Kashmir Offbeat

Overview

About Kashmir Offbeat Tour Package

Discover the hidden charms of Kashmir with a unique offbeat tour package. Walk off the beaten path and acquaint yourself with the real spirit of this paradise on earth. Our well-designed itinerary will take you to some lesser-known destinations in Kashmir that will steal your heart and leave memories for a lifetime.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Aharbal, often called the 'Niagara Falls of Kashmir'. This hidden gem boasts a magnificent waterfall where the Veshaw River cascades down a steep gorge, creating a spectacle that will leave you in awe. Surrounded by dense pine forests and rugged mountains, Aharbal offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and tranquility.

Next, venture to the enchanting Naranag, an off-the-beaten-path destination that's a paradise for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Explore the ancient temple ruins dating back to the 8th century, nestled amidst picturesque landscapes. Trek through lush meadows and dense forests to reach the stunning high-altitude lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol, where crystal-clear waters reflect the towering peaks of the Himalayas.

Our package consists of comfortable boutique guesthouse accommodations and eco-friendly campsite: you will be combined with nature but in comfort. Expert local guides will share intriguing stories, and they will provide an insight into the rich culture and history of the region. Enjoy farm-to-table meal experiences made with organic, locally sourced ingredients: delight your taste buds.

Don't just settle for the ordinary; experience something extraordinary. Take the Kashmir Offbeat tour package and unlock secrets you never knew existed in this land of pure magic. Be it an adventure or a culture enthusiast or someone looking to get off the beaten track, this journey is going to be one adventure you are not going to forget. Let us take you around a whole different Kashmir, which is unknown to many a traveler. Your off-the-beaten-path adventure awaits!

Best Places to Visit in Kashmir Offbeat Tour

Dal Lake: The breeding heart of Srinagar, Dal Lake is quite renowned for its scenic beauty and iconic houseboats. Take a shikara ride and explore floating markets, gardens, and the daily way of life that people live in this lake. Don't miss the sunset views, which are simply magical.

Shankaracharya Temple: This ancient temple sits high on a hill, providing panoramic views over the city of Srinagar and vistas of the mountains in the abode of peace.

Hazratbal Shrine: The mosque exists on the shores of the Dal Lake and is pure white marble, housing the relic that is believed to be a hair of Prophet Mohammad.

Mughal Gardens: Visit the trio of Chashme Shahi, Nishat Bagh, and Shalimar Bagh. These beautifully laid-out gardens represent Mughal architecture and provide a peaceful retreat from the city hush.

Lal Chowk: It is a commercial space in srinagar. One of the principal squares of Srinagar, Lal Chowk offers an exciting view and allows shopping for some good local handicrafts, while at the same time enjoying local meals from its street food.

Tulip Garden: Asia's largest tulip garden, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, bursts into a riot of colors each spring. Over 1.5 million tulips in 60+ varieties create a breathtaking panorama against the backdrop of Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Mountains.

Aharbal: Called the 'Niagara Falls of Kashmir', this hidden hush-hush place is bound to cast a spell on you when you happen across it. Here the Veshaw River plunges down a 25m gorge to create a thunderous waterfall, surrounded by dense pine forests and rugged mountains. Aharbal offers you excellent trekking opportunities and picturesque picnic spots. It is also famous for trout fishing in the rapids below the falls.

Naranag: This out of the way place is a treasure trove, not just for history buffs but also for nature lovers. Naranag is a place with a time-worn temple complex dating back to the 8th century, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located amidst the simple ruins spread out amid the mammoth mountains, the atmosphere becomes permeated with mystery. From here, keen trekkers can tramp all the way to the heart-stopping high-altitude lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol, both nestled deep in the Himalayas.

Doodhpathri: The name itself means the 'Valley of Milk', an allusion to a place with lots of green and streams of crystal clarity. Cattle grazing in the meadows here yield very creamy milk, and it is said that the grass there is so rich it is unimaginable. Getting to know the native, austere lifestyle in rural Kashmiri is possible when staying with a local family in a traditional Kashmiri home, savoring local cuisine, and being submerged in the warmth of local people's amity.

Things to do in Kashmir Offbeat Tour

Waterfall Trekking in Aharbal: Enjoy an exhilarating trek to witness the majestic Aharbal Falls up close. The trail would bring spectacular views around the pine forest, giving the option to sight local wildlife very closely. There is also trout fishing in the rapids below the falls for more intrepid visitors.

Ancient Temple Ruins Exploration in Naranag: Explore the ancient temple ruins at Naranag, burrowing back into history. Take a stroll through those stone houses with intricate, age-buried carvings. A demanding trek to the high-altitude Gangabal and Nundkol lakes is ideal to catch picturesque views of the Himalayas.

Lolab Valley Fruit Picking: Get to know about rustic life in Kashmir while picking fruits. Subject to the seasonality of the visit, one could go for apple, walnut, or cherry picking. Interact with the local farmers here and realize the beauty and hard work that go into the traditional practices followed by them in their farmlands.

Meadow Camping in Bangus Valley: Spend a night in the expansive meadows of Bangus Valley under billions of stars, an experience that will be engraved in the memory. Enjoy the bonfire, learn local folklore from your guide, and wake up with sunrise painting the surrounding peaks in golden colors.

Homestay: Spend a day in Doodhpathri homestay to experience the culture of Kashmir. Engage with your host family in the preparation of traditional Kashmiri dishes and know more about their local customs. You can also engage in activities done in normal households to feel the cosmic connection wholly.

Bird Watching in Hokersar Wetland: Drive to the Hokersar Wetland, which is aptly named the 'Queen of Wetlands'. This wonderful destination off the beaten track is said to be quite a paradise for bird watchers with its significant number of migratory and resident bird species.

Pottery Workshop at Nagbal: One can experience the traditional art of pottery making in Kashmir at the Nagbal village. Get your hands on with the local artisans and make your masterpiece to take back home.

Shepherding Experience in Yousmarg: Spend a day amidst the meadows of Yousmarg with the nomadic Gujjar shepherds. See their lifestyle, help them herd sheep, and round off your day with a serving of authentic Gujjar cuisine.

Rafting in the Lidder River: Feel the white water adrenaline while rafting in the rapids of the Lidder River near Pahalgam. The rapids in the river are of both grades—beginners and experienced rafters.

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake: Glide across the serene Dal Lake in a traditional shikara boat. Marvel at floating gardens, colorful houseboats, and majestic mountains reflected in calm waters. Experience Srinagar's heart, watching local life unfold as you enjoy this iconic Kashmiri adventure.

How to Reach Kashmir?

By Air: The major entrance of Kashmir is from Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in the city of Srinagar. There are a number of domestic airlines connecting Srinagar with Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Jammu directly. Once at the airport, easily available are the taxis and prepaid cabs to the place of destination within Kashmir.

By Road: Kashmir is well connected by road with the rest of India. Significantly important is the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, NH44. Buses are run from Jammu to Srinagar, with the journey being excellently scenic, to an unpredictable road condition in the midst of winter days due to weather conditions.

By Train: No direct train is available for Srinagar, but one can easily catch a train for Jammu Tawi, the nearest major railway station. From here, take a taxi or bus to Kashmir. Upon completion, the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link project will connect Kashmir directly to the Indian railway network.

Best Time to Visit Kashmir

Spring in Kashmir ( March to early May): Kashmir blooms in spring with sheets of blossoms engulfing the land. The weather remains moderately variable; therefore, it serves a nice time for outdoor activities. Recommend the visit to the world-renowned tulip garden in Srinagar at this time of year.

Summer in Kashmir (May to August): When summer comes in Kashmir, the days remain mild but the nights are usually cold. The days are the time for trekking, camping, and water sports on Dal Lake. This is the ideal season of maximum inflow of tourists. The beautiful gardens and the pleasing weather draw the visitors all throughout the summer months.

Autumn in Kashmir (September to November): Autumn in Kashmir sets the trees ablaze with colors, the chinar's leaves turn golden, and the air is so crisp and clear that it makes for ideal photography time. Low on tourists, this is the season to go to Kashmir for peaceful getaways and great views of the landscape.

Winter in Kashmir (December to February): Winter turns Kashmir into a snow-sheathed paradise. While it drives the temperatures considerably down, the region is just perfect for winter sports lovers. Gulmarg becomes a popular place for skiing, and the Dal Lake freezes up for a totally new experience.

Things To Pack