March to Early May (15°C to 30°C): These are the best months to visit Kashmir for sightseeing as the weather is pleasant and lets you explore the lush green meadows and enchanting natural beauty of Kashmir without any obstacle. The temperature during these months varies from 15°C to 30°C. This is also the best time to trek the alluring trails of Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. Weather in Kashmir in May is also pleasant enough to enjoy the summer vacations with your friends and family.

December to March (-2°C to 12°C): Kashmir’s weather in December, January, and March is the best to enjoy snowfall as the whole valley is covered with snow. The entire Kashmir looks mesmerizing in these months and this is also the best time to visit Kashmir for skiing and snowboarding. The temperature during these months varies from -2°C to 12°C.

Since the entire Kashmir Valley is a mountainous region in a temperate zone, it witnesses a four-season climate pattern: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Jammu, being closer to the river plains, has a hotter and drier climate throughout the year. Alpine meadows speckled with wildflowers, grazing herds of nomadic tribes, and orchards laden with fruits make spring in Kashmir a splendor worth witnessing. Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Patnitop are best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir during this time.

The winter season, December through February, is the best time to visit Kashmir for snowfall. Spring, March through May, is the best time to visit Kashmir for a honeymoon as the flowers in the famous Mughal gardens in Srinagar are in bloom. Early spring till mid-April, which is also the offseason in Kashmir, is ideal for those looking to get the best deals on hotels in Kashmir.

The best time to visit Tulip Garden in Kashmir is in the month of April when the whole garden blooms and looks vibrant with different species of colorful tulips.

If you are planning to visit Gulmarg, then the best season to visit Gulmarg depends on the type of activity preferred by you. If you are someone who is looking for snowfall and activities like skiing and snowboarding then October to February is the best time to visit. If you want to explore the true beauty of Gulmarg then March to June would be the best time to visit when Gulmarg blooms with colorful flowers and lush greenery.

The most famous Kashmir festival is the Tulip festival celebrated in the months of March and April when the Kashmir valley blooms with vibrant tulips. Another famous festival celebrated in Kashmir with great pomp and show is the Hemis festival. The festival is celebrated for two days during the month of May in which whole state dress in traditional attires to celebrate the festival with great joy. Besides these two, some other popular festivals celebrated in Kashmir are Shikara festival, Gurez festival, Lohri, and Urs.

Each region has at least one principal city where major modes of interstate transport are available for domestic and international visitors. So, if you are planning a holiday to the land of high passes and surreal beauty, here are the following means of transport to reach Jammu and Kashmir:

Furthermore, Jammu Aiport or Jammu Civil Enclave handles domestic flights from major urban centres in India.

The picturesque section between Banihal and Baramulla of Jammu–Baramulla railway line passes through several towns in Kashmir Valley. It is an excellent alternative for those wanting to take the tracks not often taken.

The Jawahar Tunnel, 2.8 kilometres in length, connects Jammu with Kashmir Valley. The 3,528-m-high mountain pass Zoji La carries the Srinagar-Leh highway extending into Ladakh. The 474-km-long Leh-Manali Highway is another major road with serving the Ladakh region. Both Srinagar-Leh and Leh-Manali highways remain vulnerable to weather conditions in winter as the snowfall blocks the road access.

As soon as the tourist season in Kashmir begins, scores of travellers from the world look to spend a few days in this scenic valley. From popular treks to charming hill stations, there are plenty of places to visit in Kashmir in summer. The Great Lakes Trek is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir in June.

The city of Srinagar is famous for sprawling Mughal gardens, tranquil Dal Lake, and religious shrines. It serves are the point of entry and departure to several pilgrim tours, trekking bases, hill station getaways, and socioeconomic trades. The city is lapped by ethereal Dal Lake which is thronged by honeymooners, families, and pilgrims alike. The wooden houseboats floating on the lake provides just the peaceful retreat newlyweds are after.

Mughal gardens show their grandeur at the foothills of Zabarwan hills, which act as an idyllic backdrop for pictures. Fresh blooms sprouting along the artificial channels in Nishant Garden and Shalimar Bagh make you wonder about the glory days of Mughal rule. Wular Lake, among the largest water bodies in the state, doesn’t get its share of visitors despite being as glossy as its counterpart within Srinagar. Chashme Shahi, Hari Parbat, Shankaracharya Temple, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, and Pari Mahal are other prominent places to visit in Srinagar.

Roughly 56 kilometres west of Srinagar, Gondola rides and powdery slopes in Gulmarg are a magnet for travellers visiting the valley. This hill station in Baramulla district experiences reasonable snowfall in winter, making it the heartland of winter sports in Gulmarg include skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding. The slopes on 14,000-feet-tall Apharwat peak have ample opportunities for thrilling experiences. It also offers uninterrupted, sweeping views of nearby forests, lakes, and Pir Panjal peaks. Private taxis and car rentals are available to reach Gulmarg from Srinagar.

Sonamarg and Yusmarg rank among the best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir. Just a short pony ride from Sonamarg takes travellers to climb the largest glaciers in Kashmir. Locals agree that Anantnag district in South Kashmir is replete with must-see places like Betaab Valley, Pahalgam, Aru, and Kokernag. Further east, Kishtwar and Doda welcome trans-Himalayan trekkers beyond the valley. Saffron fields around Pompore and apple orchards in Anantnag are a sight to behold in harvest season.

Best Honeymoon Places in Kashmir

Srinagar: Srinagar is one of the best honeymoon places to visit in Kashmir. It is famous for its dal lake, houseboats and shopping. The mesmerizing aura of the place will keep honeymooners attached in the web of love.

Bhaderwah: Another enthralling honeymoon place to visit in Kashmir is Bhaderwah which is not only famous for its natural beauty but also for the adventure activities.

Kishtwar: This is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir on a honeymoon. For couples who like greenery and natural beauty, this would be the perfect place for you. Kishtwar is famous for its thick lus green forests and mesmerizing valleys.

Places to Visit in Kashmir in 3 days

Kashmir can be well covered in 3 days with a well-planned itinerary. Let’s have a look at some of the best places to visit in Kashmir in 3 days:

Srinagar: Amongst the most tourist places in Kashmir is Srinagar. The whole environment of Srinagar is very eye-catching and worth the visit. People from all over the world travel to Srinagar o witness its heaven beauty.

Gulmarg: Gulmarg is second name for paradise in Kashmir and is a must-visit place if you are traveling to Kashmir for 3 days. Gulmarg can be easily covered in 3 days. Most of the time, Gulmarg is covered by snow so it makes for the perfect place to enjoy snow activities.

Pahalgam: Another one of the best places to visit in Kashmir and to be included in the itinerary of 3 days to Kashmir is Pahalgam. Pahalgam is famous for its enticing beauty and picture-perfect valleys. One must definitely pay a visit to this exquisite destination.

Best Stay Areas in Kashmir

Circular Road, Gulmarg: Circular Road has some of the best hotels for a comfortable stay in Gulmarg. The hotels are budgeted and provide a comfortable stay to the tourists.

Aru Road, Pahalgam: Aru Road is another famous place where you will find both budgeted and luxurious resorts. The hotels at Aru Road also gives stunning views from the balcony.

Rajbagh, Srinagar: If you are looking for a stay option in Srinagar, then you can go to Rajbagh where you will find plenty of options for a comfortable stay. The area is easily accessible and is nearby popular attractions and best tourist places in Kashmir.

Gulmarg is a hub of several adventure activities in Kashmir, especially during winter. December through February when the terrain is covered in snow, tourists take gondola rides and skiing lessons in Gulmarg. The sweeping views from Apharwat peak mesmerise honeymooners and children. Exploring the Gurez valley in North Kashmir is one of the best things to do in Kashmir. The valley is home to a few nomadic tribes that retain their old traditions and live a simple life. Taking a wooden boat ride on Dal Lake is one of the wholesome family activities to do in Kashmir.

Lay back and sail on the placid waters of Dal Lake, admire the sights of Pir Panjal mountains, ski down the powdery slopes in Gulmarg, go on a shopping spree in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, take a pony ride in Sonamarg, opt for paragliding in Aru, or join the batch of pilgrims on their way to sacred Amarnath Cave. The fun and the range of things to do in Kashmir never end.

Pashmina shawls, antiques, salted tea bags, willow baskets, and local spices are some of the best things to bring back from Kashmir. Saffron grown in fields of Pompore is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Local vendors sell woollens made from Pashmina, Kashmiri carpets, and handicrafts in the Old Bazaar and street markets. Bargain while shopping in Srinagar and you will definitely find a good worth for your product. While shopping in old Srinagar, one can also take the self-guided heritage walk to admire the city’s architecture.

The white waters of Lidder River are easy or moderate making the river ideal place to do rafting. Once you’ve visited the Betaab Valley near Pahalgam, do find time to conquer the noisy waters of river Lidder. Paragliding in Sonamarg, Bhaderwah, and Gulmarg will leave you speechless as you take it the majestic views of mountains. If you would rather take things slow, there’s a golf club in Gulmarg which is open to the public in summer. Besides all the adventure and fun activities, gorge on delectable Kashmiri cuisine and take a cup of salted tea which will help you maintain body temperature.

Food of Kashmir

The main food of Jammu and Kashmir varies from southern plains of river Jammu Tawi to northern parts of Kashmir Valley. Kashmiris feast on meat and rice voraciously. Rogan Josh – which is lamb meat gravy cooked with local chilies – and Yakhni – a mutton gravy with yogurt – are two of the most famous food of Kashmir. Locals also have a weak spot for crisp bakery goods. Sheermal, Baqerkhani, and Kulcha found in shops in Srinagar are to die for, especially for those craving sweet treats.

For non-vegetarians, having Wazwan, a full course meat-based dish, in a Kashmiri home is the best way to learn about traditions and lifestyle of Kashmiris.

Climate of Kashmir

Weather in Kashmir, especially in high altitude areas is notoriously unreliable. Some regions are prone to avalanche and landslide, while some roads are cut off during most of the winter season. For travellers, Kashmir in winter is as close to heaven a place can get. The peak of winter and summer brings an inflow of honeymooners and adventurers from plains and abroad.

The average temperature in Kashmir Valley in winter ranges between -2°C and 10°C. Summer in Kashmir is pleasant and fairly dry with mean temperatures between 16°C and 32°C. With its proximity to the plains of Punjab, Jammu witnesses milder winters and hotter summers than Kashmir Valley. On the other side, being higher in altitude, Ladakh region faces harsher winter but lesser rainfall. So, there is a stark difference between the climate of Kashmir and climate of Ladakh mainly due to geographical factors.

Festivals of Jammu and Kashmir

Like much of India, Jammu and Kashmir features an amalgamation of cultures. It’s a microcosm of long-held traditions and beliefs which are being celebrated and preserved by local people. Baisakhi in April and Lohri in January hold a great significance in Sikh and Hindu communities based in Jammu. Festivals like Holi and Diwali are also celebrated with great spirit in the region.

Festivities during Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha bring a great buzz even in the small hamlets of the valley. From Kishtwar to Baramulla, echoes of Namaz prayers by Sunni Muslims can be heard during Ramzan in Kashmir. Urs, Tulip Festival, and Shikara Festival are other important festivals in Kashmir.

Mansar Food and Craft Mela, which runs for three days, is one of the biggest fairs in Jammu. Culture of Jammu is influenced by Dogra, Rajput, and Pandit diaspora while Kashmir Valley is settled by predominantly Sunni Muslims. Local language of Kashmir is Kashmiri dialect of Urdu. Native speakers in Jammu voice themselves mainly in Hindi.

Ladakh region of the state also has a lot of unique celebrations and events among Buddhists and Shia Muslims.

Tips and Facts about Kashmir

Do carry Jammu and Kashmir tourist map as there is no network connectivity in remote regions. Travellers must adhere to safety procedures defined by security personnel. Always follow weather forecast during your stay in the Kashmir Valley.