Blooming Summer Holiday – Kashmir in May

Have you ever been to a fairyland? A trip to Kashmir in May will definitely take you there. This wholesome vacation is the much-needed break you require from the monotonous and busy city life. Known as the paradisiacal land, you will be bowled over by its picturesque vistas. The valley is famous for its beautiful Mughal architecture gardens, glittering lakes and of course the magnetic Himalayan mountains.

Kashmir is a tourist package that offers everything a beautiful holiday requires. Shikara ride, houseboat stay, tranquil walks through the alleys of the gardens – it is all just so blissful. Its apple orchards add a fruity aroma to the environment and the fresh, pine-scented mountain air takes you away from the city pollution.

There are ample things you can do on your trip to Kashmir. The exciting experiences and beautiful memories will never want you go back home. It brings you leisure times that are ethereal with amazing places to visit in Kashmir during the month of May. As the valley is snow-free this month, the pleasant summers mark the beginning of colourful scenery with emerald grasslands and vivid flowers.

Apart from natural beauty, Kashmir offers several activities for adventure sports too. So, add some thrill and beauty to your bag and take a trip to Kashmir, now!

How to Reach Kashmir in May

( Mughal Heritage Building with snoe covered Zabarwan Mountains in the background during Autumn in Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden of Kashmir )

By Rail – Kashmir does not have a railway station. The nearest railway station in Kashmir is the Jammu Tawi railway station, which is located 300kms away. However, the frequency of trains to Jammu is terrific and almost all major cities have trains running to Jammu. So, a train journey can be a fruitful option to travel to Kashmir. From the Jammu Tawi Railway station, a private cab, state bus or private bus will help you to reach Kashmir.

By Air – The most convenient way to reach Kashmir is by air. The airport is well connected to almost all major cities in the country that have direct and connecting flights running between them at regular intervals. Once at the Srinagar airport, you can take a cab to reach your next destination in Kashmir.

By Road – A road trip in May to Kashmir is going to be perfect. You can either take a bus, hire a private car or even self-drive to the state. The road conditions are fantastic and suitable for an adventure-filled drive. And the route is so scenic that you will enjoy looking at the magnificent vistas while travelling through Kashmir in May.

Suggested Read: How to Reach Kashmir

Most Popular Festivals in Kashmir in May

Kashmir, paradise on Earth is not just popular because of its abundant beauty but also because of its diverse culture and landscapes. The charming snow-capped mountains create a calming and soothing atmosphere. But festivals are a wonderful addition to the valley. Locals in Kashmir come together for each of these festivals forgetting all their tensions and worries. The festivals are celebrated with great zeal and zest and below is one such festival celebrated in the month of May.

Tulip Festival – Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

Kashmir houses a number of Tulip Gardens. The state looks over a plethora of beautiful Tulips during the season of spring. Srinagar has the largest Tulip Garden in Asia and plays host to the great Tulip Festival that takes place annually. The festival boasts of the various tulips that are grown here. The sight of the tulips in any of these gardens will mesmerize anyone, especially a tourist. Tulip Festival takes place at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar and showcases local handicrafts, Kashmiri cuisine and cultural programs too.

Highlights of the festival: Beautiful tulips, local handicrafts, Kashmiri cuisine and cultural programs.

Tulip Festival Tentative Dates: 1st May to 8th May

Popular Activities in Kashmir in May

The charisma of Kashmir in the month of May will embrace you with its exciting activities. Kashmir is not just about its beautiful places to visit. This paradise on earth oozes tranquillity, which helps you experience some exciting activities too. The place allows tourists to explore its depths with a lot of adventure. So, be ready to have some fun in the beautiful valley of Kashmir, with a plethora of activities. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of the top three things to do in Kashmir in May that will make your trip memorable.

Gulmarg during winter season — ( Gandola cable car in Gulmarg Kashmir India during the winter season. )

Gandola Ride – Kashmir in May has a lot of activities that you can be a part of. Let’s begin with the Gondola cable car ride that will give you a bird’s eye view of the entire valley. It’s an activity fit for all ages and also loved by all. As summers are about to be over during this month, the view of the clear scenery, free from snowy mountains will mesmerise you. While riding the cable car above the mountains, the thrill you feel will add to your experience and double up the fun. The ride takes place in 3 sections:

Gulmarg to Kongdoori

Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak

Kongdoori to Mary Shoulder

River Rafting – Summer is an ideal time for river rafting. So, let yourself loose and let the wild waters drench you. White river rafting in Kashmir is one of the most fun activities to do. You can choose the stretches and rapids according to your comfort – easy or moderate, pick your range and make the most of it. Even if you are a beginner, worry not. The rafting is safe and meant for one and all. The most popular rafting spot is the Lidder River. It is imperative to coordinate well with the team and you must follow safety instructions. This will make for a seamless rafting experience and also keep you safe at all times.

Trekking and Pony Riding in Aru Valley – Located about 12kms from Pahalgam, Aru Valley is considered to be a heaven-on-earth spot for vacationers. If you are in Kashmir during the month of May, Aru Valley has to be on your itinerary. It is the starting point of various treks and all trekkers gather at this point itself. Take up the exciting Green Top and Base Camp trek, Lidder trek, Tarsar Marsar trek or the Kolahoi Glacier trek. If you are fairly new to the trek, you must take the help of a guide. At Aru Valley, you can also get pony rides. These rides take you across the place and to tourist spots like River point, Kootpathri, Posh pathri, and Kastoorvan.

Places to Visit in Kashmir in May

May brings the summer vibes to Kashmir. It is the peak season for tourists, also because it is the school summer break. In May, Kashmir has a lot of things to do and many places to visit. From Gulmarg’s snow mountains to the wildlife visit at Dachigam National Park, you can experience it all. To make things easier, we have compiled a list of the three best locations you cannot miss out on while on your Kashmir holiday in May.

( Traditional Villages : The heart of Gulmarg )

Gulmarg – Nestled in the Pir Panjal range of the western Himalayas, Gulmarg is one of the most fascinating places in Kashmir. May is the best time to admire this place. Some of the must-visit places in Gulmarg are Gulmarg Golf Course, Alpather Lake, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Ferozepur Nallah, St. Mary’s Church, Kanchenjunga Museum, Maharani Temple, Ningle Nallah, Baba Reshi Shrine, St. Mary’s Church, and Shiva Temple.

Dachigam National Park – Dachigam National Park houses flora and fauna. This national park helps you experience the wildlife, up close and personal. Apart from the Kashmir Stag, also known as Hangul, the national park is home to the Leopard, Himalayan Serow, Himalayan Black Bear, Jackal, Black bulbul, Woodpecker, and Cinnamon Sparrow.

Timing: 8 am to 6 pm

Entry Fee: None

Mughal Gardens – Some of the most beautiful Mughal Gardens in India are in Srinagar. These were developed by the Mughals and you will find beautiful Mughal architecture here. They have the backdrop of the lovely Himalayan mountains, also house a pool reflecting the sky and the garden also has various trees, floral alleys, and a symphony of birds just making it a perfect package of bliss and beauty. There are a total of 6 gardens in the area that have lovely architecture, engineering and beauty prowess of the Mughals. Marvel at the beauty of these gardens and you will not regret your decision.

Timing: 9 am to 7 pm

Entry Fee: INR 10

Basic Guidelines for May

If you are planning a trip to Kashmir in May, we have some travel and tour tips for you to have a smooth holiday experience. Kashmir experiences summer in the month of May and this is also the best time to visit the valley. The meadows are all green and the flowers are blooming. So, make the most of it but before that here are some tips that will help you enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

• Carry identity proof
• Pack the right shoes for trekking
• Carry medicines and a safety-aid kit
• Check the permits that you require
• Carry snacks for emergency
• Carry sunscreen and moisturizer to beat the heat, if any

May is the peak tourist season for Kashmir. But you already know the best places to visit and the most amazing things to do. So, get to it and waste no time. Enjoy your trip and come back with a bag full of clothes to wash and happy memories to cherish for a lifetime!