Dal Lake, Hazratbal, Srinagar, Kashmir. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
With Jammu and Kashmir receiving record-breaking tourist numbers this year, the picturesque Himalayan region can be a perfect destination to spend your New Year's Eve or start the New Year in.
According to the Union government, for the first time after independence, more than 20 million tourists have visited J&K this year sealing its reputation as the most sought-after destination in India.
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India's G20 presidency in 2023, according to Union Minister for Tourism and Culture G Kishan Reddy, became a platform to boost the tourism sector in India, including the picturesque Kashmir Valley also known as “paradise on earth”.
As 2023 draws to a close, pack your bags and plan a trip to any of these top 7 places in J&K Union Territory:
Srinagar
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Gardens, Srinagar. (Photo: Vinayaraj, Wikimedia Commons)
Dotted with beautiful lakes, exquisite Mughal-age gardens, and historic sites, amid snow-clad mountains, the most popular holiday destination in J&K, Srinagar can give your New Year a scintillating start. Visit its many charming attractions — Nishat Garden, Shalimar Bagh, Pari Mahal and Polo View. On New Year's eve, shop under the canopy of Chinar trees at Polo View. While taking a shikara ride or staying in houseboats on Dal Lake or Nigeen Lake, visitors can enjoy Kashmiri cuisine Wazwan and Kahwa to warm the soul in the chilling cold. Do also sample the street food in Khayam, Lal Chowk and Makai Park in the city.
Gulmarg
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Gulmarg. (Photo via Pexels)
As the clock winds down in December, the atmosphere in Gulmarg becomes electric. As India’s winter wonderland, Gulmarg is a perfect place to start the New Year. The snow-covered views in the breathtaking hill station in north Kashmir, dubbed as one of the best skiing destinations in India, is bound to mesmerise any tourist, even the one not into snow-skiing or adventure sports. Those who are in for thrill, try skiing, heli skiing, snowboarding, trekking and Gondola ride to Mount Afarwat. There's fresh snowfall, and New Year festivals and functions organised by the department of tourism Kashmir. Hotels at Gulmarg remain jam-packed around this time, but try your luck.
Sonamarg
Sonamarg. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)
Since the government in J&K is planning to keep the picturesque summer tourist resort of Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal, which receives heavy snowfall, open during winter, the tourists coming to Kashmir can start the New Year here. Much like Gulmarg, Sonamarg is another winter wonderland where visitors can enjoy snow and skiing. This year Sonamarg emerged as a tourist hot spot, attracting nearly seven lakh visitors till November. A mega New Year festival in Sonamarg also known as ‘The Meadow of Gold,’ on December 31 is expected to woo tourists.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)
With temperature dropping to minus 6 degrees Celsius, the fir, oak, and pine trees in Pahalgam are covered in specks of snow making it the best place to visit to commence the New Year. These days every side of Pahalgam also known as “Valley of Shepherds” looks like a postcard from some winter land in heaven. The breathtaking views of Pahalgam makes it the best place for new year’s eve in J&K. In Pahalgam, visit Betaab Valley, enjoy the Lidder River scenery, and the views of Aru Valley. Horse riding, trekking, and hiking are famous activities one can do in Pahalgam to start the new year on an adventurous note. Pahalgam offers not just hotels and guest houses but quaint homestays and eco-friendly resorts that visitors can choose from.
Doodhpathri
Doodhpathri, Kashmir. (Photo: go2kashmir.com)
Being another top winter tourist destination and hill station in Budgam district of Kashmir, Doodhpathri is a beautiful place to start the New Year. Just 44 km away from capital Srinagar, Doodhpathri also known as “Valley of Milk” hosts a snow festival in winter, which is attended by hundreds of tourists every year. Visitors ahead of New Year can spend a day here and enjoy the wide range of snow activities in Doodhpathri like snow kabaddi, tug of war, rallies of all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and ski runs.
Patnitop
Patnitop, Kashmir. (Photo: Neha Bakshi via X)
Amid snow-clad mountains of the Pir Panjal range Patnitop, a beautiful hill station is located in Jammu region. Located at an altitude of 2024 metre across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes Patnitop is the best place in Jammu region to enjoy snow in December. Visitors can start the new year while enjoying the Gondola ride on India’s highest ropeway, the Skyview Patnitop amidst the breathtaking views of the Valley. While visiting Patnitop, tourists can also go to nearby two beautiful villages—Sana and Sar, Sanasar, also known as “mini Gulmarg”. The picturesque villages have lush green forests of deodar and pine trees looking like a piece of heaven. You can do numerous adventure activities like paragliding, trekking, and camping in Sanasar. Patnitop offers great accommodation in the form of hotels, guesthouses, J&K Tourism Development Corporation’s tourist bungalows, and recreational facilities in the Patnitop Club.
Bhaderwah
Bhaderwah in winter, Kashmir. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
Being the top eco-adventure destination in north India Bhaderwah due to beautiful landscapes and panoramic vistas is called “Chota Kashmir”. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and coniferous forests Bhaderwah is situated at a distance of 205 km from Jammu and has emerged as top tourist destination mainly for starting the New Year. For example, this year Jammu’s Tourism Department along with the local administration and private stakeholders have announced to host a 5-day “Vibrant Bhaderwah Winter Festival” from December 27 to 31. For five days tourists coming to Bhaderwah may get to see cultural and sports activities around Bhaderwah Fort. In Bhaderwah’s Jae Valley visitors may enjoy fun and adventure sports activities. Similarly, in Guldanda and Gatha Park tourists amid snow capped mountains can have a taste of local cuisines.
