Kashmir- the heaven on Earth is a fairyland and a vacation to this place will give you the much-needed break from your daily, hectic schedules. Kashmir is a little paradise as it has many awe-inspiring places that will blow your mind. The valley of Kashmir is famous for its gardens, lakes, scenic views, Himalayan backdrop, and valleys.
While visiting Kashmir in May, you will get enough opportunities to enrich your vacation with exciting experiences and precious memories. Kashmir will be a snow-free land in the month of May thus making the summers more pleasant, one can enjoy the colorful scenery with emerald grasslands and vivid flowers during the month of May.
So, if you plan to visit Kashmir in May, then this complete guide will help you make the plans.
Weather in Kashmir in May
If you plan to visit Kashmir in May, then there are numerous sightseeing places. Though the days are warm for nights, you have to keep some woolen with you. The average temperature in May is 16.5°C while the maximum temperature varies from 20-25°C.
Summer weather in Kashmir remains a little warm, just enough to use ceiling fans. Although the days are warmer, the nights are quite cold.
Best Places to visit in Kashmir in May 2024
Gulmarg
Located in the Pir Panjal range of the western Himalayas, Gulmarg is among the most popular attractions in Kashmir. May is the best time to enjoy the beauty of Gulmarg, the average temperature varies from 17⁰C to 37⁰ C thereby making Gandola ride a pleasant experience.
Key attractions in Gulmarg: Gulmarg Golf Course, Ferozepur Nallah, Alpather Lake, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, St. Mary’s Church, Kanchenjunga Museum, etc.
Ladakh
Diverse vegetation of flora and fauna is something making Ladakh unique from others. Ladakh is a high-altitude desert with the presence of several sparkling rivers here. Zanskar river, Indus river, Suru River, Markha, Shyok River, etc. are some of the main rivers one can see in Ladakh.
Key attractions: Nubra Valley, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, etc.
Dachigam National Park
Almost 22 km from Srinagar, Dachigam National Park is another popular destination. If you are a nature lover, you must visit this park which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
- Key attractions: Apart from the Kashmir Stag, which is also called Hangul, some other animals spotted at this park include the Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard, Himalayan Serow, Jackal, Black bulbul, Woodpecker, etc.
- Location: Dachigam National Park, Jammu, and Kashmir, 191202
- Timing: 8 am to 6 pm
- Entry Fee: None
Mughal Gardens
To enjoy the beautiful Mughal Gardens in Srinagar, there is no better month than May. The luxurious zones in the park represent Mughal architecture. A mountainous backdrop, running water, pool, trees, floral alleys, birds, etc. make the ambiance of the gardens more alluring.
- Key attractions: There are six Mughal Gardens in Kashmir including Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi, Pari Mahal, Verinag, and Achabal, which are the epitome of beauty.
- Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190003
- Timing: 9 am to 7 pm (Closed on Fridays)
Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden
This garden is the largest tulip garden in Asia and thus witnessing a heavy footfall of tourists from all over the world. The garden is spread over 30 hectares of land, dotted with tulips. The weather in Kashmir in summer is favorable making your visit much more interesting.
- Key attractions: Explore the huge varieties of flowers in the garden including hyacinths, daffodils, and ranunculus.
- Location: Cheshma Shahi Road, Rainawari, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001
- Timing: 7 am to 7.30 pm
- Entry Fee: INR 50
Apharwat Peak
Apharwat Peak in Gulmarg is an ideal place to visit in May, it is one of the most beautiful places to visit as the weather makes the surroundings more pleasant. Thus, Apharwat or Afarwat peak comes among some of the most visited places in Kashmir in May.
- Location: Apharwat Peak, Gulmarg, Jammu, and Kashmir
- Timing: 9 am to 7 pm
- Entry Fee: None
Popular Things to do in Kashmir in May
Get ready to witness the splendor of Kashmir by taking part in various activities. Travelers planning a trip to Kashmir must check out the top things to do in Kashmir in May during their trip.
Enjoy a Gondola Cable Car Ride
Enjoy a Gondola cable car during May month. In the month of May, one can enjoy clear scenery, and snow-free surroundings while riding above the mountains. The ride takes place in three phases including:
- Phase 1: Gulmarg to Kongdoori
- Phase 2: Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak
- Phase 3: Kongdoori to Mary Shoulder (Chair Lift)
Visit Vaishno Devi Temple
Symbolizing faith and hope for all Hindu devotees, the temple of Vaishno Devi is a holy place to worship in Kashmir. The devotees visit this temple every year to seek Maa Vaishno Devi’s blessings. Located at the Trikuta Mountains, Vaishno Devi Temple is an ideal place to enjoy some peace of mind.
Location: Bhavan, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir 182301
Enjoy River Rafting
Kashmir is ideal for river rafting, the stretches and rapids can be enjoyed by all. Sonamarg is an ideal location to get a whitewater rafting experience. The most famous white water rafting is done at Lidder River in Pahalgam. If you are an adrenaline junkie, white water rafting is one of the things you must not miss at all while in Kashmir.
Shikara Ride in Dal Lake
If you are coming to Kashmir in summer, then book a shikara ride on the beautiful Dal Lake. It is among the best places in Kashmir in May where tourists have a wonderful time. Also called the ‘Jewel in the crown of Kashmir’, Dal Lake is the second largest lake in UT Kashmir. Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh located closer to the lake make it more beautiful. Enjoy boating and a stay in Shikara at Dal Lake!
Location: Dal Lake, Srinagar
Pony Riding in Aru Valley
Located almost 12 km from Pahalgam, Aru Valley is a heaven for tourists coming from all over the world. If you plan to visit Kashmir in summer months, then include Aru Valley in your list. Aru Valley is also the starting point for many trekkers and hikers. Base Camp trek, Lidderwat trek, Tarsar Marsar trek, and Kolahoi Glacier trek are multiple-day treks organized from Aru Valley.
Location: Aru, Pahalgam, Jammu, and Kashmir
How to Reach Kashmir in May
By Public Transport
The valley of Srinagar is accessible by road. After reaching Jammu either by train or, you can proceed to Srinagar by public transport. J&K State Road Transport Corporation operates many direct buses from Jammu at regular intervals.
By Train
There is no operational railway station in Srinagar, and the nearest railway station to Kashmir is Jammu, which is located at a distance of 290 kilometers. Jammu railway station is well connected to other Indian cities.
By Flight
Travelers can easily reach Kashmir by taking a flight to Srinagar International Airport, which is also named as Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport. The airport is well-connected to cities including Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc.
By Private Taxi
To reach Kashmir by private taxi or cab, take the NH 1A route. The highway connects to different cities of Jammu and Kashmir and one can enjoy the journey. Traveling through Jawahar Tunnel, connecting Jammu with Kashmir, is a wonderful experience.
How to Plan a Trip to Kashmir in May?
We have mentioned some of the tips that help you enjoy your holidays to the fullest in Kashmir.
- Carry all the required documents like passport, aadhaar card, driving license, etc. with you. Apart from keeping originals, keep soft copies of these documents, and photocopies as well.
- Pack enough cotton clothes and light woolens in Kashmir as the temperature in May decreases during night. Also carry sunglasses, sunscreen, light moisturizer, a hat, etc. with you.
- Keep a first aid kit with basic items like bandages, antiseptic wash, antiseptic cream, and regular medicines. Make sure you pack medicines like anti-allergy tablets, medicine to treat nausea, painkillers, etc.
- Keep shoes in case you plan to indulge in adventure activities
- Pack your bags and book tickets in advance so that you don’t feel stressed later.
Conclusion
With the start of the summer season in Srinagar, May is the best time of the year to visit the beautiful valley of Kashmir. So, visiting Kashmir in May provides an opportunity to experience all the best things without getting lost in the crowd.
So, book your Kashmir tour package and visit the most wonderful city of Srinagar with Honeymoon Bug’s customized Kashmir honeymoon packages.
Kashmir Tour Packages from Top Cities
FAQs About Kashmir Trip in May
What are the best tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir in May.
A few of the main tourist spots in Jammu and Kashmir include:
- · Srinagar
- · The Mughal garden
- · Ladakh
- · Pahalgam
- · Nubra Valley
What is the main food of Kashmir?
The main food of Kashmir is rice which is taken with mutton, chicken, and fish.
What all things can I buy in Kashmir in May?
Some of the items you can buy in Kashmir include Kashmiri Handicrafts, Dongra Jewelry, Dry Fruits, Apples, Carpets, Shawls, etc.
Is Kashmir in May ideal for Amarnath Yatra?
During summer, the valley of Kashmir is an ideal destination for many pilgrims as well who want to visit Amarnath for the Amarnath Yatra. Other places such as Pahalgam and Sonamarg also look stunning during the summer season, making it the best time to visit Kashmir.
Is Kashmir crowded in May?
Yes, since May is the peak season in Kashmir so the city may even get a bit crowded. Thus it is advised to book the Kashmir tour packages in advance and do all the reservations.
Does it snow in Kashmir in May?
May is the hottest month in Kashmir, so you can’t witness snow due to the heat in summer.
Should I pack a sweater in Kashmir in May?
If you are visiting Kashmir in May, you are suggested to pack cotton clothes like T-Shirts, jeans, jeggings, half sleeves shirts, etc. along with cotton trousers. However, the nights get colder, and thus carry some light woolens as well.
Is it worth visiting Gulmarg in May?
If you are a nature enthusiast and visiting Kashmir, then keep a day to explore the beauty of Gulmarg as well. Gulmarg is also called the ‘meadow of flowers’ due to blooming flowers covering the entire land with flowers in summer.
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