How do I get to Srinagar?

Most travellers fly into Srinagar International Airport (SXR), with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other cities. By rail, the line through the Pir Panjal now connects Srinagar with the rest of the network via Katra — check current train schedules when you plan. By road, Jammu to Srinagar takes roughly 7–9 hours.

What should I wear at shrines and mosques?

Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Women may want a scarf to cover their head inside mosques and shrines. Remove shoes where asked.

Kashmir guide

The things we'd tell a friend.

Weather month by month, what to pack, how the phones work, how to get here, and how to be a good guest. Skimmable, practical, and kept up to date.

Best time to visit Kashmir

Month by month

Temperatures are typical Srinagar day/night ranges; Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg run several degrees colder.

Month	Weather (typical)	What's special	Crowds
January	−6° to 7°C · snow	Peak snow in Gulmarg, Chillai Kalan	Medium
February	−4° to 9°C · snow	Skiing season, frozen edges on Dal	Medium
March	1° to 15°C · cool	Almond blossom, tulip garden opens late March	Low–Medium
April	6° to 20°C · fresh	Tulip garden, gardens in bloom	High
May	10° to 25°C · mild	Meadows turn green, rivers full	High
June	14° to 29°C · warm	Peak summer, Sonamarg & Pahalgam	Very high
July	17° to 31°C · warm	Lotus beds on Dal, Gurez opens up	High
August	16° to 30°C · warm	Lush valleys, occasional showers	Medium
September	11° to 27°C · clear	Clear skies, apple season begins	Medium
October	5° to 22°C · crisp	Chinars turn, saffron blooms at Pampore	Medium
November	0° to 15°C · cold	Golden chinar peak, first snow up high	Low
December	−3° to 8°C · cold	First snow in Gulmarg, quiet Srinagar	Medium

What to pack

Pack for the season, not the city.

Spring (Mar–Apr)

Light jacket or fleece
Layers for cold mornings
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunglasses & sunscreen

Summer (May–Sep)

Cotton clothes plus one warm layer
Rain jacket for showers
Trainers for meadows & ponies
Sunscreen — the sun is strong at altitude

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Warm jacket and sweater
Thermal for November nights
Scarf and gloves
A camera with space for the chinars

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Down jacket, thermals, woollen socks
Waterproof boots with grip
Gloves, cap, moisturiser and lip balm
Snow gear can be hired in Gulmarg

SIM & network

Prepaid SIMs from outside Jammu & Kashmir generally don't work here. Postpaid connections usually do. If you're on prepaid, let us know before you arrive and we'll help you arrange a local connection.

Hotels and most houseboats have Wi-Fi; signal gets patchy in Gurez, Aru and high meadows.

Getting here

By air: Srinagar International Airport (SXR), with direct flights from major Indian cities. We meet you at arrivals, 24×7.
By rail: Srinagar is now linked to the national network via Katra. Check current schedules when you plan — we'll pick you up at the station.
By road: Jammu or Katra to Srinagar takes roughly 7–9 hours. Our cabs do this transfer regularly.

Being a good guest

Dress modestly at shrines and mosques; cover shoulders and knees, and carry a scarf.
Ask before photographing people, especially women and elders.
On Fridays, shops and roads near big mosques slow down around midday prayers.
Accept the kahwa. Refusing tea twice is how friendships fail to start.

Food to try