When a place is called ‘The Heaven on Earth,’ there will be no shortage of places for amateur photographers to hone in their photographing skill. Every nook and cranny of this place is an invitation to photographers to capture the moment for eternity. Whether you want to do landscape photography or prefer to capture people going about their daily chores, you can be sure that there will be no shortage of opportunities in Kashmir Tourism for your photography desires. Below is a list of some of the best places in Kashmir for amateur photographers.
Srinagar
Being the capital city of Kashmir, Srinagar is so full of life. It is adorned with beautiful mosques, shrines, ancient temples, enchanting lakes, royal gardens, and majestic snowcapped mountains. The most popular photographic destination in Srinagar is Dal Lake. The lake, with its crystal clear water and surrounding scenic Pir Panjal Mountains, has captivated the imagination of travelers for thousands of years and continues to do so even today.
The lake is dotted with beautiful houseboats and floating gardens. It is a perfect place for landscape photography and also for capturing the images of the locals going about their daily business.
If you want to capture the architectural marvels of Srinagar in your camera, you must visit Pathar Masjid, Hari Parbat, Shankaracharya Temple, Jamia Masjid, Hazratbal Shrine, and Khanqah E Moula. The numerous gardens, Chashme Shahi, Nishad Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, in Srinagar, offer perfect opportunities to amateur photographers to improve their landscape photographing skill. During the autumn season, the Chinar trees turn Srinagar into various hues of gold, yellow, and orange and thereby turning Srinagar into a photographer’s paradise.
Ganderbal
Ganderbal district in Kashmir is a perfect destination for landscape photographers. Located in the midst of the beautiful Sindh River Valley, Ganderbal is home to many scenic lakes and valleys. Manasbal Lake, which is surrounded by the Baladar Mountains on the east and Ahtung Hills on the south side, is just waiting to be captured in the camera. The lake is also home to lots of aquatic birds, which make for interesting photography. Plus there is terraced Mughal garden and remnants of Buddhist shrines on the banks of this lake.
Ganderbal is a gem for photographers because this is where Sonamarg, also called the ‘Meadow of Gold,’ is located. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayan glaciers like Machoi and Kolhai, Sonamarg is a picturesque hill station with gurgling rivers, green valleys, rocky gorges, and serene villages. Vaishnosar Lake and Gadsar Lake are located north of Sonamarg and are worth visiting. Every inch of Sonamarg is worth clicking.
When you are in Ganderbal, you cannot miss the opportunity to click the picturesque Harmukh Peak. The serene Gangabal Lake is located at the foot of this mountain and it is worth shooting from any and every angle.
Anantnag
Anantnag, located in the south side of the gorgeous Jehlum Valley, will take your breath away with its green rice fields, apple orchards, and freshwater springs. When you head to Pahalgam, make sure that you have your camera ready. The gushing Lidder River makes for an interesting subject and so do the alpine and pine meadows of this place. The Basmati Lake, Sheshnag Lake, and Rohil Pattri Lake make for perfect landscape photography.
Verinag, also called the ‘Gateway of Kashmir,’ is a popular photographer destination in Anantnag. The Verinag Spring is every photographer’s delight.
Gulmarg
Kashmir is incomplete without the mention of Gulmarg. Whether you come here during the winter months, when it is totally covered in snow, or during springtime, when the whole valley is draped in wildflowers, there will be no shortage of opportunities for the photographer in you.
The place is so beautiful that even an amateur photographer can come up with an award-winning photograph. For photographers, there cannot be a better subject than the dazzling Alpather Lake, which is just 13 KM away from Gulmarg. The beautiful gardens beside the lake, snowcapped mountains surrounding the lake, and the turquoise-colored water of the lake will have you clicking away like there is no tomorrow.
Kupwara
Referred to as ‘The Crown of Jammu and Kashmir,’ Kupwara has the most beautiful valleys in Kashmir. Lolab, Drangyari, and Bangus valleys are adorned with alpine trees and their fresh green meadows are just waiting to be clicked. The place also has a lot of wildlife, thus providing more opportunities for amateur photographers. The lush green rice fields and the dense forests are full of potentials for photographers.
Hemis
Located 40 KM southeast of Leh, Hemis is a beautiful small village full of monasteries and picturesque surroundings. Hemis Gompa is a beautiful monastery which has been the subject of many photographers. Besides that, you must also visit Gotsang Gompa, Stakna Gompa and Shang Gompa for amazing photographic opportunities. The Hemis Wildlife Sanctuary is also a must-visit place for photographers. If you are lucky, you can capture a snow leopard in your camera.
Ladakh
When you talk about landscape photography, it would be a sin not to mention Ladakh. This cold and barren desert land surprises travelers with its mind-blowing rustic beauty, astoundingly beautiful lakes, breathtaking valleys, land passes, and charming culture. The Indus River flows through this region and capturing its rapid water as it makes its way through the valleys and hills is an experience that a photographer will never forget.
Ladakh is a land of pristine lakes that are ready to be embraced by your camera. Pangong Tso Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and will leave you in awe of its beauty. With snowcapped mountains in the backdrop, the lake has fueled the imagination of many photographers and it is your turn now.
The Tso Kar Lake will mesmerize you with its stunning clear blue water, snow clad mountains in the backdrop and various species of birds that throng this place. Yarab Tso Lake, located in the Nubra Valley, offers an amazing view and un-parallel beauty for photographers to capture.
Nubra Valley offers lots of opportunities to photographers of all kinds. The gushing streams, green meadows, flower clad valleys, and the snowcapped mountains offer enough reasons for you to visit the valley and enhance your photographic skills.
These are just some of the places in Kashmir that offer plenty of opportunities to budding photographers. However, these are not the only places. In fact, the whole of Kashmir is a perfect place for photographers of all levels.
