As heat waves give way to humidity and heavy rains in various parts of India, why not plan a quick visit to Kashmir and explore the top five refreshing places to cool off in?
For over a month since the heatwaves began sweeping the country, thousands of people have been arriving in picturesque Kashmir, also known as “heaven on earth” to seek relief from the heat.
Upon arriving in Kashmir, tourists often visit well-known spots like Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Dal Lake and Mughal Gardens. Yet, they can also explore cooler, offbeat destinations offering pristine rivers, mountains, and forests.
Owing to the influx of tourists, Srinagar Airport has been bustling, accommodating a peak of 94 flights daily last month.
Hotels and homestays in Kashmir are fully booked until August, pointing to another record-breaking year for tourist arrivals in this Himalayan region.
Last year, the Union Territory welcomed 16.2 million tourists, marking the highest number since 1947. Tourism stakeholders are thrilled to observe this continuing rise in tourist arrivals in the Valley.
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In spite of the rains, temperatures are still around the 30-40 degrees Celsius range in major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Rajasthan, and Chandigarh. Meanwhile, Kashmir provides a cool respite, with temperatures remaining below 30 degrees Celsius. In the Valley, there are five stunning places where temperatures dip below 20 degrees Celsius. Bookmark these valleys for your next trip to Kashmir:
Gurez
Nestled amid snow-capped hills, lush meadows and the crystal-clear waters of the Kishanganga River, Gurez boasts captivating and irresistible charm for visitors. The temperature in Gurez these days ranges between 14 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius, offering pleasant weather during the day and cooler nights. Surrounded by stunning Kail and pine forests, Gurez has experienced a remarkable surge in tourist arrivals, with a more than 300 per cent increase over the past two years. For example, in 2023, nearly 50,000 tourists explored this breathtaking destination located close to Line of Control (LoC). The incredible place, once known for frequent cross-border shelling, is also a part of the ancient historical Silk Route. During the winter, Gurez Valley, situated at an altitude of 2,400 metres above sea level, remains closed for nearly six months, making it an ideal time to visit now. Visitors can enjoy camping, trekking, and choose accommodation from hotels to homestays. Gurez also earned the Outlook Traveller Award for Best Offbeat Destination in 2022, recognised for its beauty and tourism allure in the category of offbeat tourism destinations.
Bangus Valley
Situated in the Pir Panjal range, Bangus Valley is a bowl-shaped valley known for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and crystal-clear streams. The cool weather, tranquil gushing streams, and serene environment of the Valley located in Kupwara district of north Kashmir appeal to those seeking relief from hot days and a retreat from the bustle of city life. The weather in Bangus located near LoC currently ranges from 23°C during the day to 11°C at night. Tourists staying in homestays can bring jackets, sweaters, and blankets to stay warm during the cooler nights. Apart from enjoying the cool weather, tourists can participate in a variety of activities in the Valley, including horse riding, camping, trekking, and paragliding. Bangus Valley, a burgeoning offbeat destination, is divided into two parts — Bod Bangus (Big Bangus) and Lokut Bangus (Small Bangus), known for their picturesque meadows, mountains, and streams.
Aru
Nestled in the picturesque landscape, Aru is situated within the renowned tourist resort of Pahalgam, in South Kashmir's Anantnag district. This charming destination is popular for its breathtaking scenery, encompassing verdant meadows, snow-capped mountains, and gushing streams. Tourists in Aru, situated at an altitude of around 8,000 feet above sea level, can enjoy the beautiful weather and engage in exciting activities such as trekking, hiking, and horse riding in Kashmir. Currently, the weather in Aru, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, reaches around 24 degree Celsius during the day and drops to 16 degree Celsius at night. Given the unpredictable weather in Aru, where rain can occur unexpectedly, visitors should always carry umbrellas, raincoats, and water-resistant bags. Nestled amid trek-friendly mountains, Aru provides access to renowned spots such as Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake. Camping under the starry sky with the peaceful Lidder River in the background is a surreal experience for nature enthusiasts. Travelers heading to Aru can enrich their adventure by exploring breathtaking destinations like Pahalgam, Chandanwari, the starting point for the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage and Betaab Valley along the way.
Daksum
Nestled amid the snow-covered Pir Panjal range in Kashmir, surrounded by dense forests, nomadic shepherd cottages, beautiful meadows, and the soothing sound of the Bhringi River, Daksum is a destination that captivates with its charm. Daksum promises a refreshing escape from the bustle of sweltering heat waves, inviting visitors to unwind and reconnect with the serene beauty of nature. To cool off, visitors can head directly to Daksum, situated on the Anantnag-Semthan-Kishtwar road, approximately 85 km from Srinagar, along the trekking route to Kishtwar. One of the highlights of Daksum is its dense coniferous forests, where tranquility and peace fill the air, creating a truly serene atmosphere. The temperature in Daksum presently ranges between 15 degree Celsius and 25 degree Celsius, providing pleasant daytime weather and cooler nights. Tourists can spend a day in Daksum or camp overnight. They have the option to stay in shepherd cottages and savour local specialties such as Nun Chai (pink tea) and maize bread.
Peer ki Gali
Situated at 11,450 feet, Peer ki Gali mountain pass is 43 km from south Kashmir’s Shopian district along the historic Mughal Road, mostly blanketed in snow year-round. Amid the intense heat wave sweeping across India, Peer ki Gali feels like a refrigerator, with daytime temperatures currently below 18 degree Celsius and nighttime temperatures dropping further to 10 degree Celsius. The weather in Peer ki Gali is characterised by frequent clouds, occasional drizzles, and light showers during the daytime. This winter, while many popular tourist destinations in Kashmir saw little to no snowfall, the mountain peaks in Peer ki Gali, adorned with towering pine trees, remained draped in snow, offering a stunning winter landscape to visitors. The blend of history and natural beauty at Peer ki Gali is captivating, making it an ideal spot for nature photography and relaxation. Camping under the stars in such a pristine environment offers an unforgettable experience.
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