Kashmir in September is often reserved by travellers for offbeat visits to some of the most pristine, well-preserved natural locations in the state. The temperature of most places to visit in Kashmir in September ranges between 13 degree Celsius to 27 degrees Celsius. This is the month of festivals, since the holiest 10 days of the Hindu calendar – the Navratri and Dussehra – often fall wholly or partly in this month. September is also the month of full-fledged monsoons in Kashmir, which is the reason that most tourist places in Kashmir come alive and appear rejuvenated during this month. The snow starts melting everywhere, leaving many untrodden paths unveiled. While some areas are out of reach due to sudden bouts of heavy rainfall, most places in Kashmir are open to visitors for a novel experience. September is one of the most underrated months when it comes to tourism in Kashmir.
Exploring the Mesmerizing Beauty of Kashmir in September: A Traveler’s Paradise
1. Gulmarg
A relatively hotter part of Kashmir, this breathtaking location for sightseeing in Kashmir in September is best visited during the autumn and winter months. Navratri is celebrated with great pomp and shows at the Avantiswami Temple and the whole of Pulwama city in general. Fairs are held, stages are constructed and Durga Puja Pandals are scattered across the city. If you want to experience nature, visit the Aharbal Falls which is in its best form during the post-monsoon months. The latter half of September is also great for a relaxing, revitalizing trek to Tarsar and Marsar Lakes.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
2. Jammu
This city is forever thronged by tourists and pilgrims. Jammu in September is an absolutely majestic place – the holy days of Navratri bring devotees from all over India to Mata Vaishno Devi, Bhairavnath Temple, Raghunath Temple, and even Peer Kho Cave. Even though getting accommodation during this month is next to impossible; being a part of this religious, celebrating crowd is definitely worth it. Mansar Lake during this time is glowing in nourishment; the Pir Panjal mountains look more mysterious than ever against a sky scattered with autumn sunsets.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 6 to 8 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
3. Srinagar
The summer capital of Kashmir is a place worth visiting every month of the year. Being one of the biggest cities of Kashmir, Srinagar is in a completely festive mood during September month. Decorated shikaris, special Navratri cuisine and the latest releases of clothes, shawls, accessories and decorations at the Lal Chowk all demand a visit. Shalimar Bagh, Mughal Garden looks its best after a series of monsoon showers, and the clear air improves the view of Srinagar city from Pari Mahal and Shankaracharya Hill. Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake are filled with water to the brim – most importantly, the clear blue sky and fluffy white clouds make Srinagar a top attraction for sightseeing in Kashmir in September.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
4. Pulwama
A relatively hotter part of Kashmir, this breathtaking location for sightseeing in Kashmir in September is best visited during the autumn and winter months. Navratri is celebrated with great pomp and shows at the Avantiswami Temple and the whole of Pulwama city in general. Fairs are held, stages are constructed and Durga Puja Pandals are scattered across the city. If you want to experience nature, visit the Aharbal Falls which is in its best form during the post-monsoon months. The latter half of September is also great for a relaxing, revitalizing trek to Tarsar and Marsar Lakes.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
5. Pahalgam
If you are a nature freak, this destination will not disappoint. Pahalgam is not only one of the best places to visit in Kashmir in September but throughout the year. While the alpine meadows and pine forests look rejuvenated in the fresh rainfall, some parts of the valley are already preparing for autumn. The second half of September is the best time of the year for some adventure sports – Pahalgam is home to paragliding, river rafting, trout fishing, Chandanwari trek, and camping in Aru Valley. The scenic beauty of Betaab Valley and Mamleshwar Temple are with the hype during this season.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
6. Dachigam National Park
Spreading over an area of 141 sq km and over a maximum elevation of 4267m, this pick among the best places to visit in Kashmir in September is for zoology and botany enthusiasts. If you love observing animals preparing for winter, trees changing colour with the advent of autumn, residual trickles of seasonal streams and flocks of birds that enjoy September’s pleasant climate, you must come to Dachigam National Park, 22 km away from Srinagar city. The main attractions here include trout fish, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan brown bear, otter, Kashmir stag, Kashmir flycatcher, Tyler’s leaf warbler, rare Himalayan flowers, coniferous forests and more.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 5 hours
Opening and closing hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
7. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
According to experts, the best time to do this track is from the beginning of August to the end of September. During this period, the path covering the Great Lakes of Kashmir is clear and picturesque and the climate is pleasant. This part of Kashmir, being quite high up, receives only minimum rainfall. This period is perfect to experience lush green coniferous forests, uninhabited meadows, overflowing lakes and fluffy, mysterious clouds. This 6-day trek reveals a 360-degree view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks- and covers the 6 major lakes of Kashmir including Satsar Lake, Gangabal Lake, Krishansar Lake, Vishansar Lake, Gadsar Lake and Nundkol Lake.
Entry fee: No Entry cost; professional guide required
Time taken to visit: 6 to 7 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
8. Yusmarg
The Meadow Of Jesus indeed transcends time and space. This eternal, quiet hill station is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Kashmir in September. If you want to experience autumn like that in Western Europe, you should try booking a getaway to the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. Apart from the narrow walking trails and hidden meadows, Yusmarg is home to the broad and fierce Doodhganga. Both the river and the Fabled Nilnag Lake look gorgeous in their September look. September is also the best month to stay at a traditional wooden Kashmiri home in the Tourist village of Nagbal.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
9. Warwan Valley
Sightseeing in Kashmir in September includes views of gushing rivers, sparkling forests and tiny seasonal blossoms covering the valleys. The Warwan River closes gently and swiftly through a wide basin giving form to this offbeat gem of Kashmir. The cedar grooves, short periods of showers and heavy flow of Warwan during this month make it a perfect September journey. To get to the highest point (14500 feet) of this mostly uninhabited region, visitors have to undertake a level 5 trek. The path is considered one of the 8 ancient trans-Himalayan roads that reach from Ladakh to Kashmir – one that historians called the ‘salt route’.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. The first half of September month still sees frequent rainfall in most places of Kashmir. In the second half, however, the weather dries up. The weather is pleasant – not too cold and not too warm. The temperature ranges between 13 degree Celsius to 27 degrees Celsius.
A. Some of the best places to visit in Kashmir in September include Jammu, Srinagar, Kashmir Great Lakes trek, Warwan Valley, etc.
A. During the first week of September, monsoon still rages all through Kashmir and there are some incidences of landslides. It is not a frequent occurrence, however, and the heavy rains stop by the second or third week of September.
Final Thought
Book your ultimate Kashmir tour packages for the month of September to enjoy the off-season beauties of Kashmir. On the one hand, you get to escape the suffocating crowds of tourist months, and on the other you get to rejoice in the seasonal beauty of the monsoon transitioning into dry autumn. The golden sunlight and fresh trickling waterfalls during this time of the year add a certain element of magic to the trip. Kashmir tour packages in September are a trekker’s and camper’s paradise indeed!
