Kashmir
Houseboats on Dal Lake, Mughal gardens, and the meadows of Gulmarg and Pahalgam, white in winter.
About Kashmir
Kashmir is a green valley ringed by the Pir Panjal and Great Himalaya ranges, famous for its houseboats on Dal Lake, Mughal gardens, saffron fields and the alpine meadows of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg.
Each season has its own valley: blossom and tulips in spring, green meadows in summer, red chinar trees in autumn and deep snow in winter.
When to go
Best from March to June, September to November.
- January: good
- February: good
- March: best
- April: best
- May: best
- June: best
- July: good
- August: good
- September: best
- October: best
- November: best
- December: good
Journeys in Kashmir
Before you go
- Getting there
- Fly to Srinagar, or take the Vande Bharat train from Jammu or Katra. Srinagar is also reachable by road on NH44 from Jammu.
- Permits
- No permits are needed for Indian citizens. Carry photo ID, as some roads have checkpoints. Some government advisories for foreign nationals still caution against travel, which can affect insurance.
- What to eat
- Wazwan feasts with rogan josh, gushtaba and yakhni, kahwa and noon chai, and breads from the local bakeries.
- Only postpaid mobile connections from outside Jammu & Kashmir work here.
- Local taxi unions handle sightseeing in Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg.
- We follow Jammu & Kashmir advisories and change plans if a site closes.
- Book the Gulmarg gondola early in peak season.
Questions about Kashmir
What is the best time to visit Kashmir?
March and April for blossom, May and June for meadows, October and November for autumn colour, and December to February for snow.
Is Kashmir good for a honeymoon?
Yes. Houseboats, gardens and quiet meadows make it one of India’s favourite honeymoon destinations.
How many days do I need?
Six or seven days covers Srinagar, Sonamarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam at a relaxed pace.