Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most popular tourism destinations in India that are popular year long. While July is considered an off-season for conventional tourists, it opens up several opportunities for those who like novel experiences. The month of July is chosen by tourists because of the refreshing, pleasant weather in Southern Kashmir making places like Srinagar, Pulwama, Khilanmarg etc some of the most coveted places to visit in Kashmir in July. Due to the advent of the monsoon, activities like trekking and adventure sports are avoided; but it is the best period to experience the natural beauty of offbeat Kashmir during the refreshing, nourishing rains.
In July, the slight summer heat finally cools down, and the first rains of the season fill the lakes and rivers with clean, sparkling water. The best places to visit during this month are given below.
Best Tourist Places in Kashmir in July for the Greatest Summer Ever!
1. Srinagar
Unlike other places in Kashmir, Srinagar enjoys additional popularity during the month of July. The pleasant weather and photogenic rains encourage the locals as well as tourists to throng the lakes, markets, parks, and around Srinagar. All the houseboats come alive during this time and the dal lake is filled to the brim with rainwater. With the sharp sunlight having resided, this is the best time of the year to enjoy a houseboat stay. Definitely visit the Pari Mahal and Shankaracharya Hill in July to catch a glimpse of the monsoon sky of Srinagar. Srinagar is definitely the most popular on the list of tourist places to visit in Kashmir in July.
Entry: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
2. Sonmarg
The Meadow of Gold is known internationally for its breathtaking vegetation, crystalline lakes and racing little mountain streams. Sonmarg is at its best in July when the rain is sparse enough for the valley to retain its golden hours, but at the same time nourishing enough to open up lush green meadows and rejuvenated rolling valleys to the tourists. It is one of the lesser-known tourist places to visit in Kashmir in July and you can consider it if you are planning to visit Kashmir in July month. The rivers gain extra life during this month and tiny little seasonal blossoms fill the countryside. The countless herds sheep and goats enjoying the fresh pastures make the visit completely worth the experience.
Entry: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
3. Yusmarg
Just like Sonmarg, the valley of Jesus shines in the monsoon glory of July. Yusmarg is a popular pasture valley famous for its winding paths and surrounding pine forests. The floating monsoon clouds, the seasonal mist and the brief showers give these forests a mystical aura, perfect for magical sightseeing in Kashmir in July. Sometimes the clouds create such thick fog that tourists can’t even see 10 meters ahead! Driving during this season can be dangerous but adventurous as well. The meadows are still fit for picnics and games though. During the month of July to September, the Dudhganga River is at its finest and the banks of this river are restored to their pristine glory. There are many tourist places in Yusmarg that can be included in your Kashmir Travel Package.
Entry: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
4. Amarnath Yatra
The biggest among all tourist places in Kashmir in July has to be this ancient pilgrimage site. Amarnath Yatra usually starts in the last week of June and continues till the second week of August, making the whole of July a perfect time for a visit to Amarnath Yatra. The Yatra period is usually 62 days long and takes about 3 to 5 days to complete. The trekking starts from Chandanwari in Pahalgam and continues to Panchtarni through the Sheshnag Lake. Instead of walking, pilgrims can also book a helicopter from Baltal to Panchtarni for their convenience. Since this part of Kashmir is really dry, the rains actually help mitigate the temperature and vegetation loss during this period of the year.
Entry: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 6 to 7 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
5. Pulwama
The one trekking journey that can be safely conducted in the month of July is the journey to the Tarsar and Marsar Lakes, located in the Pulwama district of Kashmir. Additionally, the lively local culture, flourishing apple and orange orchards during the July month and high-quality dairy production owing to rich green pastures makes Pulwama a top destination among most tourist places to visit in Kashmir in July. Pulwama hosts several natural and heritage sightseeing spots like the Jama Masjid, Avantiswami temple etc and these tourist places of Pulwama are well known among Pulwama visitors.
Entry: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 3 to 5 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
6. Budgam
This quaint little hill station hidden deep within the Kashmir Valley is famous for being a natural retreat among tourists. One does not need to spend too much time in Budgam to admire its beauty; however, almost everyone who knows Kashmir would rate it not only as one of the best places to visit in Kashmir in July but throughout the year. Surrounded by lush green meadows, picture-perfect hamlets, and tombs of immortal Sufi saints like Syed Mohammad Samri and Hazrat Ganga Baba Rishi – it is truly a spiritual destination in Kashmir that is made even more magical by the annual monsoons.
Entry: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
7. Gulmarg
The minimum temperature in Kashmir in July is 17° C. The snow in Gulmarg keeps melting throughout summer and by July, the fresh annual grass completely replaces the blanket of ice. Gulmarg in the local language means ‘the meadow of flowers’ and houses some of the rarest Himalayan species. Instead of Snow, you will find an open valley filled with blossoms perfect for botanic explorations and photography. It is not the best season for skiing; however, the other beauties of this place definitely support it being a part of the places to visit in Kashmir in July listed as sightseeing explore.
Entry: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 3 to 5 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
8. Kupawara
One of the more unknown places to visit in Kashmir in July, come away to Kupawara if you want to escape the crowds. Lolab Valley is a primary location among vacationers and photographers who want to experience Kashmir in its natural beauty. The best month of the year to visit this hidden gem is the period of June to September. Kupawara also has its own version of Kashmiri cuisine that tourists must try. It is one of the most soulful and silent valleys of Kashmir, always worth a visit.
Entry: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
9. Gurez
The state of Kashmir boasts of a well-preserved, ancient art of woodwork and wool fabric. Gurez is a heavenly valley that visitors can only reach after procuring proper permits. Every year in the month of July or August, the internationally acclaimed Gurez festival is held in this valley to spread knowledge about the evolving culture and cuisine of Kashmir. People from all over Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh come here to explore a valley that was once a connecting spot on the Silk Route. The captivating, once-in-a-lifetime experience of attending the Gurez festival makes it one of the most coveted Tourist Places in Kashmir in July.
Entry: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 4 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
10. Kargil
here is another hill station located in the drier parts of Kashmir, that is a preferred spot for sightseeing in Kashmir in July. Kargil is a historical location where the patriotic war between India and Pakistan was fought. While the roads to Kargil can sometimes be blocked due to heavy rain, they are in relatively good condition. The weather is really pleasant and the temperature is tolerable in Kargil during this month owing to the general summer season and added humidity. The famous Dras War Memorial and Mulbekh Monastery are great visits for the month.
Entry: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions?
The most popular local festival celebrated in Kashmir is the Hemis festival. While Amarnath Yatra is not typically a festival, endless celebrations, fairs, and religious enthusiasm make the month of July a time to remember.
The period of July to September is considered off-season in Kashmir. While it is not that crowded during this time, a healthy amount of tourists still continue to visit almost every location throughout Kashmir.
The most popular pilgrimage destination in Kashmir for the month of July is the Amarnath cave. It is the most popular destination among all places to visit in Kashmir in July.
Final Thought!!
We have prepared special Kashmir travel packages for the month of July to help our clients complete a stress-free, wholesome trip that focuses on seasonal advantages instead of following a general itinerary. Our aim is to make sure that travellers get to experience the underrated glories of this place without wasting any unnecessary time on incompatible activities. We also prepare customized Kashmir travel packages to suit the specific needs and interests of each member of your family or friend group!
