Planning A Kashmir Trip? This List Of 17 Things To Do Will Have Your Holiday Sorted! 

Disclaimer: We are serious about content integrity and staying true to our readers. Thus, you can be assured that any article you read across our website is free of bias and is not produced by AI-platforms. Also, this post contains a few affiliate links. If you click on them to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read about our editorial policies.      

Truth be told, I used to believe Kashmir was an over-hyped destination until I actually visited the Indian Union Territory. But once I was there, I experienced a kind of peace like never before. 

I was in sheer awe, as I witnessed the majestic Himalayas and wandered around the gorgeous valleys, feeling the crisp in the air. 

There are tons of things to do in Kashmir for both nature lovers and adventure seekers — from hiking around the Great Lakes in Sonamarg to driving down the topsy-turvy lanes leading to Gurez, from walking around the meadows of Gool to witnessing the colors of autumn painting Dachigam in all shades of crimson and scarlet. 

If you’re planning a trip to this ‘heaven on Earth’, here are the 17 best things to do in Kashmir that you should bookmark. 

1. Soak In The Serenity Of Srinagar

Nestled in the valley, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir oozes with natural beauty, and will surely leave you speechless. Home to the quaint Dal Lake and the gorgeous Mughal Gardens where tulips bloom every spring, Srinagar has so much to offer that you might need a good amount of time to explore its nooks and corners.

Embrace the echoes of history as you wander through the narrow lanes of the old city, exploring the centuries-old mosques, including Hazratbal Masjid and Khanqah-e-Moula, and the bustling bazaar at Lal Chowk.

How to reach Srinagar?

All major Indian cities have direct flights to Srinagar, and that’s the best way to reach this place. The nearest railway station to Srinagar is the Jammu Tawi railway station, which is 300 km away.

You can also take the State Transport Bus or any private AC or non-AC bus to Srinagar from Jammu Tawi station, which will be more affordable than taking a cab.

Things to do in Srinagar

• Stay in a houseboat on the Dal Lake
• Go for a shikhara ride in the morning and shop at the floating market on the Dal Lake
• Visit Gulshan Bookstore at Lal Chowk, where you’ll find a wide range of books written by local authors
• Visit the Mughal Garden, Char Chinar, Shalimar Bagh and Nishad Bagh

Best time to visit Srinagar

April to October is the most popular time to explore Srinagar, though Srinagar can be visited any time of the year. Depending on which month you choose to travel, you’ll get to have a different experience.

April is springtime, and you’ll get a chance to witness the tulips blooming in the valley. May to September is pleasant, with day temperatures varying from 22 degrees Centigrade to 25 degrees Centigrade, while night temperature is around 18 degrees Centigrade. October experiences autumn, and you’ll find all shades of red and orange, with dried chinar leaves adding magic to the entire city. November to March is the winter season, when you’ll get to enjoy snowfall.

Traveling soon? Book your room from this list of the top stays in Srinagar!

2. Go Snowboarding In Gulmarg

Kashmir in Winter gets covered in a thick layer of snow, making it look like Narnia! As the temperature drops below zero degrees, you can just spend hours gazing at the snowfall in Gulmarg. The scope of adventure sports also opens up — such as skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, or taking a gondola ride in Gulmarg. 

How to reach Gulmarg?

There are no railway stations in Gulmarg, and the nearest airport is in Srinagar. You can take a taxi from Srinagar to reach Gulmarg, covering a distance of approximately 50 km. The drive will be extremely pleasant, and you’ll enjoy the scenic beauty on your way.

There’s no direct bus from Srinagar to Gulmarg, hence if you’re planning to travel by bus, you’ll first have to go to Tangmarg from Srinagar, from where you can take another bus to Gulmarg.

Things to do in Gulmarg

• Take a ride on the Gulmarg gondola
• Visit a strawberry farm and enjoy fresh, juicy strawberries
• Have a meal at the Glass Igloo Cafe in Gulmarg
• Try skiing and snowboarding in Gulmarg
• Visit one of the highest golf clubs in the world, located in Gulmarg
• Witness the majestic beauty of the Drung Waterfall

Best time to visit Gulmarg

If you’re planning to experience snowboarding in Gulmarg, then winter is the best time to visit. Otherwise, people prefer to visit hill stations like Gulmarg during summer, when the weather is pleasant, and the meadows turn lush green, blanketed with fresh flowers.

3. Go For The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Hands down, the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek can easily pass as the most gorgeous Himalayan trek in India and one of the best things to do in Kashmir. You’ll get closer to the mountains, hiking along breathtaking landscapes and emerald alpine lakes. 

This high-altitude trek passes through five river valleys, and enchanting meadows, and crosses seven alpine lakes in Kashmir. The combination of the stunning lakes and the spectacular mountain ranges makes this a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience. 

Things to do during the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

• Start your trek from Sonmarg from where you can see the Thajiwas Glacier.
• Over eight days, you can cross the Nichanai Valley, two picturesque lakes (Kishansar & Vishansar) and walk through the Gadsar Pass (nearly 4,200 mts). 
• End your trek at Naranang, which is another quaint Himalayan hamlet.

What is the best time for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

July to mid-September is the best time to do the trek when the valley is lush green and the meadows are blooming with flowers.

4. Explore The Quaint Town Of Gool

In case you are confusing Gool with Gulmarg, these are two different places in Jammu and Kashmir. While Gulmarg has now become extremely popular among travelers, Gool is still a hidden gem, waiting to be discovered! 

It’s a small town located in the Ramban District of Jammu and Kashmir, surrounded by the mighty Himalayas. I’ve been lucky to visit Gool with a friend who calls this place ‘home’ and she took me around Gool’s lush green meadows and fairy-tale-like houses popping up at a distance from each other. Interestingly, Gool is a community village with only 17 houses. 

Away from the chaos and cacophony of urban life, and the hustles of touristy areas, Gool still breathes in freshness and calmness.

Did You Know? 

Gool is home to a famous ancient site called ‘Ghora gali’. Here, you can see ruins of giant sculptures, believed to date back to the time of the Mahabharata. Over decades, there have been several insurgencies in this region, and the locals were also not mindful of preserving these monolithic rock carvings, until recently.

How to reach Gool?

The connectivity to Gool is yet not developed, and the only way to reach here is by car. You can take a bus from Jammu to Ramban, from where you’ll have to take a taxi (private/shared) to reach Gool.

Gool is located at a distance of approximately 160km from Jammu and about 190km from Srinagar.

Things to do in Gool

• Visit Ghora gali and learn about the history of the place
• Go for a sunset view at Dagan Top 
• Walk around Mazimkund Cricket Ground
• Get some Insta-worthy photos at Jabbar Meadows

Best time to visit Gool

March to October is the best time to visit Gool, and the roads are also accessible during this time. November to February receives heavy snowfall in this region, and roads are often blocked.

TWT Tip: While planning a trip to Kashmir, make sure to have a postpaid connection (BSNL, Jio, or Airtel). Prepaid connections don’t work in the valley.

5. Take A Road trip to Gurez Valley

Even a decade back, Gurez Valley was a hidden gem and a place only visited by the locals of Kashmir. But in the last couple of years, social media has shed enough limelight on this tranquil valley in Kashmir that offers postcard-perfect views of the majestic Habba Khatoon Peak, surrounded by lush green forests and meadows, with pristine streams flowing through. 

The best part about Gurez is the journey to the valley, as you get to soak in serene vistas on the way. This region of Kashmir receives heavy snowfall every year, and the valley remains disconnected from the rest of the world for nearly six months. 

TWT Tip: Stop at a roadside dhaba on the way to Gurez from Srinagar, and have some chai and maggi while witnessing the beauty around you. I bet you’ll forget about the woes of life!

How to reach Gurez Valley?

The distance from Srinagar to Gurez is approximately 140 km, and the best way to travel is by road. You can hire a private cab or opt for a shared taxi from the Batmaloo bus stand in Srinagar to Bandipore.

From Bandipore, you will have to take another cab to reach Dawar in Gurez Valley. Also, a special travel permit is required to visit Gurez Valley, which can be obtained on the way, from Bandipore Police Station.

There’s no direct bus from Srinagar to Gurez Valley. You can take a bus to Bandipora from Srinagar and from there, you can take a shared cab to Gurez. Otherwise, you can also take a train to Jammu Tawi Railway Station, and from there, take a taxi to Gurez.

Things to do in Gurez Valley

• Take a hike around the valleys of Gurez, watching the mighty Habba Khatoon Peak
• Plan a picnic on the banks of the Kishen Ganga River
• Visit the shrine of an old Sufi saint, named Baba Shukurddin
• Enjoy some local food like haaq (a dish made of spinach), naadru yakhni (lotus stem curry made with yogurt), and Kashmiri kahwa (saffron tea with almonds and nuts)

Best time to visit Gurez Valley

The best time to visit Gurez Valley is during the summer months, from June to early September, when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.

Traveling soon? Book your room from this list of the top stays in Gurez Valley!

6. Awaken Your Love For Bollywood At Pahalgam

If you are a Hindi film buff and love to binge-watch Bollywood movies, then you must know that tons of them were shot in Pahalgam, including Vishal Bharadwaj’s ‘Haider’, Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Highway’, Meghna Gulzar’s ‘Raazi’ to name a few. Often called ‘Mini Switzerland’, Pahalgam is located on the banks of the Lidder River in the Anantnag District, which is about 90 km away from Srinagar. 

While you are here, witness the stunning views of Sheshnag Lake, hike around the Betaab Valley (named after Sunny Deol’s famous movie Betaab), and the Kolahoi Glaciers through Aru Valley.

While people are always attracted to the pristine beauty of this Himalayan town, Chandanwari in Pahalgam also serves as the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra, which takes place every year in July-August.

Did You Know?
The capital city of Srinagar is home to the world’s only floating post office, located on a shikara floating on the Dal Lake. 

How to reach Pahalgam?

You can fly to Jammu and then take a taxi to reach Pahalgam. Otherwise, you can also take a train to Udhampur, which is the closest station to Pahalgam, located at a distance of about 217 km. You can also take a private or state-owned Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) bus from Jammu to Pahalgam.

If you are coming from Srinagar, you can take a train to Anantnag Railway Station, and then take a taxi to Pahalgam. You can also take a road trip from Srinagar to Pahalgam, which will take about 2 hours, and it’ll be a beautiful journey. Or take a bus from Srinagar to Pahalgam, which will take around 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Things to do in Pahalgam

• Explore the gorgeous Betaab Valley
• Visit Chandanwari on the banks of the Lidder River and go for the Amarnath Yatra
• Go camping or picnicking in Baisaran
• Try white water rafting in the Lidder River
• Spend a day on the banks of the Tulian Lake, surrounded by Zanskar and Pir Panjal Mountain ranges

Best time to visit Pahalgam

March to June is the peak season in Pahalgam, and the weather is very favorable to hike and explore during this time. If you wish to witness the magic of a snowy valley, then you can visit during December and January.

Traveling soon? Book your room from this list of the top stays in Pahalgam!

7. Experience Hiking At Thajiwas Glacier

Your heart will surely skip a beat, witnessing the rugged beauty of the Thajiwas Glacier. If you are adventurous enough, you can hike and explore the surrounding valleys, enjoy the scenic landscapes, and marvel at the majestic mountains around you.

You can be accompanied by a local guide, who’ll narrate interesting stories about the local Gujjar tribes and their traditional way of life here. There are some gorgeous alpine lakes and this is also the same route that is followed while trekking the Kashmir Great Lakes.

How to reach the Thajiwas Glacier?

Thajiwas Glacier is located at a distance of approximately 3 km from Sonamarg. You’ll have to first reach Sonamarg, by road from Srinagar. You can either take a shared/private cab or a bus from Srinagar to Sonamarg. From there, you can choose to hike.

Things to do in Thajiwas Glacier

• Witness the rugged beauty of a Himalayan glacier, where mountains are covered in a thick layer of snow, dotted with pine and fir trees
• Interact with the Gujjar tribal folks to know more about their culture and lifestyle
• Carry a picnic basket to enjoy a meal on the banks of an alpine lake
• Gaze at the beautiful waterfalls in this region

Best time to visit Thajiwas Glacier

If you are planning to trek, then it’s important to note that the trek route is open from April to September. Once it starts snowing, the trek route to Thajiwas Glacier is completely blocked. 

Traveling soon? Book your room from this list of the top stays near Thajiwas Glacier!

8. Walk Through The Wilderness At Dachigam National Park

While most people think that Srinagar is all about Dal Lake, shikara rides, Kashmiri kahwa, and wazwan (a celebratory meal, more like a thali, that comprises more than 25 types of preparations), let me tell you that there’s more to explore! 

Dachigam National Park, located on the outskirts of Srinagar (about 22 km from the city) is known to be the most scenic park in the state and home to the endangered Kashmiri stag, known as Hangul. It’s the only species of red deer found in India, and you can spot them at this high-altitude national park, making it one of the most exciting things to do in Kashmir.

The park is also home to brown bears, musk deer, and wild cats. Sometimes, during the frozen winter months, even snow leopards come to this area.

Did You Know? 

The name ‘Dachigam’ literally translates to ‘ten villages’. The name was given because of the number of villages that had to be relocated while this national park was formed, back in 1981. 

How to reach Dachigam National Park?

It is just 22 km from Srinagar city and approximately 28 km from the Srinagar airport. The best way to reach here is by cab. You can take a private vehicle up to the gate, where you must show the tickets to enter.

The entry fee for Indians is 25 INR while for foreigners, it is 50 INR. If you carry a professional camera, you’ll have to pay an additional cost. Online tickets for Dachigam National Park are available here.

Things to do at Dachigam National Park

• Go for a hike and experience a blissful nature walk
• Spot beautiful birds and indulge in some nature photography
• Enjoy a picnic on the banks of the river flowing through Dachigam
• Get closer to the Himalayan wildlife and spot the endangered Himalayan red stag

Best time to visit Dachigam National Park

Dachigam National Park is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between April and August, when you can enjoy a pleasant walk inside the park, and also get a chance to spot the animals. If you wish to spot snow leopards (which is a matter of luck), you can try exploring Dachigam during the snow season, which spans from November to February.

Traveling soon? Book your room from this list of the top stays near Dachigam National Park!

9. Explore The Hidden Meadows Of Bangus Valley

Meadows dotted with snow-capped peaks and shiny silvery streams make Bangus an absolutely postcard-perfect destination. If you have been seeking some peace, and wish to ditch the crowded touristy areas of Sonamarg and Gulmarg, then this is your place to soak in the serenity of nature and explore one of Kashmir’s best-kept secrets. 

For years, Bangus was a part of the conflict-ridden zone in Kashmir, and thus, its beauty has remained intact due to the lack of footfall in the region. Only over the last couple of years, Instagram influencers have been visiting this place often, and that has put Bangus on the tourists’ map now! The valley is divided into two areas — the big Bangus (Bod Bangus) and the small Bangus (Lokut Bangus).

How to reach Bangus Valley?

Bangus Valley is in the Kupwara district of Kashmir, which is approximately 90 km from Srinagar. You can take a flight to Srinagar and travel to Bangus by road. There are no direct buses from Srinagar to Bangus, but you can take a bus to Kupwara Bus Stop, and from there, you can take a shared cab. The closest railway station is at Baramulla, which is around 64 km from Kupwara.

Things to do in Bangus Valley

• Hike around the valley and spend a night at the JKTDC guest house
• Go for nature walks
• Enjoy a picnic by the Mawar River

Best time to visit Bangus Valley

The best time to explore Bangus Valley is during summer time, from May to August, as the meadows are green, with flowers blooming all around, and it’s the perfect place for camping in Kashmir. Winter here is extremely harsh, and often the roads are not in a good state to travel.

10. Visit The Ruins Of Awantipora On The Banks Of Jhelum

Awantipora, or Avantipur (as it is popularly called) is a small town in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, located on the banks of the Jhelum River. 

It is said that the town was founded during the rule of the Utpala Dynasty in Kashmir, by the Hindu ruler Avantivarman between 855 to 883 AD. Before he became the king, he had built a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and named it Avantisvamin. 

Later, after he sat on the throne, he constructed another temple named Avantisvara, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Although they were architectural marvels at one point in time, they were largely destroyed during the Middle Ages and were excavated in the early 20th century, by renowned archeologist Daya Ram Sahni.

Today, Awantipora is a paradise for history buffs and art lovers, who come here to admire the ancient Indian architecture that thrives here. 

Did you know?

Although Kashmir is identified with a majority of the Muslim population, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam have equally contributed to the cultural heritage of Kashmir.

How to reach Awantipora?

You can take a flight to Srinagar, and from there, drive to Awantipora, which is located at a distance of 30 km. 

Things to do in Awantipora

• Explore the ancient Hindu temples
• Learn about the history of the Utpala Dynasty
• Enjoy a scenic drive from Srinagar to Awantipora

Best time to visit Awantipora

April to October is the ideal time to explore the ruins of Awantipora, as well as the valley in general.

Traveling soon? Book your room from this list of the top stays near Awantipora!

11. Take A Scenic Train Ride On The Banihal-Baramulla Rail Route

If you want to enjoy a train ride that resembles the Eurail but don’t have the budget for it, don’t worry! You can actually take a train from Banihal to Baramulla, crossing gorgeous landscapes, and running parallel to the Jhelum and its tributaries. And of course, the Pir Panjal Range will be accompanying you all along! Sounds dreamy, right?

The broad gauge trains started functioning in 2022, and run from Jammu to Baramulla, covering a distance of 119 km. While it serves as an important mode of transport for the locals, for travelers, it is a way to indulge in a joyride!

What is the distance from Banihal to Baramulla?

The distance from Banihal to Baramulla is nearly 147 km, which is covered in 2 hours. You can also take the train from Banihal, and get down at Srinagar, located at a distance of around 78 km. You’ll also cross India’s largest railway tunnel (11.2 km) through the Pir Panjal mountains while traveling by train.

Timings and price of the train

Three trains run daily from Banihal to Baramulla and the best one to catch from Banihal is at 11.45 am, which reaches Baramulla at 3:00 pm. The price of a ticket per person is just 30 INR.

12. Go For The Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek

Apart from the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, another popular trek in Kashmir is the Tarsar Marsar Trek. The trekking trail to this twin lake is absolutely stunning, covering a distance of nearly 50 km, through dense forests, lush green meadows, and azure alpine lakes. 

The trek starts from the picturesque village of Aru. You’ll be crossing quaint Himalayan hamlets, witness the flora and fauna of the region and soak in the majestic views of snow-capped mountains, surrounding the alpine lakes. You’ll cross the Tarsar Pass on the way, located at an altitude of 13,140 ft.

What is the best time for the Tarsar Marsar Trek?

July to mid-September is the best time to do the trek when the valley is lush green and the meadows are blooming with flowers.

13. Enjoy Shopping At Lal Chowk In Srinagar

How can a trip to Kashmir be complete without some shopping in Srinagar? Whether you want to buy local handicrafts or take home some dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, and apricots, Lal Chowk in Srinagar is the best place to shop.

Kashmir is also known for its handwoven carpets and rugs, which you can find here as well. Other than that, you’ll also get wood-carved decor, beautiful boxes made of paper mache, copper utensils, etc. If you are an avid reader, then don’t forget to visit Gulshan Book Stores, which has the largest stock of Kashmiri books.

Timings for Lal Chowk: 10 AM to 8 PM, and there’s a special market on Sundays.

Best things to buy: Shawls, handicrafts, dry fruits.

TWT Tip: Don’t click photos of strangers without asking their permission. During my first visit, I walked around Dal Lake where I was clicking photos of the boatmen sitting and having chai, when an army personnel walked towards me, asked to open my gallery, and made me delete all the pictures I had clicked of those people. I realized that it might be an offense to capture public places as well as photograph people without consent.

14. Visit Pampore, The ‘Saffron Capital Of India’

Located on the banks of the Jhelum River, Pampore is known as the ‘Saffron Capital of India‘, and it’s one of the very few places in the world where the beautiful purple flowers have been growing for centuries. Pampore’s unique soil conditions and favorable climate create a perfect environment for the cultivation of high-quality saffron.

Known to be one of the most expensive spices in the world, the tradition of saffron cultivation is passed through generations. Every autumn, the village of Pampore is covered in a soothing purple veil, and farmers spend hours in their fields, plucking every saffron string with love. Each purple flower that blooms has only 3 strings of saffron, which once plucked, are left to dry. 

Reserve your Kashmir tour package on Viator!

How to reach Pampore?

You can take a flight to Srinagar, and from there, drive to Pampore which is located at a distance of 20 km. You can also take a bus from Srinagar to Pampore, which will take around an hour to reach.

Things to do in Pampore

• Walk around the saffron fields and get some Instagram-worthy photos
• Buy good quality (unadulterated) saffron from the farmers
• Enjoy a cup of saffron tea from a roadside dhaba

Best time to visit Pampore

October and November are the best months to visit Pampore as you’ll get a chance to see the purple blooms as well as saffron cultivation.

TWT Tip: No matter in which season you’re planning your trip to Kashmir, be sure to carry enough body warmers, as the temperature can drop at any time, especially after dusk.

15. Witness The Majestic Waterfalls In Aharbal

Known as ‘the Niagara of Kashmir’, Aharbal waterfall is tucked in the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, located at a distance of about 72 km from Srinagar. Fed by the Veshaw River, a tributary of the Jhelum, this waterfall is nearly 82 ft. in height and is surrounded by the rugged Pir Panjal Range on all sides. 

You will have to hike a bit to see the waterfall closely and can explore the mountain villages on the way. Pack a picnic lunch, sit at the meadows near the fall, and enjoy a meal while gazing at the marvelous landscape.

How to reach Aharbal?

To reach Aharbal waterfall, you can take a taxi from Srinagar to Shopian or Kulgam, and then another cab to Aharbal. 

Things to do in Aharbal

• Hike to the waterfall and enjoy a good splash
• Spend time exploring the nearby meadows
• Go for nature walks and click some Insta-worthy photos

Best time to visit Aharbal

April to September is the best time to explore and hike around Aharbal to witness the cascades. But if you want to witness a magical frozen waterfall, then you’ll have to visit Aharbal during December or January.

16. Get Blessed At Amarnath

When we think of Char Dham Yatra, one of the first names to come to mind is that of Amarnath. Every year, lakhs of pilgrims embark on the Amarnath Yatra during Shravani Mela, which happens during July and August (during the month of ‘Shravan’ as per the Hindu calendar). This is also the time when the sacred cave is accessible. 

Located at an altitude of 3,888 mts. (12,756 ft.), Amarnath is one of the holiest places in the country and it’s believed that Lord Shiva revealed the secrets of immortality to Goddess Parvati here.

Here, a Shiva lingam is formed by the melting of ice inside the cave, and people visit it to get the blessings of Baba Amarnath. The place is nearly 141 km from Srinagar, in the Anantnag District.

How to reach Amarnath?

If you are traveling by train, then the closest station to Amarnath is in Jammu, located at a distance of 178 km. Otherwise, you can also take a flight to Jammu. From Jammu, you’ll have to hire a taxi (shared/private) or you can take a bus to reach Baltal or Pahalgam.

You can also take a flight to Srinagar, and then hire a cab or take a bus to Baltal or Pahalgam.

Then, you’ll have to trek to Amarnath Cave, which will take about one or two days, depending on your speed. 

Things to do in Amarnath

• Hike up to the Amarnath Caves and get blessed
• Explore the nearby Sheshnag Lake

Best time for Amarnath Yatra

June to August is the best time for Amarnath Yatra, and also the most auspicious season as per the Hindu calendar.

17. Trek Around The Postcard-Perfect Valleys Of Lidderwat

If you are not keen on going for moderate-level treks like that of the Great Lakes or Tarsar Marsar, you can take the roads less traveled and hike around the valleys of Lidderwat. Located near Aru in Pahalgam, this is the meeting point between two rivers coming from the alpine lakes of Tarsar Marsar and the Kolahoi glacier, which together form the Lidder River.

The Lidderwat trek is for beginners, and the trail is pretty easy to cover in a couple of days and mostly runs through dense pine forests. It’ll be your chance to soak in the silence that lingers here, wake up to birdsongs while camping, and walk along the banks of the Lidder River. Needless to say, you’ll get to stargaze under the night sky and might spot some shooting stars as well.

What is the best time for the Lidderwar Trek?

While the winter months are covered in snow, April to October is the best time to do this trek. 

TWT Experience Summary Of Kashmir

While I’ve been to various hill stations around the country, I truly believe that there’s no place as gorgeous as Kashmir. As Persian poet Amir Khusro said, Kashmir is indeed a slice of paradise on Earth. 

Even if you have five or six days in hand, you can travel to Srinagar and explore the nearby places, soaking in the bliss of nature, while sipping kahwa at a local cafe on the banks of Jhelum.

Whether you wish to explore the popular places like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, or Pahalgam or want to tick off the hidden gems like Gurez, Bangus, or Lidderwat, you’ll definitely have the time of your life, enjoying every activity in Kashmir.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Kashmir

1. Which are some of the top activities to try in Kashmir?

There are several things to do in Kashmir. Some of the most popular activities that you can opt for are — taking a shikhara ride on the Dal Lake, visiting the Mughal Gardens and Nishad Bagh in Srinagar, taking a ride on the Gulmarg Gondola, exploring the lush green valleys of Sonamarg and Pahalgam, buying shawls and carpets from the local markets in Srinagar, enjoying the delicious Kashmiri cuisine, trekking through meadows and exploring the alpine lakes.

2. Are there any precautions that need to be followed while traveling in Kashmir?

Dos

• Explore the gorgeous gardens in Srinagar.
• Take a walk around the Dal Lake and enjoy a shikhara ride.
• Wear modest clothes while visiting the mosques and temples, and cover your head if needed.
• Carry proper warming clothes and shoes, and check the temperature while planning the trip, so that you can pack adequately.
• Carry your medicines, and check with your doctor before traveling if you have altitude sickness.
• Make sure to have a postpaid connection in your mobile phone, as prepaid connections don’t work in the valley.

Don’ts

• Avoid making any political comments, or discussing sensitive topics with the locals.
• Don’t take photographs of government buildings, post offices, or locals without permission.
• Don’t ask locals anything about the war or unrest, it might trigger unpleasant conversations.
• Avoid drinking in public places, and be respectful towards the local culture.

3. What are some popular vegetarian dishes that can be tried in Kashmir?

Kashmiri vegetarian cuisine is delectable, and when you are there, you must try kahwa (saffron tea with dry fruits and nuts), pulau (a traditional rice dish made with almonds, apricots, and locally grown vegetables), haaq (a local dish with spinach), and nadru yakhni (lotus stem curry with yogurt and spices). Other than that, you must also try phirni (a dessert made of milk, saffron, rice, and nuts).

4. What is the best way to travel to Kashmir?

The easiest and the best way to visit Kashmir is by taking a flight to Jammu Airport or Srinagar Airport. Other than that, you can also take a train to Jammu, and from there, take shared/private cabs to your respective destinations.

5. What time is the best to plan a Kashmir trip?

It entirely depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. If you want to go for an alpine lake trek or explore the meadows and valleys, then April to October is the best time. To see the tulips blooming in Srinagar, you’ll have to plan a trip during March. If you wish to witness the breathtaking beauty of the valley covered in snow, then December and January will be ideal.

6. Is is safe to travel to Kashmir now?

Kashmir is safe to travel to, unlike how it is portrayed in the media. I’ve been there multiple times and never felt unsafe. However, avoid staying out till late at night, don’t raise political or sensitive topics and don’t take photographs around government offices and buildings. The locals in Kashmir are really nice, warm and friendly.

7. Which are the best trekking routes in Kashmir?

Some of the popular treks in Kashmir are:

• Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
• Tarsar Marsar Trek
• Kolahoi Glacier Trek
• Chandanwari – Sheeshnag Lake Trail
• Aru Valley – Lidderwat Trek
• Habba Khatoon Peak Trek

8. What could the estimated budget for a Kashmir trip be?

It will entirely depend on what you are planning to do, how you are traveling, and which places you plan to visit. A week’s budget trip around Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg will cost you around 20,000 INR per person, while a trek to the Great Lakes or Tarsar Marsar Trek will cost you around 16,000 INR. If you are taking a flight to either Srinagar or Jammu, then that will be more expensive than taking a train.

 

Frequent Traveler? Here’S Some More Travel Goodness From Us:

• Shimla Travel Guide
• Things To Do In Gulmarg
• Places To Visit In Kashmir In Winter
• Best Snowfall Destinations In India