Where to go, how long to stay and when to visit, from a Srinagar-based team.
Kashmir changes completely with the seasons. You see tulips and almond blossoms in spring, cool green meadows in summer, gold chinar leaves in autumn and deep snow in winter. Most Kashmir tourist places sit within a few hours of Srinagar, so one base works for the whole trip.
This guide covers the Kashmir tourist places worth your time, the best months to visit and a simple plan you can follow. We3 Holidays has planned these trips from Srinagar since 2008.
| Place | Known for | Distance from Srinagar (approx.) | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Srinagar | Dal Lake, houseboats, Mughal gardens | Starting point | 2 days |
| Gulmarg | Gondola, meadows, skiing | About 50 km | 1 day |
| Pahalgam | Pine forests, Lidder river | About 95 km | 1 to 2 days |
| Sonamarg | Glacier views, Great Lakes trek | About 80 km | 1 day |
Distances and drive times are approximate and change with weather and road conditions.
Srinagar International Airport has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities. This is the easiest way to arrive.
If you travel by rail, you reach Jammu Tawi or Katra station first. From there, the valley is a road journey. We arrange your cab from either station.
Srinagar is your base. Spend two days here:
In the 17th century, the Mughal emperors laid out terraced gardens along the eastern shore of Dal Lake. Three of them stand out:
Our Kashmir Tour Package, 5 Nights 6 Days visits Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh on day one.
Rows of tulips bloom below the Zabarwan hills. The garden opens for only a few weeks, from late March into April, so plan your dates early.
Gulmarg is a meadow basin at about 2,730 m. Ride the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, walk through open meadows in summer, or ski and sledge in winter.
Pahalgam offers pine forests and the Lidder river. Betaab, Aru and Chandanwari valleys lie close by, so you can spend a full day exploring.
Sonamarg means “meadow of gold.” It is the gateway to the Thajiwas glacier and the Great Lakes trek.
In the 17th century the Mughal emperors laid out terraced gardens along the eastern shore of Dal Lake. Nishat Bagh steps down twelve terraces towards the water, Shalimar Bagh is built around a central canal and its pavilions, and Chashma Shahi is known for its spring. They are part of the first day of sightseeing on most of our Kashmir tours.
Most travellers need five to six days. Choose the plan that fits your time.
| Days | What you can cover | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | Srinagar and Gulmarg | A quick break |
| 4 days | Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam | Families and first-time visitors |
| 5 to 6 days | Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg | Most travellers |
| 7 to 8 days | All of the above, with slow days and an extra stop | Honeymooners and slow travellers |
Use this plan as a starting point. We adjust it to your dates, your group and the season.
Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar
Check in, then take a shikara ride on Dal Lake.
Day 2: [Srinagar sightseeing](/blog/srinagar-sightseeing-places)
Visit Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashma Shahi, then explore the old city.
Day 3: Gulmarg
Ride the gondola and enjoy the meadows. Return to Srinagar in the evening.
Day 4: Pahalgam
Drive along the Lidder river and visit Betaab and Aru valleys. Return to Srinagar in the evening.
Day 5: Departure
Enjoy a relaxed morning, then we drop you at the airport.
Have an extra day? Add Sonamarg, or stay longer on the houseboat.
March to May
Spring. Tulip Garden, blossom and mild days. Good for families.
June to August
Summer. Green meadows, treks and the Amarnath Yatra.
September to November
Autumn. Clear skies and golden chinar trees.
December to February
Winter. Snow in Gulmarg and Pahalgam, skiing and sledging.
Best for first-time visitors, couples and families.
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Best for honeymoon and anniversary couples.
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Best for families with kids and grandparents.
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Best for snow lovers, couples, families and first-time visitors.
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Best for road-trip lovers, couples, families and friends.
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Best for devotees, families and first-time pilgrims.
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Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg lead most lists. Srinagar gives you Dal Lake and the Mughal gardens. Gulmarg offers the gondola and skiing. Pahalgam brings pine forests, and Sonamarg adds glacier views.
Five to six days cover Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg at a relaxed pace. Take three to four days for a short break. Add more days if you want slow mornings and extra stops.
Every season has its charm. Visit in spring for tulips, summer for meadows, autumn for golden chinar leaves and winter for snow. Your own interests should decide the month.
The Tulip Garden opens for a few weeks, from late March into April. The exact dates change with the weather, so ask us before you book and we share the latest dates.
Stay on a houseboat for the full Dal Lake experience, or choose a hotel for more space and comfort. Many travellers do one night in each. See our hotels and houseboats.
Yes. The meadows turn green, the air stays cool and the gondola runs for mountain views. Winter adds snow and skiing, so choose the season you prefer.
Fly into Srinagar from Delhi, Mumbai or other major cities. By rail, travel to Jammu Tawi or Katra, then continue by road. We arrange your pickup and cab.
Yes. We plan your route, hotels, cab and sightseeing. Send us your dates and group size, and a Srinagar coordinator replies with a day-by-day plan and a clear quote.
A coordinator in Srinagar replies with a day-by-day plan and a clear quote, usually within 2 hours.
Member of TAAI, TAFI, ADTOI and TAAK. Registered with J&K Tourism.
