Kashmir, “the paradise on earth” is full of marvellous beautiful sights. This land has captivated the hearts of poets, artists, actors and common folks alike. Most people have only heard or seen Kashmir’s beauty through films, TV shows, books etc. However, Kashmir is a dream destination for many travellers who want to experience its real beauty. This valley is replete with Mughal gardens where you can sit and enjoy the greenery. The floating shikara rides of Dal Lake is a “must-try” thing to do for any visitor travelling to Kashmir. The arts and handicrafts are awe-inspiring and make for a perfect gifting item for family and friends back home.
Additionally, the delicious cuisine of Kashmir is worth spending every penny. Whether it’s Wazwan, Roghan Josh or Yakhni — it will leave you an unforgettable taste in your mouth. While in Kashmir, you must tour the apple orchards, the saffron fields, and the walnuts fields. It will give you a delightful travel experience of your Kashmir trip. This valley will surprise you in more ways than one. However, if you are travelling for the first time, here are some top interesting facts about Kashmir you must know:
Top 10 Interesting Facts about Kashmir Valley to Know
Table of Contents
- Kashmir has four seasons
- Kashmir is home to the 2nd coldest place on earth
- Kashmir: the only place to have a floating post office.
- Kashmir has the world’s highest battlefield.
- Kashmir has Asia’s highest cable car ride.
- Kashmir is home to the largest freshwater lake
- Kashmir has a composite culture.
- Kashmir’s “Betaab Valley” is named after the Bollywood film.
- Kashmir was the favourite destination of Mughals.
- The famous Pashmina shawls come from Kashmir.
1. Kashmir has four seasons.
Contrary to the popular belief that Kashmir is an alpine state with glacial weather, it features four distinct seasons. Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn, all four seasons render a perceptible beauty to the valley. The snow covers everything from houses to trees to mountain peaks, making Kashmir a winter wonderland. As the snow melts away, the lush beauty of Kashmir becomes evident in the Spring and Summer. Then comes fall when the auburn tones leaves of Chinar trees fall, painting a beautiful photograph of itself.
2. Kashmir is home to the 2nd coldest inhabited place on earth
The temperature of Kashmir is varying, depending where you are travelling in the valley. For instance, in Drass the temperature goes as low as – 45 degrees! This makes Drass, Kashmir the coldest inhabited place in all of India, and the second coldest inhabited place on earth.
3. Kashmir: the only place to have a floating post office
Due to the presence of Dal Lake, shikara rides are quite common in Kashmir. In fact, a Kashmir trip without doing a shikara ride is often considered incomplete. However, did you know that on Dal Lake you will also find a floating post office? This floating post office is unique to India and it is the only floating post office in the world.
4. Kashmir has the world’s highest battlefield.
Siachen Glacier located at an elevation of 5000 meters above sea level is the highest battlefield in the world. Needless to say, it is also the most challenging battlefield, especially when temperatures drop to minus 57 degree celsius.
5. Kashmir has Asia’s highest cable car ride
Yes, Kashmir’s Gulmarg Gandola (in Gulmag Valley) is Asia’s highest cable car ride. This automatically makes it India’s highest cable car ride as well. Gulmarg Gandola offers an incredible and bird’s eye view of the Pir Pinjal mountain range. The cable car ride is located at a staggering height of 14000 ft. above sea level. It is one of the must-try things to do in Gulmarg, Kashmir.
6. Kashmir is home to the largest freshwater lake
Wular lake — one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia and the largest freshwater lake of India is located in Kashmir valley. The lake is in Bandipora district of Jammu & Kashmir. The waters of the lake are fed by Jhelum river and Madhumati and Arin river.
7. Kashmir has a composite culture
Kashmir’s culture is influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. From temples, to mosques and shrines, as well as stupas and monasteries, you will find diverse religious establishments in the valley.
8. Kashmir’s “Betaab Valley” is named after the Bollywood film.
Kashmir’s Betaab Valley owes its popular name to the 1983 Bollywood film Betaab. Its real name is Hajan valley. The picturesque setting, mountainous surrounding and organic vegetation of this valley made it a favourite among filmmakers.
9. Kashmir was the favourite destination of Mughals.
Mughal emperors’ favourite destination was Kashmir due to its impeccable beauty. The famous lines about Kashmir “if there’s heaven on earth, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here!” was said by Mughal emperor Jahanagir. No wonder, they built so many Persian styled gardens on this land which resembled the idea of paradise.
10. The famous Pashmina shawls come from Kashmir.
The world famous soft and warm Pashmina shawls come from Kashmir. The top mountainous region is home to Changthangi goats whose wool is used to weave these shawls that are of superior quality and are as light as air.
