Best Camping Places for Couples in Jammu and Kashmir
A union territory administered by India, Jammu and Kashmir consists of the southern portion of the larger Kashmir region.
Jammu and Kashmir provide the opportunity to explore stunningly picturesque landscapes ranging from lush green meadows to lakes and forests to snow-clad peaks! It offers well-connected locations suitable for traveling with your partner and spending quality time together.
Camp under starry skies for some additional thrill to a perfect romantic getaway away from the hustle-bustle of city life!
Jammu and Kashmir are flocked by tourists looking for a relaxing vacation, as well as tourists looking for adventurous activities. It also serves as a base for prominent pilgrimage spots. However, we’ll look at the best camping spots the region has to offer. So read on!
1. Gulmarg
Famous for its Gondolas, Gulmarg is a popular hill station of Jammu Kashmir. During winters, fantastic snow sports such as skiing, snowboarding, snow scooters, and snow bobbing have made Gulmarg an ideal hub.
Gulmarg is frequented by travelers in both the Summer and Winter seasons, but summers are better suited for camping. Alpather Lake trek awaits couples wishing to go for adventurous activities. Those wishing to pitch their tents can do so in Phase 1 of Gulmarg. Nagin Valley, Gulmarg is also for trekkers.
Khilanmarg in Gulmarg is a charming location entirely enveloped by flowers and boasts of spell-binding views of the Nanga Parbat and Himalayas.
Many adventure camps offer accommodation in Khilanmarg, making it easy to find shelter. Besides trekking, Gulmarg offers hiking, paragliding, and much more. You can also pick fresh strawberries from the famous strawberry fields along with your partner.
Best Time to Visit:
April to October, December to February
How to Reach:
Srinagar is the nearest domestic airport, approximately 56 km away. A local taxi can be hired to reach the destination. The nearest railway station is the Jammu station, 290 km away, from where a bus or taxi can be hailed to the destination. Gulmarg is well connected through highways and accessible from neighbouring towns.
Best Camps:
- Gulmarg Meadows
- Gulmarg Paradise Retreat
- Tourist Establishment
2. Sonamarg
Nestled at the height of approximately 9000 ft, this beautiful hill station quite literally means “meadow of gold”. Couples looking for fun can try out the White River Rafting expedition from Baltal to Shutkari Bridge.
Baltal Valley is also one of the places where one can camp outside by hiring tents. The cave at Baltal is a popular tourist destination accessed by ponies, trekking, or helicopter service.
The Vishansar Lake in the vicinity of Sonamarg is a 1 km long lake of special importance to the Kashmiri Pandits. A jewel hidden in the high passes of Kashmir, Sonmarg shall provide you and your partner promising moments away from the busy city life.
Best Time to Visit:
April to June, September to October
How to Reach:
Srinagar is the nearest domestic airport, approximately 70 kms away. A local taxi can be hired to reach the destination. The nearest railway station is the Jammu station, 340 km away, from where a bus or taxi can be hailed to the destination. Sonamarg is well connected through highways and accessible from neighboring towns.
Best Camps:
- Green Glamping Resorts
- Baltal Base Camp
- Ahsan Mount Resort
- Paradise Camping Resort
- JKTDC huts
3. Pahalgam
Located in the Anantnag district of Kashmir, Pahalgam is also known as the “Valley of Shepherds”. It is surrounded by tall fir-covered mountains and snow-clad peaks and is situated at the junction of the Aru and Sheshnag rivers. Pahalgam is a vital transit camp on the way to the Amar Nath pilgrimage.
Pahalgam holds a fantastic two-day long Snow Festival showcasing winter sports like snow-sledding, skiing, and more which you and your partner could take part in! You could indulge in other activities such as trekking, golf, and angling.
The widely famous and picturesque Betaab valley received its name from the Sunny Deol-Amrita Singh hit debut Bollywood film Betaab and is situated 15 km away from Pahalgam. Betaab Valley is also a popular campsite serving as a base camp for further exploration of the mountains.
Around 2 km downstream from Pahalgam, Sorus Lake Trek begins from Ganeshbal, entering the mountains.
The trail then crosses the town towards the mountains to enter the coniferous timberlands. It leads to the hidden Sorus Lake, which is completely encompassed by the mountains. Couples can spend some time here peacefully in the solitude and tranquillity the lake and the surroundings have to offer.
Best Time to Visit:
March to November
How to Reach:
Srinagar is the nearest domestic airport, approximately 95 kms away. A local taxi can be hired. The nearest railway station is the Jammu station, 157 km away, from where a bus or taxi can be hailed to reach the destination. Pahalgam is well connected through highways and accessible from neighboring cities of Srinagar and Jammu.
Best Camps:
- Sonder Camping Retreat
- Aru Eco Resort
- Hitch-A-Hike Travels
- The Woods Walk Treks and Tours
4. Baisaran
Only 5 km away from Pahalgam, Baisaran is a camper’s paradise. Lush meadows covered with dense vegetation and surrounded by hills await you at Baisaran. The region resembles the European scenic vistas.
A few Bollywood movies have also been shot here in Baisaran. The meadow is dotted by Pine Forests, presenting a picturesque view of the imposed snow-clad mountains. 11 km up a trek from Baisaran is Tulian lake, mostly covered in the snow other than summers, as it is at an altitude of 11,000 ft.
Recently, a forest road has also been created to Baisaran with the possibility of driving up there in the summer months.
During the trek up to Tulian Lake, you may have to cross a stream or two. Couples can surely enjoy the visit to Tulian Lake and spend time camping and trekking together. If trekking is not for you, you could easily hire pony services.
Best Time to Visit:
April to June, January to March
How to Reach:
Srinagar is the nearest domestic airport, approximately 99 km away. A local taxi can be hired to reach the destination. The nearest railway station is the Jammu station, 161 km away, from where a bus or taxi can be hailed to reach the destination. Baisaran is well connected through highways and accessible from neighboring cities.
Best Camps:
- Satlanjan Campsite
- Lidderwat
5. Chandanwari
Chandanwari is famous as the base/starting point to the popular Shri Amarnath Yatra Hindu pilgrimage site starting from June – August. It is located about 16 km away from Pahalgam and situated at an elevation of 9500 ft.
An offbeat tourist destination, Chandanwari should be on your list if you and your partner are looking to spend time together away from the crowds.
The Lidder River flows close by with sightseeing opportunities as it is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Being covered in snow from November till May, couples can watch the sights of glaciers melting in the Lidder River.
Best Time to Visit:
March to April
How to Reach:
Chandanwari is 16 km away from Pahalgam. Srinagar is the nearest domestic airport, approximately 89 km away.
A local taxi can be hired to reach the destination. The nearest railway station is the Jammu station, 146 km away, from where a bus or taxi can be hailed to reach the destination. Pahalgam is well connected through highways and accessible from neighboring cities of Srinagar and Jammu.
Best Camps:
- Panchatarani
- Shekwas Camping
- Parbat Top
6. Patnitop
Nestled at the height of approximately 6700 ft, Patnitop is a hilltop tourist destination located in the Udhampur district in Jammu Kashmir, boasting of eye-catching Pir Panjal views. Patissa (a sweet) is freshly made in the small town of Kud nearby Patnitop.
Sanasar is a conglomeration of two tiny villages Sana & Sar, located 20 km away from Patnitop. Known for its tranquil environment, Sanasar is a lovely place for you and your partner to indulge in adventurous activities such as paragliding.
Here small huts are available for rent surrounded by lush green deodar trees. Go for a horseback ride with your partner or enjoy golf as you grow closer to each other by spending time amidst the mountains!
Best Time to Visit:
May to June, September to October
How to Reach:
Jammu is the nearest domestic airport, approximately 110 km away. A local taxi can be hired to reach the destination.
The nearest railway station is the Udhampur station, 73 km away, from where a bus or taxi can be hailed to reach the destination. Patnitop is well connected through highways and accessible from neighboring cities of Srinagar, Jammu, and Shimla.
Best Camps:
- 8Sherpa Adventures
- Northern Railway Holiday Huts
- PY Resorts
- Sansar Mountain View Camping
7. Yousmarg
“Meadows of Jesus”, or Yusmarg is known for its vast stretches of green pastures and is located in Budgam district.
Yousmarg is a place where you can relax for hours at a time in peace or walk around the lush green meadows. It is the perfect getaway place for couples to spend some time together as it is an offbeat and lesser-known destination.
An ideal tourist destination teaching us to revere nature, Yousmarg is a symbolic part of the Valley of Kashmir.
With your partner, you can embark on trails leading to exotic places like Nilnag and Sang-e-Safed Valley. Yousmarg is also famous for having exceptional springs of flowers.
The majestic Doodh Ganga River also flows through, making this destination more beautiful. Yousmarg’s natural slopes shall provide skiing opportunities to you and your partner.
Yousmarg can be considered a little paradise in its own right, unfettered from the confines of the mundane.
Best Time to Visit:
March to September
How to Reach:
Srinagar is the nearest domestic airport, approximately 53 km away. A local taxi can be hired to reach the destination in 2 hours. The nearest railway station is 42 km away, Ompora Budgam, from where a bus or taxi can be hailed. Yousmarg is well connected through highways and accessible from the neighboring city of Srinagar.
Best Camps:
- SK adventure
- Touseef Camping Agency
- The Grasshopper Hill
How to Reach Jammu and Kashmir?
Jammu and Kashmir can be reached through air, rail, and road travel.
Srinagar’s airport is the primary airport and is well connected with other domestic airports. Indira Gandhi Airport in New Delhi is the nearest international airport.
Jammu and Kashmir have plenty of railway stations – Jammu Tawi, Vaishno Devi, and Udhampur are a few such railway stations.
What’s the Best Season to be in Jammu and Kashmir?
Jammu and Kashmir have wonderful weather all year round. However, the state receives heavy rainfall from June to September, making traveling difficult.
For a Winter break, November to February is the ideal time. While summer is from March to May. October – November is pleasant as well.
Final Thoughts
Jammu and Kashmir is a spot-on destination if you love adventure and camping. Moreover, the list above shall assist you with building your itinerary.
So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an amazing camping trip with your partner!
