11 Kashmir Travel Tips for Safe and Scenic Travel

3. Pick the right season — match scenery with safety and access

Timing shapes everything in Kashmir. Summer is the main tourist season; alpine meadows, shikara rides, and the Amarnath pilgrimage occur in the warmer months when most roads are open. The official Amarnath window in 2025 ran in early July to early August, and many services scale up then (Times Now, July 2025). Winters are magical for snowscapes and quiet resorts like Gulmarg, but mountain passes and some valleys are often closed or harder to reach. Shoulder seasons—late spring and early autumn—offer fewer crowds and good weather, but check road status first. Rain and sudden snowfall can temporarily close higher routes, so don’t plan back-to-back connections on the same day. For families or first-time visitors, plan for daytime sightseeing and book accommodation with flexible cancellation policies. If you want the full meadow-to-snow contrast, consider a two-week window with buffer days for unexpected delays; this reduces stress and keeps the trip scenic and safe.