Spring (April–May) — tulips and first green
Srinagar's Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, Asia's largest, peaks in the first two weeks of April. Add Dal Lake in shikara silence and almond blossoms around Sonamarg. Weather is 12–22°C.
Summer (June–August) — meadows and high roads
Everyone travels in summer, so Srinagar gets crowded and rates spike. Escape to Gulmarg for alpine meadows or Pahalgam for the Lidder river valley. Amarnath Yatra (June–August) changes traffic in Pahalgam.
Autumn (October–November) — Chinar gold and saffron harvest
Our favourite. Chinar leaves turn deep red-gold around Nishat and Shalimar gardens. Pampore saffron fields bloom for a two-week window in late October. Hotels drop 25% off summer rates.
Winter (December–February) — snow capital
Snow on Dal Lake, Gulmarg gondola to 4,000m, and legitimate powder skiing. Kashmir's official tourism board publishes gondola status daily. Temperatures drop to −8°C at night in January.
Picking a window
- Photography: October's saffron and chinar.
- Adventure: summer for treks, winter for skiing.
- Pure aesthetics: April's tulips.
- Quiet: early March or early November shoulder days.
Need help matching season to the group? Talk to a Kashmir specialist.
