Summers in Kashmir: Where Heaven Wakes in Bloom
Summer in Kashmir is a season straight out of a dream. This picture was taken in Pahalgam, the river was just bend this fence the hotel was adjoining with the river. It was so peaceful, and was so pretty to live two days in Pahalgam.
As the snow retreats into distant mountaintops, the valleys come alive with color—emerald meadows, apple orchards in bloom, and the scent of wildflowers riding on cool mountain breezes. Crystal-clear lakes like Dal and Nigeen shimmer under the sun, reflecting shikaras gliding gently by.
Trekking trails open up through pine forests and alpine fields, revealing hidden lakes and timeless villages tucked in the hills. Whether you’re sipping noon chai in a garden in Srinagar or hiking through the wild beauty of Gulmarg , summer in Kashmir is nature’s masterpiece—calm, green, and endlessly enchanting.
When the rest of the country bakes under the summer sun, Kashmir awakens in full bloom. Meadows come alive with wildflowers, snowmelt feeds crystal-clear rivers, and the air carries the sweet scent of pine and apple blossoms. From picnics in the lush valleys of Pahalgam to gondola rides over green slopes in Gulmarg, summer in Kashmir is a season of gentle warmth and vibrant color.
The days are long, the skies impossibly blue, and every corner feels like a scene from a painting. Come and discover why Kashmir isn’t just a place you visit — it’s a feeling you carry with you long after you leave.
What to do in Kashmir during Summers ?
Come summer, Kashmir transforms into a painter’s dream—apple blossoms swaying in the breeze, the Himalayas shimmering in the distance, and rivers running wild with melted snow. Whether you’re looking for serenity or soft adventure, this week-long Kashmir itinerary is designed to help you experience the very best of the valley.
Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar – Shikara Rides & Floating Gardens
Morning:
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Arrive at Srinagar Airport. Transfer to your hotel or a houseboat on Dal Lake or Nigeen Lake.
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Check-in and freshen up.
Afternoon:
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Enjoy a Shikara ride through Dal Lake, visiting the floating gardens, vegetable market, and old Mughal canals.
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Watch reflections of the Zabarwan Hills ripple in the water as the sun warms the valley.
Evening:
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Stroll through the Mughal Gardens – Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi.
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Optional: Try traditional wazwan cuisine at Ahdoos or Stream Restaurant.
“The lake doesn’t just reflect the sky—it mirrors the pace your heart longs to live by.”
Day 2: Gulmarg – Meadows, Gondolas & Himalayan Views
Morning:
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Depart early (2-hour drive) for Gulmarg, the famed “meadow of flowers.”
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Ride the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the world’s highest cable cars, up to Apharwat Peak.
Afternoon:
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Go for an alpine meadow walk, have a snowball fight (yes, even in summer!), or try pony riding.
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Lunch with a view at Highlands Park or Hotel Nedous.
Evening:
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Return to Srinagar. Optional sunset walk along the Boulevard Road with views of Dal Lake.
Day 3: Sonamarg – River Trails & Glaciers
Morning:
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Drive 2.5–3 hours to Sonamarg, a valley cradled by towering peaks and rushing rivers.
Afternoon:
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Trek or take a pony ride to the Thajiwas Glacier.
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Pack a picnic or dine at a riverside café with views of white-capped peaks.
Evening:
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Return to Srinagar or stay overnight in a riverside camp/lodge.
“Sonamarg means ‘meadow of gold’—but it’s the silence of the glaciers that shines the brightest.”
Day 4: Srinagar Culture Trail – Heritage, Sufi Shrines & Local Markets
Morning:
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Explore Old Srinagar: visit the Jamia Masjid, Shankaracharya Temple, and Khanqah-e-Moula.
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Walk along the Jhelum River and the zero bridge.
Afternoon:
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Stop for Kashmiri kahwa and a snack at a local tea house.
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Visit the SPS Museum for a glimpse into the region’s deep cultural roots.
Evening:
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Shop for pashminas, papier-mâché, and saffron at the Lal Chowk or Polo View Market.
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Dinner on a houseboat or rooftop restaurant with live Kashmiri folk music.
Day 5: Pahalgam – Valleys & River Walks
Morning:
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Early morning drive to Pahalgam (~2.5 hours), passing saffron fields and apple orchards.
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Check in to a riverside hotel or cottage.
Afternoon:
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Explore Aru Valley or Betaab Valley (named after the Bollywood film “Betaab”).
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Relax with your feet in the Lidder River, or take a nature walk among pine forests.
Evening:
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Bonfire at your stay, with the Lidder’s music playing in the background.
Day 6: Pahalgam Adventures – Trekking or Leisure
Option 1 – Active Traveler:
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Go for a half-day trek to Baisaran Valley (“mini Switzerland”).
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Or try river rafting on the Lidder (summer only).
Option 2 – Slow Traveler:
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Visit the local Shepherd’s village, watch traditional wool weaving.
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Relax with a book, birdsong, and river breeze.
Evening:
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Return to Srinagar or stay another night in Pahalgam.
Day 7: Departure – Or Extend into Hidden Kashmir
Morning:
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Breakfast with Himalayan views.
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Transfer back to Srinagar Airport.
Optional Extensions:
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Yousmarg – Meadows and fewer crowds
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Doodhpathri – Hidden alpine pastures
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Gurez Valley – Remote, untouched, and surreal
Packing Tips for Kashmir in Summer
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Light woolens + layers (mornings and nights can be chilly)
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Sunscreen and sunglasses (sun is sharp at altitude)
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Comfortable walking shoes
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Rain protection (occasional mountain showers)
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Camera or journal to capture the peace
Final Thoughts
Summer in Kashmir isn’t just a season—it’s an emotion. One made of still lakes, echoing valleys, wildflowers that don’t care who sees them, and skies so blue they could quiet even the busiest mind.
Come for the views. Stay for the silence.