Jammu & Kashmir
Houseboats, meadows and snow-capped valleys
- Best time to visit
- March–October; December–February for snow
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- Located in
- India
From the Mughal gardens of Srinagar to the ski slopes of Gulmarg and the pilgrim trail to Amarnath, Kashmir is India’s most loved valley.
In this guide
Kashmir earns its “paradise” label honestly: a broad green valley ringed by the Pir Panjal and Himalaya, with lakes, chinar trees and meadows that change colour every season.
Where to go
Most first trips combine Srinagar (houseboats and Mughal gardens), Gulmarg (gondola and skiing), Pahalgam (Lidder river and the Amarnath base) and Sonmarg (glaciers and Thajiwas). Allow at least five nights to avoid long days in the car.
When to go
Spring (March–April) brings tulips and almond blossom, summer (May–August) is ideal for meadows and the Amarnath Yatra, autumn turns the chinars red, and winter (December–February) is for snow and skiing in Gulmarg.
Getting around
Srinagar airport has direct flights from most metros. Local taxis are union-run with fixed rates between towns; inside Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg you use local ponies or union vehicles for sightseeing points.
Photos
Places in Jammu & Kashmir
Top attractions
Hidden gems
When to go & what to know
Best season
March–October; December–February for snow
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Weather
Summer: 20–30°C in Srinagar, cooler in the meadows.Winter: below freezing at night, heavy snow in Gulmarg and Sonmarg (Sonmarg road often closed).
Travel precautions
- Carry a printed ID; there are frequent security checks.
- Prepaid SIMs from other states do not work — use a postpaid connection.
- Check road status for the Jammu–Srinagar highway and Zojila before driving.
Jammu & Kashmir tour packages & itineraries
Day-by-day trips from verified travel agents — up to 40% off.
Magical Kashmir Honeymoon
Kashmir Family Delight
Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter
Amarnath Yatra Trek via Pahalgam
Gulmarg Ski & Snow Holiday
Kashmir & Ladakh Grand Tour
Plan your trip
How to reach
Fly to Srinagar (SXR). By rail, Jammu Tawi and the newer Katra–Srinagar line connect the valley. By road, the Jammu–Srinagar highway (NH44) takes 7–9 hours.Getting around
Hire a taxi for the trip from Srinagar (Innova or Tempo Traveller for families). Shikaras on Dal Lake are priced per hour.Budget
<p>Budget: ₹3,000–4,500 per person per day with a shared taxi and a standard hotel. Mid-range: ₹6,000–9,000 with a deluxe houseboat and private car.</p>Famous food
- Wazwan feast (rogan josh, gushtaba, rista)
- Kahwa saffron tea
- Noon chai with bakery breads
- Haakh greens with rice
Packing checklist
Ticks are saved on this device.Travel tips for Jammu & Kashmir
Prepaid SIMs from outside J&K do not work
Bring a postpaid connection or buy a local postpaid SIM with ID.
Check Zojila and Mughal Road status
Snow closes high passes without notice between November and May.
Stay, eat & get around in Jammu & Kashmir
Hotels & Stays
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Travel Agents & Tours
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Events & Adventure
See all 1Pilgrimage & Religious Tours
See all 1Read more about Jammu & Kashmir
A first-timer’s guide to staying on a Dal Lake houseboat
Deluxe or premium? Dal or Nigeen? What the shikara costs, what to eat and how to pick a houseboat you will love.
Amarnath Yatra: registration, health certificate and what to pack
A step-by-step checklist for the Shri Amarnath Yatra — from the compulsory health certificate to choosing between Baltal, Pahalgam and the…
Eat like a local in Srinagar: wazwan, kahwa and bakery breads
From the 36-course wedding feast to the bakeries that open at dawn — a guide to eating well in Kashmir.
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