Jammu & Kashmir
Srinagar & Kashmir Travel Guide
Dal Lake houseboats, Mughal gardens and Himalayan meadows.
- Best months Mar–Jun, Sept–Oct
- Ideal trip length 4–6 days
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, sits in the Kashmir Valley around Dal Lake. Houseboats, shikara rides, Mughal gardens and the old city make it a rich destination in itself, and it is the base for day trips to Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg. Plan four to six days for Srinagar and the nearby hill resorts.
Best time to visit
Recommended
April to June brings mild weather, and the spring tulip garden usually blooms around March and April. September and October are clear, with autumn colour on chinar trees. December to February is cold with snow, and Gulmarg is popular for skiing then. Weather in the hills can change quickly in any season.
How to reach
Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR) has direct flights from Delhi and several other Indian cities, and it is the most common way to arrive.
Rail services into the Kashmir Valley have been expanding through the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla line. Check Indian Railways for the services currently running to Srinagar and your route.
The national highway from Jammu runs through Udhampur and Banihal into the valley and can be affected by landslides and snow in bad weather. The highway to Leh also starts here and is seasonal.
Where to stay
Staying on a houseboat on Dal Lake or Nigeen Lake is the classic Srinagar experience, and guesthouses and hotels are found near the Boulevard and in the city. Choose operators with good reviews and confirm what is included, such as meals and shikara transfers.
Top things to see and do
- 1
Dal Lake and shikara rides
A large lake with houseboats, floating gardens and markets, best experienced at sunrise or sunset by shikara.
- 2
Mughal Gardens
Terraced gardens such as Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi, laid out by the Mughals along the lake.
- 3
Old City
The area around Jama Masjid and Hazratbal, with wooden shrines, markets and traditional crafts.
- 4
Tulip Garden
A large garden that opens in spring, usually around March to April, when thousands of tulips bloom on the hillside.
- 5
Gulmarg
A meadow resort with a gondola, popular for skiing in winter and walks in summer; plan it as a day trip or an overnight stay.
- 6
Pahalgam and Sonamarg
Alpine valleys with rivers, pine forests and meadows, reachable as day trips or overnight stays from Srinagar.
Food to try
Kashmiri cuisine is known for wazwan, a multi-course feast, along with rogan josh, yakhni, gushtaba and dum aloo. Drink kahwa, a saffron tea, and noon chai, a pink salted tea, and try local breads from the bakeries.
Travel tips
- Check current travel advisories and local conditions before you plan, and share your itinerary with someone at home.
- Carry government-issued ID, as checkpoints are common and some hotels ask to see it.
- Confirm what a houseboat or tour package includes before paying, and prefer registered operators.
- Pack warm layers even in summer, and check with your mobile operator about coverage for your SIM before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for Srinagar and Kashmir?
Four days cover Srinagar, Dal Lake and one hill resort. Add days for Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, or six days for a more relaxed trip.
When is the tulip garden open?
The tulip garden opens in spring, usually from late March to April, depending on the weather. Check the official announcement for dates before you go.
Is Kashmir safe for tourists?
Conditions can change. Check official travel advisories close to your travel dates, follow local guidance, and keep your plans flexible.
Official sources
- Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism)
- Jammu & Kashmir Tourism
- Indian Railways
- India Meteorological Department
Timings, fees, permits, closures and transport change often. Please confirm current details with the official sources above before you travel.