Traditional houseboats on Dal Lake, Srinagar, with snow-capped peaks

Destination · Srinagar approx. 1,585 m

Jammu & Kashmir

Lakes, meadows and Mughal gardens beneath the Pir Panjal

Best season: March to October for gardens and meadows; December to February for snow
Duration: 5–8 days recommended

Overview

Getting to know Jammu & Kashmir

Kashmir is a valley of still lakes, walnut and chinar groves, alpine meadows and centuries-old gardens. From a cedar-panelled houseboat on Dal Lake to the snowfields of Gulmarg and the river valleys of Pahalgam and Sonamarg, it rewards slow, well-planned travel with warm hospitality and extraordinary scenery.

Getting there

Srinagar is connected by flights from major Indian cities; Jammu is the main rail head.

Main attractions

Places we love here

Srinagar & Dal Lake

Shikara rides, floating vegetable markets and heritage houseboats.

Mughal Gardens

Nishat, Shalimar and Chashme Shahi — terraced gardens laid out in the Mughal era.

Gulmarg

A high meadow famous for winter snow, the Gondola and summer wildflowers.

Pahalgam

The Lidder valley of pine forest, river walks and the Betaab and Aru valleys.

Sonamarg

The 'meadow of gold' and gateway to Thajiwas Glacier and high-altitude lakes.

Gurez Valley

A remote, wooden-village valley along the Kishanganga river.

Yusmarg & Doodhpathri

Quiet, lesser-visited meadows ideal for picnics and gentle walks.

Kashmir Treks

Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar and other classic alpine routes.

Seasonal travel guide

When to go

Spring (Mar–May)Tulip and almond blossom season; gardens in bloom and pleasant days.
Summer (Jun–Aug)Green meadows, open high routes and the best trekking window.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)Golden chinar leaves, clear skies and crisp evenings.
Winter (Dec–Feb)Snowfall in Gulmarg and Pahalgam; skiing and snow experiences.

Suggested experiences