Destination Guides
Kashmir in Spring: Tulip Gardens, Shikaras & Why April is the Best Month
28 March 2026·5 min read·By Focus Travels
April transforms Kashmir into something from a painting. Here's what makes spring the ideal time to visit the Valley.
The Asia's Largest Tulip Garden
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar opens for roughly three to four weeks each April, when its 1.5 million tulips bloom across terraced hillsides overlooking Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Range. With over 68 varieties in every shade imaginable, it's a spectacle unlike anything else in India — and one that very few travellers from outside the country think to plan around. Visit on weekdays for smaller crowds.
Dal Lake in April
By April, the ice that covers parts of Dal Lake in winter has melted, and the lake takes on the vivid blue-green colour that makes it famous. Shikara rides at dawn — when the floating vegetable market is in full operation and the mountains are reflected perfectly in still water — are among the most memorable experiences in all of India. Stay on a traditional houseboat for at least one night; the better houseboats are genuine heritage experiences.
Pahalgam and Gulmarg
Spring is ideal for both of Kashmir's famous hill retreats. Pahalgam, at 2,130m, is surrounded by pine forests and the Lidder River, and in April the meadows are carpeted in wildflowers. Gulmarg, at 2,650m, still has skiable snow in March and early April — making it the only Himalayan destination where you can ski in the morning and take a shikara in the afternoon. The Gulmarg gondola, one of the world's highest cable cars, runs year-round.
Practical Notes
Srinagar is well connected by air from Delhi (1.5 hours) and Mumbai (2.5 hours). In April, temperatures in Srinagar range from 8°C at night to 20°C by midday — pack layers. Carry sufficient cash as ATMs in remote areas can be unreliable. The tourism situation in Kashmir has improved significantly in recent years and the Valley is considered safe to visit; your tour operator will provide up-to-date guidance.
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