Spring is when Kashmir and Kashmiris bid adieu (until the next season) to the chilling winter and welcome the pleasant weather that follows the bright sunshine. In Kashmiri, spring is called Sonth. Spring, or Sonth, lasts from mid-March to mid-May. That’s precisely when the temperatures start rising, flowers start blooming, and the entire valley turns into a multi-colored paradise. The entire valley can be termed as nothing but heaven!
Speaking of tourism, spring is considered the best time to visit Kashmir. It is because temperatures rise to a range bearable to tourists, and the weather turns pleasant. So, considering spring is only a few weeks away, you may want to visit Kashmir during Sonth and feel mesmerized by the wonderful transformation the valley undergoes during the period. Accordingly, let’s look at five places to visit Kashmir during spring.
5 Places to Visit in Kashmir During Spring
- Srinagar
Srinagar is a place flocked by tourists throughout the year. However, Srinagar’s experience varies with the season during which you visit the city. The place starts turning warmer from April, which one may consider mid-spring. The city offers several tourist attractions, including Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, Mughal Gardens, Shalimar Bagh, etc. So, you can spend some peaceful moments with your partner while enjoying a Shikara ride in the Dal Lake or visit the Shalimar Bagh and experience the spring bloom and breeze, or do both!
- Khilanmarg
Khilanmarg is one tourist destination that will leave you truly amazed with its breathtaking landscapes, and spectacular views. The place, blessed with abundant natural beauty, is only six kilometers ahead of Gulmarg. During summers, the fragrant flowers form the most significant attraction of Khilanmarg. The place is also famous for skiing, although yes, that’s something you can enjoy only during winters.
- Sanasar
Sanasar is considered an offbeat tourist destination in Kashmir. However, the place is well-known among trekking, camping and adventure enthusiasts. The peak season of Sanasar begins in April, though. You may enjoy a range of activities in Sanasar, including paragliding, abseiling and rock climbing in Sanasar. The name of this place comes from the two local lakes that offer a tranquil experience to its visitors. To reach Sanasar, you can get down at Jammu airport, or at Jammu Tawi station and take a private cab to Sanasar.
- Doda – Mini Kashmir
Doda is another potential place to visit Kashmir during the summers. The place boasts a stunning landscape and mind-blowing views. Although not very well known within tourist circles, Doda is undoubtedly a place you may consider visiting. It is known for mountaineering, trekking, rock climbing and for two Hindu shrines, Athra Devi Temple and Chandi Mata Temple. You can reach Doda by taking a cab from Srinagar if you arrive by flight, or from Udhampur, if you reach Udhampur station by train.
- Kupwara Valley
Situated at around 90 kilometers away from Srinagar, Kupwara is a tiny district that features some of the best views of the valley and surrounding mountains and meadows. The best time to visit Kupwara begins from April and continues until October, after which once again, winter starts taking over the region’s weather. Some popular places to visit in Kupwara include the Lolab Valley and Qamar Reshi Sahib Shrine.
The place’s proximity to Srinagar makes Srinagar the most obvious place from which you can take a private cab or bus to Kupwara. However, you can also reach the place by getting down at Baramulla railway station.
Note: The daytime weather during spring is undoubtedly pleasant. However, the nights can still get cold. Hence, it is advised to carry warm clothes and keep yourself warm throughout the night.
We hope you genuinely enjoyed reading about five places to visit in Kashmir during spring. However, while visiting these places, enjoy every inch of the region’s countryside, which doesn’t fail to astonish you during spring, although it may not necessarily have any glamor attached to it. Stay tuned with us as we keep bringing more of such insights about Jammu and Kashmir.
