How to plan Kashmir Offbeat Tour: Essential Things to Know

The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has various famous tourist attractions that are filled with people enjoying themselves.

They go on sightseeing tours at these destinations as well as engage in high-speeding adventures. Here’s a guide to Kashmir offbeat tour and essential things to know when visiting these places.

However, for a more calm ambience, you have to move to the remotely located regions of the valley.

Due to their offbeat locations, they present the best opportunity to soak in the raw natural beauty. In some grasslands, not a single soul can be seen for a long distance. You can sit or lie under a tree and remain like that uninterrupted.

It seems like time stands still here. It surely does not mean that there are no activities here. If you want to blend the peace with some thrills, you are at the right spot. Activities like trekking, river rafting, fishing are available for adventure.

Best offbeat places to visit in Kashmir

Gurez Valley

When in Kashmir, you just can’t miss this ever gorgeous beauty called Gurez. It is always a part of the Kashmir offbeat tour packages.

Undoubtedly the most beautiful offbeat locations of the valley, the place breathes culture and traditions. Though it is still limited in case of modern services, the timeless beauty presented here is enough to capture your heart.

Some of the must visit places here include the Kishanganga river which divides the Gurez region between India and Pakistan. The river is a serene one and is an ideal place for strolls, camps and much more. you can trek to the Habba Khatoon peak.More places to explore here are Tulail Lake, Wular Lake where fishing and angling is very popular.

From June to September, you can plan your trip to Gurez valley. It becomes hard to visit here in the freezing months of winter. Helicopter services are available.

Warwan Valley

Warwan Valley is the retired gem of Kashmir valley and is one of the must places to visit in Kashmir offbeat tour.

When you see this valley for the first time, you feel like you have come back to the old times. It is that antique located in the Kishtwar district, it can only be visited via a drive through Anantnag.

Some of the popular activities to do here are sightseeing, river rafting, fishing, hiking etc. Many migratory birds visit here all the time so it is a heaven for bird-watchers.

The valley is known to give tough competition to the famous spots like Gulmarg, Pahalgam etc.

The famous Warwan Valley trek is one of the most challenging treks in Kashmir but the final destination is worth the effort. Don’t plan a visit here in winters as it is completely covered in snow. Summer is the most appropriate time to visit.

Doodhpathri

Doodhpathri is one of the most exotic places to be. famous as ahoneymoon destination in Kashmir, the place is known to offer a calm atmosphere. Itis a lesser-explored region of the valley.

It is located in the Budgam district and is only 45 kilometres away from Srinagar.

The Shalinga river flows in the whole valley through rocks and pebbles and that turns the water milky and hence the place got the name Doodhpathri. It is an ideal decision to sit and spend some time near the lake. The surroundings here are panoramic.

Some of the recreational activities to do here include ATV rides, trekking, photography, pony rides etc. Camping is indispensable here.

It is at a short distance of about 59 kilometers from Srinagar and a road trip of an hour or two will be enough. You can either book a cab or share a taxi.

Yusmarg

The very serene region of Kashmir, Yusmarg also called “Valley of Jesus”, is the first place to visit. It is believed that Jesus himself visited this place, flabbergasted by its beauty.

It is located in the Budgam district of Kashmir, which is approximately 50 kilometresfrom the city of Srinagar. You can easily find cabs and taxis taking you there. The meadows here are the most lush ones. With soothing grasses to walk on, it is one ofthe most calming places that you can visit on your Kashmir trip.

It is located in the Budgam district and is only 45 kilometres away from Srinagar. Cabs and taxis are available at the official website of Cliffhangers India. The Shalinga river flows in the whole valley through rocks and pebbles and that turns the water milky and hence the place got the name Doodhpathri.

It is an ideal decision to sit and spend some time near the lake. The surroundings here are panoramic.

Some of the recreational activities to do here include ATV rides, trekking, photography, pony rides etc. Camping is indispensable here. Pitch a tent in any meadow or near the shores of the river and you will wake up to some unparalleled views.

The best time to visit Yusmarg is in the Summer season with pleasant weather and mild temperatures.

It is at a short distance from Srinagar and a road trip of an hour or two will be enough. You can either book a cab or share a taxi.

Watlab

Situated in the Baramulla district of Kashmir valley, Watlab is a captivating remote village.

You must have heard the name of Wular Lake, the largest freshwater lake of India and this scenic village is located on the west side of it.

The Village is just 55 kilometres from Srinagar and then 11 kilometres further, falls the Wular Lake.

Here, you can have some peace and spend some time with nature. More places to explore here in Watlab are Apharwat Peak, Gangabal Lake, Alpather Lake etc.

Dachigam Wildlife sanctuary is separated by 33 kilometres from Watlab and if time permits, you can surely go there for a wildlife tour. The sanctuary is known to be home to lakhs of rare animal species.

Visit the sacred Shrine of Baba Shukurddin where you can offer your prayers.

Achabal

In Kashmir offbeat tour, Achabal is another remote location to explore.

It is located in the Anantnag district of the Valley, at a distance of about 8 kilometers from the main headquarters.

As you visit here, the garden with canals is filled with tourists, enjoying strolls and picnics. It also consists of a waterfall which is a visual treat.

Don’t miss exploring the apple orchids found here. Taste the sweet fruit and enjoy the apple juice.

If you are planning a trip to Achabal from Srinagar, it takes around 2-3 hours. You have to cover approximately 70 kilometers from the capital city.

Keran Valley

Keran Valley is another military sensitive area of Kashmir due to its close proximity to the India-Pakistan border. It is an exhilarating feeling to visit the border and get a sneak peek into the other side. Visit the Cobra post also the lastpost of India.

The location of the valley is quite remote and it must be one of your must-visit places in the Kashmir itinerary.

The valley shows you an amalgamation of various hidden places like Villages of Pathran and Mundiyan. Kishanganga river is the prime highlight of Keran Valley where you can go camping and fishing.

Here the available accommodation option includes some guest houses and cottages.The most popular is homestays where you live with a local family and experience the traditional Himalayan life and its culture.

Daksum valley

Daksum Valley is another unmissable place to visit on the Kashmir trip. It is nestled by the Pir Panjal range and is located in the Anantnag district of the Kashmir valley.

The place is known to accommodate dense forests consisting of coniferous trees. You can trek in between them and walk around.

The main highlight of Daksum valley is the gushing Bringhi river where you can go for strolls in morning and evening. Sit comfortably on the shores of the river and that alone will give a lot of comfort and calmness.

You can also go fishing here after obtaining the required permit from the Jammu and Kashmir Fisheries Department.

With clear skies and tolerable climate visit the valley in the balmy months of summer but don’t forget to pack woollen clothes as well.

Network Connectivity in offbeat places

BSNL Sims work the best in remote locations. Even Jio and Airtel provide decent signals. Major Towns access to even 4G networks. However as you visit near the borders there’s limited network connections and you start losing the connectivity. Your phone starts receiving poor to no signals there.

To remain connected to your family back home, carry a satellite phone. Inform a trusted person about your itinerary. Bring a GPS for routes and locations.

Things to remember before visiting Offbeat places in Kashmir

Before planning the Kashmir offbeat tour make sure to book your hotel, sightseeing tours and activities in advance. Various websites are listed on google offering great discounts when booked beforehand.

Carry suitable clothes according to the season you are visiting in. Keep some cottont-shirts and shirts, trousers, jeans, cap, slippers, walking shoes, etc. If you are visiting there in spring or autumn, bring some warm clothes for those cooler evenings and nights.

The remote regions have limited services especially on the high-altitude spots and border regions. Electricity is mostly out. Make sure you have important electronic gadgets like a power bank, satellite phone, portable charger etc. Keep your phones charged wherever you find an electric adapter.

Plan the trip in the comfortable weather of summer when the skies and routes are clear. From May to October, the temperature ranges between 15°C-25°C. Occasional rainfall is received in the evenings. During this time of the year, you can easily get taxis and cabs for a ride to the Valley.

While these offbeat valleys are gorgeous in winters as well, it is a bit challenging. Hotels are not open too and recreational activities can’t be fully experienced too. You can avoid coming here as the valley is covered in thick layers of snow. Summer is comparatively safer for a comfortable trip.