New Delhi — Admit it—every time you plan a trip to Kashmir, it’s the same drill. Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam… repeat. But what if we told you there’s a whole other side of Kashmir that looks like it’s ripped straight from a Studio Ghibli film and barely makes it to Instagram? Zee News just dropped a list of 10 hidden spots in Kashmir, and trust us—they’re the kind of low-key magical that influencers desperately wish they’d “discovered” first.
No More Shikara Selfies: Kashmir Just Got Mysterious
Zee News recently compiled a list of 10 lesser-known destinations in Kashmir that might just challenge your loyalty to Dal Lake and its shikara-riding clichés. These include tree-lined valleys you’ve probably never heard of like Doodhpathri and Gurez, as well as snow-swathed hideouts like Warwan and Lolab that feel like Narnia pre-tourism. Forget WiFi—some of these places barely have phone signal, making them perfect weekend detox zones (unless your boss is calling).
Here are a few that made our jaw drop:
Doodhpathri — Often called the “Valley of Milk,” this one’s 40km from Srinagar but feels like a totally different planet. Picture rolling meadows, gurgling streams and almost no footfall.
Gurez Valley — Close to the Line of Control but now open to tourists, with wooden homes that look like they were built for fairytales.
Lolab Valley — Apple orchards, dense forests, and zero Instagram crowd—basically Manali before it got ruined.
Warwan Valley — Accessible only for a few months in summer. Locals say it’s Kashmir’s most beautiful secret. You’ll believe them once you trek there.
Why It Matters if You’re Booking on a Budget
These hidden gems aren’t just pretty—they’re a godsend for Delhiites trying to sidestep the seasonal Gulmarg tax. Ever tried booking a stay in Gulmarg during Christmas? Your inner monologue sounds exactly like, “Why is this hotel charging more than a Diwali haul at DLF Emporio?” In contrast, obscure spots like Gurez and Daksum are still budget friendly. We’re talking less than ₹2K a night for authentic local homestays that include food, stories by the fireplace, and arguably better hospitality than half the Airbnbs in South Ex.
For the CUET aspirant from Mukherjee Nagar grinding towards an exam date or the techie in DLF Cyber City juggling Zoom pings, these are exactly the kind of low-cost, high-reward experiences we need. No noise, no traffic, and the sort of scenes you dream about when you’re stuck in a Friday night Uber at ITO.
Didn’t We Already Do “Offbeat Kashmir” Back in 2015?
Sure, a decade ago people started dabbling in lesser-known Kashmir routes but it never really took off—thanks to political tension and minimal infrastructure. Fast-forward to 2024, and local tourism boards are finally getting their act together. Roads to Gurez and Bangus finally got paved. Plus, Jio apparently works in some of these places now (barely, but hey, progress). The takeaway? The window between “undiscovered” and “ruined by crowd” is narrow. Remember what’s happening to Kasol? Yeah, don’t wait too long.
📍 Spot Check: Planning to hit these up? Base yourself in Srinagar (Dal Gate is a good hub), then drive outwards. Doodhpathri is under 2 hours from Lal Chowk. Gurez needs a night halt in Bandipora. For Lolab, Kupwara town is your best bet, and Warwan requires entry from Anantnag. Pro tip: Check in advance if the Srinagar-Leh highway is accessible, especially during the snow months. Lajpat Nagar-level logistics don’t apply here.
The Final Word
If Kashmir’s famous spots are like Select Citywalk on a Saturday, these new retreats are like that abandoned bookstore behind Khan Market—you have to know, look, and sometimes bribe a cabbie to find it. Our advice? Go now. Before the cafe chains and the bloggers ruin it. Because a place with no cellular network but epic snow-capped silence might just be the biggest luxury of 2024.
Have something to say? Drop a comment below!
#HiddenKashmir
#DelhiWeekendEscape
#ValleysNotVenues
#NoMoreGulmarg
#SnowWithoutCrowds
About the Author
