Pilgrimage Tours in Kashmir
Kashmir, known as *”Pir Vaer” (The Land of Saints)*, is a sacred destination for Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Buddhists. The region is home to ancient temples, revered Sufi shrines, gurdwaras, and Buddhist monasteries, attracting thousands of pilgrims every year.
- Amarnath Cave Temple
Significance: One of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, famous for its naturally forming ice Shivalinga.
Yatra Time: July–August (Shravan month)
Route: Pahalgam (Traditional Route) or Baltal (Shorter Route)
Location: Anantnag district, at 3,888m altitude - Shankaracharya Temple (Jyeshteshwara Temple, Srinagar)
Significance: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, believed to have been visited by Adi Shankaracharya.
Best Time to Visit: March–October
Location: On Shankaracharya Hill, overlooking Dal Lake - Kheer Bhawani Temple (Tulmulla, Ganderbal)
Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, this temple is sacred to Kashmiri Pandits. The water in the sacred spring is believed to change color, indicating good or bad times.
Festival: Kheer Bhawani Mela (Jyeshtha Ashtami, May/June)
Location: Tulmulla, near Srinagara) - Mata Vaishno Devi (Katra, Jammu & Kashmir)
Significance: One of the most visited Hindu shrines in India, dedicated to Maa Vaishno Devi.
Route: 13 km trek from Katra; helicopter service available
Location: Trikuta Hills, near Jammu - Martand Sun Temple (Anantnag)
Significance: A magnificent 8th-century temple built by King Lalitaditya, dedicated to the Sun God.
Location: Near Anantnag town - Sharika Devi Temple (Hari Parbat, Srinagar)
Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Sharika (form of Goddess Durga), considered the presiding deity of Kashmir.
Location: Hari Parbat Hill - Hazratbal Shrine (Srinagar)
Significance: Houses the Moi-e-Muqaddas, a relic believed to be a hair of Prophet Muhammad.
Best Time to Visit: During Islamic festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr & Eid-ul-Adha
Location: On the banks of Dal Lake - Khanqah-e-Moula (Shah-e-Hamadan Mosque, Srinagar)
Significance: Built in honor of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, the Persian saint who spread Islam in Kashmir.
Location: Near Jhelum River, Srinagar - Dastgeer Sahib Shrine (Srinagar)
Significance: A shrine dedicated to Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani, a revered Sufi saint.
Location: Khanyar, Srinagar - Charar-e-Sharief (Budgam)
Significance: The shrine of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (Nund Rishi), the founder of Rishi movement in Kashmir.
Location: Budgam district - Baba Reshi Shrine (Gulmarg)
Significance: A Sufi shrine dedicated to Baba Payam-ud-Din Reshi, known for his miracles.
Location: Near Gulmarg - Aishmuqam Shrine (Anantnag)
Significance: Dedicated to Hazrat Zain-ud-din Wali, a disciple of Sheikh Noor-ud-din.
Location: Near Pahalgam - Chatti Padshahi Gurdwara (Srinagar)
Significance: One of the most important Sikh shrines in Kashmir, associated with Guru Hargobind Ji, the 6th Sikh Guru.
Location: Near Hari Parbat Fort, Srinagar - Gurdwara Mattan Sahib (Anantnag)
Significance: A sacred site where Guru Nanak Dev Ji is believed to have meditated.
Location: Mattan, near Anantnag - Gurdwara Nangali Sahib (Poonch)
Significance: One of the oldest Sikh shrines in Jammu & Kashmir, visited by Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Location: Poonch district - Hemis Monastery
Significance: The largest and richest monastery in Ladakh, home to the famous Hemis Festival.
Best Time to Visit: June–July (Hemis Festival)
Location: 45 km from Leh - Thiksey Monastery
Significance: Houses a 49-ft-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, resembling the Potala Palace of Tibet.
Location: 19 km from Leh - Diskit Monastery (Nubra Valley)
Significance: Features a 106-ft Maitreya Buddha statue, the tallest in Ladakh.
Location: Nubra Valley - Alchi Monastery
Significance: Known for its ancient murals and 11th-century frescoes, showcasing Indo-Tibetan art.
Location: 70 km from Leh