Want to beat the heat? Head to beautiful Kashmir this summer!
When everywhere the sun's blazing hot, Kashmir remains green and cool. You can float on Dal Lake in a wooden houseboat, breathe the cool mountain air of Gulmarg, or trek along pine forests in Pahalgam.
Places to explore in Kashmir in summers include Sonamarg with its meadows full of flowers and peaceful Wular Lake where sunset can be seen. The pony rides make children happy, while adults find shopping for artisanal shawls and trying wazwan dishes exciting.
The weather's just ideal - warm days, cool nights. No sweating in your clothes here!
Looking for? Check out our Kashmir Tour Packages for stress-free tours that allow you to experience this mountain heaven without the planning blues. We'll get you to off-the-beaten-path destinations that other tourists never reach!
12 places to explore in Kashmir in summers
1. Srinagar – More Than Just a City
Srinagar is usually the first place travelers visit when they come to Kashmir. And rightly so. With Dal Lake at its heart, floating houseboats, colorful shikaras, and the beautiful Mughal gardens, the city feels straight out of a painting.
In summer, the weather is perfect for outdoor walks and long boat rides. The weather of Kashmir in summer is cool enough for light sweaters in the morning and pleasant enough for light clothes during the day. A visit to the Nishat and Shalimar gardens, with flowers in full bloom, is simply soothing.
It’s not just about sightseeing either. Enjoy a cup of hot kahwa on a houseboat, take an early morning walk along the lake, and watch the floating vegetable market – Srinagar has many layers if you take the time. Read More
Things to Do: Shikara ride, Mughal Gardens, houseboat stay.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM (gardens), houseboats open all day
Suggested Read: Best Time to Visit Kashmir
2. Pahalgam – Simplicity at Its Best
Pahalgam is quiet. It’s peaceful. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
This small town, about 90 km from Srinagar, is where the Lidder River flows gently through pine forests. You can sit by the river with your feet in the cold water or explore places like Aru Valley and Betaab Valley, which are only a short drive away. For families, Baisaran – also called mini Switzerland – is a fun spot with pony rides and open spaces.
Summer brings out the best in Pahalgam. The grass is green, the skies are clear, and the air smells of pine trees and fresh earth. If you’re making a list of places to explore in Kashmir in summers, this one’s got to be on it. Read More.
Things to Do: River rafting, Betaab & Aru Valley, horse rides
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM for rafting, open all day
3. Gulmarg – Not Just for Snow Lovers
Gulmarg is known for skiing in the winter, but it’s a different kind of beauty in summer. The snow melts, revealing wide green meadows sprinkled with wildflowers. It’s colorful, clean, and refreshing.
The famous Gulmarg Gondola ride still operates, giving you stunning views of the mountains and valleys even without snow. You can go mountain biking, try golfing at one of the world’s highest golf courses, or simply walk around and enjoy the views.
What makes Gulmarg special is how alive it feels in summer. The weather of Kashmir in summer is just perfect – cool, not freezing, with clear blue skies. Read More
Things to Do: Gondola ride, pony ride, golfing
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Gondola), meadows open all day
4. Sonmarg – The Gateway to Ladakh
If you like places that feel untouched and wild, Sonmarg will steal your heart. It literally means “meadow of gold,” and in summer, it lives up to the name with golden sunlight falling over green hills and rivers.
The drive to Sonmarg itself is an experience. Once you reach, there are options to ride ponies to the Thajiwas Glacier or walk by the Sindh River. It’s also the starting point for many treks, so you’ll meet fellow travelers gearing up with backpacks and boots.
Among the lesser-crowded places to explore in Kashmir in summers, Sonmarg offers space to breathe, to relax, and to truly connect with nature. Read More
Things to Do: Thajiwas Glacier, Sindh River picnic
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: How to reach Kashmir from Delhi
5. Yusmarg – Calm, Green, and Serene
If you’re someone who loves silence and open spaces, Yusmarg is for you. Located around 50 km from Srinagar, it’s a perfect day trip or weekend getaway.
You won’t find too many shops or crowds here, and that’s the best part. It’s just rolling meadows, tall trees, and small streams flowing through the hills. Pack a picnic, bring a book, or just lie down and look at the clouds.
The weather of Kashmir in summer makes Yusmarg even more inviting – no rush, no heat, just peace.
Things to Do: Forest walks, pony rides, Doodh Ganga
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
6. Doodhpathri – Where Nature Still Feels Wild
This place doesn’t show up in every tourist brochure, but that’s exactly why people who visit once can’t stop recommending it. Doodhpathri – which means "valley of milk" – gets its name from the milky white streams that run through the green fields.
It’s about two hours from Srinagar and perfect for a day trip. There are no big hotels or fancy cafes here, just nature in its raw form. Take a short trek, ride a pony, or simply listen to the river flow.
Among all the places to explore in Kashmir in summers, Doodhpathri feels like nature hasn’t been touched too much yet. Read More
Things to Do: Stream walk, pony ride, picnic
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Kashmir Road Trip Guide
7. Verinag – Small, Quiet, and Beautiful
Verinag is famous for the spring that is believed to be the source of the Jhelum River. The water is crystal clear, and the surrounding Mughal garden adds to the charm.
It’s not a very large place, so it’s good for a short visit or a quick stop on your journey. But its beauty lies in its simplicity. Sit near the spring, dip your hands in the cold water, and enjoy the cool shade of the chinar trees.
One of the lesser-known places to visit in Kashmir in summers, Verinag is lovely for slow travel lovers.
Things to Do: Mughal Garden, spring visit
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
8. Kokernag – Gardens and Springs Together
Kokernag is where gardens and fresh water springs come together. The botanical garden here is large and colorful, especially in the summer months.
You’ll also find small streams running through the gardens, and the water is believed to have healing powers. Spend an hour or two walking around, sipping local tea, and chatting with locals.
It’s one of the calmest places to visit in Kashmir in summers that gives you a mix of nature and culture.
Things to Do: Spring Garden, trout farm
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
9. Kupwara – Green, Vast, and Away from Crowds
Kupwara is not usually on the first-time traveler’s list, but it should be. It’s quiet, clean, and home to valleys like Lolab and Bangus that are untouched and full of beauty.
These areas are perfect for walking, photography, or just enjoying a different side of Kashmir – one without the usual tourist buzz. If you want to explore deeply and slowly, this is the place to go.
Kupwara deserves a spot among the top places to explore in Kashmir in summers simply because it shows you a side of the valley that’s pure and peaceful.
Things to Do: Explore Lolab Valley & Bungus Meadows, Visit Shaloora Temple ruins, Birdwatching & forest walks
Timings: Best between 8 AM – 6 PM
10. Gurez Valley – Raw Beauty of the North
Gurez is a bit far and requires permits to visit, but the effort is worth it. Located near the India-Pakistan border, Gurez Valley is remote, high up in the mountains, and incredibly beautiful.
The best places in Kashmir to visit in summer aren’t always the most popular ones. Gurez shows that hidden places often leave the strongest impressions.
The people here belong to the Dard community and have a unique culture. The wooden homes, wheat fields, and tall mountains together make the perfect landscape for nature lovers. Read More
Things to Do: Visit Habba Khatoon Peak, Walk along Kishanganga River, Local cuisine & traditional homes
Timings: Best between 8 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Kashmir Trip Cost
11. Bangus Valley – Untouched and Unspoiled
Situated in the Kupwara district, Bangus Valley is one of the least explored yet most stunning places in Kashmir. It’s not crowded, and the natural beauty here is raw and untouched.
The vast grasslands, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and pine-covered hills, feel endless. In summer, the valley comes alive with colorful flowers and clear blue skies. The best part? You’ll mostly have the place to yourself.
If you’re looking for places to explore in Kashmir in summers that are off the beaten path, Bangus Valley should be on your list. The road to get here is a bit rough, but the reward is a peaceful paradise that still feels like a hidden secret. Read More
Things to Do: Nature walks, camping, photography
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
12. Chatpal – A Peaceful Mountain Escape
If you want to disconnect from the busy world and just be in the moment, Chatpal is perfect. Located in South Kashmir, it’s one of those places that haven’t yet been taken over by tourism – and that’s what makes it magical.
The meadows are green, the skies are vast, and the air smells of pine. You won’t find fancy resorts or crowds. Instead, you'll get chirping birds, peaceful surroundings, and genuine warmth from the locals.
Chatpal is definitely one of the best places in Kashmir to visit in summer if you’re craving peace and quiet. It’s nature at its best, untouched and incredibly calming.
Things to Do: Forest treks, village stay, tea with locals
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Why Kashmir in Summer Feels So Special
Summer changes the face of Kashmir. The snow gives way to green fields, blooming flowers, and open roads. The air smells fresh, the skies stay blue, and the vibe is just right for travel.
The weather of Kashmir in summer is one of the biggest reasons travelers choose it over other destinations. While cities are sweating in 40°C temperatures, Kashmir offers 20–25°C days and cool nights. It’s ideal for long walks, scenic drives, and just feeling comfortable while outdoors.
From top tourist spots to quiet hidden gems, all the places to explore in Kashmir in summers give travelers something unique – beauty, calm, and the kind of joy only nature can offer.
With so many places to explore in Kashmir in summers, planning a trip here becomes more exciting than overwhelming. From popular towns like Srinagar and Gulmarg to hidden gems like Bangus Valley and Chatpal, each destination gives you a new perspective of this beautiful region.
The weather of Kashmir in summer makes everything more enjoyable – whether it’s sipping tea by the lake or hiking through meadows. And with the variety of landscapes and experiences, it’s easy to find a place that matches your mood.
So pack your bags, take that long-overdue break, and explore the best places in Kashmir to visit in summer. You’ll return refreshed, inspired, and with a heart full of memories.
