Must-Visit Traditional Villages in Kashmir—A Cultural Journey

Visiting the villages in Kashmir is a must because:

- You will be able to witness the real Kashmiri culture and hospitality. The welcoming nature of the people residing here is unparalleled.

- You will see traditional handicrafts such as carpet weaving, wood carving, and papier-mâché art. These have been passed on through generations in Kashmir.

- You will explore scenic rural landscapes with orchards, streams, and rice fields. You also get the opportunity to closely witness the lifestyle of the traditional Kashmiris.

- You can taste authentic Kashmiri food made from local ingredients.

Flymounte has prepared for you a curated list of the traditional villages in Kashmir that you must visit on your trip. This will help you save time from browsing over the Internet.

Aharbal Village

The Aharbal Village is famous for the Aharbal Waterfall, which is also nicknamed "Niagara of Kashmir." The village is surrounded by pine forests and traditional wooden houses. It is ideal for taking walks in the midst of nature and is also a perfect spot for photography. It is located in the Kulgam district and is nestled in a valley surrounded by the Pir Panjal mountains. The village is 75 km from Srinagar, and the Anantnag railway station is just 44 km away.

Dawar Village

This village is located in the Gurez Valley and is close to the Line of Control. Dawar offers some breath-taking mountain views that you will not want to miss. It is home to the Dard-Shin tribe, and you can experience their language and unique traditions firsthand. It is a perfect spot for trekkers and culture enthusiasts. The nearest railway stations to Dawar are Sopore Railway Station and Baramulla Railway Station, which are located at distances of 114 and 124 kilometres, respectively. The Srinagar International Airport is a 5-hour drive from here.

Yousmarg Village

This village is known as the "Meadow of Jesus," as it is believed that Jesus had visited here. This valley is covered with snow-clad mountains and has meadows of pine and fir. It has lush pastures and streams and is a great place to relax with your family. You can enjoy horse rides, treks, and village stays here. It is a great place to visit for travelers who are looking for peace and spirituality. The village is situated 53 km away from the capital city of Srinagar. The treks for the Sunset Peak and the Trattekoot Peak start from here.

Chakoti Village

This is a picturesque village, surrounded by apple orchards. It is famous for its local handicrafts and traditional Kashmiri cuisine. This village is an ideal spot to experience the village culture and enjoy the homestays in Kashmir. It is located close to the border and is an important destination on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus route. The village is a part of Hattian Bala district and is located 52 kilometers from Muzaffarabad.

Tulail Valley Villages

This is an offbeat destination with untouched natural beauty that you must visit on your trip to Kashmir. The people here have a rustic lifestyle and live in the traditional Kashmiri houses. Visiting here will give you a view of a simple mountain life. The villages lie 200 km from Srinagar in the Gurez sub-valley. These are a part of the Bandipora district and are few of the remotest villages of Kashmir. The inhabitants here got cellular connectivity and the internet in December 2020 for the first time. There are several hiking trails through this area that lead to Naranag and to Sonamarg.

Aru Village

This village is located in Pahalgam and is famous for its shepherd settlements. It has lush meadows and is a starting point for many Himalayan treks. Aru Village is famous for the warm nature of its people and is a must-visit on your Kashmir trip. The locals here follow the traditional way of life and are very friendly to tourists. In the winter season, the village offers numerous activities such as skiing and snowboarding. Aru Village is 2.5 hours drive from the capital city of Srinagar.

When should you visit these traditional villages of Kashmir? Well, that depends on your interests and choices:

Spring (March–May): Bloomed flowers and green pastures—is that what you are looking to see? Then spring is a good time to visit Kashmir.

Summer (June–August): Summer brings cool weather and trekking fun for all the adventure-seekers.

Autumn (September–November): During autumn, the valleys of Kashmir turn golden. You can see the breath-taking chinar trees, and this is also the season of apple harvest.

Winter (December–February): During this season, the traditional houses are all covered in snow, and you will indulge in a dreamy, fairy-tale experience.

Planning your trip to the villages of Kashmir? Then remember to keep these tips in mind:

- Stay in village homestays to experience real Kashmiri hospitality.

- Do not forget to try the local dishes such as Rogan Josh, Kahwa, and Noon Chai.

- The local customs and traditions may differ greatly from place to place. Avoid disrespecting them inadvertently and learn about these beforehand by seeking information from your guide.

- Buy handicrafts directly from the artisans. This helps maintain their livelihood and ensures that you receive the best products.

Ready to discover the undiscovered Kashmir?

Book a trip to Kashmir with Flymounte today, and let us give you a cultural tour of the most scenic villages in Kashmir!

Q1: What are the most scenic villages in Kashmir to visit?
Some villages in Kashmir you should visit include Dawar, Aru, Yousmarg, Aharbal, and Tulail Valley villages.

Q2: Are villages in Kashmir safe for tourists?
Yes, nearly all the villages in Kashmir are safe for tourists. The locals are very friendly and are known for their hospitality towards all people.

Q3: What is the best way to explore these villages?
The best ways to explore these villages are to experience their homestays, enjoy their local dishes, and explore the culture of Kashmir. Flymounte ensures that you receive guided tours and trekking opportunities through our packages that make sure you do not miss a thing!

Q4: Can I stay overnight in Kashmiri villages?
Yes, many villages offer homestays and guest houses where you can stay and experience the authentic Kashmir lifestyle.

Q5: What cultural experiences can I expect in Kashmiri villages?
Some of the cultural experiences you must not miss are the traditional Kashmiri cuisine, handicrafts, folk music, and festivals that are unique to villages.