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Hill Stations In Kashmir: 10 Top Kashmir Hill Station List

Jackson

August 6, 2018

So much has been already written about the beauty of the Kashmir, that it feels like an offense to again attempt to describe the beauty of this ‘paradise on earth’. Three different worlds collide and get beautifully enmeshed in each other like different colours on an artist’s palette mix to create a vibrant colour – in this case, a colour known as Jammu and Kashmir.  Jammu with its temples is a major draw for pilgrims, Kashmir enchants visitors as the Switzerland of India with alpine scenery and the romance of houseboats floating on still waters while Ladakh is the real-life Shangri-La with its eternal monasteries and postcard perfect villages clasping to the snowy Himalayas.

So, if you are in search of ethereal beauty, Kashmir is not the only place that will mesmerize you. Here are 10 spectacular Hill Stations near Kashmir that will satiate your wanderlust.

Note: Shutdowns, demonstrations, and curfews are part and parcel of life in Kashmir thanks to its disputed status between India and Pakistan. Keep an eye on the news before planning your travel itinerary here.

10 Amazing Hill Stations In & Near Kashmir – 2023 List

Hill Stations Kashmir: Complete Guide for Best Hill station In & Near Kashmir

1. Gulmarg – Scenic Kashmir Hill Station

This hill station is known for its scenic beauty and has also been a popular destination for shooting of various Bollywood films. Gulmarg is surrounded by snow-covered mountains, evergreen hills and valleys. This hill station has also been developed as an adventure hub as the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering is located here. One of the prime attractions here is the cable car, which is said to be the second largest cable car in the world.

Distance from Kashmir: 205km

Why Visit There: Kongdori – Gulmarg Gondola | Skiing in Gulmarg | Khilanmarg

Best Way to Get There:

By Flight: Gulmarg is the nearest airport  (56km)

By Train: Jammu is the nearest railway station (290km away)

By Road: Gulmarg is easily accessible with regular bus service from Kashmir, Srinagar etc.

Best Place to Visit in Gulmarg:

• Gulmarg Gondola
• Alpather Lake
• Khilanmarg

Best Hotels in Gulmarg:

• Hotel Heevan Retreat
• Hotel Pine Spring
• Hotel Highlands Park

2. Srinagar – Beautiful Kashmir Hill Station

Srinagar is an astounding hill station which will leave you in love with its beauty. This hill station lies on the banks of the Jhelum river and has a cool, pleasant climate all year round. Thus, contributing to the perpetual influx of tourists visiting this city. Srinagar offers a plethora of gorgeous scenic vistas. As you reach Srinagar, you must hire a houseboat and pay a visit to the magnificent Dal lake. Moreover, you can spend a night in one of the houseboats and wake up to a magnificent sunrise that will take your breath away.

Distance from Kashmir: 167km

Why Visit There: Dal Lake | Mughal Gardens | Shalimar Bagh

Best Way to Get There:

By Flight: The nearest airport is Srinagar Airport>

By Train: The nearest railway station is Srinagar Railway Station>

By Road: Srinagar is easily accessible to many regions of the country, including Kashmir.

Best Place to Visit in Srinagar:

• Dal Lake
• Mughal Gardens
• Chashme Shahi

Best Hotels in Srinagar:

• The Lalit Grand Palace
• Vivanta Dal View
• Batra Hotels

3. Jammu – Popular Kashmir Hill Station

Jammu is a very popular tourist destination and a perfect getaway to escape your hectic work schedule. It is a land of grand ancient temples and beautiful palaces. This place is also the winter capital of the state of Jammu & Kashmir. It is nestled against the backdrop of the snow-capped Pir Panjal mountains. This place has a lot to offer for everyone who visit, from scrub-covered hills to river valleys adds up to the scenic beauty of this place.

Distance from Kashmir: 198km

Why Visit There: Bahu Fort | Mubarak Mandi Palace | Mansar Lake

Best Way to Get There:

By Flight: The Jammu airport in the city is the nearest domestic airport.

By Train: The nearest rail junction in Jammu is Jammu Tawi.

By Road: The most popular link to reach Jammu is the National Highway 1A and it is easily accessible to major cities in the country.

Best Place to Visit in Jammu:

• Raghunath Temple
• Amar Mahal Palace ‘
• Mubarak Mandi Palace

Best Hotels in Jammu:

• Hari Niwas Palace
• Radisson Blu Hotel
• Lemon Tree Hotel

4. Vaishno Devi – Religious Kashmir Hill Station

This hill station is a religious trekking destination where pilgrims walk uphill to reach the holy caves of Mata Vaishno Devi. The trek to the hilltop is very enjoyable but it might be a little difficult for kids and elderly people. However, you’ll find ponies and palanquins are available to take the elderly and the kids to the top. Many people who visit this place, show their dedication and enthusiasm by shouting slogans and singing songs in the praise of Maa Vaishnavi.

Distance from Kashmir: 172km

Why Visit There: Vaishno Devi Temple | Ardh Kuwari Cave | City Shopping

Best Way to Get There:

By Flight:

By Train:

By Road: Public buses from Jammu and Kashmir operate to and from Jammu to Katra at regular intervals.

Best Places to Visit in Vaishno Devi:

• Vaishno Devi Temple
• Ardh Kuwari Cave
• Bhairavnath Temple

Best Hotels in Vaishno Devi:

• Ginger Katra
• KC Residency

5. Ladakh – Desert Hill Station 

Ladakh is truly a heaven on earth with the abundance of attractions to visit and fabulous landscapes, amazing culture and people around. It is bound by two of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges, the Himalaya and Karakoram. This hill station is in all the spheres it covers, from nature, its geography, and the modest culture that it fosters. You’ll definitely fall in love with its beautiful monasteries, picturesque locations and markets defining the culture of the place.

Distance from Kashmir: 419km

Why Visit There: Pangong Lake | Shanti Stupa | Tso Moriri Lake

Best Way to Get There:

By Flight: Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the nearest airport.

By Train: Jammu Tawi is the nearest airport to Ladakh

By Road: Best is to take a road trip from Manali:

Route: Manali – Rohtang – Gramphu – Kokhsar – Keylong – Jispa – Darcha – Zingzingbar – Baralacha La – Bharatpur – Sarchu – Gata Loops – Nakee La – Lachulung La – Pang – Tanglang La – Gya – Upshi – Karu – Leh

Best Place to Visit in Ladakh:

• Leh Palace
• Shanti Stupa
• Pangong Lake
• Magnetic Hill
• Nubra Valley

Best Hotels in Ladakh:

• Hotel Ladakh Himalayan Retreat
• The Zen Ladakh Resort
• The Grand Dragon Hotel

Use this Make My Trip Coupon Code to save money when you travel to Ladakh.

6. Sonamarg – Picturesque Kashmir Hill Station

Sonamarg is a picturesque town surrounded by majestic glaciers and serene lakes. This town abounds in natural beauty and is a popular tourist attraction of Jammu & Kashmir. One of the main attractions of Sonamarg is the beautiful mountain lakes such as Gangabal, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, and Kishansar. Some of these lakes are popular for fishing with beautiful species such as the trouts.

Distance from Kashmir: 132km

Why Visit There: Thajiwas Glacier | Zoji-La Pass | Vishansar Lake

7. Patnitop – Forest Covered Kashmir Hill Station

Patnitop is a perfect place to experience nature with endless meadows and panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. You can take part in activities such as skiing and trekking as well as water springs here in this hill station. Those who like paragliding can travel to Sanasar, it is located 17 km away from Patnitop. For an adventurous trip, one must visit Patnitop, it will surely be a lifetime experience.

Distance from Kashmir: 138km

Why Visit There: Nathatop | Paragliding in Patnitop | Skiing

8. Sanasar – Awesome Kashmir Hill Station

Sanasar is one of the less explored places in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This hill station offers various activities such as paragliding, rock climbing, and trekking. Moreover, Sanasar will offer an ideal extension to your trip to Jammu and Kashmir, which is a little less full of activity and will tease the excitement in you with the host of activities that it has to offer. As it is a lesser known place,  you’ll not find this place crowded.

Distance from Kashmir: 142km

Why Visit There: Paragliding | Wilderness Adventure Camps (WAC) | Naag Mandir

9. Amarnath – Sacred Kashmir Hill Station

Amarnath is one of the most visited destinations in the country. Every year millions of worshippers of Lord Shiva visit this place to worship and also to have a glimpse of the enshrined image of ice called the Shivaling. The Amarnath cave situated in this town is said to be the place where Lord Shiva revealed the secret of life and eternity to Goddess Parvati.

Distance from Kashmir: 110km

Why Visit There: Amarnath Cave | Amarnath Yatra | Baltal

10. Hemis – Offbeat Kashmir Hill Station 

Another lesser-known hill station near the Jammu and Kashmir is Hemis. The primary attractions of this place are the Hemis Gompa and Hemis National Park. The Hemis National Park is one of the must-visit places in this hill station, which is popularly known as the Snow leopard capital of India. It is home to a variety of other animals such as wolves, marmots, red foxes etc. Also, there are activities such as trekking, to make the most of the royal, widespread and pristine scenic surroundings.

Distance from Kashmir: 106km

Why Visit There: Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary | Hemis Monastery | Gotsang Gompa

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