Pampore (13 km)
Apart from Spain, the Karewas above and beyond Pampore are the only places in the world where saffron is grown.
Ganderbal (19 km)
Situated on the banks of the river Sindh at an altitude of 5200 feet amidst shady chinar trees, this place makes an excellent camping site.
Dachigam (21 km)
Located at an altitude of 2,400 metres, the Dachigam National Park covers an area of 141 sq. km (54 sq. miles). The park is the natural of habitat of a wide array of species including the Hangul, the brown and black Himalayan bear, musk deer and fox. For birdwatchers, the park, now a protected area, offers over 150 species of birds.
Burzahom (24 km)
An important archaeological site, the place has revealed a prehistoric site dating back to about 2500 B.C.
Khir Bhawani (27 km)
Located in the village Tulamulla near Ganderbal, it is an important Hindu shrine where Goddess Ragnyadevi is worshipped. Devotees fast and converge on the eighth day of the full moon in the month of May when legend has it that the goddess changes the colour of the waters.
Avantipur (30 km)
16 km from Pampore is Avantipur, a city founded by great Kashmiri king Avantivarman who ruled from AD 855 to 883. The place is famous for the ruins in the forms of temples of Vishnu known for their impressive carvings.
Charar-i-Sharif (30 km)
On the way to Yusmarg, Charar-i-Sharif is a sacred place where tomb of Sheikh Nur-ud-din, popularly known as Alamdar-e-Kashmir (flag-bearer of Kashmir), is located.
Manasbal Lake (32 km)
The drive from Srinagar will take you to the calm waters of Manasbal Lake, whose main charm is its deep, clear water with pink lilies. It has some hot springs which never freeze, even in the coldest winters.
Yusmarg (40 km)
Located in the small open valley of the Pir Panjal range, Yusmarg is a beautiful meadow. .The place is known for the river Dudh Ganga so named due to its milk white foam. A little further away is a captivating lake, Nilnag, cradled by hills. For serious trekkers, Tatta Kuti and Sang Safed are two of the several peaks, a day away from Yusmarg. Ponies can be hired from the local tourist office.
Aharbal (51 km)
The inviting spot where the Veshnoo River cascades down from a height of 24.4 mts resulting in the creation of Aharbal Falls is a premier travel destination. Kounsernag Lake, which generally remains frozen and covered with icebergs till late in June, is 11 km away. The entire area is a trekkers’ delight.
Anantnag (56 km)
Anantnag is famous for several springs, the largest of which is believed to be the abode of Ananta, the serpent on which lord Vishnu rests.
En route to Pahalgam, the spring here is an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus.
Martand (64 km)
The place is famous for the ruins of a temple dedicated to the Sun god. The temple was built by Lalitaditya Muktapida.
Gulmarg ( 56 km )
Literally meaning the ‘Meadow of Flowers’ Gulmarg is a pine fringed hill resort. The Alpine landscape captivated the tourists in large number. A poular destination for golfing, trekking and riding, the rsort is home to 18 hole golf course, the highest natural golf course in the world. Here one can have breathtaking view of the 8137 mt. high Nanga Parbat, the fifth highest peak in the world. Khilanmarg, Ziarat of Baba Reshi, Ningle Nallah , Alpather Lake, Lien Marg, Firozpur Nallah, Banibali Nag, Kantar Nag, Circular Walk, are nearby attractions.
Achabal (58 km)
Designed by Nur Jahan, Jahangir's wife, the garden of Achabal rests at the foot of a hill, with a row of majestic chinar trees framing it.
Wular Lake (60 km)
The largest natural fresh-water lake in India, Wular Lake attracts visitors for its beguiling beauty. The lake is known for rich avian population.
Filled with rice fields, fruit orchards and beautiful meadows, it is enchantingly lovely valley where one can experience the rustic charm of the Kashmiri village life set amidst the most picturesque surroundings.
The springs of Kokernag, also known as Papashudhan Nag or sin cleansing spring, are famous for the curative properties. Its healing powers were chronicled by the great Mughal historian, Abul Fazl, author of Akbarnamah.
Verinag (80 km)
Verinag, is one of the largest springs in India. The water of the nearby springs, called collectively, Sapta Rishi, have their confluence at Sangam, where people bathe on festival days. The birth of the river is celebrated annually with a fair. A Shaivite shrine located nearby draws pilgrims every year.
Sonmarg (83 km)
Located at an altitude of 2730 metres, Sonmarg meaning “Meadow of Gold” is a quiet valley, carved by the river Sindhu, fringed by still lakes and jagged awesome glaciers. Meandering through the valley, the river is a fine preserve for trout and mahseer fishing. Thajiwas glacier, Himalayan lakes such as Vishansar(4084 mts), Krishansar(3810 mts) and Gangabal (3658 mts), Baltal are other attractions.
Pahalgam (96 km)
Ideally situated at the confluence of the Lidder and Sheshnag streams and deep in thick pine and fir covered mountains, the valley of Pahalgam is a charming hill resort. There are exhilarating treks into forests and alpine meadows of its side valleys and very good fishing is available in the mountain streams. Pahalgam is also a base for pilgrimage to the sacred cave of Amarnath.