The month of March seems like the official start of the warm season in Kashmir. But it is still spring this time of the year, and some of the most beautiful places in Kashmir are covered in flowers. It is after all one of the busiest months of the Year – tourists from all over the world come here to enjoy their semester breaks, yearly breaks and professional vacations before the start of the new financial year. Apart from newly sprouted flower beds, March is the month for short shining showers, brief clouds in the sky and fresh vegetation in both alpine and subalpine regions. What are some top places to visit in Kashmir in March? Let us take a look!
Weather Conditions in Kashmir in March
Kashmir in March has a warm climate (average temperature 6.9°C) but the minimum average temperature can also reach a minus value (-2.9°C). There is a moderate chance for rainfall and the average precipitation during this month is 63 mm. Snowfall stops in almost every corner of the state and blocked winter roads open up. This is also the time when warm treks begin again all over Kashmir and snow treks lose their seasonal value. Tourists are still going to need heavy woollens while visiting places outside of the city.
Tourist Places in Kashmir In March Welcome To The Paradise Of Flowers
1. Srinagar
One of the biggest cities of Kashmir to explore in March, this tourist destination is flocked and crowded in the month of March. The Shikara Festival, a modern festival organised to traditionally welcome summer, sees all the traditional boats at Dal Lake renewed and freshly decorated, competing against each other in friendly rivalry. On certain odd years when summer arrives late, the international Srinagar Tulip festival is also held in the month of March. Mughal Gardens like Chashma Shahi, Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh are fully decked with flowers during this time of the year making them the most popular places to visit in Kashmir in March.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
2. Gulmarg
Most of the snow in lower areas of Gulmarg melts by the end of March and the valley transforms into a sacred bowl of rare flower beds against an alpine green backdrop. The higher altitudes have remained perennially covered in snow and become some of the best locations for skiing and golfing in India. You can still enjoy white carpeted views From your Gulmarg Gondola ride and find chunks of Snow line around in the virgin Khilanmarg Meadow. Another must-visit is the frozen, breathtaking Drung Waterfall looks like it’s straight out of a documentary about Siberia or Alaska! There are many tourist places in Gulmarg that offer breathtaking sightseeing for travellers.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 3 to 5 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
3. Pahalgam
A land of natural beauty and unique adventures, This hill station of Kashmir is one of the most popular places to visit in Kashmir in March. The pristine Tulian Lake that remains accessible in the winter months Is once again available for tourists, this time its waters have risen and are refreshed by the melted snow. Every Bollywood lover’s ultimate dream, the Betaab Valley where the classic film Betaab was shot Is covered with new grass, weeds and flowers. The Sheshnag Lake with its light blue, almost opaque waters is also a must-visit sightseeing in Pahalgam. The ancient Mamal Temple surrounded by snow-capped vistas is an experience that cannot be compared with any other.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 2 to 3 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
4. Aru Valley
Close to Pahalgam, this Valley of Adventures shines brightly during the spring and early summer as it is the perfect time for tourists of all ages to engage in their favourite mountain sports. Aru Village is dotted with beautiful homestays and luxurious hotels, and you can even get camping options for a night of bonfire and stargazing. Aru is home to some of the best paragliding, rock climbing and hiking options. Families love a picnic on the banks of the clear and overloaded Lidder Valley of Spring! You can also trek to Chandanwali and then Kolahoi Glacier from Aru – another major travel destination in Kashmir in March.
Entry fee: 25 INR per person
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
5. Vaishno Devi, Jammu
This is one of the divine places in March in Kashmir, March month that is considered suitable for a pleasant walk from Katra to Vaishno Devi. The Vaishno Devi Mata Mandir is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in Kashmir for worshipping and sightseeing in Kashmir in March. The temperature range is between 17°C and 6°C this time of the year. Rain however is quite common during the journey to Vaishno Devi Mata Mandir. The Vaishno Devi cave has existed for millions of years as well and its presence has been accounted in the ancient Hindu texts and legends. Other equally popular temples to visit while in Katra are the Gauri Mandir and Bhairavnath Temple.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 8 hours
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
6. Dachigam National Park
In late March, the Himalayan brown bears are fully awake and become visible as they forage for food in this National Park. The Himalayan black bears, Kashmiri stag and Musk deer all resume normal summer lives in the Dachigam National Park is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir in March. The hidden pathways in this Park that remained inaccessible due to heavy snowfall in the winter are cleared up and open for a quick trek. Dachigam is also home to some of the rarest Himalayan orchids, medicinal herbs and other botanical masterpieces.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 1 to 2 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
7. Patnitop
An unworldly paradise unknown to most tourists, this underrated name among the top tourist places to visit in Kashmir in March is the perfect spot for slow vacationers. Surrounded by open forests, clear trickling streams winding around subalpine meadows upon which herds of wild ponies graze, there are ample places throughout this hill station for leisurely walks, nature photography, and camping and there are the various activities in Patnitop that you can enjoy during your Kashmir Tour. Patnitop is also famous for paragliding if you wish to avoid the bigger crowds of Pahalgam. Take this wonderful opportunity to trek to Sanasar Lake, a gorgeous body of water hidden among the Pir Panjal ranges. It is a famous destination for bikers as well!
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
8. Anantnag
This a land of hot water springs, thick forests and deep gorges. The virgin waterfalls of Achabal and Aharbal are in their best form right after the snow melts. Further, many other temporary falls grace random corners of every mountain road in Anantnag. White fluffy clouds and brief rainfall add momentum to every trip. Kokernag is one of the most coveted tourist places to visit in Kashmir in March, home to luscious gardens built by Jahangir and Shah Jahan, along with the holy hot water springs. Did you know the Verinag spring is the birthplace of Jhelum!
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
9. Thajiwas Glacier
For lovers of arduous, challenging treks, Kashmir in March must be fascinating. In the third or fourth week of this month, one of the most diverse natural journeys opens up for tourists – The Thajiwas Glacier. It only takes 2 to 3 hours to reach the Thajiwas viewpoint, from where you can see the heavy icy glacier in the month of March. The pathway takes tourists through untouched meadows, glorious forests and snow-covered river banks on the way. During this time the weather is still cold but snowfall has stopped. Most trekkers camp overnight at the misty, chilly summit and enjoy an experience of their lives.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 4 hours
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
10. Poonch
A completely unique district of Kashmir harbouring the best of both Kashmiri and Doon cultures, this popular spot for sightseeing in Kashmir in March shines the best in early spring. Being a low-altitude region, Poonch receives new blossoms much before the test of Kashmir. Being off-season, tourists can get the full enjoyment of ‘Mini Kashmir’ by visiting sightseeing spots like Noori Chamb and Surankote Valley. There are several homestays and hostels available for bikers who make a detour towards Poonch before heading towards Uttarakhand or Ladakh.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
11. Bhaderwah
Who doesn’t love a casual vacation filled with delightful sights? Bhaderwah is a rolling, open hamlet surrounded by round hills and pine grooves. The best time to visit Bhaderwah is between December to March. During this time, the town is covered in regular snowfall and temporary roads are built by removing the soft tufts of ice to make way for vehicles. The surrounding meadows become welcoming grazing grounds for local herds. This is the popular spot for sightseeing in Kashmir in March was known in ancient India as ‘Naag Ki Bhoomi‘. Make it a point to try Bhaderwah Rajma when you are here!
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
12. Pulwama
March in the ‘Rice Bowl Of Kashmir‘ is wet and sunny, with a 39% chance of snow and rain. On certain years, the Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek opens up in late March – but during this time all you will see are pathways of snow as flowers in alpine meadows don’t bloom till June! Two archaeological masterpieces, Avantiswami Temple and Avantishwar Temple, draw devotees from all over Kashmir for the Shivaratri and Ram Navami celebrations. Other must-visit destinations for sightseeing in Kashmir in March all located nearby are Shikargah and the ancient Payer Temple.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
13. Hemis National Park
A high altitude, cold desert National Park that is covered with arid open valleys and snow-capped peaks – what can be more magical than that? Hemis National Park is located on the banks of the Indus River in the north of the Indian Himalayas. In the month of March, the National Park is the perfect balance between a dry moonlike landscape and valleys of carpeted snow. It is the largest notified national park of India and the second-largest contiguous protected area. On your journey you might come across some wild snow leopards, unique plants that only grow in Ladakh and most importantly – the clearest sky you will ever see.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 1 to 2 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. The Tulip Festival is held for 15 to 20 days in the months of February and March, organised by the Horticulture Department Of Kashmir.
A. Kashmir in March has chilly but intense weather and there is a great change between the first and the last week of this month. The average temperature is 6.9°C and the average precipitation is 63 mm.
A. The Dachigam National Park is famous for bird watching in the month of March in Kashmir.
Conclusion
Are you looking for the perfect Kashmir travel package in March with brand-new deals and discounts on your favourite activities? You have come to the right place – head over to the official TRISOJ website and get a chance to talk to our experienced and advanced travel team who can create your own little adventure plan in a matter of seconds, keeping in mind the personalised interests of you and your loved once in the form of an Ultimate March Kashmir tour package.
