April is a cheerful month. Between the busy spring month of March and the vacations of May and June, April remains an off-season in spite of being one of the best times of the year to visit Kashmir. The many unique seasons in beauties that tourists come from all over the world enjoy during late alpine spring and early summers include the blooming tulips, early poppies, pleasant weather even at high altitudes, sparkling virgin lakes and rivers, wild animals in the woods and a lot more. Summer is also the best month for challenging adventure sports, especially fishing and rafting! Here is our pick of top places to visit in Kashmir in April that will leave you absolutely dumbfounded.
Weather Conditions in Kashmir in April
April is the beginning of Summer in the lower altitudes of Kashmir; but in the alpine meadows and mountaintop hamlets, it is still a month of spring. The average daytime temperature in most big cities of Kashmir is about 12.1°C. At night, however, it can fall as much as 1.5°C. The snow melts from all corners of the state and rare hamlets, glaciers and mountain tops suddenly become accessible. There is very little precipitation during the April month but almost every valley is carpeted with dewy baby grass and freshly budding flowers.
Jaw-Dropping Tourist Places To Visit In Kashmir In April
1. Jammu
From the beginning of Summer in Kashmir, Jammu is a popular name among the tourist places to visit in Kashmir in April becoming the number one location of devotees from all over India. Apart from nearby locations of immortal reverence like Vaishno Devi Mandir, Gauri Mata Mandir, Bhairavnath Temple, Mahamaya Temple and Shiv Khori, the city is also popular for other cultural experiences like Dogra Art (in the form of the Dogra Art Museum) local deities (Bawey Mata Temple) and delectable cuisines (dum aloo and rogan josh) and Katra Tourist Places offers a unique blend of spirituality and culture. Did you know that one of the most beautiful temples in India, Raghunath Temple, is also located in Jammu? Apart from that, this city is home to some magnificent Garhwali and Dogri forts like Bahu Fort, Akhnoor Fort etc.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Time taken to visit: 2 to 4 days
Opening and closing hours: Open 24 hours
2. Patnitop
Kashmir in April is a warm and cheerful month in Patnitop which is located in Ramban district. Patnitop is quite different from Srinagar or Pahalgam, and can therefore be quite a unique experience. The beautiful Sanasar Lake is an amazing location to enjoy calling, picnics and playdays! Nathatop and Baglihar are some other locations with great views of the snow-covered vistas and forested horizons. Patnitop is a traditional town that is covered with new crops and sparkling streams during this time of the year. If you want to experience horse riding, pony riding and bicycling then there are many famous activities in Kashmir in April, You will love a leisurely heaven for a few days of rest.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Time taken to visit: 2 to 3 days
Opening and closing hours: Open 24 hours
3. Srinagar
You don’t need to plan a trip abroad to escape the rising heat of tropical Indian summers, you just need to come away to the winter capital of Kashmir! One of the most beautiful places to visit in Kashmir in April, Srinagar is bustling with cheerful crowds and cultural programs even during the off-season. The city is covered in blooming flower beds, and some of the most popular tourist destinations are the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Chashme Shahi Bagh, Nishat Bagh etc. April in Srinagar is a great month to enjoy houseboats and Shikaras in the clear, shining Dal Lake and Wular Lake. No matter what kind of tourism you enjoy -adventurous, relaxing or culturally educational – you are going to love the visit to Srinagar!
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Time taken to visit: 3 to 5 days
Opening and closing hours: Open 24 hours
4. Sonmarg
How can April not be the best month for the Meadow Of Gold? Sonmarg is blessed with mature green pastures, wildflower beds and short, warm showers this time of the year. One of the most underrated places to visit in Kashmir in April – The Thajiwas Glacier – can be reached through a trek from Sonmarg that only takes a few hours! Surrounded by the mighty, snow-covered Himalayan ranges, this quaint little hill station of Kashmir is located unbelievably close to the alpine lakes of Kashmir like the Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake and Gadsar Lake. A short drive will take you to one of the most dangerous roads in the world – Zojila Pass. The period of April to June is the best time to visit this hill station and the temperature is a pleasant 15 to 30 degrees during this time!
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Time taken to visit: 2 to 3 days
Opening and closing hours: Open 24 hours
5. Gulmarg
By the month of April, Gulmarg is considered one of the popular places to visit in Kashmir in April. Snow has melted from all corners of this untouched hill station and has been replaced by wild Kashmiri flowers – periwinkles, violets, tulips, orchids etc. all find a place in the lower regions of Gulmarg. If you go to the high altitudes, however, you might still find spotless snow carpets! Skiing is still popular in Kashmir in April, and even if you are not into this sport you can enjoy the panoramic views by taking a ride on the Gulmarg Gondola. The fresh grass on the natural golf courses of Gulmarg makes April the best time of the year to enjoy this sport in Kashmir.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Time taken to visit: 6 to 7 days
Opening and closing hours: Open 24 hours
6. Pahalgam
This is another perennially chosen Kashmiri Tourist Destination among visitors. Pahalgam is an adventurous location – and the breezy, clear but pleasant climate of April makes it one of the best months of the year. There are many things to do in Pahalgam to try out activities like camping, paragliding, trekking, white river rafting etc. You can enjoy luxury experiences like campfires, stargazing, rock climbing and more here. Try a picnic day on the banks of the Virgin Lidder River! An unknown destination in the list of Places to Visit in Kashmir in April close to Pahalgam is Chandanwadi, from where tourists can also move forward to visit Kolahoi Glacier, another short trek that can be completed in less than 2 days.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: Open 24 hours
7. Budgam
Not many people have heard the name of this little, offbeat destination of Kshamir which is located at a strategic point between Srinagar and Yusmarg. Budgam captures the open, wild beauty of Kashmir to perfection. A sparkling spiritual destination awaits devotees of all religions in Budgam in the form of The Tomb Of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din. Two safe but isolated campsites at this hilly destination are the Nilnag Lake and Sukhnag Falls. Nara Nag, Pushkar Nag and Shrine of Khan Sahib are the hidden gems of the Central Kashmir Valley. Budgam is also home to the one and only Tosa Maidan, after which the ancient Tosa Maidan travel route was once named.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Time taken to visit: 1 to 3 days
Opening and closing hours: Open 24 hours
8. Yusmarg
If you wish to experience the bright April ambience of Pahalgam and Sonmarg but want to avoid the touristy demands – it is your sign to explore this destination instead! The Meadow Of Jesus is home to the revered Pakherpora Shrine, visited by believers of all religions. And what can be better than The Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary for uninterrupted, pristine walks through Himalayan pine forests? Moreover, Yusmarg is home to the beautiful Doodhpatri and Sang-e-Safed valleys where wild ponies and sleep can be found grazing. Tourists can enjoy living in traditional wooden houses in Kashmir in April and relaxing on the banks of Doodhganga.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Time taken to visit: 2 to 3 days
9. Pulwama
This heritage city is close to Srinagar and provides visitors with access to most tourist cities in the Anantnag district. Some of the most popular religious shrines for sightseeing in Kashmir in April include the ancient Payer Temple, Avantiswami Temple, Avantishwar Temple and Jama Masjid Shopian, all of which are located in Pulwama. This comfortable vacation spot is also close to Aharbal and Achabal, known for their gushing waterfalls post-winter. Visitors enjoy the dense, wet forests and busy fields of Pulwama in April as the cultivation season begins. You can also take a detour to Shikargah for a mesmerizing experience of untouched Kashmir.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: Open 24 hours
10. Ladakh
Have you always dreamed of an adventurous bike trip with your friends? Ladakh is among the finest biker destinations in Kashmir in April. It is a one of a kind region of India, located at one end of the Tibetan Plateau and enriched with a unique mix of Kashmiri Hindu, Sufi and Buddhist cultures. The most happening city of Leh is where you can experience the local culture and visit the majestic Leh Palace, Tsemo Fort and Chiktan Kher. You can then ride up to Hemis, a small monastery town surrounded by moonlike landscapes and desert wilderness. Close to this town is the Hemis National Park, one of the largest National Parks in India and one of the top places to visit near Kashmir in April.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: Open 24 hours
11. Kargil
Experience the best of both Kashmir and Ladakh Valley at your next destination. The weather of Kargil is pleasant in summer and more suitable for tourists who don’t like travelling in freezing cold. Drass, a tiny town that opens up for tourists and offers many unique places to visit in Kashmir in April where you can explore Drass War Memorial which commemorates the Indo-Pak border struggle of 1970s-1990s and India’s ultimate victory. Further, the monument remembers all the victorious soldiers who protected Kargil during this war. Rangdum Gompa and Kargil Gompa are the biggest religious shrines at this hill station. The unique, open Suru Valley is an amazing location for walks, bike rides and hikes.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Time taken to visit: 2 to 3 days
Opening and closing hours: Open 24 hours
12. Marchoi Valley Trek
It is only fair that we reserve the best for the last! Marchoi is a seasonal gem that also happens to be one of the most beautiful but unknown places to visit in Kashmir in April. It is a four day journey suitable for beginners that starts from Naranag, makes its way towards the untouched Marchoi Top, and then circles back to Naranag once again. It is a slow and soulful journey that is most fulfilling for nature lovers and photographers. The pathway is covered with grazing wild ponies, remnants of snow and colorful meadows where brave new buds slowly raise their heads. The dense jungles, dangerous snow bridges and half-frozen Wagnath stream are some more unique attractions.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Time taken to visit: 4 days
Opening and closing hours: Open 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. April is a month of spring that slowly turns into summer. Almost all of Kashmir is free of snow and snowfall occurs in any part of the state, not even Gulmarg.
A. The average daytime temperature in Kashmir in April is around 12°C. The weather is neither dry nor humid, and rainfall is rare. There is plenty of sunlight. The wind blows in geographically wind-prone areas.
A. Almost all places to visit in Kashmir in April are open and ready for visitors, hence almost all are popular. Places that you cannot miss out on in April are Gulmarg, Marchoi, Ladakh and Srinagar.
Conclusion!!
You can pick any Kashmir tour Package of your choice from our endless collection of packages – we have different tour guides for Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Pulwama etc. Then you can make any customisation you desire depending on your journey month! We also organize long tracking journeys under the guidance of experienced instructors. Our travel experts have now come up with Special Kashmir Travel Packages for each month of the year, all with their own deals and discounts. Check them out!
