When is the best time to visit Kashmir? Well, there is no wrong answer to this. Often known as “The Heaven on Earth”, Kashmir is a place that is a dream destination for many. Every month, every season brings its own unique charm. It is no surprise that the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan wrote the lines “If there is Paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this” after visiting Kashmir in its full glory. There is a lot to discover and do in Kashmir. So in this article, I will tell you about the worst and best times to visit Kashmir. We will also explore some of the cheapest things to do in Kashmir so that you can get the whole experience without burning a hole in your pocket.
Understanding Kashmir’s Changing Weathers
Kashmir is a wonder of this earth, however, deciding the best time to visit Kashmir completely depends on your preferences and travel budget. Below is a brief of each season and month that they onset to help you.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is the season of ultimate beauty, not just in Kashmir but everywhere in the world. It is the onset of new beginnings and hope. I would definitely recommend planning your trip to this place in the spring season.
The flowers start blooming from March which lasts till early May. The temperature is pleasant and mild ranging from 14 to 19 degrees making it extremely comfortable for sightseeing and exploring the outdoors.
Pack a picnic basket and stroll through the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden which is also the largest tulip garden in Asia. I’m sure you can take some very instaworthy pictures here with views painted in hues of orange, yellow, red, pink, and every other color in the rainbow.
Summer (June to August)
In Kashmir valley, summer lasts from late May till August. The weather is cool and pleasant with tourists visiting in large numbers to enjoy this heaven on earth.
However, a large number of tourists means higher prices on hotel rooms and flight tickets. I would recommend booking everything in advance so that you can get some amazing deals and discounts.
During late August, the weather starts to warm a little with temperatures going as high as 45 degrees. This heat can feel a little uncomfortable for some people but it’s not something a little sunscreen and an umbrella can’t fix!
For adventure lovers, this is the best time to visit Kashmir for trekking, camping, river rafting, and other outdoor activities. If you have the time and resources, rent a cab and explore a little further by traveling to high-altitude regions like Leh and Ladakh.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn in Kashmir is truly a magical sight to witness. It is the perfect time to visit this place to enjoy the beauty of nature. The views are literally something out of a Bollywood movie making everything look like a beautiful painting.
The weather starts to cool down with temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees. This is the absolute ideal time for a vacation with golden leaves and clear blue skies.
In the local language, the autumn season is known as “Harud”. The leaves of the famous Chinar and Apple trees turn red, then golden, and then finally fall on the ground making it seem like a red carpet.
One of the best ways to experience autumn to the fullest in Kashmir is to take a shikhara ride to Chaar Chinar. It is also the harvesting season when you can visit the saffron fields in Pampore which is also known as the saffron capital of India and witness the farmers hand-plucking this precious spice.
Winter (December to February)
“Chanda chamke cham cham”, does this song ring some bells? Well, if not, then this particular song from the movie “Fanaa” was my whole childhood. It was after watching this song that I decided to take a trip to Kashmir in winter.
There is nothing in this whole entire world that looks prettier than the snow-capped mountains in Kashmir. The lush greenery is now completely covered under a thick blanket of snow. The famous Dal Lake is now frozen turning Kashmir into a winter wonderland.
The temperatures can drop below freezing with the region receiving heavy rainfall. The onset of winter also brings local festivals such as the Gulmarg Winter Festival, and experience the local music, dance, and delicacies during this.
However, traveling to Kashmir during this time can be a little dangerous. There are chances of you getting stuck in heavy snow or landslides. So travel at your own risk, taking a direct flight to Srinagar is a great option because you can avail cheap air tickets and hotel rooms during this time.
What to do in Kashmir?
There are many interesting things to do in Kashmir that are also cheap and easily accessible. Whether you are an adventurous spirit or someone who is looking for a peaceful getaway, there is something for everyone here. Let’s talk about some of those things:
Take a Shikara Ride on Dal Lake
If you are in Kashmir and do not visit the Dal Lake to take a Shikara ride, you are missing out! With snow-capped mountains, picture-perfect views, and majestic views of the lake, you will have a wonderful and mesmerizing experience.
So, wear something traditional or boho and take a ride on the traditional and beautiful houseboat. Lack back and enjoy the sounds of nature, the chirping of boats, and the flowing of water away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
If you are looking to get away from the daily pollution of the city then you definitely should go and take a Shikara ride on Dal Lake. It is one of the best and most affordable things to do in Kashmir during the month of June.
Spend a Night in a Houseboat
Spending a night in a houseboat floating at the Dal Lake is something that you cannot miss. This activity is quite popular among the newlyweds. The houseboats are equipped with Wifi and airport transfer facilities.
For those, who want to experience Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage, then houseboats are the best accommodation option for travelers. These houseboats may seem old but are quite sturdy with intricately carved interiors.
These houseboats are available in different variants from small to huge. However, whatever the size, you are bound to have a luxurious experience at all of them. It is an out-of-the-world experience to sip your morning tea amidst the mountains.
The cost of the stay depends on the time you decide to visit and the kind of houseboat you book. Usually, it starts from INR 2,000 and is available throughout the year.
Gondola Cable Car Ride
Riding the Gondola Cable car is one of the famous things to do in Kashmir. One should definitely ride the cable car and witness the glorious views of snowcapped mountains. The best time to take this ride is during the month of May because it is the peak of the spring season.
This activity is a big hit among travelers who come to see the beauty of Kashmir from across the world. For those who are not afraid of heights, traveling through the mountains in a cable car is just the kind of adrenaline rush that you are looking for.
Remember to wear good woolen and shoes, and carry gloves if you are traveling in winter. It is open and available for people for a whole year but according to me, the best to time visit is during the months of March to May. The ticket starts selling at Rs. 700 which is quite decent.
Explore Mughal Gardens
Exploring the Mughal gardens in Kashmir is something that one should do at least once in their lifetime. I can assure you to be mesmerized by the beauty of these natural beauty-laden gardens.
As the name suggests, the intricate architecture dates back to the era of the Mughals. The interiors are influenced by the Persian style. One of my personal favorites is the Charbagh structure, it signifies the importance of the peaceful co-existence of humans with nature’s elements.
Pack an old bedsheet and relax here for some time or take a stroll around the gardens and soak in the serene beauty of the hills. It is a great place to be rejuvenated and get back to your daily life with a bang!
While you are there, you must also take a detour to Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Pari Mahal, Chashma Sahi Garden, etc. it overlooks the Dal Lake making it a beautiful sight. It is also one of the cheapest things to do in Kashmir as the ticket price starts at just Rs.20.
Shop for Woolens and more in Kashmir
If you are in Kashmir, you should definitely spare one day for shopping at Mall Road. there are some things that are available only in Kashmir that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. The handicrafts of the local artisans is unique with a lot of variety.
People from all over the world come here, especially for their exquisite craftsmanship, and take back souvenirs as memories of this magical place. Though expensive, the Kashmiri carpets made of both wool and silk are an investment for generations to come. Moreover, the Pashmina shawls and handmade paper mache products are something that makes Kashmir world famous.
Other than that, the Kashmiri walnuts and saffron are a must-buy product of this land. So, plan your trip accordingly, go shopping in Kashmir, and take back home some of the most amazing handicrafts that will always remind you of the wonderful time you had here.
Relish Kashmiri Delicacies
You have no real fun if have not tried the local cuisines like Kashmiri. If you happen to be there, then you must try the Kashmiri Wazwan which is a royal Kashmiri feast consisting of 36 dishes. Its preparation required tedious concentration and time.
If you are a non-vegetarian then, this a heaven for you.
Other than that, while you are in the local market, you must try the Kashmiri Kahwa (tea) to quench your thirst. It is not only tasty but healthy as well.
Camping in Kashmir
If you are feeling a little adventurous, then camping under the stars in Kashmir is all you need. Surrounded by the mountains with peaceful sounds of water flowing, and insects chirping, it puts you right to sleep.
Witness the perfect sunrise in the morning and breathe in the clean air away from the daily hustle and bustle of city life. There are many sites in Kashmir where you can set up your camp, but nothing can beat camping in Pahalgam.
The best time to go camping would be autumn, that is around March to October.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that there is no worst or best time to visit Kashmir. It all just depends on your travel preferences and budget. You can travel to Kashmir during the summer and autumn seasons and have access to all the major activities around town. Though, you may have to pre-book the tickets.
But if you are looking for a change of environment, then visiting during the off-season will be a great choice. You will even get a discount on flight tickets and hotel rooms.
All in all, Kashmir is a great destination to spend your vacation. So, pack your bags, book your tickets, and visit this dream destination with your loved ones!
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