Srinagar: Kashmir’s tourism story is often told through a familiar list of destinations — Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Dal Lake. These places have become synonymous with the Valley’s landscape and attract visitors throughout the year.
But beyond these well-known destinations lies another Kashmir: quieter villages, mountain valleys, lakes and meadows where visitors can experience a slower and less crowded side of the region.
Doodhpathri
Located in the Budgam district, Doodhpathri has emerged as a popular destination for visitors looking for green meadows and mountain landscapes.
The destination is surrounded by forests and rolling grasslands, making it particularly attractive during the warmer months. Its relative distance from some of Kashmir’s busiest tourist circuits has also helped it retain a quieter atmosphere.
Bangus Valley
In north Kashmir, Bangus Valley offers a striking combination of meadows, mountains and forests.
Located in the Kupwara region, the valley has considerable potential for nature tourism and trekking. Its expansive landscapes make it different from the more commercialised tourist destinations of the Valley.
For visitors willing to travel farther from Srinagar, Bangus provides an opportunity to experience a less familiar side of Kashmir.
Aharbal
Often described as the “Niagara Falls of Kashmir,” Aharbal is located in the south Kashmir district of Kulgam.
The waterfall is formed by the Veshu River as it passes through the mountainous landscape. Surrounded by forests and accessible through a scenic route, Aharbal has long attracted local visitors and nature enthusiasts.
The area also serves as a starting point for trekking routes towards the surrounding mountains.
Yusmarg
Located in Budgam district, Yusmarg is known for its expansive meadows surrounded by forests and mountains.
Compared with some of Kashmir’s busiest tourist destinations, Yusmarg generally offers a more relaxed experience. Its landscapes make it suitable for picnics, walks and short excursions.
The surrounding area also provides access to several trekking routes and natural attractions.
Gurez Valley
Farther north, Gurez Valley offers a very different experience of Kashmir.
Surrounded by the Himalayan mountains and located close to the Line of Control, Gurez is known for its dramatic landscape, traditional villages and the Kishanganga River.
The valley’s geographical location and seasonal accessibility have historically made travel there more difficult than to destinations closer to Srinagar. Improved connectivity and growing tourism have gradually brought greater attention to the region.
A Different Kind of Tourism
The growing interest in destinations beyond Kashmir’s traditional tourist circuit presents both an opportunity and a responsibility.
More visitors can bring economic opportunities to local communities, including homestays, transport services, restaurants, handicrafts and other small businesses.
At the same time, fragile mountain ecosystems can be affected by unplanned tourism, waste and excessive construction.
For lesser-known destinations to remain attractive in the long term, tourism development needs to go hand in hand with environmental protection, responsible waste management and respect for local communities.
Kashmir Beyond the Postcard
The Valley’s appeal does not begin and end with its most photographed destinations.
From the meadows of Doodhpathri and Yusmarg to the mountains of Gurez and Bangus, Kashmir offers landscapes and communities that remain relatively unfamiliar to many visitors.
For travellers willing to move beyond the conventional itinerary, these places offer another perspective of the region — one that is quieter, slower and often closer to everyday life in the mountains.
Kashmir’s tourism story may be best understood not through a handful of famous destinations, but through the many different landscapes and communities that make up the Valley.
