10 Things You Didn’t Know About at Strawberry Valley

Kashmir is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, unmatched handicrafts, and age-old traditions. From stunning picturesque snow-laden peaks to offering prayers at famous religious shrines, and temples like the Amarnath temple to exploring the enchanting valleys like the Strawberry Valley, this northern delight is bound to leave you speechless with its mesmerising beauty.

Today we will go down the lanes of Kashmir and take you to one of the most beautiful parts of this region– Strawberry Valley. We will uncover the hidden secrets of this little magical spot and explore the best things to do in Strawberry Valley for a memorable experience. 

Strawberry Valley in Gulmarg is a stunning valley in the Jammu and Kashmir state of India, celebrated for its exquisite scenery and sweeping vistas of the strawberry fields. It is one of the most celebrated valleys in Kashmir renowned for its natural splendour and attracts nature lovers, hikers, and adventure enthusiasts alike. 

Majestic mountains encircle it, and the fields of the strawberry valley are a key element drawing tourists who enjoy the experience of harvesting and savouring the strawberries at their peak freshness.

Let’s explore the most exciting things to do in Strawberry Valley

Here are some of the most fun things to do in Strawberry Valley, which can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike-

Loosen up and go for a nature walk

Breathtaking azure skies, lush green fields, and ripening red strawberries make Strawberry Valley a visual delight, ensuring it’s a must-see during a visit to Gulmarg. 

The summer season is the perfect time to explore, as the strawberries are at their peak. Surrounded by flawless beauty, with azure skies above, a trip to Strawberry Valley promises to be captivating.

Visitors can stroll through the green fields filled with plants. And take relaxing nature walks in the areas nearby. The air is filled with the sweet scent of the ripening strawberries, and the landscape is lush with the foliage, making the scene soothing to the eyes. 

Don’t forget to pick a few strawberries

 A visit to the Strawberry Valley gives you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live an organic farm life. 

You can carry your little baskets or boxes and pick a few strawberries from the fresh, swollen berries in the strawberry valley fields. 

But here’s a warning, these strawberries are so tasty that you won’t be able to stop yourselves from taking some back with you. 

Hike on this blooming trail

The area is surrounded by stunning green landscapes, featuring the backdrop of the grand Himalayas and scenic meadows, rendering it an incredibly picturesque destination. Hiking in the Strawberry Valley is one of the best things to do in Gulmarg.

The starting point for this specific trail is located near the Ski Trooper Statue in Gulmarg, accessible by buses, taxis, cabs, or personal cars. 

Additionally, visitors can hire horses from Gulmarg to reach this point for an even more thrilling experience. 

The Strawberry Valley trail’s difficulty level is from moderate to difficult, with numerous popular places to visit in Strawberry Valley.  

Take out your picnic mats

You can get food packed in a picnic basket and lay out your picnic mats. This experience will take you back to your childhood days, for sure. 

Picture this, you are sitting out in the open green meadows, the perfumed breeze flowing across the Strawberry Valley filling up your senses as you bask in the warm winter sun.

Admire the beauty, let the ponies do the walking

Going on a pony ride in Kashmir hills is a unique and thrilling experience and is the best way to explore and discover the beauty of Strawberry Valley.

Admire the beautiful meadows, lush pastures, psychedelic floral beds, and vibrant green fields dotted with crimson juicy strawberries as the horse slowly trudges through the strawberry valley. 

You can book a pony ride at the same time or in advance. Many local vendors are offering this service, however, beware of getting scammed and do good bargaining to strike a good deal.

Watch the clear starry skies, go night camping

It is a sight to behold as you can’t witness such spectacular scenes in the cities, thanks to the air pollution, forming a thick layer of smog making it impossible to get glimpses of the infinite stars.

Camping in the Strawberry Valley is a wonderful experience. Especially night camping, as you can set up a bonfire, sip hot beverages, and enjoy the subtle breeze filled with the scents of strawberries and wildflowers. 

Click some breathtaking photographs

Even if nothing famous had happened at this location, you still wouldn’t have been able to hold back from taking infinite pictures at Strawberry Valley, as this place is a paradise for photography enthusiasts and is among one of the most photographed places in the world. 

So, don’t forget to carry your DSLR as the kind of photographs you get here will simply blow your mind.

Try the toothsome local cuisine

The culinary history of Kashmir is as glorious and rich as is of the place itself. When you’re spending a vacation in the Strawberry Valley, don’t stuff yourselves up only with the juicy strawberries, they can be addictive but keep some room for the local foods and streetside preparations. 

Do try the Monje Haak (Vegetarian): A type of Haak Saag, Tsot (Vegetarian): A kind of small, crunchy bread frequently consumed with tea, and Kashmiri Zafrani Pulao (Vegetarian). 

In hot beverages, do try the pink tea and local Kehwa. The roadside stalls serve them best!

Have a chit-chat with the locals

You can spend some time with the locals at the Strawberry Valley, learn of their rich customs and see their ways of life up close. You can even opt to stay in one of the homestays in the area, for an even more immersive experience.

Talking to the locals also gives you a chance to discover unique places to explore in Strawberry Valley, which are usually off the tourist radar. 

Relax and do yoga and meditation

Away from the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced city life, unwind, set your spirit free, and spend time with your inner self. 

Are there any places near Strawberry Valley to visit?

Split into two sections, it transports approximately 600 individuals every hour between Apharwat Mountain and the base, the primary location for winter sports activities in Gulmarg.

Even in summer, Gulmarg Gondola is among popular places near Strawberry Valley to visit. As you get to see the verdant views and vibrant landscapes.

Alpather Lake is a stunning lake located at the feet of the Apharwat Mountains, it is one of the most enchanting alpine lakes in Kashmir. 

It’s a gorgeous natural wonder that will leave you in awe. The lake is encircled by mountains that are beautifully blanketed in wildflowers. 

Its stunning landscape has made it a popular destination for both locals and visitors for picnics. In winter the lake is covered in ice, and the nearby fields are filled with snow. 

About 13 km from Gulmarg, this magical spot is truly a perfect place to get lost and tourists visiting the Strawberry Valley often spend quality time here.

Sports enthusiasts are especially intrigued by this amazing sports spot. On a trip to the Strawberry Valley tourists often visit the Gulmarg Golf Course and even try a game of golf.  

Sprawled over 7505 yards, the golf course was inaugurated by the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir in 2011. 

Maharani Temple

The Maharani temple, also referred to as Mohineshwar Shivalalaya was constructed in 1915 by the former queen of Jammu and Kashmir. 

It served as the sacred place for the former Dogra monarchs of Jammu & Kashmir and is consecrated to Lord Shiva. 

A distinctive aspect of this ancient temple is its visibility from any location in Gulmarg.

The Maharani Temple in Gulmarg is a sacred place for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, situated on a modest hill that can be seen from every direction in town. 

Its appearance is captivating, especially with its red-tiled roof against the backdrop of lush green fields. Maharani Temple is one of the most famous and popular places to visit in Strawberry Valley.

It is also referred to as the Rani Temple or Mohineshwar Shivalaya, and is a well-known location for getting featured in the renowned Bollywood song “Jai Jai Shiv Shankar”.

The reserve is predominantly blanketed in verdant foliage. It boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna. For those who appreciate nature, the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is heaven. It’s a place where one can encounter some of the most elusive endangered species.

St. Mary’s Church:

Proudly displaying a luxurious Victorian architectural style, St. Mary’s Church stands out as a top highlight in Gulmarg.

Exploring this church, built over a century ago at the start of the 20th century, feels like entering a different era. 

The church underwent renovations in 2003 and that same year, after 14 years, a Christmas mass was celebrated.

For those with a love for nature, a thirst for new adventures, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Khilanmarg is the perfect destination. 

Baba Reshi Shrine

Established in the 1200s, individuals from various backgrounds come to the shrine to offer prayers. It can be reached by vehicle from Gulmarg.

Constructed in 1480, the shrine honours the Muslim scholar and holy figure, Baba Reshi, who dedicated his life to meditation and prayer at this location. Additionally, it is a stunning piece of architecture.

He served as a court official to the Kashmir King Zain-ul-Abidin before he decided to renounce worldly connections. 

The shrine attracts thousands of worshippers annually, from various faiths, making it a vibrant hub of devotion and prayer.

It bears its name from the nearby village of Drung or Drang, about 3 kilometres from Tangmarg. At the summit of a hill in the village, there’s a power station featuring a modest dam. When the dam’s water is released from the mountain, it forms the renowned Drung waterfall.

As the weather in Kashmir begins to cool, the Drung Waterfall transforms into a mesmerising scene. 

The waterfall freezes from December to January, offering a unique winter spectacle. However, the Drung Waterfall or Drung Frozen Waterfall remains open throughout the year.

Ningle Nallah Gulmarg is a renowned river known for its pristine, crystal-clear waters that originate from the melting ice atop the Apharwat mountain peak in Gulmarg.

The allure of this river is enhanced by the presence of snow-capped mountains and verdant pastures, as it meanders through mountains and valleys, and eventually joins the Jhelum River.

It’s a popular spot for tourists and an ideal location for picnics, making it a great choice for families and kids. Additionally, the area offers plenty of opportunities for camping in the surrounding meadows.

The scenery here amplifies the river’s beauty. The rugged terrains and slopes provide a challenging yet rewarding experience for hikers, testing their endurance. Fishing enthusiasts can also enjoy trout fishing in the river.

Is it easy to get accommodations in Strawberry Valley?

Here is a list of the top accommodations in Strawberry Valley and the best hotels in Gulmarg:

1. The Khyber Himalayan Resorts
2. The Vintage Gulmarg
3. Hotel Nedous
4. Pine View Resorts
5. Hotel Hilltop

Tourists often wonder how to reach Strawberry Valley, and what’s the best mode of transportation.

Should you be travelling by personal vehicle, you can start your journey on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, either from Jammu or Mughal Road, to reach Srinagar.

Upon reaching Srinagar, arrange for a taxi or a shared taxi that will take you straight to Gulmarg. The journey from Gulmarg to Strawberry Valley is just a 3-kilometre walk, or you could hire horses if you seek a more adventurous hike.

Srinagar International Airport is the closest airport having excellent connectivity to big Indian cities like Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, etc. After arriving at the airport, arrange for a cab/taxi to take you directly to Gulmarg.

Jammu Tawi Station is the closest major railway station to reach Strawberry Valley. It is also easily accessible by India’s major metropolis cities. You can hire a taxi from Jammu Tawi directly to Srinagar or Gulmarg.

What’s the best time to visit Strawberry Valley?

Alongside getting a chance to enjoy a beautiful scene, you can also sample some of the juicy sweet berries and handpick a few to take home as a souvenir. Summer is the best time to visit Strawberry Valley, to see the place in full bloom, the weather is also appropriate for outdoor activities like camping and hiking.