“You have to go through those mountains and valleys — because that’s what life is: soul growth.”
— Wayne Newton
India is a very versatile destination and has something for everyone. With some of the most scenic mountains, beaches, forests, the valleys of India don’t get the appreciation and acknowledgement that they deserve. These valleys attract thousands of tourists every year with the scenic views they offer. I hope that with this blog you consider travelling to these valleys and experience their unmatched beauty for yourself. In today’s blog, we are specifically focusing on the valleys in the Northern region of India, where there’s so much to see other than the mighty Himalayas. Keep on reading to find out what valleys to keep an eye out for on your next trip to the north.
Checkout the Tripsaga app to experience the travel stories of the fellow travellers. Click here to download.
Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is home to some of the most thrilling places for adventurers and some of the most romantic spots as well. Kangra Valley is a beautiful mix of both adrenaline rushing adventure activities that are organized here and the scenic views of the snow-covered mountains. The valley itself is located at an altitude of 2000 feet and the White Mountain, which is the highest peak here is approximately 15,000 feet high. The months of March and April are when the valley’s beauty is at its peak and therefore is the best time to visit. On your visit, you can also catch a glimpse of the Himalayan Pyramids or the Masroor Rock Cut Temple.
Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
The Valley of Flowers is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The valley is also a national park, is famous for its wide variety of flora and fauna. The valley is away from the hustle-bustle and the chaos of human civilization. It is home to over 300 species of wildflowers that include the Himalayan Blue Poppy, Calendula, Dianthus, etc. The best time to visit the valley is in the months of July and August when the flowers are in full bloom and the snow has melted. The valley has some of the most beautiful trekking routes that are lined with orchids from June to October
Kashmir Valley, Jammu & Kashmir
Famous for its unmatched views, tranquil lakes, colorful flowers, the mesmerizing Kashmir Valley is situated between the popular Karakoram and Pir Panjal Range. The valley is known as ‘Heaven on Earth’ and is formed by the river Jhelum. Kashmir Valley is 135km long and 32km in width. This place is Bollywood’s favourite destination and quite a lot of movies have been shot here in the valley. If you are looking for a destination to beat the summer heat, then Kashmir Valley is the ideal destination to plan a trip to. Some other popular attractions here are the Amarnath Temple, Suru Valley and Gulmarg.
Nubra Valley, Ladakh
Nubra Valley is formed by the rivers Shyok and Nubra and is located approximately 150kms away from Leh. Originally named Ldumra which means the ‘Valley of Flowers’, Nubra Valley is one of the most photogenic and scenic valleys of India. The valley is famous for monasteries, orchards, tiny villages and Bactrian camels. Nubra Valley is also famous for apricots and walnuts. The best time to visit Nubra Valley is from July to September. Siachen Glacier lies in the extreme northern region of the Nubra Valley. To reach this valley you have to cross one of the highest motorable passes in the world, the Khardung La.
Zanskar Valley, Ladakh
Located in the Kargil district of east Ladakh, Zanskar Valley is a semi-desert region with rivers with pristine waters and snow-capped mountain peaks. Zanskar Valley is separated from Ladakh by the Zanskar mountain range that is a part of the Tethys Himalayas. The region receives heavy rainfall due to which it is cut off from the rest of the world for almost nine months. If you want to reach Zanskar Valley during the winter months, then the only way of doing that is by taking up the Chadar Trek. The valley is a popular destination for trekking and river rafting.
Let us know if you have visited any of these valleys in the comments below. If you enjoyed this blog and would like to more about the valleys of North India then make sure to check out part 1 of this blog. As always don’t forget to follow us for more such travel-related content. Until next time!
Author: Rachel D’souza
