Jammu and Kashmir: Gardens, Pilgrimage Sites and Alpine Landscapes

Jammu and Kashmir offers a range of reasons to travel: a historic garden complex overlooking Srinagar, religious sites and pilgrimage routes, as well as alpine landscapes and river activities. Pari Mahal, the Lidder River and Tarsar Lake represent different sides of the region. The pilgrimage routes from Katra and Chandanwari also have distinct starting points and different stated distances. When planning your hotel stay, it helps to first decide which places and experiences you want to focus on during your trip.

Pari Mahal: Garden and Former Centre of Learning

The seven-tiered Pari Mahal garden is located in the Zabarwan Range and offers views of the city of Srinagar. It lies southwest of Dal Lake. Its terraces and views define the character of the place; its history adds a dimension of learning to this impression.

Pari Mahal first served as a library and later as an observatory. Astrology and astronomy were taught there. The sequence of these uses also makes the site interesting to travellers who want to explore the connection between gardens and the history of learning. This destination is therefore about more than just the views over Srinagar: the garden’s former functions are also a focus.

River and Alpine Landscape

The Lidder River flows through the Pahalgam Valley in Jammu and Kashmir. From its source at the Kolahoi Glacier to its mouth at the Jhelum, the river stretches for 73 kilometres. Adventure seekers can navigate its rapids while rafting on the Lidder River. Operating conditions can vary seasonally, so check them before making your plans.

Tarsar Lake offers a different landscape: it is an alpine lake in the Aru Valley in Anantnag district. Trekking access is seasonal. The activities available therefore differ considerably: the focus at the Lidder River is navigating the rapids, while at Tarsar Lake, the seasonal conditions for trekking access need to be taken into account. If you choose either of these activities, plan accordingly for the conditions.

Religious Sites and Festivals

The Aishmuqam Shrine is primarily a Sufi shrine and also houses a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This means that two different religious traditions are represented at this site. The Vaishno Devi Temple, in turn, hosts major festivals such as Navaratri and Diwali: Navaratri is a nine-day festival, and Diwali is the festival of lights. Specific festival arrangements may vary from year to year. If your stay is timed to coincide with one of these festivals, check the arrangements for your intended travel year.

Pilgrimage Routes from Katra and Chandanwari

The Vaishno Devi pilgrimage is a 12-kilometre walk from the base camp in Katra. Helicopter services from Katra to Sanjhhi Chhat are available for travellers who are short on time or unable to hike. From there, it is still 2.5 kilometres on foot to the shrine. The helicopter option therefore does not replace the entire walk. Check the service’s availability and booking arrangements before travelling.

Chandanwari is approximately one kilometre from Pahalgam and is the starting point for the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage. Arrangements for this pilgrimage may change seasonally; take this into account when planning. Together, the two pilgrimage options provide different information for orientation: for Vaishno Devi, a 12-kilometre walk from Katra is specified, while Chandanwari is identified as the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra and its approximate distance from Pahalgam is given.

Start your selection with your travel plans and the experiences that matter to you.

Discover more destinations: Karzok Gömpa, Gulmatūngo, Riāsi, Jammu, Leh, Srīnagar, Katra, Pahalgām, Gulmarg, Sonāmarg, Kargil, Udhampur.

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