Short answer: Srinagar is the base for most Kashmir trips. Give it two days: a shikara ride and a night on a houseboat on Dal Lake, the Mughal gardens of Shalimar and Nishat, and the old city. Spring brings the tulip garden, usually from late March into April; summer and autumn are best for the lake and gardens; in winter the city is cold and quiet, and most visitors use it as the gateway to Gulmarg's snow.
Srinagar at a glance
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Altitude | About 1,585 m |
| How to reach | Srinagar airport has direct flights from several Indian cities; by road from Jammu |
| How long | Two days for the city; five to seven days with Gulmarg and Pahalgam |
| Tulip garden | Usually late March to April, for about a month |
| Winter | December to February is cold; heated rooms matter more than the view |
Things to do in Srinagar
- Dal Lake by shikara: an early-morning or sunset ride along the lake, past houseboats and floating gardens. Agree the price and the route before you get in; recent guides quote very different hourly rates.
- A night on a houseboat: houseboats on Dal and the quieter Nigeen Lake range from simple to very comfortable. Check whether heating is included in winter.
- Mughal gardens: Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh on the eastern shore, with Chashme Shahi and Pari Mahal on the hillside above. Timings and small entry fees vary by season.
- Tulip garden: the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, below the Zabarwan hills, opens for a few weeks in spring; dates depend on the bloom and are announced each year.
- Old city: Jamia Masjid, the Khanqah of Shah Hamadan on the Jhelum and the lanes around them; good for crafts, copperware and Kashmiri bakeries.
- Hazratbal and Shankaracharya: the white shrine on the lake's northern shore, and the hilltop temple with views over the city.
When to go
- March–April: spring, blossom and the tulip garden.
- May–October: the main season for the lake, gardens and day trips; autumn colours from late September.
- November–February: cold, with snow some days; combine with Gulmarg for the snow.
Practical points
- Book houseboats and hotels early for April and for late December to early January.
- Postpaid mobile connections from other states generally work; prepaid ones from outside Jammu and Kashmir may not, so check with your operator.
- Agree prices for shikaras, taxis and guides in advance.
- Dress modestly at shrines and mosques.
Plan the rest of the valley with our Kashmir destination guide, the Gulmarg guide for snow and the gondola, the Pahalgam guide and 15 places to visit in Kashmir.
Check before you go
- Jammu and Kashmir Tourism — official visitor information.
- J&K Tourism Development Corporation — government stays and tourism services.
- India Meteorological Department — forecasts and warnings.
Plan a Kashmir trip with Srinagar
Tell us your dates, group and the kind of stay you want, houseboat or hotel, and the Funtoor team will plan Srinagar with Gulmarg and Pahalgam around them. Plan my trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days are enough for Srinagar?
Two days for the lake, gardens and old city; add three to five days for Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg.
When does the Srinagar tulip garden open?
Usually from late March into April, for about a month. The exact dates depend on the bloom and are announced each spring.
Is a houseboat stay worth it?
For one or two nights, yes. Choose by reviews and location, and in winter make sure the boat is properly heated.
Is Srinagar good in winter?
Yes if you want snow and quiet, but it is cold. Most visitors base themselves here and spend a day or two in Gulmarg for the snow.
Compiled by the Funtoor team from published sources and official pages, last reviewed in October 2026. It is a planning guide, not a first-hand trip report; timings, fees, rules and road status change, so confirm anything time-sensitive before you travel.
Written by
Funtoor Travel Team
Travel planners based in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. We plan and arrange trips — stays, transport and experiences — across the Himalayas.
