How to Plan a Kashmir Trip

Before you start planning Kashmir

Kashmir is a trip where timing and current conditions matter more than almost anywhere else in India. A good plan is flexible, with buffer days and a driver who knows the roads.

Start with the season, then check advisories and the status of the specific places you want to visit.

When to go to Kashmir

April brings tulips and cool weather, May and June are warm and busy, and September to October is crisp with autumn colour. Winter is for snow and skiing at Gulmarg.

July to August is the Amarnath Yatra period, which can crowd Pahalgam and affect road traffic. Check the dates if you plan to visit then.

Getting there and getting around

Most visitors fly to Srinagar. From Srinagar, Gulmarg is about two hours by road, Pahalgam about three hours and Sonamarg about three hours. Rail connectivity to the Valley has been developing; check current options.

Mobile connectivity can differ from the rest of India. Prepaid connections from other states may not work, so check with your operator before you travel.

Where to base yourself

Base in Srinagar for the first two nights, ideally including one on a houseboat. Then use day trips for Gulmarg and Sonamarg, and stay one night in Pahalgam if you want the river valleys.

Houseboat quality varies widely. Ask for recent photos and what is included before you pay.

What to book early

• Gulmarg gondola tickets in peak season and winter.
• Hotels in Pahalgam and Gulmarg for May, June and the winter holidays.
• A reliable driver for the whole trip rather than switching vehicles.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Planning a long itinerary without buffer days for weather or road closures.
• Ignoring current travel advisories and the status of individual tourist spots.
• Taking a houseboat without checking what it includes.
• Underestimating travel times between valleys.

A simple route to start from

Treat this as a starting outline and adjust it to your dates and pace.