Hey there! Ever heard of Sanasar? Most folks haven't, but it's a real hidden gem among places to visit in Kashmir. Just a few hours' drive from Jammu, this little meadow is where the magic happens. We went there last summer and couldn't believe how empty it was. While everyone crowds other spots, you get this gorgeous pine-ringed valley practically to yourself!
Want things to do in Kashmir that get your heart pumping? Sanasar's got paragliding that'll make your stomach drop (in a good way!). The camping here is awesome too. We pitched tents, lit a small fire, and just talked under more stars than we'd ever seen. City life makes you forget the sky can look like that.
Check out our Kashmir Trip Packages that stop here. Trust us, you'll kick yourself if you miss it. Go May-June if you can - perfect weather, not too hot or rainy!
Adventurous Things To Do In Sanasar
1. Paragliding in Sanasar
Imagine gliding through the stunning meadows of the Sanasar and getting a bird’s eye view of the entire valley, making you feel like you can conquer the world. Getting goosebumps, already by learning about one of the best adventure activities in Sanasar, giving you the best experience of Paragliding in Kashmir.
Well, there is no need for you to imagine because you can turn this imagination into reality and head straight to the Sanasar. Two types of flights can be for. One includes a low flight where you may feel like you are about to touch the ground and the other one includes a high flight from the Nathatop, with a duration of 20 minutes, which is one of the best things to do in Sanasar Kashmir.
Suggested Read: Kashmir Travel Guide
If you are into trekking and want to experience some adventure activities in Sanasar, then you can go trekking. You will come across many trekking trails of Ladoo Ladi, which is quite a beautiful trail for all the adventure junkies out there looking for some adventurous things to do in Sanasar.
The trail of Ladoo Ladi is a 4 km walk from Mathatop and the views that you will see here are above anything you have ever seen. Sanasar Village in Jammu and Kashmir allows you to explore the Shanta Gala Pass on the Shanta Ridge treating your eyes to the beautiful views of the Panchari Valley, making trekking one of the best things to do in Sanasar.
Another one of the very exciting things to do in Sanasar is Camping. You can camp at Wilderness Adventure Camps, initiated by Extreme Himalayan Adventures, a few years back and has been a favorite among travel enthusiasts since then as one of the fun activities to do in Sanasar.
Extreme Himalayan Adventures is committed to developing adventure activities and camping in Kashmir for adventure seekers to give them an experience they will never forget.
The camp runs in collaboration with the Jammu Department of Tourism and can accommodate 100 people in one go. Doesn’t that sound like one of the best things to do in Sanasar?
Non-Adventurous Things To Do In Sanasar
4. Visiting The Nag Mandir
If you are not preparing to do something in Sanasar which involves adventure, and instead want to go slightly spiritual among the peaceful ambiance, then you can go to the 600-year-old Nag Temple at Patnitop, one of the top places to visit around Sanasar.
On the day of Nag Panchmi, the temple sees thousands of devotees visit the temple to seek blessings from the Snake King Cobra. The most astonishing thing about this temple is that it is constructed from wood but still endured the changes of seasons, even though it is not a typical solid temple.
The temple is not only a place of worship but also a stunning location for viewing scenery in the green landscape, and therefore, it is one of the Tourist attractions in Sanasar that must be visited.
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If you are willing to visit one of the ancient temples found in the valley, you can travel to Shank Pal Temple, a 400-year-old temple at an elevation of 2800 meters from sea level.
One of the most wonderful things to do in Sanasar is a 5 km trek to this temple, making this pilgrimage not only religious but also adventurous. The most fascinating thing about this temple is that during the construction of the temple, no mortar was applied, making it one of the most Popular Tourist Attractions in Sanasar.
6. Golfing at Sanasar's Golf Course
Golf lovers will enjoy a game of the nine-hole golf course that runs through the verdant hills of Sanasar. Golfers will enjoy the natural surroundings of green meadows and far-off mountains to make playing golf at this place even more enjoyable. Nongolfers will enjoy the environment to relax as they walk through the golf course, making it one of the best things to do in Sanasar.
7. Try Rock Climbing and Rappelling
Adventure sports enthusiasts can enjoy rock climbing and rappelling among the best things to do in Sanasar. Sanasar's terrain in and around it is full of rocks, providing excellent conditions for these sports. Beginners can take the guidance of trained professional guides and enjoy the climb safely. Outdoor challenge enthusiasts will surely love this activity. Rock climbing in Sanasar increases physical strength and endurance, and rappelling down the cliffs provides an adrenaline rush like never before.
One of the most relaxing things to do in Sanasar is horse riding. The vast meadows and gentle hills make it a perfect place for a ride. Many local guides offer horse rides at affordable rates.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, riding a horse through the beautiful valleys of Sanasar is an experience worth trying. Horse riding allows you to explore the landscape at a slow and peaceful pace. It is a great activity for families and groups, adding a touch of adventure to your trip.
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9. Visit the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
You have to plan a quick visit to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden during your visit to Sanasar as this place is near Srinagar. The garden attracts visitors as it is Asia's largest tulip garden in which thousands of tulips blossom annually. While you look at the flowering tulips in front of the landscape of the Zabarwan Range your eyes will be irresistibly attracted towards the scene, making it one of the best things to do in Sanasar.
10. Visit the Hidden Waterfalls
The town of Sanasar features several hidden waterfalls in Kashmir that bring in supporters of nature landscapes. Several miniature waterfalls near hiking trails offer travelers a lovely respite from activities. Water between vegetation makes serene noises that evoke this reaction. The Sanasar waterfalls feature two-in-one sights as they provide the chance to photograph and rest for the people visiting. Sanasar treats visitors to a great experience by allowing short treks to its unobserved waterfalls, making it one of the best things to do in Sanasar.
Best Time To Visit Sanasar
The best time to visit Sanasar is from May to October. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the meadows are green. If you love snow, you can also visit during winter, but be prepared for cold temperatures. Spring and summer months are ideal for outdoor activities, while winter offers a different charm with snowfall covering the region in a white blanket.
- Sanasar In Summer- April to June
Summers are said to be the best time to visit Sanasar, with cool and pleasant weather, and blooming meadows, making it the best time for adventure activities in Sanasar. The temperature goes as high as 25 degrees Celcius during the summer season in Sanasar.
- Sanasar In Monsoon- July to August
It is advisable to avoid Sanasar during the monsoon season because it begins to rain during this time and there are high chances of landslides, making the area risky to travel.
- Sansar In Winters- September to March
September and October mark the onset of winter but during the initial months, the place isn’t very cold, making it favorable for tourists to visit the place and make the most of it. After October, the temperatures begin to drop and make it very cold. So if you are planning to travel during the winter season, especially after October, you should carry woolen clothes.
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How To Reach Sanasar Kashmir
- By Air: The Jammu Airport is well connected with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur, and is located 120 km away from the Sanasar Village. There are frequent flights to Jammu from the major Indian cities, making it accessible to all.
- By Railway: Sanasar being an offbeat place does not have a railway station of its own, so you can reach Jammu via train and from there you can either take a bus or hire a private taxi to reach Sanasar which is 130 km away from the railway station.
- By Road: You can hire private taxis to reach the Sanasar Village for it has good road connectivity. Bus services are available from Udhampur, and Srinagar.
Sanasar, a pretty hill station in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, has to offer a variety of accommodations in Sanasar of varying budgets and tastes. Whatever your choice: a homely guesthouse, a resort room, or an under-the-stars camp stay, Sanasar has all of these.
1. Hotels and Resorts in Sanasar
Several hotels combined with resorts located around Sanasar deliver modern facilities that include nicely appointed rooms while serving meals within hotel premises with pleasing views. Several resorts in the Sanasar area provide luxury services including Wi-Fi access along with heated water supply and guided exploration through the region. The resort experience provides families along with couples with the ideal getaway among natural surroundings whereas families and couples prefer these accommodations for their peace-seeking retreats.
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2. Government Tourist Huts
The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department manages multiple tourist huts alongside bungalows which can be found in Sanasar. Travelers can experience peace in the area by staying at these low-cost budget huts. Tourists need to book their accommodations in advance primarily when peak periods happen for visitors.
Homestays represent an excellent option if visitors want to experience authentic local culture. Visitors can live among locals through these accommodations which provide authentic meals prepared by housewives and introduce them to amiable neighbors. Travelers who wish for individualized and heartwarming hosting options should consider staying in a homestay.
One of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Sanasar is by camping. Several operators provide tents, sleeping bags, and bonfire arrangements for an unforgettable outdoor experience. Camping is perfect for adventure lovers who want to connect with nature and wake up to stunning sunrise views.
5. Budget Lodges and Guesthouses
For backpackers and budget travelers, simple lodges and guesthouses offer basic facilities at affordable rates. These accommodations are ideal for those who wish to explore the region without spending too much on lodging.
Booking Tips for Accommodation in Sanasar
- Peak Season: The best time to visit Sanasar is from May to October. Booking accommodations in advance is advised during these months.
- Winter Stays: If visiting during winter, ensure that the accommodation provides heating facilities, as temperatures can drop significantly.
- Online Booking: Many hotels in Kashmir and homestays can be booked online through travel websites or directly through their contacts.
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Conclusion
If you are willing to explore the destination but are not aware of how to proceed with it, let us assist you with that. If you don't have much time, then we have some good news for you. You can discover the destination within one day, while also getting yourself engaged in adventure activities. It would become slightly chaotic but would still be enjoyable.
Early morning you can do paragliding, and then a hot air balloon ride. After a thrilling experience, you can proceed to the Sana and Sar Lake, after which the location has been named. After unwinding you can even go horse riding and visit the above-mentioned two temples, and then have lunch. In the evening you can visit the local market and the traditional food as well.
If you intend to remain for an additional day, you can even undertake trekking activities, and also visit the 9-hole Golf Course, and absorb the splendor of Sanasar.
