The area is also rich in folklore and is believed to have been a route used by the Mughals.

✅ Perfect for: Adventure lovers, campers, and offbeat travelers.

6. Peer Ki Gali – Mystical Pass on the Mughal Road

Location: On the Mughal Road, between Shopian and Poonch
Best Time to Visit: May to October (road is closed in winter due to snow)

At over 11,000 feet above sea level, Peer Ki Gali is the highest point on the historic Mughal Road. With its mystical atmosphere, frequent mists, and views of alpine forests, it’s no wonder this spot holds religious significance.

A small shrine dedicated to Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (Nund Rishi) adds spiritual energy to the place. The drive here is breathtaking, with switchback turns and dramatic mountain scenery.

✅ Perfect for: Road trippers, spiritual travelers, and photographers.

🗺️ Final Thoughts

If you’re yearning for something different in Kashmir—something quieter, more authentic, and deeply connected to nature—these offbeat destinations offer just that. Whether it’s the sound of waterfalls, the silence of ancient ruins, or the vastness of high-altitude meadows, each place has its own story.