Kashmir in October and around months that time when things in Kashmir get most interesting! For most of the top places to visit in Kashmir, October is believed to be the best month. It is a time when the weather is perfect – between 9°C and 20°C – festivals are crowding each other for prominence and autumn is slowly settling in on the valleys. The rain has subsided in most places of Kashmir but there is enough moisture and nourishment to keep the fields, grasslands and meadows glowing. It is also true that October is one of the busiest months for Kashmir tourism and getting good quality accommodation booked at affordable prices can be a big hassle. Contact TRISOJ for the best itinerary and travel guidance for both popular and offbeat places to visit in Kashmir in October!
Kashmir in October: Explore Dreamiest Autumn Valley of India Meta
October is the best time to explore nature, cultural heritage and adventure sports options in Kashmir. Here is our countdown of the top 11 places to visit in Kashmir in October.
1. Srinagar
This city is one of the most beautiful state capitals in India. It is beautiful throughout the year and has both natural and architectural wonders to boast of October is a busy time here, and hundreds of shikaris, houseboats and fishing boats crowd the lakes and rivers near this city. Dal Lake looks like a bejewelled bride during Diwali, while the Mughal gardens of Chashme Shahi, Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh display unique autumnal vegetation in their full glory. Shankaracharya Hill is also a must-visit during any Kashmir in October Trip, although the place is quite crowded during this time.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
2. Jammu
This city is a second home to pilgrims, saints and Kashmir lovers who have an affinity for historic monuments as well as cultural diversity. Jammu is one of the most popular places to visit in Kashmir in October; its unique culture surrounding Navratri in terms of special cuisine, woodwork fairs, religious yantras and most importantly a crowd of tourists with a shared brotherhood for one another makes this city a magical experience this time of the year. Important places to visit in Jammu in October include the Akhnoor Fort, Bagh-e-Bahu Gardens, Bahu Fort Kali Temple, Amar Mahal Palace etc.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
3. Katra
The best places to visit in Kashmir in October are intertwined with the many Hindu festivals that take place this month. Katra is the temple city of Jammu and Kashmir and has many accommodation options for pilgrims of all backgrounds and abilities. This town acts as the base camp for the 15 km walk to Mata Vaishno Devi temple. From here you can also visit Gauri Mandir and Bhairavnath Temple. Both Mata Vaishno Devi and Gauri Mandir organised special pujas throughout Navratri and on the auspicious occasion of Diwali. A majestic piece of art, the Raghunath Temple is also located in Katra that celebrates Dussehra with the biggest pomp and show imaginable.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
4. Tulian Lake Trek
Are you looking for just the perfect weather to visit the dreamiest lake between the Pir Panjal and Zanskar mountain ranges? One of the most popular (but difficult to reach) tourist places to visit in Kashmir During October is the half-frozen Tulian Lake. At the height of 3684 m, these torques-coloured waters look all the more fascinating just after the monsoon season has passed. Travellers have to journey through steep slopes and uneven terrain, although there are many awe-inspiring meadows in between as well. This lake is located so close to Pahalgam that you can actually merge these two locations together for an extra-long vacation!
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 2 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
5. Naranag Gangabal Trek
October is indeed the month of trekking in the Himalayas. One of the most popular tracks for sightseeing in Kashmir in October is Naranag Gangabal Trek. It takes tourists straight to the foothills of Mount Harmukh where the twin lakes Gangabal and Nandkhol are located. This region used to be a pilgrimage site for saints and scholars in ancient India, and even today the Naranag village is known as a pilgrimage village with many secret, magical legends. If you plan this journey in the second half of October, you will find just the perfect snow trek waiting for you!
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
6. Pahalgam
This location is the darling of the Kashmir Valley and one of the most visited destinations when you visit Kashmir in October. Pahalgam welcomes you to a colourful autumn Valley carpet with tiny, rare flower beds and crispy golden grass during this time of the year. The trees slowly start turning brown and the temperature drops. It is a perfect time, and one of the safest months of the year, to experience the many adventure sports that Pahalgam and the Aru Valley are famous for – camping, paragliding, river rafting, golfing and trout fishing. Pahalgam is also home to the Betaab Valley, a delight for Bollywood lovers not second to any European hill station in terms of beauty.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
7. Gulmarg
This is a famous hill station in Kashmir located in a relatively uninhabited part of the valley. You will get an exclusive entry into the world of snowy slopes, luxury resorts and breathtaking views away from the general crowd of festive Kashmir. Gulmarg literally means “Meadow Of Flowers”, and October is the last month of the year to see the colourful blossoms against a snow-white backdrop. This place also houses one of the best golf courses for an autumn tournament followed by a sunset – you can ride the Gulmarg gondola, try your hand at skiing, snowboard and visit the frozen During Waterfall or Khilanmarg meadows nearby and there are many tourist places near Gulmarg.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
8. Sonmarg
One of the most popular places to visit in Kashmir in October, this destination has another name – The Meadow of Gold. And what can be more golden than autumn in high altitudes? Sonmarg is best for long nature walks and the quiet luxurious stay away from the generic tourist crowds. Then spine forest and snowy vistas surround this Valley on all sides. It is home to the picture-perfect Baltal Valley, offering the most magnificent view of the Indus River. You can also visit the Fabled Zoji La Pass from here, one of the most dangerous Himalayan passes ever! Spending some time in Sonmarg is indeed a dream come true and there are many activities in Sonmarg for travellers during the Memorable Kashmir Trip.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
9. Kolahoi Glacier
if you want to experience a low-effort glacier trek suitable for beginners, this is your chance! This journey takes you from the Sindh Valley towards the Lidder Valley and includes adventures like camping, hiking, climbing etc. It passes through captivating alpine lakes and meadows on its way. Visitors also experience the thrill of trekking through Basmai Pass at the height of 4300 m. At the summit, trekkers come face to face with a vast, frozen glacier that has existed in the same form for more than millennia. Children enjoy standing on the unending slab of ice, learning exciting facts about the environment, clicking pictures and playing games.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
10. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
October is the last month of the year to undertake this trek as well. The Great Lakes of Kashmir are located in the alpine regions of the pristine Central Kashmir Valley. Trekkers embark upon a 6-day journey over 63 km of alpine meadows and prolific vistas to experience one by one the six legendary lakes right out of the ancient Indian tales. These lakes are the Krishansar Lake, Vishansar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Satsar Lake, Gangabal Lake and Nundkol Lake. With its open, close-proximity exposure to the alpine wilderness of Kashmir and picture-perfect locations at every step, The Great Lakes of Kashmir is one of the most underrated treks of India.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
11. Kargil
The 1999 war of India Pakistan conflict in Kashmir took place near a sleepy village located between the Kashmir and Ladakh valleys of the state. Relatively dry but sprinkled with green fields and grasslands here and there, Kargil today is a major tourist town at the westernmost corner of the Tibetan plateau. The Dras War Memorial, erected in memory of all the brave soldiers who lost their lives during the Kargil War, is a building of great patriotic importance that is visited by tourists every year. The Mulbekh monastery, Zanskar Valley, ancient palaces, prehistoric petroglyphs etc are other surprises hidden at this location. It is definitely one of the lesser-known tourist places to visit in Kashmir in October.
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 weather in Kashmir during the month of October is pleasant and dry. It is not too cold nor too hot, the temperature ranging between 9°C and 20°C. It is the best time of the year to go on a trekking or camping journey in Kashmir.
A. Locations like Kokernag, Verinag and Pahalgam are the best locations for trout fishing in Kashmir.
A. Snowfall in Kashmir in October is very rare. But tourists will find snow in high-altitude areas like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Kolahoi, Tulian Lake etc.
Conclusion
Our Kashmir travel packages for Couples are personalized for our clients keeping in mind the needs of the season as well as the travellers themselves. Combine all of your favourite Kashmir destinations in one trip with the help of expert guidance from our team members. So book a travel package with TRISOJ, we offer the best match Travel packages for Kashmir in October or any month. We provide different types of travel packages like honeymoon packages for couples, family packages for Kashmir and many other types available on TRISOJ. So Book a Travel Package for Kashmir and Experience the unique local culture of Kashmir and Jammu during the most important Hindu festivals of the year – Navratri and Diwali! Alternatively, get lost in nature’s lap by embarking upon one of the most beautiful treks of India this October.
