Top Destinations to visit in Dec

Distance from Srinagar = 52 kms.
Altitude = 7200 ft.
Gulmarg literally means "Meadow of Flowers". It is a popular skiing destination all over world. Gulmarg is thronged by tourists in winters for its winter sports. The steep slopes of Gulmarg and heavy snowfall make it best destinations for ski lovers. This resort is famous because of its "Gulmarg Gondola," one of the highest cable car in the world, reaching 3,979 metres.The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from the gondola main station in Gulmarg to a shoulder of nearby Mt. Apharwat Summit (4,200 m (13,780 ft)). The first stage transfers from the Gulmarg resort at 2,600 m (8,530 ft) to Kongdoori Station in the bowl-shaped Kongdori valley. The second stage of the ropeway takes skiers to a height of 3,950 m (12,959 ft) on Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Mt. Afarwat Peak (4,200 m (13,780 ft)).
Tangmarg 13 km from Gulmarg, is the famous stopover enroute to Gulmarg. It has several parks and during winters, coats, boots and chains are available here.
Khilanmarg  6 kms from the Gulmarg is a green meadow  carpeted with flowers of all colours in the springs and in the winter it changes in to a dream destination for the skiing overs and para gliders. The peaks are in clear view from the skiing slopes and they provide a beautiful background to the amusement. The 600 meters slope seen many tourists coming to the place for a wild adventure. Another beauty of it is that the famed Nanga Parbat is of height 7,100 meters is close to it on the south east and gives a perfect scenic photograph. The little paradise can be reached by moving about 6 kms from the Gulmarg bus station. The green meadow is carpeted with flowers of all colours in the springs and in the winter it changes in to a dream destination for the skiing lovers and para gliders. The peaks are in clear view from the skiing slopes and they provides a beautiful background to the amusement. The 600 meters slope seen many tourists coming to the place for a wild adventure. Another beauty of it is that the famed Nanga Parbat is of height 7,100 meters is close to it on the south east and gives a perfect scenic photograph.

Ziarat of Baba Reshi 8 km from Gulmarg, is the famous shrine of noted Muslim saint, Baba Payam-ud-Din RA (AD 1475) who belonged to a noble family from Srinagar.Baba renounced the world and became the disciple of Shiek Noor-ud-Din Noorani. One of the holy shrines of the Muslims, the dargah can be reached easily from Gulmarg or Tangmarg. The Ziarat basically a tomb of a well known saint who passed away from this very place in the year 1480. The famous saint was a courtier to the Kashmir King Zain -ul-Abidin before taking the path of renouncing the worldly ties. Visited by thousand of devotees, the shrine is seen in full activities with people of all religion offering prayers.
Alpather Lake (Frozen Lake) 13 kms from Gulmarg at the foot of the Apharwat peak reaching a height of 4511 meters. 3843 mtrs, 13km, is a one-day trek from Gulmarg via Khilanmarg and 1.5km walk from Gondola Phase II top of Apharwat. The lake is frozen in winters and stays as it is till the middle of June. Lumps of ice are seen floating on the cold waters and the most striking thing is that theducks are seen walking on the lake instead of swimming. The lake area makes a good horse riding afficionadoes starting early in the morning and returning by the evening.

Distance from Srinagar = 62 kms.
Altitude = 8990 ft.
Pahalgam has always been a major tourist attraction. Its cool climate makes it an ideal place to spend quality time during summers. The area consists of various treks and dense forests. Trekking, river rafting, horse riding, mountaineering are some of the activities one can do while in Pahalgam. Pahalgam also houses a zoo for wild animals like Black bear, leopard, deer etc. Other places of interest around Pahalgam are:-
Chandanwari (2,895 m), 16 km from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the yatra that takes place every year in the month of Sawan (July to August). The road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is on fairly flat terrain and can be undertaken by car. From Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper, and is accessible on foot or by pony. About 11 km from Chandanwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag (3,574 m), after which, 13 km away is the last stop, Panchtarni. The Amarnath cave is 6 km away from there.
 
Aru (2,414 m), 12 km from Pahalgam, is noted for its scenic beauty. A wildlife sanctuary is situated in the Aru which houses many endangered species. It is also a base for the treks to Lidderwat, the Vishansar-Kishansar lakes and Kangan.

 Betaab Valley (2,393 m), 15 km from Pahalgam, is another beautiful site worth visiting. It is also a famous campsite. It has been a favourite shooting spot for bollywood filmmakers. Lake Tulian and Lake Baisaran are nearby attractions with sparkling and cold water.

Kolahoi Glacier (4,700 m), 26 km from Pahalgam. The highest peak named after the glacier is Kolahoi Peak has an elevation of 5425 meters. The origin of the glacier is below the cirques on the north flank of Kolahoi Peak. It is the source of Lidder River and some melt waters become the tributories of the Sind River.

Gradually, the distant rumble becomes a roar as one approach the waterfall of Aharbal (Veshu river), which crashes down noisily 25 metres and 7 metres through a narrow gorge of granite boulders. Aharbal is more than just a waterfall. There are several places to picnic in the surrounding areas, as well as delightful walks of varying lengths all over the hillsides. Interesting treks-one of them to the high altitude lake ofKounsernag , which is the source of the Veshu at 13,500 ft  above sea level-takes off from Aharbal. waterfall.
 Aharbal Falls are also referred to as the Niagara Falls of Kashmir, owing to the volume of the water that falls.
Aharbal is a base for adventure tourism. The Veshu River is stocked with trout and one can go for fishing while enjoying the majestic beauty of aharbal falls.

Dal Lake is the most beautiful and second largest lake in J&K. It is nicknamed the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir" or "Srinagar's Jewel". The shore line of the lake, about 15.5 kilometres (9.6 mi), is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal era gardens, parks, houseboats and hotels. Scenic views of the lake can be witnessed from the shore line Mughal gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir), Zabarwan park and from houseboats cruising along the lake in the colourful shikaras. During the winter season, the temperature sometimes reaches -11 °C (12 °F),         freezing the lake.
The floating gardens, known as "Rad" in Kashmiri, blossom with lotus flowers during July and August. The wetland is divided by causeways into four basins; Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal and Nagin (although Nagin is also considered as an independent lake). Lokut-dal and Bod-dal each have an island in the centre, known as Rup Lank (or Char Chinari) and Sona Lank respectively.
Tourists reside in splendid houseboats to enjoy the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the lake.