SRINAGAR

Best time to visit Srinagar

In the earlier days, 1950 to 80s time frame can be termed as a golden era for tourism in Kashmir when it was the top destination for foreign nationals in India. The houseboats of Srinagar were allegedly first introduced by two British tourists, who defensively flew them over the Jhelum river for technical reasons. This somehow pleased the authorities and the people of Kashmir, and they developed their boats along the Jhelum river. Travelers enjoyed river safaris, where they observed the beauty of Kashmir by boat from one place to another. Gradually, the locals discovered the profit potential of houseboats, and the majority shifted their bases to Dal Lake. However, all of this ceased with the emergence of political unrest and the exodus of Kashmiri pandits in the early 90s. As a result, tourism very slowly opened in the year 2000…..

  • In the spring season (late March to April) nature offers new colours and the different shades of blossoming flowers will be at ceaseless heights, in fact, white, pink, and yellow are the most common ones. This garden is Asia’s biggest where art lovers have an opportunity to view the work and craft of nature in all its glory. Besides, residents are still able to see snow in certain places (like Gulmarg, Doodhpathri and Yusmarg) near Srinagar. Although, Spring has managed to erode winter from the city by this time. Therefore, a trip you make during this period is the best time to see, enjoy and experience the two different types of seasons (winter and spring).
  • The summer season (May to August) sees everything around Srinagar turn a lush green. The days are sunny and the year allows for various routes that can be accessed on foot like Great Lakes trek starting at Sonamarg to Naranag and this time the valleys are full of flowers. Saffron, which is generally the best option during fall, covers most of it and makes it look like a purple carpet near Srinagar. The time that the Dal Lake blossoms with pink lotuses can mostly be seen during the month of May. Crops in the valley are ready for harvest. The air is also filled with the perfume of various flowers, especially rose, tulips, apple, pear, and plums. The locations which are snow covered and can’t be approached due to the heavy snowfall in winter (like Bangus valley, Gurez valley, Sinthan Top in Daksum), become open to tourists during this time. Of course, this is also the peak season when thousands of tourists travel to Srinagar/Kashmir (especially May-Jun which are the summer holidays in both schools and universities in India). If you go at this time, beforehand you should secure all the bookings and be mentally prepared for large crowds.
  • Fall (September to November), however, does not seem to belong to the valley anymore as it changes colours to amber, orange, brown, and red. The trees shed their leaves, especially the famous Jhangar Chinar, and cover the drenched earth in a mosaic of moving colours. It is perhaps the best time to explore Mughal gardens in Srinagar and some other spots like Kokernag, Anantnag, and Verinag, as they are full of Chinar trees that are colorful.
  • The winter season (December to February) usually sees the valley carpeted with snow. The snow cover in Srinagar stays for about a fortnight before melting whereas the other areas like Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam take around almost two months, by this time they are all white with snow. If you are a winter sports enthusiast and would like to ski, sled or snowshoe, then the winter is the right time to be in Kashmir. It’s as if each season brings a piece of the puzzle skip or gives a different perspective of Kashmir.

You will find out that the best time to visit Srinagar/Kashmir is during the season that you like the most because it will also let you see the things that you want to see and do what you are looking for exactly. The data should also be inclusive of Jul to Sep showing potential rainfall in these months. In fact, rains have become more random in recent years, as have everywhere else, and the off-season rains are a lot more frequent too.