18 Hill Stations to Explore in Jammu and Kashmir

Checkout places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir

Famous for its lakes, gardens and mountains. With a long history of nations fighting with each other for their territorial ambitions in the region.

Activities Around

Hill Stations to Explore in Jammu and Kashmir

Achabal Mughal gardens

Achabal is an important tourist place about 9.1 km away from Anantnag. The place is notable for an ancient spring surrounded by a garden terraced and developed by the Mughals. The upper portion of the garden is called 'Bag-e-Begum Abad' developed by Malika Noor Jehan Begum in 1616 AD and renowned as Sahib Abad in which there is a Hamam (treasure of water) getting heat from a logical lamp.

Aharbal Waterfall

Aharbal, also known as "Niagara Falls of Kashmir", is a hill station in the south-western part of Kashmir Valley in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, south of the state capital Srinagar (tehsil: Damhal Hanjipora, district: Kulgam). The place is quite peaceful and suitable for expeditions, trekking, photography, and fishing. Due to mesmerising look of meadows, pine and fir tree forests, the abutting snow clad mountains, the waterfall attracts many Indian and international tourists.

Akhnoor Fort

Akhnoor Fort is on the right bank of Chenab River (ancient name Asikni). Construction was started by Mian Tej Singh in 1762 CE and completed by his successor Raja Alum Singh in 1802. The fort has high fortification walls with bastions at regular intervals and is crowned with battlements. There are two-storeyed watch-towers at the corners, which are crowned by battlements and merlons. The fort has two parts which are bifurcated by a wall with a gate leading to the palace on the southern side.

Bahu Fort

The Bahu Fort is a historic fort in the city of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir. Constructed on the banks on Tawi River, the ancient fort is believed to be constructed by Raja Bahulochan around 3,000 years ago. It is believed that the first renovation of this fort was undertaken by Maharaja Ranjit Singh during Sikh Rule in 18th century. The fort is a religious place, and within its precincts has a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali.

Bangus Valley

The Bangus Valley is a Himalayan sub-valley of the Kashmir Valley. It is situated in the North area of Kupwara District, in Jammu and Kashmir, of Indian administered Kashmir . Bangus has remained largely restricted and an unfavorable tourist spot due to the armed conflict that affects this area, and also due to the lack of infrastructure. However, in recent years, efforts have been made to bring the valley on the tourist map.

Gulmarg

Gulmarg is a town, a hill station, a popular skiing destination, and a notified area committee in the Baramulla district of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Originally called Gauri Marg.

Kokernag

A famous spring called “Kokernag” gushes out from the foot of the nearby hill covered with evergreen pine trees. A terraced garden and a Botanical garden with delicately maintained flower beds of different varieties and hues covered and protected with beautifully pruned evergreen shrubs and the existence of lofty and majestic chinars is an enchanting sight to be imbibed.

Lolab

The Lolab Valley is a Himalayan valley located in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The entrance to the valley lies 9 km north of Kupwara town, and the centre of the valley lies 114 km northwest of Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is an oval-shaped valley 15 miles long with an average width of 2 miles

Manasbal Lake

Manasbal Lake is located in Ganderbal District in the State of Jammu and Kashmir in India. The name Manasbal is said to be a derivative of the Lake Manasarovar. Lake is encircled by three villages viz., Jarokbal, Kondabal (also called Kiln place, is situated on the north-eastern side of the lake) and Ganderbal and is stated to be the deepest lake in India.

Pahalgam

Pahalgam is one of the famous health resorts of Jammu and Kashmir State. It is situated in the north east of District Anantnag among lofty hills covered with evergreen forests. Its cool invigorating and pleasant climate, the melodious flow of Lidder Nallah attract tourists not only from within the country but also from abroad as well. It is also an important transit camp on the way to holy Amar Nath Ji Cave, which is 72 Kms away from the District Head-Quarter.

Parihaspora

Parihaspora is an old town situated near the district of Baramula at 26 km from Srinagar. This town was the capital of Kashmir during the Shankervarman Regime. It was found in the 8th century AD by the king of Kashmir, Lalityaditya Muktapid. The most popular feature of this place is the ancient archaeological monuments present at the Parihaspora Pattan and the Pattan Bazaar. Apart from these monuments, the town also houses few remains of a Buddhist Stupa and monastery.

Sanasar

Sanasar is the name given to the two small villages of Sana and Sar in Jammu province, Jammu and Kashmir state, India. Named after small local lakes, Sana and Sar are located 20 kilometres west of Patnitop, Ramban district on the national highway 1A. At an altitude of 2,050 metres , it is the hub for adventure and sport activities in the Jammu region. The area is notable for its scenic views of mountain ranges including the Brammah Massif.

Sonamarg

Sonamarg, which means ‘meadow of gold’ has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh meanders along here and abounds with trout and mahseer, snow trout can be caught in the main river. In late April when Sonamarg is open for road transport, the visitors can have access to snow which is furnished all over like a white carpet. Private vehicles are not allowed. Visitors have to hire taxi .

Tarsar Lake

The Tarsar Lake or Tar Sar is an almond-shaped, oligotrophic alpine lake situated in the Kashmir Valley, specifically in Aru, Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Thajiwas glacier, Sonmarg, Kashmir

Thajiwas glacier at an altitude of 9,186 feet is a striking silvery scene set against emerald meadows and a clear blue sky. In summers, you can take a half-day hike to numerous waterfalls around this glacier. The road will be long and the journey hard but the captivating views make it worthwhile. On the way, have a friendly match with the local Gujjar kids who are almost always ready for a friendly snowball fight!

Wular Lake

Wular lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia. The lake basin was formed as a result of tectonic activity and is fed by the Jhelum River. The lake's size varies seasonally from 12 to 100 square miles (30 to 260 square kilometers). In addition, much of the lake has been drained as a result of willow plantations being built on the shore in the 1950s.

Yusmarg

Yusmarg is a hill station in the western part of Kashmir Valley in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated 47 km south of Srinagar the capital of the state.

Ziyarat Baba Abdullah Reshi

The Ziarat of Baba Reshi is a popular shrine of Baramula, situated near the Alpather Lake at 13 km from Gulmarg and belongs to saint Baba payam-Din. Baba payam-Din was a well-known Muslim saint as well as a courtier of the king of Kashmir, Zain-ul-Abidin. This shrine is that very site where Baba payam-Din died in 1480 after spending his days in prayer and meditation.

Map of Hill Stations to explore in Jammu and Kashmir