Ideally one should visit Kashmir in all four seasons in order to witness the beautiful views of the valley which looks like a picture straight out of a fairy tale. Otherwise one can choose their favorite season for visiting the Kashmir valley as to their convenience.

But the best time to visit Kashmir valley is from March to October and during this time the weather conditions are the best and can be enjoyed by everyone.

Let us have a look what each season has to offer

(December to February) – Winter

Kashmir witnesses maximum snowfall during this time, hence it is the best time for adventure sport enthusiast to indulge in winter sports when the entire valley transforms into a winter wonderland.

Gulmarg during this time attracts a large number of tourists and is a popular sporting destination for winter sport activities like skiing, Heli skiing, ice hockey and snowboarding. Tourists from all over the world come here to experience the snowfall and indulge in winter sports which is the most economical in the world.

Snowfall during this time can be very severe hence it is ideal for only those who are physically fit and can handle the cold season, hence make up your mind before you make your trip else Kashmir during this time is a picture of true heaven on earth.

Temperature during winter: Varies from 0 to 15 degree Celsius.

(March to April) – Spring

The spring season starts in March and lasts up to early May and during this season one gets a glimpse of a million blossoms carpeting the landscape of Kashmir when the weather is pleasant followed by brief showers, light winds and blossoming flowers that characterize this season.

This is the ideal time for all nature lovers to visit the Kashmir Valley when one gets a glimpse of the blooming gardens and above all this is the best time to visit the famous Tulip gardens which is open only in the month of April for a few days.

Besides the picturesque beauty spring also brings in joyous sounds of chirping birds, orchards full of fruits, alpine meadows dotted with grazing herds making it a wonderful holiday experience. Also during this time one can get good hotel deals making their visit further memorable.

Temperature during spring: Varies from 6 to 23 degree Celsius.

(May to September) – Summer

Summer is when the entire Kashmir valley comes alive; this is the peak tourist season of Kashmir as tourist from all over India and abroad arrive to explore the natural beauty of the valley.

The weather during this time is extremely pleasant and refreshing with lush green meadows, grasslands, blossoming flowers, high snow peaked mountains are a captivating sight of the season.

This season is also the ideal time to make trips to upper parts of the valley like Leh and Ladkah which are accessible only during this time; furthermore, the famous Amarnath yatra takes place during this time which attracts pilgrims from all over India and abroad.

Also excursions from Srinagar to other hill resorts of Kashmir becoming easier during this time when tourist can enjoy the beauty of snow capped mountains and valleys and also indulge in fishing in the ice cold waters flowing from melting peaks.

The slow paced life, calm environment, lush green surroundings and fresh air make Kashmir a holiday destination for most tourists, in order to escape the scorching heat that the rest of the country faces during this time. Also during this time fruits like apples, strawberries, cherries, peaches, and apricots flood the market.

Temperature during summer: Varies from 14 to 30 degree Celsius.

(September to November) – Autumn

Autumn that follows summer is a welcome change from the heat and occasional rain. Kashmir wears a unique look during this period as the green shades turn into gold and then russet and red as the season advances. The rustle of the fallen Chinar leaves adds to the music of the place and the sweet fragrance of the flowers lingers on.

A slight chill sets into the air during this time and is an indication of winter round the corner. The beautiful trees start shedding their leaves and the valley is filled with all sorts of colorful autumn leaves. Visitors will be enchanted with the natural beauty and the color of the valley during autumn.

This is quite a beautiful time to spend in Kashmir as during this time the festival of Diwali takes place and all Kashmiri’s celebrate this festival with great grandeur and fervor.

Also this season is known for saffron harvesting, the saffron of Kashmir is famous all over the world and one can witness its beauty and fragrance while visiting the saffron fields of the valley.

Furthermore this is the time when migratory birds fly in from Siberia and is ideal the ideal time for bird watchers to visit the valley and get a rare glimpse of these birds. For shopaholics this is the best time to buy a variety of fresh fruits like apples, pears, apricots, almonds and walnuts.

Temperature during autumn: Varies from 10 to 23 degree Celsius.

Finally, as I conclude one must know that Kashmir has had a history of political unrest, but in the recent years it is considered safe and has opened up to tourist like never before. But it is best to check the latest situation in the valley before traveling.

Furthermore, when in Kashmir avoid wandering alone during late hours especially if you are outside Srinagar, and always carry an identification proof on yourself. Also check your hotel with the tourism center and hire only government authorized guides during your excursion trips.

Most tourist planning a trip to Kashmir often wonder how to reach Kashmir however, this beautiful valley is well connected with the rest of the country by means of air, road and rail.

Here is the complete information on how to reach Kashmir by air, rail and road services.

By Air:

It is a real pleasure to travel by air and get an aerial view of the snow capped mountains of the entire Kashmir region during winters and the same in summers when the mountains reflect different shades of greens.

The city of Srinagar has an airport called ‘Sheikh – ul – Alam’ Airport which is also an international airport and is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Jammu. The airport is located about 15 km from the center of the city.

All major airlines operate their flights to Srinagar and tourist can even opt for cheap airline tickets to Srinagar from budget airlines operating on this route. Flights operate throughout the year with increased frequency during tourist season. This is the easiest and the most convenient way to reach Srinagar from any part of India via Delhi, Chandigarh or Jammu.

Please Note: All foreign nationals are required to register themselves at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office, at the Airport counter.

By Rail:

Presently Srinagar does not have a fully operational railway station of its own. Jammu Tawi Railway station is the main rail head for the state of Jammu and Kashmir and the city of Jammu is connected with major cities of the country by both the fast and super fast trains that connects it to distant places like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Indore, Guwahati, Chennai, Gorakhpur, Mangalore, Bangalore and many more.

During tourist or holiday season when there is a heavy rush of tourist visiting Kashmir, additional trains are operated for and from Jammu Tawi station.

After reaching Jammu – Tawi station from outside Jammu Railway station, one can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Srinagar. The distance between Jammu and Srinagar is about 300 km.

Upcoming Railway network in Kashmir Region:

With a view to provide an alternative route besides roadways the government of India has planned a 345 km long railway network which will connect the Kashmir valley to the Indian Railway network. Officially termed as Jammu Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Railway link, the railway line will start at Jammu and will travel for 345 km all the way to Baramulla on the northwestern edge of the Kashmir Valley.

Over the years a few sections and stages within the Railway network have began operating i.e. section between Anantnag and Rajwanshwer, Rajwanshwer to Baramulla and a section between Qazi Qund to Anantnag. The work is still in progress on various sections and the entire rail link is expected to be fully operational by the year 2020.

By Road:

If you want to explore the virgin beauty of Jammu and Kashmir then a trip by road from Jammu to Srinagar is the ideal way .The national highway (NH 1A) between Jammu and Srinagar is one of the most picturesque highways in India.

The road is beautiful, smooth and hassle free as is being maintained by BRO (Border Road Organization) the road wing of Indian army. The distance between Jammu to Srinagar by road is about 300 km.

By Bus:

The best way to reach Srinagar by road is from Jammu, since  the city  is accessible from all major cities of India by both public and private transport. J&K State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC), Delhi Transport Corporation buses and Haryana State Road Transport Corporation (HSRTC) buses ply between Jammu and Delhi on a daily basis.

Private operators operate Super Deluxe, Deluxe, Volvo, Video Coaches and A-class buses between Jammu and Srinagar which are easily available outside Jammu Railway Station and at the Tourist Reception Center. B – Class or State run transport buses to Srinagar are easily available from the general bus stands at Jammu Bus Depot near the station. A Bus ride between Jammu to Srinagar is comfortable and cost effective and takes about 10 – 12 hours to cover the distance of 300 km which is full of ascends and descends on the mountainous route.

By Car:

Tourist can also hire a private cab or take a share taxi to Srinagar which is easily available outside Jammu Railway station.

There are several places enroute(Jammu to Srinagar) which have been developed for the convenience   of the travelers i.e. places like Jajjar Kotli, Kud, Pantnitop, Batote, Ramban, Banihal and Qazi Gund have tourist bungalows, restaurants, petrol pumps, repair shops, ATM’s and other utility & service centers.

The charges of cabs for private and share taxis may vary depending whether it is a tourist season or not. By Car it generally takes about 8 hours to reach Srinagar from Jammu.

Distance between major nearby cities from Jammu

• Delhi – 575 km
• Chandigarh – 343 km
• Amritsar – 243 km
• Katra – 50 km

Getting around Srinagar

The main modes of transport for traveling in and around Srinagar are:

Luxury Coaches:

Luxury coaches are operated by Jammu and Kashmir tourism department(J&K TDC) and Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation(J&K SRTC) are easily available and is the best way to explore Kashmir economically .Public transport in Kashmir are functional on a daily basis from 04:00 a.m. to 08:00 p.m.

Taxi:

There are 2 types of Taxi’s operating in Srinagar i.e. ‘Full Hire Taxi’ and ‘Share Taxi’, which are easily available for sightseeing within Srinagar and for excursions from Srinagar, but before you hire a ‘Full Hire Taxi’ kindly fix the rates before boarding one.’ Share Taxi’ generally ply between nearby towns i.e. Srinagar to Anantnag or Srinagar to Gulmarg, etc they have fixed rates and carry about 8 – 10 passengers (Tata Sumo).

Luxury Cars:

Luxury cars are easily available and can be hired directly from tour operators in Srinagar or via hotel staff and is the best way to travel around Srinagar and nearby areas, but it is an expensive option especially during tourist season.

Mini Buses:

Mini Buses in Kashmir are privately run and are a common mode of transport in Kashmir for both locals and tourist. These buses operate throughout Srinagar and have fixed routes which also cover many tourist spots. This is an ideal way to travel for budget travelers and bag packers.

Auto Rickshaws:

3 wheeler rickshaws are easily available throughout Srinagar and is an ideal way to travel short distances, but make sure you bargain effectively with the drivers before boarding one.

Motorcycles:

Youngsters in groups and adventure enthusiast can hire motorcycles and explore Srinagar and its nearby areas at their own pace and enjoy the scenic beauty.