The best time to visit Kashmir

Kashmir is glorious all through the year. The best time to visit Kashmir really depends on what kind of holiday you’re looking for. Every season brings with it spectacular adventures. The ski slopes buzz with activity in the winter, while summer is the best time for languid picnics in alpine meadows. Whether you’re visiting Kashmir for the first time or the fifth, there are always stunning landscapes to explore: The striking mountains of the Pir Panjal range; sparkling lakes dotted with shikaras; gardens laden with tulips and chinar; alpine meadows and golden mustard fields. There are so many reasons to return to Kashmir, and so many parts of Kashmir to return to. Whether you choose to visit Gulmarg, Palahgam, Srinagar or venture further into the valley, here’s a handy guide on the best time to visit Kashmir.

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Best time to visit Kashmir
Temperature in Kashmir
What is the best time to visit Kashmir for snow?
What is the best time to visit Kashmir for tulips?
How many days are enough for a Kashmir trip?
Plan your stay

The best time to visit Kashmir is from March to September. When spring arrives in late March, it brings with it blue skies, seasonal blooms and green meadows perfect for picnics. Summer, from May to September, sees mild temperatures, clear views and large crowds. This is the peak season in Kashmir, when hotel prices and airfares soar. This is the season for shikara rides on glassy lakes, walks through beautiful fruit orchards, relaxed hikes on pine-clad slopes and lazy afternoons spent on the riverside. July to September is the best time for longer treks like the Kashmir Great Lakes trek that takes you to the region’s high-altitude glacial lakes. Gardens like Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh are at their most beautiful in spring and summer. The Amarnath yatra pilgrimage also takes place in this season, usually between July and August. You can also expect scattered rain in Kashmir in the summer.

Autumn arrives in September and lasts through October. In this season, as the leaves of the chinar begin to turn, the landscape transforms into a sea of red and gold. Kashmir is glorious at this time, and it's worth planning a visit just to experience the gardens in autumn.

In November, temperatures begin to drop as winter arrives in the valley. Winter in Kashmir is harsh and long, with sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow in many parts of the region. The most intense part of the season is the Chillai Kalan, a 40-day period when Kashmir faces its harshest winter, with overcast skies and heavy snow. Flight cancellations and road closures can occur during this time, and it's best to check the latest weather forecasts and travel advisories. However, winter is the best time to visit Kashmir if you’re looking to holiday in the snow.

Spring (March-April): 8°C-17°C
Summer (May to August): 12°C-30°C
Autumn (September-October): 9°C-22°C
Winter (November- early March): -2°C-22°C

From January to March, Kashmir is under a carpet of fresh white powder. This is peak winter in the valley, and this is the best time to visit Kashmir for snow. At 3950m, Gulmarg is the third highest ski resort in the world and offers the best skiing in the country. There are ski runs to suit all abilities: beginner-friendly slopes to learn on, intermediate slopes to get your confidence levels up and advanced runs that are about 6km long and best suited to expert skiers. Even if you aren’t skiing, there are winter activities like sledding and snowboarding on offer. If you’re planning a winter getaway, Pahalgam and Sonmarg are other popular destinations in Kashmir to visit for snow. Kashmir under a fresh blanket of snow is a truly beautiful sight, so spend a few days just taking in the views. In recent years, the pattern of snowfall in Kashmir has been changing, so it’s worthwhile to check the latest weather conditions before planning your trip.

Srinagar is home to Asia’s largest tulip garden, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden. Every year in spring, the garden, overlooking the Dal Lake, blooms with thousands of tulips in hues of red and yellow, violet and white. The annual Tulip Festival usually starts in late March or April and lasts for a month. The festival is a major tourist draw in Srinagar. If you’re planning to visit Kashmir to see millions of tulips in bloom, late March to early May is the best time to visit.

To experience the highlights of Kashmir’s major tourist spots, a 7-10 day trip is ideal. Spend 3 days in Srinagar, where there is so much to see and do. Glide down Dal Lake to see the city’s floating flower and vegetable market. Stroll through Shalimar Bagh, a Mughal garden dating back to the 1600s. Explore the architecture of the Old City and for a truly special experience, spend a night on a houseboat. From there, head to Pahalgam, which is beautiful in every season. Spend two days or more taking in Pahalgam’s stunning views: the snow-capped peaks of the Pir Panjal range, the gushing Lidder River, vast meadows that are emerald green in summer, and swathes of pine forests that carpet the slopes. Nearby, the Betaab and Aru Valleys are popular spots to visit. End your trip at Gulmarg, best known as a winter destination for its snow-covered slopes.

Spring in Kashmir
A homestay in Tangmarg
A local’s guide to Srinagar
Hotels, homestays and houseboats in Srinagar
Incredible meals to eat in Srinagar and Pahalgam
Skiing in Gulmarg

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