Check out the 6 best alternatives to Kashmir that you can access with the same flight ticket!
If you’ve booked your Kashmir trip for May–June 2025 but are now second-guessing due to the current situation, don’t cancel just yet—especially if you’ve already reserved flights, as cancellation charges can be high. Instead, consider exploring Ladakh, a neighboring Union Territory that was once part of Jammu and Kashmir, one of the best alternatives to Kashmir. Ladakh is very safe and equally mesmerizing, while it is easily accessible from Srinagar Airport or Jammu Railway Station.
Here are six breathtaking destinations in Ladakh that make perfect substitutes for Kashmir in the summer months.
1. Drass – India’s Coldest Town
Lies on the Srinagar–Leh highway, Drass is the first town in Ladakh you’ll encounter if you’re traveling in from Srinagar. Perched at 10,990 feet, this icy wonderland is known as India’s coldest inhabited town, where winters freeze the land to -45°C—but summer reveals its hidden poetry.
Here you can enjoy the serenity of Drass River, find quiet moments by Draupadi Kund, and visit charming Matayen village nearby. A short drive brings you to Kargil, where you can explore the iconic Kargil War Memorial, towering Tiger Hill, Suru Valley, and several ancient monasteries. For trekkers, Drass and Kargil offer thrilling trails through pristine terrain.
Srinagar Airport: 155 km | Leh Airport: 277 km | Jammu Railway Station: 460 km
2. Lamayuru – Moonland of Ladakh
Nestled on the Leh–Kargil highway, Lamayuru is a tiny village famed for its surreal, moon-like landscape. According to legend, this high-altitude village once lay beneath a great lake that dried up over millennia, leaving behind dramatic ridges and rolling grey-brown hills that looks otherworldly—especially under the full moon.
The village is also home to the ancient Lamayuru Monastery, one of Ladakh’s oldest. You can also visit Alchi Monastery, Uleytokpo, Yurutse village, and Sham Valley, all nearby. It’s a tranquil and spiritually rich stop that offers stunning views and peaceful vibes.
Srinagar Airport: 355 km | Leh Airport: 111 km | Jammu Railway Station: 557 km
3. Nubra Valley – Land of Flowers, Rivers & Cold Deserts
Cradled between the Tibet and Kashmir, Nubra Valley offers an unforgettable blend of verdant riverbanks, dramatic landscapes, golden sand dunes, and spiritual calm. Reaching Nubra means crossing Khardung La, one of the world’s highest motorable passes—a thrilling journey in itself.
In Nubra, you can explore ancient monasteries like Diskit and Samstanling, soak in Panamik hot springs, visit the peaceful Yarab Tso lake, or even journey towards the Siachen Glacier base camp. Don’t forget to ride the iconic double-humped Bactrian camels across the Hunder sand dunes (cold desert). Also you can plan a trip to the border village Turtuk (166 km).
Srinagar Airport: 590 km | Leh Airport: 163 km | Jammu Railway Station: 900 km
4. Pangong Tso – Shimmering Blue Gem
Situated at 14,270 feet and about 154 km from Leh, Pangong Lake is one of the most iconic attractions in Ladakh. Its pristine blue water changes color with the shifting sky—from azure to emerald to deep cobalt—creating an ever-evolving masterpiece against the rugged mountain backdrop.
Here you can spend nights along the lake in Spangmik village, where cozy tents and boutique stays await. Spot playful marmots, skate on the frozen lake (in winter), or trek to stunning Chang La Pass. From Pangong, you can also Extend your trip to Hemis, Thiksey, and Chemrey monasteries (roughly 200 km away).
Srinagar Airport: 650 km | Leh Airport: 225 km | Jammu Railway Station: 955 km
5. Zanskar Valley – Untouched Wilderness
Hidden deep within the Zanskar Range, Zanskar Valley remains one of India’s most untouched and mystical regions. Isolated until the mid-90s, the speledid valley offers raw Himalayan beauty with glacier-fed streams, rugged cliffs, and ancient monasteries.
The mighty Zanskar River carves dramatic gorges through rocks and valleys. Trekkers and peace-seekers alike are drawn to its treasures—Shafat Glacier, Nun-Kun peaks, Lang Tso and Ta Tso lakes, and monasteries that echo with chants of an older world. In Zanskar, crystal clear night skies reveal millions stars and the milky way so bright, that you never seen before.
Srinagar Airport: 427 km | Leh Airport: 58 km | Jammu Railway Station: 763 km
6. Hanle – Stargazer’s Paradise
Far from crowds and noise, Hanle is a remote gem near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where scattered mountains and vast grasslands stretch endlessly under brilliant skies. The silence here isn’t empty—it’s full of wonder.
Hanle is home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, the world’s 10th highest optical telescope. Other nearby gems include the serene Hanle Monastery, twin lakes Kyon Tso (Chilling Tso & Ryul Tso), and the world’s highest motorable road—Umling La Pass. You can also combine your trip with a visit to Tso Moriri, another high-altitude lake.
Srinagar Airport: 740 km | Leh Airport: 313 km | Jammu Railway Station: 1045 km
Combine the Trip –Ladakh Itinerary
The top destinations in Ladakh are quite far from each other, often requiring half to a full day of travel. If you’re arriving via Srinagar Airport, a sequential route works best, beginning with Dras, the closest destination.
Based on your trip duration and interest, here are two suggested routes (without trek adventures):
Option 1: Dras–Kargil (2 nights) → Lamayuru (1–2 nights) → Zanskar Valley (2–3 nights) → Nubra Valley (3–4 nights) → Pangong Tso (1 night) → Hanle (2 nights)
Option 2: Dras–Kargil → Lamayuru → Nubra Valley → Pangong Tso → Hanle → Zanskar Valley
While Dras to Hanle follows a connected route, Zanskar Valley lies in a different direction and may be planned separately or at the end.
Best Alternatives to Kashmir: Final Words
While the terror climate might make Kashmir a challenge this season, Ladakh stands as an enchanting alternative, ready to welcome you with endless splendid, open skies, spiritual depth, and landscapes that redefine beauty. Whether it’s the moon-like vistas of Lamayuru, the alpine charm of Dras, unmatched beauty of Nubra and Zanskar, or the shimmering waters of Pangong Tso, Ladakh guarantees a trip worth every moment.
Instead of canceling your trip, reroute your wanderlust to these hidden gems—you won’t regret a single moment spent in this Himalayan haven.
Dr. Suvankar Das is a scientific advisor by profession, associated with a CRO organization. He pursued his doctoral degree in Chemistry in 2015. Later, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher & scientist in a couple of institutes/companies.
Besides his scientific journey, Dr. Das is also a passionate traveler and travel blogger. He loves to share all his travel experiences with other travelers so that everyone can enjoy hassle-free holidays with their own tour plans.
He believes, the most beautiful thing in this world is the WORLD itself. so there is no way to live like a clock; rather live it like a compass!
