Spring in Kashmir: A Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary for Blossoms, Culture & Adventure

Few places capture the romance of spring like the Kashmir Valley. As the harsh winter melts away, the landscape is transformed by colourful blossoms, pleasant temperatures and vibrant festivals. Almond trees burst into bloom in Srinagar’s Badamwari garden – an event that has for decades signalled the end of winter for locals. At the same time, the region’s world‑famous Tulip Festival fills the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden with over 60 varieties of tulips. With temperatures hovering around 12–20°C, it’s the perfect time for outdoor adventures, family picnics and cultural experiences. This guide introduces the magic of Kashmir in spring, provides a detailed 7‑day itinerary and offers tips for travellers, families, travel agents and adventure seekers.

Why visit Kashmir in spring?

• Blossoming gardens and festivals: The arrival of almond blossoms in Srinagar’s Badamwari garden signals the start of the tourist season. At the nearby Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, the annual Tulip Festival (20 March – 20 April 2025) showcases millions of tulips and other flowers, with entry fees of ₹75 for adults and ₹25 for children. Traditional music, dance and handicraft stalls complement the floral display.
• Comfortable weather: Spring runs from March to early May. As snow melts, rivers swell and the valley comes alive with vibrant colours. Daytime temperatures of 12–20°C make it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
• Cultural richness: Spring is also a time of cultural celebrations. Local festivals feature traditional music, dance and cuisine, offering travellers a chance to immerse themselves in Kashmiri culture. The centuries‑old Badamwari festival around the almond bloom once drew families for picnics, folk songs and Kashmiri tea.
• Spectacular landscapes: From the serene Dal Lake with its shikaras and houseboats to meadows in Pahalgam and Gulmarg, spring paints Kashmir in a palette of greens, whites and pinks. Mughal gardens such as Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi are adorned with tulips, daffodils and hyacinths.

7‑Day family‑friendly spring itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Srinagar & Dal Lake

• Morning: Arrive at Sheikh Ul‑Alam International Airport (18 km from the Tulip Garden) and check into a houseboat on Dal Lake.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a shikara ride through floating gardens and markets. Springtime shikara rides offer views of blooming lotuses and water lilies.
• Evening: Stroll along the Boulevard Road and savour Kahwa (saffron tea) with a view of the Zabarwan Range.

Day 2 – Srinagar’s gardens & heritage

• Badamwari Garden: Start the day at Badamwari to admire almond blossoms that herald spring. Locals celebrate the bloom with folk songs and picnics.
• Tulip Garden & Tulip Festival: Visit the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden to experience the Tulip Festival. Over 60 tulip varieties and cultural performances make it a highlight of spring.
• Mughal Gardens: Explore Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi. In spring these Persian‑style gardens are carpeted with tulips, daffodils and hyacinths.
• Old City & Hazratbal: Spend the evening exploring Srinagar’s old city lanes, and visit the Hazratbal Shrine for its serene ambience.

Day 3 – Gulmarg: Meadows, gondola & wildflowers

• Drive to Gulmarg: About 50 km from Srinagar, Gulmarg transforms from a ski resort into a wildflower‑filled meadow in spring. Enjoy the scenic drive and check in to a local hotel.
• Gondola ride: Take the Gulmarg Gondola to Kongdoori or Apharwat peak for panoramic views.
• Activities: Stroll through meadows dotted with wildflowers, try horse riding or trek to Khilanmarg. Gulmarg is popular with families and adventure seekers alike.

Day 4 – Pahalgam: Meadows and rivers

• Scenic drive: Head to Pahalgam, known for its lush meadows and the Lidder River. In spring, the valley bursts with flowers and greenery.
• Aru & Betaab Valleys: Visit Betaab Valley (named after the Bollywood film), Aru Valley and Chandanwari. These areas offer gentle hikes, horse rides and picnic spots perfect for families.
• River rafting: Adventure seekers can try mild river rafting on the Lidder River (seasonal).

Day 5 – Sonamarg: Meadows of gold & glaciers

• Drive to Sonamarg: Meaning “Meadow of Gold,” Sonamarg lies along the Sindh River and is famed for its glaciers and golden meadows.
• Thajiwas Glacier: Take a pony ride or trek to Thajiwas Glacier for snow play and stunning views.
• Adventure activities: Sonamarg’s meadows and glaciers are ideal for trekking and photography.

Day 6 – Doodhpathri or Yusmarg

• Off‑beat meadow: Spend a day exploring Doodhpathri (“Valley of Milk”) or Yusmarg, lesser‑known meadows with fragrant pine forests, rolling grasslands and clear streams. These spots are ideal for peaceful family picnics and horse rides.
• Local interactions: Visit nearby villages to see traditional Kashmiri homes and interact with locals; learn about wool weaving and saffron cultivation.

Day 7 – Srinagar departure & shopping

• Morning: Return to Srinagar. Explore local bazaars such as Lal Chowk and Polo View Market for saffron, spices, dry fruits, Pashmina shawls and papier‑mâché souvenirs.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a final meal of Wazwan delicacies like Rogan Josh, Yakhni and Dum Aloo – these dishes showcase the culinary heritage of Kashmir.
• Evening: Depart for the airport, taking with you memories of springtime in Kashmir.

Travel tips for spring visitors

• Best time: Late March to mid‑April offers the best blooms. The Tulip Garden is usually open from late March to late April and closes by early May.
• Weather & clothing: Temperatures range from 12°C to 20°C. Pack layers, waterproof jackets and comfortable shoes. Evenings can be chilly.
• Accommodation: Book houseboats on Dal Lake or hotels in advance, especially during the Tulip Festival.
• Transport: Hire a private cab for flexibility. Shared taxis and local buses are available but may not cover all attractions.
• Respect local culture: Dress modestly when visiting shrines; ask permission before photographing locals; learn a few Kashmiri phrases to connect with people.
• Health & safety: Carry basic medication; drink bottled water; follow official guidance on trekking routes and altitude.
• Environmental care: Kashmir’s meadows and gardens are fragile. Do not pluck flowers or litter. Support local artisans by purchasing handicrafts at fair prices.

Cultural highlights & festivals

• Almond Blossom festival: The bloom of almond trees in Badamwari marks the start of spring and historically drew families for picnics, singing and feasting.
• Tulip Festival: Held at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden (March 20 – April 20, 2025), the festival features millions of tulips, traditional music, dance and handicrafts. It’s one of Asia’s largest tulip displays.
• Navreh & local celebrations: Navreh, the Kashmiri Pandit New Year, often coincides with the almond bloom. Families once gathered at Badamwari with Wazwan dishes, kahwa and folk songs.
• Mughal garden heritage: Spring breathes life into the terraced Mughal gardens where Persian design meets Himalayan scenery.

Food & culinary experiences

Spring brings fresh produce like Haakh (collard greens) and Nadur (lotus stems), which feature in many Kashmiri dishes. Don’t miss:

• Wazwan feast: Sample signature dishes such as Rogan Josh (slow‑cooked lamb curry), Yakhni (yoghurt‑based lamb stew), Gushtaba (meatballs in yoghurt gravy) and Dum Aloo (spiced baby potatoes).
• Street snacks: Try nadur monje (lotus stem fritters), seekh kebabs, bakarkhani bread and phirni.
• Beverages: Warm up with Kashmiri Kahwa infused with saffron and almonds; sample Noon Chai (pink salted tea) with local breads.

Must‑visit spots & activities

Destination	Highlights	Suitable for
Dal Lake, Srinagar	Houseboats, shikara rides, floating markets and views of snow‑clad peaks	Families, couples, photographers
Badamwari Garden	Almond blossoms announcing spring	Nature lovers, culture enthusiasts
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden	Tulip Festival, over 60 tulip varieties, cultural performances	All travellers
Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh & Chashme Shahi	Mughal gardens adorned with spring flowers	Families, history buffs
Gulmarg	Meadows covered in wildflowers, gondola rides, trekking	Adventure seekers, families
Pahalgam	Meadows, Lidder River, Aru & Betaab Valleys, gentle hikes	Families, nature lovers
Sonamarg	Meadows, Thajiwas Glacier, adventure activities	Adventure seekers
Doodhpathri/Yusmarg	Off‑beat meadows with pine forests and streams	Travellers seeking tranquillity
Dachigam National Park	Wildlife sanctuary home to the Hangul deer and Himalayan black bear	Wildlife enthusiasts

Ready to plan your spring escape?

Kashmir’s spring season offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a family looking for a memorable holiday, a travel agent crafting unique itineraries, or an adventure seeker chasing new experiences, spring in Kashmir promises unforgettable moments.

Let us curate your perfect Kashmir holiday! Travel Execute is based in Srinagar and specializes in tailor‑made packages for every type of traveller. Reach out to us for personalised itineraries, accommodation bookings, transport arrangements and local guides. We take care of every detail so you can simply enjoy the journey.

Contact us today:

• WhatsApp: Send us a message
• Phone: +91 9541955509
• Email: info@travelexecute.com
• Office: Harwan, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir

We look forward to helping you experience the magic of Kashmir in spring!