Kashmir has four distinct seasons, each with its own peculiar character and distinctive charm. These are spring, summer, autumn and winter. But if you ask which is the best season and best time to visit Kashmir? The answer is the best season is summers and the best months are May, June, July, August, September. You can visit Kashmir in any of the months mentioned above. As the weather is pleasant in the summer months. The valley gets covered with blossoms and the orchards are heavy with fruits during summer. This is the peak tourism season in Kashmir Valley and most of the tourists prefer to visit Kashmir during May to September.
However, winter is the best time to visit the 'Jammu' region, from the months of October to March, when the maximum temperature is around 18 degree Celsius and the minimum is 4 degree Celsius on some days. The winter season in Kashmir from December through February is the best time to visit Kashmir for snowfall. Spring, March through May, is the best time to visit Kashmir for a honeymoon as the flowers in the famous Mughal Gardens in Srinagar are in bloom. Early spring till mid-April, which is also the offseason in Kashmir, is ideal for those looking to get the best deals on hotels in Kashmir.
Is it Safe to Visit Kashmir?
This question has been asked many times on social forums. is it safe to visit Kashmir? The answer yes it is completely safe to visit Kashmir any time be it summers or winters, however there are apprehensions that in summers the situation in Kashmir gets volatile due to political uncertainty in the Valley, that is true that in the last two decades we have seen an upsurge in political unrest in Kashmir and mostly in summers, but here is the important aspect of it which most of the News Channels do not report. In the last two decades of violence in Kashmir, not a single tourist was hurt in Kashmir by the local people in contrast
Kashmir is known as the safest place for solo women travelers.
This is not just because Kashmir is dependent on tourism so Kashmiri's don't want to snatch their own bread and butter by mistreating the tourists, its in fact the social system of Kashmir that there all the tourists are treated as guests not as customers. you can knock at any door in Kashmir at any time and you are welcome with love and respect.
There are some areas in Valley which constantly remain in news for unrest and anti-militancy operations, like areas of south Kashmir, which include Pulwama, Tral and Shopian but none of them is a tourist destination. In south Kashmir, the most popular tourist place is Pahalgam and it remains calm and open for tourists round the year.
Kashmir tourist guides have put their lives at risk many times if any untoward incident had happened with their guests. Here is an example of how to that fact after saving five tourists guide lost his life in Pahalgam Kashmir. Despite very negative image building about Kashmir by many media houses Kashmir still remains the favorite tourist attraction not just for domestic tourists but for international tourists as well.
The best thing about Kashmir tourism industry is that most of the tourists in Kashmir come through referrals, the reason is simple once you visit this place you will fall in love with its unmatched natural beauty and the hospitality of the local people.
List of places to visit from May to September
| Places To Visit | Known For | More Details |
|---|---|---|
| Srinagar | Houseboats, Dal Lake, Nagin Lake | More about Srinagar |
| Pahalgam | Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, Golf Course | More about Pahalgam |
| Sonmarg | its stunning natural beauty, Amarnath Cave, Tajwas | More about Sonmarg |
| Gulmarg | Popular skiing destination, Gondola, Afarwat Mountian | More about Gulmarg |
| Jammu | Katra Vaishnodevi, Mansar, Patnitop | More about Jammu |
| Mughal Gardens | Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Cheshma Shahi | More about Mughal Gardens |
| Historical Places | Martand Sun Temple, Budshah Tomb, Burzohama, Hari Parbhat, Awantipora | More Historical Places |
| Arts & Crafts Bazar | Carpets, Shawls, Copperware | More Arts & Crafts |
What Precautions Should one take while visiting Valley?
It is very important to any traveler to take necessary precautions while visiting any place in the world and Kashmir is no exception to that. Here are a few things that you remember while a Kashmir tour.
Kashmir is a politically volatile region so it's in the best interest of tourist to not indulge in any political debates with locals. It's not as if they will hurt you for your political opinions but maybe their political opinion may not be the one you expect to hear.
Always travel with local tour operators. One thing is true about Kashmir that due to on gong conflict, the situation can turn around anytime so you need someone local to assist you at that time to get you safely back.
Carry the necessary documents with you for identity proof. like Aadhar, Election Card or driving license keep some xerox copies of it with you in case you need to submit it anywhere.
Internet connectivity is an issue many a times Govt snaps internet connectivity in many areas to keep the situation under control if there is any untoward incident. But this happens mostly with mobile internet without broadband services or cable internet. So ask your tour operator if the hotels you are staying in has WiFi services over broadband internet connectivity.
Keep some cash with you as mentioned earlier due to internet service blockade Net Banking and ATM's may not work sometimes, so keep some cash with you, which will come handy in that situation.