An Impeccable Beauty – Kashmir in March

Imagine yourself enclosed by sharpened snow-capped mountain peaks, musical scenic views and pine trees. Won’t it be a blissful feeling? If yes, the time to go for a Kashmir tour in March is here.

The beauty and magnificence of Kashmir have been grabbing the eyeballs of many tourists all over the world for ages. So why should you not have some fun too? Especially when it’s about a trip to Kashmir in March. The raw beauty of Kashmir in the month of March will leave you stunned.

Kashmir houses magnificent forests and glades that will mesmerize you and will make you fall in love with them. The vast mists rising from rivers are a treat for your eyes. Oh wait, the soft air ruffling milky-white lakes and the trees of cedar, chine and pine alongside it is another addition to this wonderful paradise on earth.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and visit Kashmir this March. Get some time to relax and find peace amidst nature. And to make it even easier, we have a March travel guide ready for your below. It includes all the information you need – how to travel, what to carry, where to go, what to do, etc. Read on to find out more.

How to Reach Kashmir in March

Gadsar Lake — ( A trekker walks past Gadsar lake and a meadow full of flowers at kashmir great lakes trek in Sonamarg, Jammu and kashmir, India. Beautiful Himalayan mountains, turquoise glacial lakes, wallpaper )

By Rail – The nearest railhead to Kashmir is in Jammu which is around 300kms away. You can board a train either from Mumbai or other parts of the country to reach Kashmir. From the Jammu Tawi Railway station, a private cab, state bus or private bus will help you to reach Kashmir.

By Air – The best and fastest way to reach Kashmir is hands down by flight. March is perfect for flights because there is no snowfall and the flights run on time without any delay due to the suitable weather. The airport offers frequent connectivity with major cities with direct and connecting flights from Delhi, Goa, Leh, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore. From Srinagar airport, there are cabs available to reach the main city of Kashmir.

By Road – If you are up for a road trip to Kashmir in March, it is the best time. The road conditions are fantastic and suitable for an adventure-filled drive. So, now the ball is in your court, from where you would like to begin your road trip. Either you drive from the city you belong to or begin from Jammu, head to Anantnag > Pahalgam > Chandanwari > Aru Valley > Back to Pahalgam > Sinthan Top > Margan Top > and back.

Most Popular Festivals in Kashmir in March

India celebrates the greatest number of festivals as compared to any other country in the world. Each festival is celebrated with utmost zeal and zest and everyone comes together to make the most of it and spend time in peace and harmony. Every religion has its hundred festivals and every state has hundreds of them as well. Just like that, even Kashmir has its festivals in March, below is a list for you.

House Boat in Dal Lake — ( Lifestyle in Dal lake, People living in ‘House boat’ and using small boat ‘Shikara’ for transportation, Srinagar, India )

Shikara Festival – Lifeline of the Dal Lake

Each year during spring-summer, the Shikara festival is celebrated at Dal Lake with full vigour and joy. Kashmir began this festival in 2016, to promote tourism and since then it has become an important and perhaps the most exciting festival of the state. Shikara means long light-paddling boats. And for the festival, several colourful Shikaras are parked on Dal Lake to be a part of festival. Local men and women along with tourists take part in this adventurous Shikara race. An additional charm of the race is that in each Shikara, Sufi music is played. There are different types of races that are conducted – Shikara Race, Dragon Boat Race and Canoe Polo Match. Other cultural programs are also organised as a part of the festival.

Highlights of the festival – Colourful Shikaras, Shikara race, dragon boat race, canoe polo match, Sufi music, Dal Lake.

Shikara Festival Tentative Dates: 4th March to 15th March

Popular Activities in Kashmir in March

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, the Kashmiri cuisine will come to your rescue. So, if you are planning a trip to Kashmir in March, here is a list of some of the popular activities you can experience.

Trekking In Gulmarg — ( Gulmarg is a very popular trekking base in the Himalayan regions. )

Shikara Ride – One of the best things to do in Kashmir in March 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 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 March is the perfect time for it. Just choose the type of trek you would like to experience in the valley of Kashmir. 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 most mouth-watering activities to try 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 finger-linking dishes of the Kashmiri cuisine. Also, the Kashmiri Kahwah is a big must.

Places to Visit in Kashmir in March

Kashmir has many popular locations to visit – Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, etc. But do you know there are so many other tiny hamlets in the valley too? Along with these popular places in the valley, you must also check out these underrated spots in Kashmir. Here you will get to breathe in the fresh air and witness the untouched beauty. Let’s take you on a tour of some of these places for your Kashmir trip in March.

( Beautiful view of snowy moutains of gurez valley kashmir. )

Gurez – If you are looking for underrated places to explore in Kashmir in March then Gurez has to be a part of your itinerary. A high-altitude Himalayan village, Gurez sits at a height of 2400m offering a breathtaking view of the Kishanganga River that flows through the valley. The valley is also home to a number of exotic wildlife. You can spot the brown bears and snow leopards here.

Lolab Valley – Lolab is a blissful destination. Here you will feel away from the world and much more relaxed. The place is also known as Wadi e Lolab. It offers a sparkling view of the shaded paddy fields, apple orchards, springs and lakes. It comprises three other enigmatic valleys called Potnai, Brunei and Kalaroos. Here you will be able to spot the Himalayan Black Bear, Ibex, Hangul, and Snow Leopard if you are lucky.

Yusmarg – Yusmarg is a land of mesmerizing meadows. Sits on the scintillating Doodhganga river and is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy your holiday surrounded by nature. They say that Jesus once walked on the lush meadows of Yusmarg and thus it has a name to it – ‘Meadows of Jesus.’

Basic Guidelines for March

No matter whether you are planning a solo trip, honeymoon, a getaway with friends or a family vacation – there are certain travel guidelines you must keep in mind before planning your trip to Kashmir in March. Wondering what they are? Let us help you with that.

• Carry woollen gloves, muffler, socks and maybe a windcheater too
• Pack light woollens as the nights in Kashmir in March become chilly and cold
• Hiking shoes, sport shoes, sneakers and slippers are a must for the various terrains of Kashmir
• Carry a medical box, first aid kit, and first-aid bandages.
• Carry your identity proof along without fail

This was all about the valley in March. Now that you have all the information and tips you need, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and go enjoy a wonderful Kashmir tour. Make sure to click beautiful pictures and make a ton of memories.