This is Part 2 of Incredible India, our state-by-state travel series. Start from Part 1: Ladakh or read the previous part, Part 1: Ladakh.
Often called "paradise on earth", the Kashmir Valley combines lakes, pine forests, alpine meadows and snow peaks with a rich Mughal and Sufi heritage. Jammu, to the south, is a gateway to pilgrimage sites such as Vaishno Devi.
Why go
- A night on a carved wooden houseboat on Dal Lake.
- Skiing and the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the world's highest cable cars.
- Meadows and rivers at Pahalgam and Sonamarg.
Best time to visit
- March-April: spring and tulips at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden.
- May-August: pleasant summer, ideal for meadows and treks.
- October-November: golden chinar trees in autumn.
- December-February: snow and skiing in Gulmarg; very cold.
Top places to see
- Srinagar: shikara rides on Dal Lake, the Mughal gardens of Nishat, Shalimar and Chashme Shahi, the floating vegetable market and the old city.
- Gulmarg: gondola rides to Kongdoori and Apharwat, skiing in winter.
- Pahalgam: Betaab Valley, Aru Valley and Baisaran meadows along the Lidder river.
- Sonamarg: the "meadow of gold" and Thajiwas glacier.
- Jammu: Raghunath Temple and the gateway to Vaishno Devi at Katra.
Getting there and around
Srinagar and Jammu airports have direct flights from major cities. The Vande Bharat and other trains now connect Katra to Srinagar via the spectacular Chenab rail bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge. Within the valley, hire a taxi; local unions operate in Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, so agree on rates in advance.
Practical tips
- Check current travel advisories before you go.
- Book houseboats with good reviews and confirm what is included.
- Postpaid mobile connections work more reliably than prepaid ones from outside the region.
- Dress modestly and respect local customs, especially at shrines.
Sample 6-day itinerary
- Arrive in Srinagar, sunset shikara ride, night on a houseboat.
- Mughal gardens and old city.
- Day trip to Gulmarg.
- Drive to Pahalgam; Betaab and Aru valleys.
- Day trip to Sonamarg.
- Depart from Srinagar.
What to eat
Try the Wazwan, rogan josh, yakhni, Kashmiri pulao and kahwa. See our recipe for Kashmiri rogan josh.
Next in Incredible India: Himachal Pradesh.
