Captivating Beauty – Kashmir in April

April is the beginning of the deadly summer heat. Why not visit one of the country’s colder regions? Kashmir is one of India’s most tranquil and soothing summer getaways. Kashmir, with its natural beauty and cultural activity, makes for an ideal vacation with family, friends or even a solo trip. The place keeps you away from the heat and monotony of your daily routine. You will be able to make the most of your vacation even if you are on a solo trip, enjoying nature’s paradise. The stunning views and multitude of activities will definitely make you want more of Kashmir.

Explore the scenic beauty of Kashmir with our Kashmir Tour Packages

Kashmir transforms you into another planet altogether. The beauty of the valley attracts tourists not just from India but around the world. In fact, not just tourists but numerous filmmakers also use it as a filming location. It also has a number of religious sites, hiking trails, glittering lakes and plenty of local food, you have never tried, for your taste buds. This spectacular environment makes it a one-of-a-kind stay experience for tourists. From houseboats, five-star hotels, and resorts – it has it all.

This travel guide below takes you through all the important considerations for your Kashmir trip in April. It will guide from pin to piano about Kashmir – how to reach, what to pack, places to visit, activities to take part in, etc. So, what are you waiting for?

How to Reach Kashmir in April

Baltal Valley — ( Beautiful landscape view of Baltal on Zoji la pass in Srinagar – Leh road in Jammu and Kashmir, India. )

By Rail – The nearest railway station in Kashmir is the Jammu Tawi railway station, 300kms away. There are multiple trains from various cities of India that connect to Jammu. From the Jammu Tawi Railway station, a private cab, state bus or private vehicle will help you to reach Kashmir.

By Air – The most convenient way to reach Kashmir is by flight. Although the Srinagar airport is an international airspace it also handles domestic flights from Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Bangalore, and Mumbai. From the airport, you can take a cab to reach your destination in Kashmir.

By Road – A network of public, private and state transport connects Kashmir to other cities and states. There are bus connections to Srinagar from towns like Chandigarh and Delhi and National Highway 1-A connects Srinagar with Jammu. Private deluxe buses travel to Kashmir on state road transport corporations from a number of states. One can also self-drive to Kashmir if one wishes to.

Most Popular Festivals in Kashmir in April

The valley of Kashmir has diverse cultural traditions. With this diversity comes an array of festivals. From being a tourist, festivals will come across as a crash course of the beautiful culture that the state represents. Keeping this in mind, below is the festival for April.

( Lamayuru Buddhist monastery and scenic mountain view, sunset with full moon, Ladakh, India )

Baisakhi – Prominent festival of the Sikhs
A prominent festival of the Sikh, Baisakhi is celebrated throughout the country on the 13th of April, annually. It marks the New Year of the Sikhs in India and the date embarks the harvesting season in the country as well. This festival witnesses humongous celebrations in the state of Kashmir. This is because of the population of Sikhs in the region.

Highlights of the festival – Sikh festival, Sikh new year, beginning of the harvesting season, celebrated throughout the country.

Baisakhi Tentative Dates: 13th April

Popular Activities in Kashmir in April

Kashmir has a number of activities that will interest you. From trekking to a Shikara ride, it has it all. And if these activities make you hungry then the delicious Kashmiri cuisine will help you fill your stomach. So, if you are planning a trip to Kashmir in April, here is a list of some of the best activities you can enjoy.

Shikara Ride – One of the best things to do in Kashmir in April is to enjoy a Shikari Ride at Dal Lake. As you sit in the Shikara and your boatman paddles you across the lake, you will feel a sense of bliss. Away from the monotonous routine of life and away from the constant hustle and bustle that you go through. Surrounded by natural beauty in the form of magnetic Himalayan mountains your heart will be filled with emotions that you will not be able to express in words for sure. Away from the traffic, pollution and maddening crowd, all you will find here is peace. The only sound you will hear is the boatman’s oar breaking the surface of the water.

Trekking- Trekking is one of the most adventurous things to do in Kashmir. So, adventure buffs do not miss this out. There are short as well as long treks in Kashmir, and April is the perfect time for it. Just choose the type of trek you would like to experience in the valley. You can trek to the Alpine Lakes including Vishansar, Gadsar, Alpather, Tarsar, and Satsar. The view from the top of these locations is truly breathtaking and will become a part of your memory forever. Before you go for the trek, make sure you wear comfortable hiking shoes, carry enough water to drink and take some sunscreen along.

Kashmiri Cuisine – You can’t miss out on local food when visiting a tourist destination, especially Kashmiri food. It is one of the best things to do in Kashmir. So, try the delectable cuisine at the paradise on earth and we are sure you will be licking your fingers away. Lamb Mutton Rogan Josh, Modur Pulao, Matschgand, Yogurt Lamb Curry (Yakhni), Kashmiri Muji Gaad, Lyodur Tschaman, Nadroo Yakhni, Dum Aloo, are some of the most mouth-watering Kashmiri dishes. Also, the Kashmiri Kahwah is a big must.

Places to Visit in Kashmir in April

The state of Kashmir has garnered fame, worldwide, for its picturesque vistas, rural terrain and enormous snow-capped mountains. The state is located in the country’s far north and is also known as the Roof of India. There are various hill stations in the state itself and a great many sites to visit and hence Kashmir is renowned as a vacation destination for all seasons. Here is a list of the three finest places to visit in the breathtaking valley.

( The forests green of Kashmir district Kupwara looking beautiful destination in JK India )

Kupwara – Kupwara is a blissful valley in the state. There are many trees and alpine ranges in this area with sceneries and mesmerizing views in April. The location is perfect for tourists who enjoy quietness.

Betaab Valley – This valley was previously known as Hagan Valley. The valley, however, has a new moniker because of the Bollywood film Betaab, which was filmed here and became a massive blockbuster. The natural scenery in this valley will charm you like no other. In April, the forests and beautiful weather here is worth exploring.

Kathua – This place falls at the borders of the Himachal Pradesh and Punjab border. Because there are multiple Sufi Baba Pir shrines here, it is also known as the Sufi site. This place has a long history and hence it is a must-visit for the history buffs. Strike up a conversation with the locals and you will find out the Kathua stories.

Basic Guidelines for April

Travelling is always fun, if done right. When arranging a trip to Kashmir in April, you are sure to make memories of a lifetime. But before that, below are a few things to consider when you travel to Kashmir.

• Keep your passport with you, if you are a foreign traveller.
• Cover your head and remove your shoes when visiting a holy site
• Carry a camera to capture all of your favourite memories and locations
• Use Google Maps to find more nearby public transportation and ATMs, if needed.
• Wear comfortable shoes that match the terrain of Kashmir
• Carry emergency snacks

The tourism season in Kashmir begins in April, so it is the peak season and a perfect time to visit the valley. Also, as the month progresses, the number of tourists in the valley increase and hence April is said to be appropriate for a visit. Do make the most of your trip and make wonderful memories.