Whenever you think of a fulfilling summer vacation in India, you undoubtedly think of Kashmir. Exploring Kashmir in Summer is not only India’s paradise on earth but also the most ravishing location to find snow, meadows, springs, rivers, waterfalls and more all in the same place! The valley of Kashmir also seems to have the largest number of hill stations all equal in importance and beauty to travelers from around the world. Every month in summer here is further immortalized by the multiple religious and cultural festivals that take place one after the other in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. If this makes you feel all the more excited to visit the popular and underrated locations of Kashmir in your next holidays, we have brought for you the only guide you will ever need. In this blog article, we will share with you the top 15 places to visit in Kashmir in Summer that will rejuvenate the journey of Kashmir.
Weather in Kashmir in Summer!!
Summers in Kashmir bring different climatic experiences depending on the location as well as the altitude. In most big hill stations of Kashmir like Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg, summer is a pleasant and windy period of 4 to 5 months characterized by sudden unpredictable bouts of rain. Snow is still available on most high-altitude tracks at the beginning of summer but it quickly melts away. There are perhaps only one or two trails where you will find snow in the month of May or June. At the same time, this also means that lakes, rivers and waterfalls are overflowing with clear sparkling water this time of the year. The average temperature in Kashmir in summer is around 15°C to 30°C but on some cold nights it can fall down to 9°C.
Places To Visit In Kashmir In Summer That Bring Out Your Adventurous Side
1. Srinagar
This city is a top tourist attraction throughout the year – but in our opinion, it shines best in summer. Srinagar, from March to July, is thronged by traditional artists and sellers from different towns and villages of Kashmir who display their amazing work. The air is clear and tourists can easily spot The horizon from hilltops such as the Shankaracharya Hill and Pari Mahal.
This amazing view against the clear sparkling waters of Dal Lake makes it a pleasure to experience the houseboat kind of living. Last but not least, Srinagar gives birth to countless flower beds during this time, some of which you can spot during the Tulip festival in Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi Bagh etc.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
Also Read: A Complete Travel Guide to Srinagar with Tourist Places
2. Gulmarg
Most visitors come to this majestic Valley in winter expecting to see snow. Only true travellers know that Gulmarg also has a vibrant, colourful summer side – embedded literally in its name which translates to ‘the Meadow of Flowers’. This destination is one of the top Places to visit in Kashmir in Summer for travellers to enjoy nature walks, magnificent snow-capped peaks and peaceful sunsets.
Gulmarg also happens to be the golf capital of India and you can enjoy natural golf courses for hours when you visit this town. Top skiing locations here do have snow throughout the year and even if you are not sporty you can still enjoy the view by riding the Gulmarg Gondola. You should also give this destination a try if you are looking forward to experiencing your first-ever frozen waterfall in Kashmir.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
3. Aru Valley
This adventure valley close to Pahalgam is a total adrenaline package! The Aru Village is dedicated to creative experiences like paragliding, rock climbing, overnight camping, trekking, white river rafting on the Lidder River etc. The summer season has adequate wind, moisture and temperature for all of these activities – plus you will not be bound by the heavy rainfall that comes post-monsoon! From the calm banks of Aru, many travellers walk ahead to reach Chandanwadi, a one of a kind meadow that rewards visitors with the most promising bird eye view of the Central Kashmir Valley. The summer months from April to July are also suitable for a further trek right to the breathtaking Kolahoi Glacier. You will find both snow and glacial ice at the top!
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 6 to 8 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
4. Tulian Lake Trek
Although this Trek is short, it is definitely to be counted as the experience of a lifetime. The Tulian Lake is a summer-only trek and takes the hikers through dense coniferous forests, open alpine meadows that remind travellers of Swiss and Austrian summers and the alpine Tulian valley lying super close to the snow-white mountain peaks. The best spots where you will be resting are the Baisaran meadow, Deno Valley and the rocky, mossy banks of the lake itself which is too high for any other vegetation to grow. On your way, you will pass by Kashmiri shepherd boys, local gatherers and craftsmen, wild herds of ponies and several gushing, snow-white streams. This lake is definitely one of the top tourist places in Kashmir in summer.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
5. Great Lakes Of Kashmir Trek
The beauty of this trail is that it takes trekkers through a 360° journey of the Central Kashmir Valley. Most locations covered in this journey are situated in the dry alpine wilderness, and almost all of the six lakes have a long drawn, religious past. These 6 lakes are Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Gangabal, Krishansar and Nundkol. In between these open green valleys and rocky steep ascents, travellers pass through dangerous lanes like the Gadsar Pass, Nichnai Pass and Zaj Pass. Some quaint picture perfect hamlets that you will pass on your way are Naranag and Shitkadi. The Great Lakes of Kashmir Trek provides ample opportunity for young travellers to experience camping, photography, stargazing and even alpine fishing!
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 7 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
6. Sonmarg
Golden meadows, silvery rivers and shining fields of periwinkle – who wouldn’t count such a location among the top places to visit in Kashmir in Summer? Sonmarg is strategically situated close to both the Thajiwas Glacier and the Great Lakes of Kashmir. You can arrange for a visit to one or more of these lakes while staying in Sonmarg – the lakes being Satsar, Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar and Gangabal Lake. The banks of Nilagrad River surrounded by open pine forests and grassy cliffs make for a great location for photography, picnics, family games etc. Visitors who want to experience traditional Kashmiri life can also spend a weekend in the nearby Sarbal Village. Looking for Snow? Don’t forget to drive across the challenging Zoji La Pass to visit the best Zero Point in Kashmir.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 6 to 8 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
7. Yusmarg
The summers undoubtedly bring large tourist crowds to Kashmir. If you wish to experience the best of sightseeing in Kashmir in summer without being tormented by large crowds of visitors, you should come to Yusmarg. Situated at a high altitude, the ‘Meadow Of Jesus’ is characterized by lush green, blossoming meadows and moist pastures upon which both domestic and wild sheep graze. The dense pine forest that surrounds these grasslands is also a captivating, mysterious experience in themselves. A foaming Dudhganga river flows below and white tufts of clouds cover the grey skies. Popular tourist destinations in Yusmarg are the Pakherpora Shrine, Charari Sherief, Nilnag Lake and Sang-e-Safed.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
8. Hemis
Enthusiasts of geography will agree that summer is a great time to visit Ladakh. This is because the summer months unfold much of the regional Ladakhi lifestyle – agriculture, travelling, handicraft and even local fauna. The open, rocky desert mountains all around the Hemis Gompa can take anyone’s breath away. The Gompa itself is a historic building housing tremendous wisdom and knowledge for believers and tourists alike. The month of June also welcomes one of the biggest festivals of Ladakh – the Hemis festival which celebrates the victory of good over evil. Further, if you want to visit one of the largest high elevation National Parks in Kashmir in Summer to spot some unknown species of animals, Hemis is once again the best place to go to.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
9. Katra
This historic temple town close to Jammu has a lot to offer to both religious and nature tourists. Devotees who wish to visit the Vaishno Devi temple have to travel from Jammu City to Katra before they can start their pilgrimage on foot. These days Katra also provides pony rides, palanquins and even helicopter rides that take devotees straight to the Vaishno Devi campus. Similarly Katra is the starting point for a walk to the Gauri Mata Mandir and Bhaironath Mandir. It is perhaps the best town in Kashmir to purchase religious crafts, local veg food including dum aloo and fruits like apples, oranges etc. The beautiful open forests all around this town make way for great hiking and climbing adventures!
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
10. Dachigam National Park
One of the largest bio reserves in Jammu and Kashmir, this National Park is counted among the top tourist places to visit in Kashmir in summer. It is located close to Srinagar and covers about 141 sq km of forest. Apart from this the whole place is covered in wilderness, thick deciduous forests and pine coverings on the top. Tourists love to spend their days in Dachigam walking through wild trails, spotting birds, having a picnic, clicking nature and portrait photographs etc. The local exotic species that you can spot here is the brown trout, snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Kashmir stag, Kashmir flycatcher, Himalayan rubythroat etc. Since most mountain animals go into hibernation in the winter months, summer is definitely the best time to visit this place.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 2 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
11. Leh
Another City that is riddled with festivals all through the summer months is Leh. Matho Nagrang is celebrated in the month of February to March. Saka Dawa is celebrated all over Ladakh in the last week of may or the first week of June. A popular modern cultural festival that raises awareness about the historic and contemporary significance of the Indus River – Sindhu Darshan festival – is also held in June every year. During the end of the summer season, the most popular Ladakh Festival is celebrated in Leh City each year. Popular tourist attractions that you will find here shining In the summer sun of Ladakh are the Shanti Stupa, Thiksey Gompa, Leh Palace and Namgyal Tsemo. Don’t forget to drive into the Nubra Valley and visit the mystical Pangong Tso Lake.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
12. Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek
A classic summer trek of Kashmir, this journey starts from the moist, deep valleys of Anantnag and travels through the remnants of Himachali forests to enter the coniferous and then the alpine realm. The twin lakes Tarsar and Marsar remain surrounded by snow-covered Pir Panjal ranges and mysterious forested cliffs. The banks of these lakes are covered in alpine flower beds of periwinkles, violets, and foxgloves that shine golden in the afternoon light. It is easy to spot wild ponies, sheep and a few rare birds on this extensive trekking journey. The lakes are also suitable for some adventurous sports in the summer months which include paragliding, angling and overnight camping, of course!
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
13. Nafran Valley Trek
At this point, let us admit it, trekking is the best way to experience nature sightseeing in Kashmir in summer! One of the best trails you can walk on is the Nafran Valley trek. Between the months of June and October, this high altitude Valley is inhabited by nomad Shepherds who live in traditional mud houses and venture out everyday in search of the best quality pastures. You will find mountain goats, cattle and horses in plenty during this time and will also be able to partic in regional dairy delicacies. On your way you will visit the virgin Harnag Lake, flourishing Gaganpathri Meadow and camp in the alpine Arampathri. If you want to experience Kashmir away from the urbanized tourist cities, this has to be among the best places to visit in Kashmir in summer for you!
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 7 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
14. Pulwama
Known as the rice bowl of Kashmir, this destination is dotted with plantations, paddy fields and saffron cultivation sites. Pulwama is a gorgeous city with all the luxuries imaginable – it is specially chosen by travellers looking for gastronomic tourism culture exposure tourism. At the same time, Pulwama also happens to be a religious destination for sightseeing in Kashmir in summer; devotees from all over India visit this city during Shivratri and Guru Purnima to pay homemade at Avantiswami Temple, Avantishwar Temple and Hundur Monastery. The gorgeous architecture of the Pulwama Jama Masjid is an equally inspiring religious Shrine. Waterfalls, hot water springs and the banks of the Jhelum River add beauty to this location.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
15. Verinag
Did you know that the mighty river Jhelum originates from a tiny hot water spring in Kashmir? Located in the holy Anantnag district, this town is home to a beautiful Mughal Garden that comes to life during the blooming summer season. The ancient Martand Sun Temple stands atop a densely forested cliff – rendering a magnificent view of the valley. Close to this town are the twin towns of Kokernag and Achabal, boasting similar hot water springs, Mughal gardens and even a waterfall. Baked after the Nila Nag, this quaint town offers unparalleled views of the Pir Panjal ranges. When here, you must not overlook the unique cultural beauty of the Kapran Village nearby!
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. Kashmir in summer is mostly pleasant but visitors still need to dress up in woolen clothes. You can discard innerwear and select only one or two layers of winter clothing and you will be good to go!
A. Kashmir does not have snowfall in summer. Residual snow can be seen in some high altitude regions of Gulmarg, Thajiwas, Tulian Lake etc.
A. It is believed that in Kashmir, summer lasts from the second or third week of March to the last week of August. Sometimes monsoons come in early August and shorten the summer season.
Conclusion!!
Did you enjoy this surprising and informative guide to the Best Places to visit in Kashmir in summer? If so, come away to the TRISOJ travel planning programme and choose your very own customized Kashmir Travel Package for Summer! With the help of our knowledgeable travel experts, you can even select your accommodation, meals, restaurants, transportation and all similar expenses in advance. Contact us without delay to know more.
