Things to Do in Kashmir: Houseboats, Meadows, Snow & Mughal Gardens

Stay on a Dal Lake houseboat

Houseboats, ornately carved in cedar wood, have been moored on Dal and Nigeen lakes since the colonial era, when outsiders were not allowed to own land in Kashmir. A night or two aboard, with a family serving kahwa and Kashmiri meals, is one of the defining things to do in Kashmir.

Standards vary a lot, from simple to luxurious. Book a houseboat that is registered with the tourism department and read recent reviews.

Time needed

1–2 nights

Good for

Couples, families

Take a shikara ride at dawn

The shikara, a small covered boat, is the way to see Dal Lake up close: floating gardens, lotus beds in summer, and lanes of water between houses. At dawn, a floating vegetable market takes place in the lake's inner channels. Agree on the route, time and price before you step in.

Time needed

1–3 hours

Best time

Sunrise or sunset

Good for

Everyone

Visit the Mughal gardens

The Mughal emperors built terraced gardens along the lake shore below the Zabarwan hills. Shalimar Bagh (built by Jahangir), Nishat Bagh (by Asif Khan, Nur Jahan's brother), Chashme Shahi (by Shah Jahan) and Pari Mahal above it are the most famous, with water channels, fountains and chinar trees.

Time needed

Half a day

Best time

April to October

Things to do in Srinagar

See the tulip garden

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden below the Zabarwan hills is one of the largest tulip gardens in Asia, with over a million bulbs in many varieties. It opens for only a few weeks, usually from late March into April, and is extremely popular.

Best time

Late March to April

Good to know

Opening dates depend on the bloom

Ride the Gulmarg gondola

Gulmarg's gondola climbs in two phases from the meadow to Kongdori and then to near the top of Apharwat, at close to 4,000 metres. In winter it serves skiers on some of the most exciting slopes in India; in summer it gives views across the valley and, on clear days, towards Nanga Parbat. Book tickets online in advance.

Best time

December to March for snow, May to October for meadows

Things to do in Gulmarg

Explore the valleys around Pahalgam

Pahalgam sits where the Lidder river leaves the high mountains. Local taxis run to Betaab Valley, Aru valley and Chandanwari, the start of the Amarnath Yatra route, each with meadows, forests and river views. Pony rides and walks lead to other meadows.

Things to do in Pahalgam

See Thajiwas Glacier at Sonamarg

Sonamarg, the meadow of gold, lies on the road to Ladakh along the Sindh river. A pony ride or walk leads to Thajiwas Glacier, where snow often lingers into summer. It is also the base for the Great Lakes trek and the Amarnath route from Baltal.

Things to do in Sonamarg

Spend a day at Doodhpathri

Doodhpathri, about 40 km from Srinagar in Budgam district, is a wide meadow crossed by the Shaliganga stream and ringed by pine forest. It is less crowded than Gulmarg and makes a good day trip.

Doodhpathri travel guide

Go to Yusmarg or Aharbal

Yusmarg is a quiet meadow in the Pir Panjal foothills with walks to Nilnag Lake, while Aharbal has one of Kashmir's most powerful waterfalls on the Veshaw river. Both are in south Kashmir and make easy day trips.

Yusmarg travel guide · Aharbal travel guide

Visit Gurez valley

Gurez, north of Srinagar across the Razdan Pass, is a remote valley on the Kishanganga river with wooden villages and the pyramid-shaped Habba Khatoon peak. It is open roughly from May to November and needs a registration process; check current requirements.

Gurez valley travel guide

Trek the Kashmir Great Lakes

The Kashmir Great Lakes trek, starting near Sonamarg, crosses high passes past a chain of alpine lakes including Vishansar, Krishansar and Gangbal over about seven days. It is one of the most beautiful treks in India and needs good fitness and a registered operator.

Time needed

About 7 days

Best time

July to September

Eat a wazwan

The wazwan is Kashmir's ceremonial multi-course meal, cooked by specialist chefs called wazas. Rogan josh, rista, gushtaba and tabak maaz are highlights. Many restaurants in Srinagar serve smaller wazwan platters. Vegetarians can try dum aloo, nadru (lotus stem) and haak saag. Finish with kahwa, green tea with saffron and almonds.

Good for

Food lovers

Shop for crafts

Kashmir is known for pashmina shawls, carpets, papier-mâché, walnut-wood carving, crewel embroidery and saffron from Pampore. Buy from government emporiums or well-known shops, and be wary of cheap 'pashmina' that is not genuine.

Visit shrines and temples

Hazratbal Shrine on the banks of Dal Lake, the Jama Masjid and Khanqah-e-Moula in the old city, and the Shankaracharya Temple on a hill above Srinagar reflect the valley's layered religious history. In Jammu, the Vaishno Devi shrine near Katra draws millions of pilgrims a year.

Katra and Vaishno Devi

Spring (March to May)

Almond blossom at Badamwari in March, the tulip garden in April and green meadows at Gulmarg and Pahalgam by May. Snow still lingers higher up, and it is a fine time for sightseeing.

Summer (June to August)

Warm days in Srinagar, flowers in the high meadows and the best trekking season. The Amarnath Yatra runs in July and August, which affects access around Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Sonamarg and Baltal.

Autumn (September to November)

Chinars turn red and gold, apple and saffron harvests take place, and the skies are clear. Many consider this the best time for photography.

Winter (December to February)

Snow covers Gulmarg, Pahalgam and often Srinagar. Skiing and snow play are the highlights. Some roads and services close, and power cuts are more common.

What are the best things to do in Kashmir?

Stay on a Dal Lake houseboat, take a shikara ride, visit the Mughal gardens, ride the Gulmarg gondola, explore Pahalgam's valleys, see Sonamarg's glacier, visit Doodhpathri or Gurez, and eat a wazwan.

What is the best time to visit Kashmir?

April to June for spring and meadows, September to November for autumn colours, and December to February for snow. Each season suits different things to do.

How many days are enough for Kashmir?

Six days for Srinagar with Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg; eight to ten if you add quieter valleys or a trek.

Is Kashmir good for a honeymoon?

Yes. Houseboats, shikara rides, Gulmarg's snow and Pahalgam's river stays make it one of India's most popular honeymoon destinations.