August is a beautiful month to spend in Jammu and Kashmir. While some parts of this heavenly destination receive heavy rainfall (with around 20% chance of rain) others only receive brief showers and remain quite dry. For some, August is a fantastic time to learn about the flourishing agriculture, zoology and botany of the state, for others it is a time when dull clouds cover the sky and heavy rainfall blocks specific locations. But it opens up certain others for sure! Temperature ranges from 17°C to 29°C in the valley of Kashmir during this month. The monsoon month of August is the best time to visit places like Kargil and Leh, which remain dry even then. The enchanting drifting of low-hanging clouds right over mountainous hamlets and a voluminous strength in rivers that cannot be found in any other season – there are many reasons, and as many places to visit in Kashmir in August. Here is our countdown of the top 9 tourist places to visit in Kashmir in August (that are a must-visit)!
Places To Visit In Kashmir In August For The Best Monsoon Getaway
1. Srinagar
Can you imagine how beautiful the busiest City of Kashmir Valley will look during the monsoon months? Srinagar in August is usually filled with sunny days and clear skies, with the sudden irregular advent of grey clouds and short rainfall that passes within an hour. The rain will not interfere with your tourism at all, and you can safely visit the Pari Mahal, Shankaracharya Hill, Chashma Shahi Gardens and much more. During this time Dal Lake looks more refreshing than usual. The Jhelum flows with more forest and gives greater opportunities for photographers to click the perfect pic.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
2. Holy Amarnath Cave
Usually, the holiest Yatra of Kashmir stretches from the last week of July to the first one or two weeks of August. It is none other than the holy Shri Amarnath Yatra, which as it turns out, is the top name among the pilgrimage and tourist places to visit in Kashmir in August. The cave houses a massive shiv lingam made of ice stalagmite. There are two smaller stalagmites in the case which are believed to be Mata Parvati and Lord Ganesha. The most popular way to visit the cave is the 34 km route of the Pahalgam-Chandanwari basecamp. But you can also take the shorter 13 km route from Baltal Base Camp. It takes around 2 days to complete the whole journey.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 6 to 7 days
Opening and closing hours: first week of August
3. Yusmarg
Meadows are bound to look beautiful during the month of August. Yusmarg is dotted with rainfall-fed rivers, streams and waterfalls. The fresh alpine meadows that cover the higher altitudes of these popular places to visit in Kashmir in August are home to wild goats and ponies or domesticated sheep and yak. Walking in the clean, serene pine forests is best during the misty monsoon season. The regular rainfall increases the beauty of Nilnag Lake and Doodhpathri severalfold and covers the surroundings in an evergreen tint. Make sure to visit Charari Sharief and Pakherpora shrine in Yusmarg.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
4. Gurez Valley
This unknown valley located deep in the lap of nature is surrounded by towering peaks of unscalable, snow-covered peaks on all sides. In the month of August, potato and maize fields all across the Gurez Valley enhance the beauty of Kashmir as a tourist place. Insect species native to this area come out and multiply. Slow-moving clouds often rest right above the valley giving everything a mysterious, fascinating aura. Gurez Valley is indeed a gold mine for photographers during this month. Several local species of flowers bloom early with the first rainfall; new leaves sprout on trees and animals come down to the meadows more.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
5. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
The best time of the year to successfully tick off this magnificent journey from your bucket list is in the months of August and September. The Kashmir Great Lakes trek takes travellers on a roundabout path to visit the 6 most fascinating Lakes of Kashmir – Krishansar Lake, Vishansar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Satsar Lake, Gangabal Lake and Nundkol Lake. The days are pleasant but the nights are cold with only occasional rainfall (the high altitude and alpine climate mellows the monsoon months in this part of Kashmir). The path approximately covers 68 km. These lakes are located in the very heart of the central Kashmir Valley!
Entry fee: No Entry cost. A professional guide is required.
Time taken to visit: 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hour
6. Vaishno Devi Temple, Katra
Another destination that is best visited in the month of August is the Mata temple in Katra, near Jammu. Pilgrims undertake a 12 km walk from Katra town towards the Mata Vaishno Devi temple, which is located at an altitude of 5200 feet. Devotees can also find palanquin, horse and helicopter service to take them to the hilltop near the main temple building. When coming to Vaishno Devi, pilgrims must also visit the Gauri Mandir and Bhairavnath Temple, both part of the Yatra. It is one of the most religious places to visit in Kashmir in August, and the rains of Katra, warm Kashmiri Chai, seasonal dishes and enjoyable religious fairs all add to the fun.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 6 to 8 hours
Opening and closing hours: 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
7. Kishtwar
The Machail Yatra dedicated to Chandi Mata starts on the day of Bhadon Sankranti, which falls on the 15 or 16 of August. It starts from a village called Machail in Paddar and reaches Kishtwar by 4:00 p.m. The overjoyed praying, dancing, bhajan singing and retelling of local Chandi Mata legends together make for the perfect religious sightseeing in Kashmir in August. Mata Sarthal Devi Mandir is also located in Kishtwar. The Sarthal Yatra is another annual pilgrimage that is carried out in the last week of July or the first week of August every year. Kishtwar is also known for its offbeat beauty and hiking trails.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
8. Pulwama
The Rice Bowl of Kashmir is another top name among the places to visit in Kashmir in August. Rain in Pulwama is more impactful and magnificent than any other tourist sightseeing in Kashmir. The winter rice sown in the month of June makes for some picture-perfect paddy fields and another top attraction in Pulwama is the saffron crop, accounting for one of the most profitable agricultural produce of Kashmir. The monsoon months are also good for visiting the many apple and orange orchards sprinkled all over Pulwama City.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 6 to 7 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
9. Leh
Ladakh is known as the cold desert of India just a few kilometres from Kashmir and is counted as one of the most visited places in Kashmir in August. Leh, its capital, does not receive much rainfall any month of the year. But the humid atmosphere, brief showers and arid open valleys during the monsoon month of August all together make it a must-visit on the list of tourist places to visit in Kashmir in August. The Leh Palace located on a hilltop shows a beautiful architectural blend of Tibetan, Indian and Afghani styles. The Namgyal Monastery, Shanti Stupa and Zorawar Fort are tourist spots of similar historic importance. You can also journey from Leh to Hemis National Park, the biggest reserve dedicated to the Ladakh biosphere.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. The rainfall in Kashmir in August ranges between 254 mm to 270 mm. Some places are more prone to heavy rainfall than others.
A. The Michail Yatra starts on the 15th or 16th of August every year.
A. To successfully and effectively complete sightseeing in Kashmir in August, tourists must be prepared for the monsoon month. Warm clothes, raincoats, rubber boots, umbrellas and even influenza medication should be carried along during the trip.
Final Thought!!
The best trips come with endless surprises, some obstacles and the best memories. The best places to visit in Kashmir in August will definitely reward you with all of the above! Plan your very own Kashmir tour package with Family that meets your exact need and complete all bookings with several additional discounts! Contact our experienced travel experts today to get an estimate of your dream Kashmir Tour Packages.
