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Kashmir Tourism
Jammu & Kashmir, a piece of heaven on earth, is the 19th largest state in India and it is located mostly all in the Himalayan mountains. It is also the only state in India with a Muslim-majority population.
J&K consists of three main regions – Jammu, the Kashmir Valley… read more
If Kashmir is often called ‘heaven on earth’, you have Mughal emperor Jahangir to thank for this observation. Best time to visit Kashmir is during the months of March to August. Tourists come to Kashmir valley so they too can witness this ‘heaven on earth’ and enjoy all that it offers. During this period two seasons are covered in Kashmir. Spring (March to early May) and Summer (early May to late August). The blossoms of spring and the cool weather of summer creates the perfect season to visit Kashmir during this time. The beauty is enough to transport you to another realm altogether. Kashmir’s beauty is indeed quite bewitching, and you will want to start making plans for the next trip right away.
| Jammu and Kashmir Tour Packages | No. of Nigts / Days | Price* |
|---|---|---|
| Mesmerizing Kashmir with Sonmarg and Doodhpatri Excursion | 7 Nights/ 8 Days | Rs. 47 900 |
| Exotic Kashmir with Sonmarg | 6 Nights/ 7 Days | Rs. 35 400 |
| Exotic Kashmir with Gulmarg | 6 Nights/ 7 Days | Rs. 39 400 |
| Kashmir With Sonmarg Stay - Fixed Private Tour | 6 Nights/ 7 Days | Rs. 37 900 |
| Standard Kashmir With Gulmarg - Fixed Private Tour | 6 Nights/ 7 Days | Rs. 41 900 |
Tourists come to Kashmir valley so they too can witness this ‘heaven on earth’ and enjoy all that it offers. The resplendent Mughal Gardens see tourists walking through the gently perfumed rows of flowers, while the elegant shikharas can be seen on Dal Lake as they skim the surface of the pretty Dal Lake with its backdrop of mountains. The beauty is enough to transport you to another realm altogether. Kashmir’s beauty is indeed quite bewitching, and you will want to start making plans for the next trip right away. Kashmir is also one of the few places in India that experiences four seasons - summer, monsoon, autumn and winter.
Conclusion - March to August is the best time to visit Kashmir. Often called “The heaven on Earth”, due to its pristine beauty. Yet, not all seasons are best in terms of visiting, due to it being a cold region. Two best seasons to visit Kashmir. Spring (March-early May) and Summer (early May-late August).
Peak Season – Summer
Shoulder Season – Autumn
Low Season – Monsoon
| Travel Season | Min./Max. Temperature | Season |
| march - May | 20-30°C | Pleasantly warm |
| June - September | 16-30°C | Rainy |
| November - February | 2-11°C | Very Cold |
| October - November | 9-20°C | Mild and Pleasant |
Temperature – During summer, the temperatures are not very high and often don’t exceed a high of 30 to 31°C. The lower temperatures also range around 9 to 15°C.
Weather – Summer weather in Kashmir tends to be a little on the warm side, just enough for the locals to use their ceiling fans. Although the days are warm, the nights can still be quite cold.
Significance – Kashmir remains the dream of many newly married couples as the ultimate honeymoon destination, and why not? The weather is nearly perfect and a shikhara ride on the glassy surface of the Dal Lake is every romantic’s dream come true. If you can make it, try going on a shikhara ride early in the day during the morning prayers. The shikharas serve as markets in the morning and the scene is surreal and beautiful. Kashmir during the summers is also a great chance to observe the way of life of the people in the valley. Some people like to stay in the houseboats that are stationed on the lake and its overall a delightful experience.
Why you should visit now – Summer in Kashmir is quite thrilling because of the sights of the pretty flowers in the Mughal Gardens, which bloom profusely during this time. During summer, Kashmir also is the destination for many pilgrims who want to visit Amarnath for the Amarnath Yatra. Other places like Pahalgam and Sonamarg are stunning during the summer, making it the best time to visit Kashmir. With the weather being so clear and gorgeous, it explains why many people plan their summer vacations in Kashmir. However, it’s best to stay clear of Jammu as it can be quite hot during this time.
Things to know before the visit – Since summer is peak season, be prepared for skyrocketing prices of hotels and other such establishments. Even flight tickets are expensive and since tourism plays a huge role in the economy, everything shoots up during this time, whether it’s the taxi or autos on the road or the shikhara boat rides. Nevertheless, most of these problems can be avoided if you book everything in advance.
Tips – Summer in Kashmir might be a little warm, but evenings and nights can get quite cold. If you don’t want to experience the uncomfortable cold, then make sure you carry some warm clothes with you such as shawls, jackets, mufflers, mittens and socks. During the day, don’t forget to use some sunscreen and lip balm to prevent dry skin from creating an agonising experience. Don’t miss out trying out the authentic Kashmiri wazwan dining experience when you’re here.
Temperature – During the time, the temperature ranges from lows of 15°C to highs of 30°C.
Weather – During monsoon, the rains reduce some of the summer heat, especially in places like Jammu. Jammu sees quite a bit of rainfall actually and can become quite humid although Srinagar remains comfortably cool. However, not all parts of Kashmir get rainfall equally and thus the weather also varies quite a bit.
Significance – Although monsoons are considered as an off season or shoulder season in Kashmir, visiting here during the monsoons can be an experience in itself. The warm sunny days of summer are just behind us and the clouds cover the sky often, resulting in showers that cool the earth. The weather is pleasant and comfortable and nearly perfect in many aspects.
Why you should visit now – Since many people consider the monsoons to be off season, you will be able to get some good deals on hotels or package tours and thus save money. Flight tickets are also reasonably priced during this time. Monsoon in Kashmir is also when apple-picking takes place and you can consider yourself lucky if you’re able to take part in this activity.
Things to know before the visit – Many people prefer to avoid visiting Kashmir during monsoon because the rain might hamper their plans of sightseeing. But it’s always a great idea to check weather forecasts before you leave as not all places are rainy and there’s a good chance you will get to enjoy the many sights here without facing tourist rush.
Tips – Although monsoon is not as cold as winter, it can still be quite chilly for those who are not used to the weather in Kashmir. Although monsoon brings with some humidity as well, you have to bring along your rain gear and other such items such as raincoats, jackets and some sturdy boots.
Temperature – From the months of November to February, expect low temperatures of 0°C and sub-zero too. High temperatures don’t often go beyond 15°C.
Weather – The weather is significantly colder now as temperatures often go below zero. Nights can get very cold at this time and you can see snow in Srinagar, Gulmarg and Sonmarg. For those who relish the idea of a winter wonderland, then Kashmir during winter can get quite exciting. Jammu is not as cold as Srinagar and that’s why it’s the winter capital.
Significance – Although winter is not the preferred time to visit Kashmir for many people as the cold acts as a deterrent, this is the perfect time for winter sports. With snow all around you, it often looks like a sea of white and places like Gulmarg can look quite enchanting. If you love cold weather and enjoy playing in the snow, then this is definitely the best time to visit Kashmir.Make sure that you also know How to reach Kashmir in the most convenient manner
Why you should visit now – Srinagar tends to be colder than Jammu but people still come here nonetheless. Of course, December and January might actually get very cold for non-locals to feel comfortable but otherwise, Kashmir in December has everything dreamy written all over it. The Pir-Panjal range is also covered with snow completely, making for an enchanting sight. Winter is also the time when winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding really takes off. There are also cable car rides that are stunning and unforgettable. The sea of white in Gulmarg can be most wonderful if you’re secretly a snow queen or king at heart.
Things to know before the visit – Most activities that are possible during the rest of the year, such as shikhara rides on the Dal Lake and visiting the Mughal Gardens are not feasible during winter. So don’t be disappointed if you’re not able to do any of those activities. However, winter visits are perfect for winter sports and for enthusiastic trekkers. Since winter is also a popular time for visiting Kashmir, you might find that hotel prices and flight tickets are higher around this time. It’s always a better idea to book your package tour in advance so you pay competitive rates.
Tips – Winter in Kashmir, if you’re not in Jammu especially, can be quite cold. Getting warm clothes with you is a must. Sweaters, jackets, warm socks, mufflers, mittens and thermal underwear have to be included in your packing or you will not be able to endure the cold weather. People are also known to get dehydrated in winter because they don’t drink enough water. Make sure you sip lots of warm water or even kahwa to ensure your body is working just fine.
Temperature – Kashmir’s brief autumn temperatures range from lows of 9°C to highs of at least 20°C.
Weather – The weather during this time has a bite of chill in it certainly as winter is almost here at this time. Still, it can be considered cool and not extremely cold. During evenings and nights, it can reach 0°C and if you’re someone who has come from warmer climes, you’re going to find this weather quite cold. Mornings can be misty, but the autumn sun is also refreshing and toasty warm.
Significance – Kashmir’s beauty during autumn is simply breathtaking during this time. The leaves on the famed chinar trees turn copper and gold and as far as you can see, lined along avenues, you will find trees flush with red-gold-yellow leaves and the ground is often carpeted with them. The vision is absolutely spectacular and unforgettable.
Why you should visit now – During autumn, places like Srinagar and nearby Dachigam turn into gorgeous sights with the trees turning shades of gold. With weather being reasonably cool and not too cold, many people consider this to be the best time to visit Kashmir. Apple-picking and other harvestings also take place during this time. Kashmir during autumn is indeed magnificent and resplendent with its rich colours.
Things to know before the visit – Since it’s so close to winter, not many people head to Kashmir during this time as they think it would be too cold.Know the things to do in Kashmir before visiting. Also, since it’s shoulder season, you might be able to get a decent deal on hotel bookings and flights.
Tips – If you’re headed to Kashmir during the autumn months, do find out if there’s any apple-picking happening nearby so you can also join in, if it’s allowed. Another thing to remember is that despite being nearly normal weather for Kashmiris, you might still find it cold, so do pack your clothes as though for winter. Sometimes, it snows during this time too, so you don’t want to be caught unprepared.
If you have decided the best time to visit Kashmir, don’t forget to choose from one of Thomas Cook’s exciting Kashmir Tour Packages. The sights of beautiful snow-capped mountains await you along with a host of unforgettable experiences that are uniquely Kashmiri.
Gulmarg is a town nestled in the Pir Panjal range of the Western Himalayas at an altitude of 8,690 feet above sea level. Literally translated as ‘Meadow of Flowers’ it is encased by glimmering snow peaked alps, verdant green pastures, colorful meadows, deep valleys and pine covered slopes.
A picturesque beauty, it is known for its ski resort which was established in 1927, the Gulmarg Gondola – Asia’s second longest cable car ride and the highest golf course in the world at an elevated altitude of 2,650 meters. Gulmarg is an absolute delight for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Called the ‘heartland of winter sports’, it offers a plethora of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, horse riding, heli-skiing, snow scooter, tobogganing, etc. and sightseeing options. The best season to visit Gulmarg is from October to June as it is the perfect destination especially during winters when the snow capped landscape transforms into the premier destination for winter sports in India.
Jammu and Kashmir, 193403
https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/Gulmarg+193403/@34.0506338,74.3555315,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x38e1af91308dd977:0x7a5cc65c8fb01df7!8m2!3d34.0483704!4d74.3804791
A family holiday in the scenic valley of Kashmir.
Flight: The nearest airport is Srinagar Airport, Dehradun. A cab can be hired from there directly to Gulmarg.
Train: The closest station is Jammu station. You can either hire a taxi or take a bus to Gulmarg
Road: Several private and state buses run to Gulmarg. Private car and taxi can also be hired to reach the place.
1.Skiing
Gulmarg is a popular world class ski resort destination and attracts a lot of skiers from neighbouring nations. Established in 1927 by the British, they used to host two annual ski events at Christmas and Easter respectively. Skiing and other snow activities are carried out on the slopes of Apharwat mountains which is at the height of 14,000 feet. The Gulmarg Gondola connects Gulmarg with Apharwath Mountain from where one can ski down the trail crossing the gondola valley and poma terrain. The ski terrain adorned with Pine trees and snow covered slopes offers a mesmerizing view and challenging trails transpiring into an exhilarating experience for skiers. The Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering is also located here which offers courses on trekking, mountaineering, skiing, etc.
2.Gulmarg Gondola
One of the major attractions, the Gulmarg Gondola is the second highest cable car ride in the world. It came into existence in May 1998 with phase I ferrying visitors to Kongdoori at a height of 8,500 feet. The second phase became operational in May 2005 from Gulmarg to Apharwath peaks at a height of 13,500 feet. The third phase, an addition in the form of chairlift was made in 2011. The Gondola offers a spectacular view of Gulmarg, Khilanmarg, the Himalayan ranges, Pir Panjal range, Nanda Devi and the LOC.
3.Khilanmarg
6km away from Gulmarg, Khilanmarg is a riveting natural meadow which offers a splendid unparalleled panoramic view of the Himalayan range including the Nanga Parbat. A favourite destination of tourists, during spring it is a spectacular landscape engulfed with vibrant blossoming flowers and in winters, it’s one of the ski runs popular with skiing enthusiasts.
4.Apharwat Peak
Situated at an elevated height of 4,200 meters above sea level, it is a charismatic snow crest mountain peak with a breathtaking birds eye view of the entire valley. Covered with snow, it is a hot spot for skiing and has slopes and trails suitable for beginners and experts. During summers as the snow melts, the landscape transforms to lush verdant grasslands making it suitable for horse rides. The Alpathar lake at the base of the Aphwarat peaks is a magnificent lake that gets frozen during winters and becomes a thriving lake surrounded by greenery during summers. It is a nature’s paradise and a must visit attraction.
Gulmarg is also a home to several religious shrines. Visit the Maharani temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiv and Parvati and was built by the Maharaja Hari Sisodia for his wife Maharani Mohini Bai Sisodia who in 1915 and belongs to the Dogra Kings. A buzzing shrine, the ziarat or tomb of Baba Reshi is a 13th century shrine of Muslim saint Baba Payam-Uddin. Witness the grandeur of the St Mary’s church that was built in 120 by the British. Made of grey bricks and green roof with ornate wooden walls, it is considered a ‘Victorian architectural wonder’ and it gleams brilliantly when surrounded by snow.
Spirituality is a beautiful journey that begins from within; it connects you to your ever-glowing soul, the pure consciousness. Seekers of the spiritual world always seek to find answers and travel to distant places to attain spiritual knowledge. India is one country, where spirituality is deeply rooted and which better place than Amarnath to explore your own divinity and find answers that take you to the path of enlightenment. Amarnath is a Hindu shrine, which is located in Jammu and Kashmir in India.
The Amarnath Cave which is home to the Lingam of Lord Shiva is surrounded by plush snow crest mountains. Amarnath Cave is located at an altitude of 3,888 meters and is about 141 kms from Srinagar. Pilgrims and tourists can witness the merging of Amravati and Panjtarni rivers while they are on their way to the Amarnath Cave and can take a dip in the holy river Amravati before entering the cave. Once at the Amarnath cave, you’ll see two Shivlings, one of Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. Lakhs of devotees from all over the world throng Amarnath battling chilly winds, narrow roads and high altitudes to worship at the shrine.
The Amarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas. Devotees visit this temple to get a glimpse of the Lingam of Lord Shiva which is formed from water drops that are frozen to build vertically. However, the Lingam waxes from May to August. According to religious practitioners, the Lingam grows and melts with the moon phases.
Address: Baltal Amarnath Trek, Forest Block, Anantnag, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192230, India
Timings: Amarnath Cave is open all days of the week, from 4:00 AM - 11:00 PM
• Amarnath is one of the most important religious places in India and every Shiva worshipper takes the Amarnath Yatra once in their lifetime.
• Sonamarg is the base camp for devotees and tourists, who want to reach the Amarnath Cave. This place is extremely serene and gives the feeling of being in a rich countryside.
• The Sheshnag Lake is another major attraction and is located at a distance of 27 kms from Pahalgam.
Amarnath is recommended for devotees and tourists - to experience a tranquil, spiritual and holy place dedicated in reverence to Lord Shiva. It is not advisable for patients with heart conditions, asthama or any major health issues.
Once at the Srinagar Airport, pilgrims can take the helicopter services, which saves time and also you don’t experience fatigue.
The closest railway station to Amarnath is Jammu, which is located at a distance 315 km from Pahalgam,
From Jammu, cabs are available that take you to Pahalgam. The Pahalgam route to Amarnath Cave takes about 5 days to reach and people normally use ponies to reach there.
Hire a cab from Jammu till Baltal and from there devotees can walk to the Amarnath cave, chanting Om Namah Shivay. It is just a day’s trek.
The best time to visit Amarnath is between May to September. During summer, Amarnath climate temperature ranges from 9 to 34 degrees. However, the ideal time to take the Amarnath Yatra is in the month of July and August and it is advisable to wear warm clothes as the winter climate is harsh and chilly
There are many stories revolving around the discovery of Amarnath Cave. One popular legend narrates that Bhrigu Muni was the first one to discover the cave. The valley of Kashmir was plunged under water and Kashyap Muni was the one, who drained it. Hence, Bhrigu Muni was the first one to receive Amarnath Darshan. After hearing about this news, many devotees worshipped the Lingam and it became the abode of Lord Shiva. As per popular beliefs, the gadaria community, discovered the Amarnath Cave, and were the first ones to encounter Baba Barfani.
Another story recounts about Buta Malik, a shepherd, who received a bag full of coal from a saint. When he opened the bag, he was surprised to find the bag contained gold coins. Overwhelmed by gratitude, the shepherd went back to the place where he had met the saint but was unable to find him and instead discovered the Amarnath Cave.
Amarnath Cave has a special significance with several mythological stories attached to it. One significant tale talks about Lord Shiva narrating the secret of His immortality and how the universe came into existence to His wife Parvati. Listening to the story, she fell asleep, but a pair of pigeons attentively heard the story and gained all wisdom. It is said that since the pigeons got the knowledge of the Amar Katha, they are presently leading immoral lives. However, many believe it’s a myth because pigeons don’t have a chance of survival in such extreme climatic conditions.
The journey of faith and devotion is not an easy one. However, located at the altitude of 2743 m, Baltal is the perfect refuge for Amarnath Cave pilgrims. This base camp provides all the necessary amenities for you to refuel your energy with food, toilets and tents located at a distance of 100 metres.
Another base camp, Pahalgam has a captivating view, with mountains laced with pine forests. Don’t forget to capture beauty at its best, when you reach Pahalgam. This riveting place is perfect to enhance your Instagram page with brilliant photography.
• At the Amarnath Cave, there are ice Lingas that are naturally formed, each depicting Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha.
• Nearly 5000 years old, the Amarnath Cave naturally forms ice and the process is known as Swayambhu.
• To narrate the story of immortality to his wife, Lord Shiva went to Amarnath Cave, leaving behind the moon, the bull, the snakes and the five elements, earth, air, water, fire and sky.
Gulmarg is a town nestled in the Pir Panjal range of the Western Himalayas at an altitude of 8,690 feet above sea level. Literally translated as ‘Meadow of Flowers’ it is encased by glimmering snow peaked alps, verdant green pastures, colorful meadows, deep valleys and pine covered slopes.
A picturesque beauty, it is known for its ski resort which was established in 1927, the Gulmarg Gondola – Asia’s second longest cable car ride and the highest golf course in the world at an elevated altitude of 2,650 meters. Gulmarg is an absolute delight for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Called the ‘heartland of winter sports’, it offers a plethora of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, horse riding, heli-skiing, snow scooter, tobogganing, etc. and sightseeing options. The best season to visit Gulmarg is from October to June as it is the perfect destination especially during winters when the snow capped landscape transforms into the premier destination for winter sports in India.
Jammu and Kashmir, 193403
https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/Gulmarg+193403/@34.0506338,74.3555315,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x38e1af91308dd977:0x7a5cc65c8fb01df7!8m2!3d34.0483704!4d74.3804791
A family holiday in the scenic valley of Kashmir.
Flight: The nearest airport is Srinagar Airport, Dehradun. A cab can be hired from there directly to Gulmarg.
Train: The closest station is Jammu station. You can either hire a taxi or take a bus to Gulmarg
Road: Several private and state buses run to Gulmarg. Private car and taxi can also be hired to reach the place.
1.Skiing
Gulmarg is a popular world class ski resort destination and attracts a lot of skiers from neighbouring nations. Established in 1927 by the British, they used to host two annual ski events at Christmas and Easter respectively. Skiing and other snow activities are carried out on the slopes of Apharwat mountains which is at the height of 14,000 feet. The Gulmarg Gondola connects Gulmarg with Apharwath Mountain from where one can ski down the trail crossing the gondola valley and poma terrain. The ski terrain adorned with Pine trees and snow covered slopes offers a mesmerizing view and challenging trails transpiring into an exhilarating experience for skiers. The Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering is also located here which offers courses on trekking, mountaineering, skiing, etc.
2.Gulmarg Gondola
One of the major attractions, the Gulmarg Gondola is the second highest cable car ride in the world. It came into existence in May 1998 with phase I ferrying visitors to Kongdoori at a height of 8,500 feet. The second phase became operational in May 2005 from Gulmarg to Apharwath peaks at a height of 13,500 feet. The third phase, an addition in the form of chairlift was made in 2011. The Gondola offers a spectacular view of Gulmarg, Khilanmarg, the Himalayan ranges, Pir Panjal range, Nanda Devi and the LOC.
3.Khilanmarg
6km away from Gulmarg, Khilanmarg is a riveting natural meadow which offers a splendid unparalleled panoramic view of the Himalayan range including the Nanga Parbat. A favourite destination of tourists, during spring it is a spectacular landscape engulfed with vibrant blossoming flowers and in winters, it’s one of the ski runs popular with skiing enthusiasts.
4.Apharwat Peak
Situated at an elevated height of 4,200 meters above sea level, it is a charismatic snow crest mountain peak with a breathtaking birds eye view of the entire valley. Covered with snow, it is a hot spot for skiing and has slopes and trails suitable for beginners and experts. During summers as the snow melts, the landscape transforms to lush verdant grasslands making it suitable for horse rides. The Alpathar lake at the base of the Aphwarat peaks is a magnificent lake that gets frozen during winters and becomes a thriving lake surrounded by greenery during summers. It is a nature’s paradise and a must visit attraction.
Gulmarg is also a home to several religious shrines. Visit the Maharani temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiv and Parvati and was built by the Maharaja Hari Sisodia for his wife Maharani Mohini Bai Sisodia who in 1915 and belongs to the Dogra Kings. A buzzing shrine, the ziarat or tomb of Baba Reshi is a 13th century shrine of Muslim saint Baba Payam-Uddin. Witness the grandeur of the St Mary’s church that was built in 120 by the British. Made of grey bricks and green roof with ornate wooden walls, it is considered a ‘Victorian architectural wonder’ and it gleams brilliantly when surrounded by snow.
Spirituality is a beautiful journey that begins from within; it connects you to your ever-glowing soul, the pure consciousness. Seekers of the spiritual world always seek to find answers and travel to distant places to attain spiritual knowledge. India is one country, where spirituality is deeply rooted and which better place than Amarnath to explore your own divinity and find answers that take you to the path of enlightenment. Amarnath is a Hindu shrine, which is located in Jammu and Kashmir in India.
The Amarnath Cave which is home to the Lingam of Lord Shiva is surrounded by plush snow crest mountains. Amarnath Cave is located at an altitude of 3,888 meters and is about 141 kms from Srinagar. Pilgrims and tourists can witness the merging of Amravati and Panjtarni rivers while they are on their way to the Amarnath Cave and can take a dip in the holy river Amravati before entering the cave. Once at the Amarnath cave, you’ll see two Shivlings, one of Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. Lakhs of devotees from all over the world throng Amarnath battling chilly winds, narrow roads and high altitudes to worship at the shrine.
The Amarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas. Devotees visit this temple to get a glimpse of the Lingam of Lord Shiva which is formed from water drops that are frozen to build vertically. However, the Lingam waxes from May to August. According to religious practitioners, the Lingam grows and melts with the moon phases.
Address: Baltal Amarnath Trek, Forest Block, Anantnag, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192230, India
Timings: Amarnath Cave is open all days of the week, from 4:00 AM - 11:00 PM
• Amarnath is one of the most important religious places in India and every Shiva worshipper takes the Amarnath Yatra once in their lifetime.
• Sonamarg is the base camp for devotees and tourists, who want to reach the Amarnath Cave. This place is extremely serene and gives the feeling of being in a rich countryside.
• The Sheshnag Lake is another major attraction and is located at a distance of 27 kms from Pahalgam.
Amarnath is recommended for devotees and tourists - to experience a tranquil, spiritual and holy place dedicated in reverence to Lord Shiva. It is not advisable for patients with heart conditions, asthama or any major health issues.
Once at the Srinagar Airport, pilgrims can take the helicopter services, which saves time and also you don’t experience fatigue.
The closest railway station to Amarnath is Jammu, which is located at a distance 315 km from Pahalgam,
From Jammu, cabs are available that take you to Pahalgam. The Pahalgam route to Amarnath Cave takes about 5 days to reach and people normally use ponies to reach there.
Hire a cab from Jammu till Baltal and from there devotees can walk to the Amarnath cave, chanting Om Namah Shivay. It is just a day’s trek.
The best time to visit Amarnath is between May to September. During summer, Amarnath climate temperature ranges from 9 to 34 degrees. However, the ideal time to take the Amarnath Yatra is in the month of July and August and it is advisable to wear warm clothes as the winter climate is harsh and chilly
There are many stories revolving around the discovery of Amarnath Cave. One popular legend narrates that Bhrigu Muni was the first one to discover the cave. The valley of Kashmir was plunged under water and Kashyap Muni was the one, who drained it. Hence, Bhrigu Muni was the first one to receive Amarnath Darshan. After hearing about this news, many devotees worshipped the Lingam and it became the abode of Lord Shiva. As per popular beliefs, the gadaria community, discovered the Amarnath Cave, and were the first ones to encounter Baba Barfani.
Another story recounts about Buta Malik, a shepherd, who received a bag full of coal from a saint. When he opened the bag, he was surprised to find the bag contained gold coins. Overwhelmed by gratitude, the shepherd went back to the place where he had met the saint but was unable to find him and instead discovered the Amarnath Cave.
Amarnath Cave has a special significance with several mythological stories attached to it. One significant tale talks about Lord Shiva narrating the secret of His immortality and how the universe came into existence to His wife Parvati. Listening to the story, she fell asleep, but a pair of pigeons attentively heard the story and gained all wisdom. It is said that since the pigeons got the knowledge of the Amar Katha, they are presently leading immoral lives. However, many believe it’s a myth because pigeons don’t have a chance of survival in such extreme climatic conditions.
The journey of faith and devotion is not an easy one. However, located at the altitude of 2743 m, Baltal is the perfect refuge for Amarnath Cave pilgrims. This base camp provides all the necessary amenities for you to refuel your energy with food, toilets and tents located at a distance of 100 metres.
Another base camp, Pahalgam has a captivating view, with mountains laced with pine forests. Don’t forget to capture beauty at its best, when you reach Pahalgam. This riveting place is perfect to enhance your Instagram page with brilliant photography.
• At the Amarnath Cave, there are ice Lingas that are naturally formed, each depicting Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha.
• Nearly 5000 years old, the Amarnath Cave naturally forms ice and the process is known as Swayambhu.
• To narrate the story of immortality to his wife, Lord Shiva went to Amarnath Cave, leaving behind the moon, the bull, the snakes and the five elements, earth, air, water, fire and sky.
Reaching Kashmir by air is quite popular. The Srinagar airport is an international airport, but it mainly serves domestic flights from a number of cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Bangalore, Mumbai etc. An important thing to remember is that Srinagar Airport has strict security measures. To reach it, you have to travel beyond a 1.2km security barrier. Although the airport is not too far from the city, it’s a good idea to come here before time as there are many long queues for luggage and body screening that must be completed. Airlines such as IndiGo, Spicejet, Go Air and Air India fly to Srinagar regularly.
There are prepaid taxis that take you to the airport from the city. Another possibility to get to the city from the airport would be to take the free shuttle bus to the security gate outside and from there, you can try and get an auto. Curfews are common in Srinagar so reaching the airport on time can be a struggle. Also, even if you do manage to reach early, you might have to wait outside as you can go inside only three hours before the flight departure. During winter months, it’s common for flights to get cancelled routinely.
Kashmir has two other airports as well – Jammu Airport, a domestic airport that serves Jammu and is 8kms away from the city with bus, taxi and car rental options to reach the city and Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, another domestic airport that serves the city of Leh.
Kashmir is connected to other cities and states by a network of state and private buses. From cities like Chandigarh and Delhi, there are bus services that take you to Srinagar. Srinagar is connected to Jammu via the National Highway 1-A. State road transport corporation buses from various states have private deluxe buses which travel to Kashmir. In Srinagar, there is a J&K SRTC bus station where you can board your bus. Buses often arrive early in the morning or late at night and if you are planning to arrive by bus, then do remember this before you finalize your travel plans. Sometimes, the buses are not very comfortable, and your journey might feel too cumbersome. Especially if you are coming from Delhi, the bus journey can go up to 24 hours! However, the buses are quite cost-effective which makes them popular. There are government buses as well which take you to Srinagar. Once you reach Srinagar, You can find the best places to visit in Kashmir such as Jammu, Pahalgam, Gulmarg as there are buses from Srinagar that take you there.
Travelling to Kashmir by train means you have to take a train to Jammu Tawi Railway Station in Jammu which is the only railway station in Kashmir. Although Srinagar too has a railway station at Nowgam which is around 10kms away from the city, it covers just a few cities such as Baramulla, Anantnag, Qazigund and Banihal. It is not yet linked to the Indian Railway network. To reach Kashmir from other cities, Jammu Tawi is better as it is well-connected to numerous Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Kanpur, Udaipur, and Pune. Numerous trains come here regularly and some of them include Delhi Anand Vihar-Katra Special Express, Lucknow-Katra Special Express, Pune-Jammu Tawi Jhelum Express and several others. After you reach Jammu, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Srinagar if you so wish. However, this is not a good idea as it can take nearly 8 to 10 hours to reach Srinagar from Jammu by road.
You can take a taxi or a rental car to Kashmir, typically to Srinagar. The roads are well-connected to both Jammu and Srinagar. You can choose from taxis or jeeps to travel to Kashmir. It is often recommended to book a taxi for multiple days as it turns out to be more economical in the long run. Do note that travelling from Srinagar to Jammu takes nearly ten hours. However, old hands at travelling in Kashmir often advise that it’s a good idea to keep a margin of 5 hours at least as there can be traffic on the highways which might affect your travel time. Bad weather can also affect travel time and cause delays and traffic jams.
Is it safe to travel to Kashmir?
Yes, travelling to Kashmir is absolutely safe. However, don’t be shocked by the abundance of military checkpoints, tanks on the side of the road, military trucks and heavy-armed soldiers roaming down the streets.
Do I need special permission while travelling to Kashmir?
Travelling to some parts of Ladakh that lie close to the borders of China and Tibet do require a permit
How far is Kashmir from Delhi?
The distance between Kashmir and Delhi is approximately 842 kilometres. You can take a flight from New Delhi to Srinagar that will take around 1 hour and 25 minutes. While travelling via train will take you 7 hours and 25 minutes.
How many days are needed for a holiday to Kashmir?
Ideally, at least a week would be needed to explore Kashmir and its hidden gems.
My holidays were not good...they were the BEST ! Thanks to the Team of Thomas Cook
My cousins were visiting from USA for a wedding and we had a few days in hand. This was a perfect opportunity to revisit old days and Jammu and Kashmir felt like a perfect destination to do so. We went to Patnitop, Srinagar, Pahalgam, Aru Valley and Sonamarg. The trip was managed with superb professional capacity and the entire package was world class.
I had booked a package for Vaishno Devi and Patnitop for my parents. Thomas Cook ensured that they will have a comfortable travel experience and everything will be managed by their representatives in Jammu. My parents didn’t have a single issue during their journey and returned home with fond memories.
The idea of this family vacation was to make it a mix of pilgrimage as well as sightseeing. Thomas Cook arranged a plan starting from Vaishno Devi and ending in Gulmarg. It was an amazing journey from the mystical lands of Kashmir. The shikara ride in Dal Lake, Snow sports in Sonamarg and Gondola Rides. All 15 of us were so happy after returning from the trip.
