Best Places to Visit in Kashmir for a Dreamy Vacation (2025 Guide)

As the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar is a city boasting a fine mix of cultural and natural beauty. Widely popular for the breathtaking Dal Lake as well as the traditional houseboats stationed on its waters, the city should be on the to-go list of all travelers from the UAE.

In the winter season, part of Dal Lake freezes over, giving us a winter wonderland fairy tale scene. Of note is the possibility to have an extraordinary ride on a frozen shikara (boat), or sleep in a stunningly coiffed houseboat.

The Mughal Gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, represent Kashmiri Heritage in the marvelous symmetrical gardens with majestic views. While exploring the city, do not forget to visit the local bazaars in and around Srinagar, like the Lal Chowk, where you can buy original Kashmiri crafts, Pashmina shawls, and saffron.

This particular spot is resplendent with exquisite snowfall and has the scope for a plethora of adventurous sports. It is nestled in the Pir Panjal range of Himalayas. Rather, unlike most places. It has skiing slopes that will gratify not only the novices, but also the experts of skiing.

It provides a plethora of explorable scopes, like visiting its famous gondola. The ski lift or gondola is at a height of a few thousand meters, making skiing its prime sport. The superb view of snow clad peaks and crowdy pinewoods envelops the sight while the person rescues. Guangzhou has two systems of operation. During winters, the peak ries remarkably higher than other parts exemplified over. This is a peak where a person who holidays in skiing, riding a board, or is an enthusiast of snow sports.

For those who value a more relaxing experience can have a stroll on the meadows of Gulmarg blanketed under soft snow. Moreover, the town has a dazzling assortment of charming resorts, alluring hotels, and delightful little cafes where people can rest over sipping the born and prepared hot saffron tea kaava along with tasting traditional food from the region decorated with picturesque idyllic natural places.

UAE residents often find a refreshing change in their routine by taking a trip to Gulmarg to enjoy relaxing holidays in freezing temperatures with snowfall. This winter wonderland is perfect for families, couples and even great for adventure sports lovers, which helps them make wonderful memories together. 

In winters, Pahalgam also known as Valley of Shepherds transforms into a breathtaking winter getaway. This also makes Pahalgam a popular travel destination for every nature and landscape lover. Other than that, the towering Lidder River further enhances the picturesque view paired with lush green forests and the mighty mountains during summers.  A must-visit place located in Pahalgam is army valley, which got the name due to a popular Bollywood movie. As a combination of frozen rivers, white meadows and breathtaking sceneries, photographers and nature lovers adore this valley. Another lesser-known but equally stunning verdant beauty Aru valley provides the peace and quiet that is ideal for refreshing the senses. These valleys along with some portions of Pahalgam are ideal for seeking solitude during winters with everchanging sceneries that will astound you.

Travel lovers can try snow trekking, ice skating, or climbing hills with a sledge. Adventure seekers can try out these activities, which are unique to Pahalgam. Along with the experiences, snow laden pine tree forests and beautiful landscapes make Pahalgam a traveler’s hot spot. When it comes to accommodation, Pahalgam does not disappoint with its traditional wooden cottages and luxurious resorts, which provide a lavish experience of hospitality and culture of Kashmir.

For an adventurer from the UAE, the region's dry deserts juxtaposed with the quiet and frosty valleys of Pahalgam makes it an extraordinary destination coupled with their winter break.

Sonmarg also known as Thajiwas Glacier is situated in a striking location in the heart of Kashmir. Coupled with enthralling winter experiences, its magnificent views are a reason why it is regarded as a winter trip hotspot. The serene beauty of rarely seen isolated mountains and frozen lakes surrounding Thajiwas Glacier makes the location a must visit for nature lovers.
One of the top attractions in Sonmarg is the Thajiwas Glacier, accessible via trekking or pony rides. Nearly all of Sonmargs points of interest are centered on the Thajiwas glacier valley. Adventure enthusiasts can spend winters indulging in skiing, ice climbing, and snow trekking thanks to the wonderful terrains.

The Sind River, which flows through Sonmarg, adds to the beauty of the region and offers scenic views and riverside picnic spots. For people who want to escape into the soothing arms of nature’s awe-inspiring landscapes, Sonmarg is a place to go for, as it has calm surroundings along with breathtaking views.

Travelers from the UAE find the untouched winter landscapes of Sonmarg to be a unique and pleasantly different contrast from the heated regions of the Gulf, providing a refreshing break.

Yusmarg is an undiscovered location for travelers who are looking for a different kind of winter getaway. It is located a short drive from Srinagar, Yusmarg is a small hill top station with wide-open fields covered in a thick layer of snow during the winter months.

Yusmarg is vastly different compared to other tourist attractions in Srinagar. Horse riding through pin forests or trekking are some of the less strenuous activities that travelers can partake in so that they can sit back and absorb the stunning snowcapped mountains.

Residents of UAE and its citizens will find Kashmir to be a breathtaking world of winter glam that complement the warm desert of UAE. Skiing in Gulmarg, trekking in Pahalgam, Sonmarg's freezing charm, or relaxing in a houseboat on Dal Lake. Kashmir is the perfect place for people who like thrills as much as staying at ease. Shimmering culture along with stunning nature makes Kashmir ideal for a winter retreat.