Jammu & Kashmir

If you have never been to Srinagar, here’s a disclaimer. This blog will make you want to book your flight. I shall not lie – Srinagar feels like a dream. It is probably one of the most beautiful state capitals. And even though it is a tourist destination, you must visit this place at least once in your lifetime.  Tucked away in the majestic Himalayas, Srinagar is a dreamland of snow-capped peaks, shimmering lakes, and timeless Mughal gardens. Whether you’re drifting along the Dal Lake on a traditional shikara or wandering through the bustling lanes of the old city, there’s magic in every corner. The best places to visit in Srinagar offer a mix of natural beauty, spiritual depth, and cultural charm that’s hard to match. From the iconic Mughal Gardens and houseboats to the tranquil Hazratbal Shrine and the vibrant floating markets, there’s no shortage of places to see in Srinagar that will enchant you. If you want to explore beyond the city, there are also plenty of places to visit near Srinagar, Kashmir, including lush meadows, charming hill towns, and hidden valleys that are just a short drive away. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or a culture enthusiast, the things to do in Srinagar are sure to make your trip unforgettable. When I reached Srinagar and got out of the shared taxi, a man approached me and asked me to stay in his houseboat. He called me his sister.  I had food along with his family – elder brother, wife, son, and daughter. This was a classic example of how Kashmiris treat tourists with deep respect and warmth.  Here, you will find all the updated details on how to spend two days in Srinagar, including accommodation, budget, itinerary, and the best places to visit in Srinagar. Accommodation Shangri La HouseBoat – 9906629903 There are many accommodation options in Srinagar. You can stay in a hotel or hostel (Zostel has now opened in Srinagar), but I personally prefer staying in a houseboat, especially the Shangri La Houseboat. I haven’t met such a kind family! They truly cared for me like a younger sister, and I am genuinely thankful for it. The rooms, washroom, and amenities are clean and hygienic. They also serve delicious home-cooked food and have a separate dining area where you can enjoy meals while gazing at Dal Lake. Houseboats in Srinagar offer a unique way to experience the culture of Kashmir. Each houseboat is ornately carved and reflects traditional Kashmiri architecture. They are usually moored on the edge of Dal or Nigeen Lake, offering scenic views right from your room. You also get the chance to meet local hosts and understand their way of life. Cost: During the off-season, a room costs INR 1,500, while in the peak season (May and June), it goes up to INR 3,000. Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included. Contact: Wahid: 9906629903 | Ajaz: 9831183948 Best Time to Visit Srinagar Srinagar is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit Srinagar is from April to October when the weather is pleasant and the landscape is lush. Winters are extremely cold, and the Dal Lake often freezes. I visited in September and found it to be the perfect balance – not too cold, and very peaceful. Spring (April to June) brings blooming tulips and almond blossoms, making it one of the most photogenic times of the year. Summer offers clear skies and warm days, perfect for sightseeing. Autumn (September to November) turns the Chinar trees golden and red, adding a magical hue to the city. Winter (December to February) is best for snow lovers and offers a chance to see frozen lakes and snow-covered mountains. Spring is arguably one of the most beautiful times to visit Srinagar. As the snow begins to melt, the valley awakens with colourful flowers and fresh greenery. The world-famous Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Asia’s largest, is in full bloom from late March to mid-April, attracting tourists from across the globe. The Mughal Gardens in Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi are at their vibrant best, making spring perfect for sightseeing and photography. Average temperature: 10°C to 20°C Summer is considered the peak tourist season in Srinagar. The weather is pleasantly warm and ideal for things to do in Srinagar, like boating on Dal and Nigeen Lakes, exploring old Srinagar city, and taking day trips to places to visit near Srinagar, Kashmir, like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, or Pahalgam.  Average temperature: 15°C to 30°C If you’re a fan of golden hues and crisp air, autumn is one of the best times to visit Srinagar. The Chinar trees turn red and gold, casting a surreal charm over the city. Fewer tourists mean you can explore places to see in Srinagar peacefully, while enjoying lower hotel rates and a more laid-back atmosphere. Average temperature: 10°C to 25°C Winter transforms Srinagar into a snowy wonderland. While the city is cold, it is breathtakingly beautiful, especially when Dal Lake freezes and snow blankets the rooftops and trees. This season is perfect for places to visit near Srinagar, like Gulmarg, which becomes a hub for skiing and snowboarding. Average temperature: -2°C to 8°C How to Reach Srinagar? Reaching Srinagar is quite easy. Here are my recommendations. Since I was based out of Delhi, I am giving you the route from Delhi. If you are coming from other parts of India, you can come via Delhi to take a flight to Srinagar directly.  By Bus By Train The nearest railway station is Jammu. Take a train to Jammu (10-13 hrs), then a shared taxi or JKSRTC bus to Srinagar. By Flight Srinagar Airport is well-connected to all major Indian cities. Book in advance to get fares similar to bus or train travel.  Tip: Arrive early at the airport while departing, as security checks are strict. From Airport to TRC Shared taxis cost INR 100. Airport shuttles from TRC run at 9 AM, 10 AM, and 11 AM and cost

If I rewind to one of the most thrilling trekking experiences I had before Tarsar Marsar, it would be my Kedarkantha summit. My feet were hurting, the temperature was in the negatives, but my heart still felt warm. That same feeling returned during the Tarsar Marsar trek — a trek I gifted myself on my 25th birthday. And trust me, it couldn’t have been any better. Living in the pastel colours of blue, green, and white felt like fulfilling a childhood dream, one painted in my landscape sketches. I saw a few of the most stunning lakes I had never imagined existed. I watched sunsets and sunrises while sipping on kahwa, experienced snowfall in October, watched clouds dancing around the sun, and made lifelong friendships with down-to-earth, incredible people. I saw an emerald lake and another that changed colour with the sky. I pushed myself with every step, and if you know me, you know how much I crave a good challenge. In this blog, I’ve put together a guide to help you plan your own trek to Tarsar Marsar. Tarsar and Marsar are two alpine lakes located in the Pahalgam region of Kashmir. To reach them, you’ll pass through lush meadows, dense forests, and cross several streams. Tarsar Lake – Located at an altitude of 12,450 ft (3,795 m), the colour of this lake changes with the sky, quite literally! I saw it shift from grey to brown, green, and then blue all in a single day. Reaching here takes a minimum of two trekking days. Marsar Lake – A little ahead of Tarsar lies Marsar, another stunning lake cloaked in local folklore and mystery (ask your guide!). Most people don’t camp here. Instead, they get a bird’s eye view after hiking for an hour from Tarsar or after trekking to Sundarsar Lake and climbing up another hour (we, unfortunately, missed this second route). This trek is challenging, not because of extreme ascents or boulder crossings, but due to its length and altitude. I carried my backpack the whole way, and one day, we walked 22 km straight as we skipped a camp on the descent. We faced hail, rain, and snowfall — adventurous, yes, but mentally and physically exhausting. One day, my shoulder pain was so intense that I wanted to give up. That’s when Vignesh, our trek leader, took my backpack without letting me protest. Though some trekking sites call it a moderate-level trek, I’d suggest preparing for all weather conditions and stamina challenges. Some days are easier (only 5 km), but if you camp at Sundarsar, you’ll have to descend 18 km to Camp 1 — be ready! You can do this trek from June to September. June–July is ideal for clear skies and blooming meadows. I went in late September and got to witness early snowfall — magical! Our guide mentioned that in winter, foreigners even visit this region for skiing. But for the most rewarding views, I’d still suggest going during summer. There are several routes that you can opt for. I chose to fly to Srinagar, where I spent two days on a houseboat and then moved to Pahalgam’s Aru Valley, the base camp of the trek.  Below, I am providing all the alternate routes you can take to reach Aru Valley. We followed a different itinerary due to snowfall and bad weather towards the end. Below, I will let you know what we opted for and what you can choose otherwise in good weather. In my opinion, both of them are perfect!  2414 metres – 104 km, 4 hours To reach Aru Valley, it will take you around 4-5 hours via a direct, shared taxi from Srinagar to Aru. We crossed beautiful landscapes, apple lanes, a breathtaking Pahalgam and a view of the Lidder River with a lighter shade of blue colour, which is really soothing to see. Aru Valley is on the outskirts of Pahalgam, where you get no network. We were glad that we were finally out of the network zone because the calm was very welcoming. All of us were soaking in the view around us, and I? Well, I was busy recording a time-lapse of the dancing clouds. Accommodation  We stayed at Friend’s Guest House, and the hospitality of the people was amazing. It had everything, from hot water to home-cooked food. We snuggled inside the comfort of our warm blankets as the temperature dropped. 2,700 metres – 9.5 km, 6 hours The next day, after having breakfast, we left for Lidderwat. The trail was right next to our guest house. The hike at the beginning was a little difficult as the pathway is really steep; however, after about 45 minutes, we entered a forest area of pines where the walk became smooth. We came out of the forest area after a while to witness the beautiful meadows. Only the initial hike was a little difficult, and after that, the walk was smooth. In between, we also sat down in between to have our lunch when it suddenly started to rain. This is when we realised the importance of our ponchos/raincoats! We also crossed a bridge and were greeted by many locals on our way. After a trek of about 6 hours, we reached the campsite by 2 PM. Do note, 3,365 metres – 6 km, 5 hours The next day, we got up to witness a glorious sunrise and chilly weather. Honestly, the early mornings are quite difficult during the treks, as it is quite a task to get out of your sleeping bag into the extreme cold weather. But this is also the time when you get the most glorious views of all time. We took our cup of tea to sit on the edge of the valley to see the blue, calm river of Lidder, and the snow-peaked mountains in the distance. Ravens were flying beside us and enjoying the freshness as much as we were. After this, we again started to trek to