Kashmir in October

Srinagar in October offers a wonderful experience, with the city covered in warm autumn colours and fresh and pleasant air. The golden chinar trees, calm lakes, and Mughal-era gardens make it a perfect place to start your Kashmir journey. Staying in a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake or Nigeen Lake is a memorable experience, where you can witness beautiful sunrises and sunsets. A peaceful Shikara ride on Dal Lake, surrounded by golden reflections of autumn leaves, is a highlight of visiting Srinagar during this season.

The weather is ideal for strolling through the Mughal Gardens like Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Pari Mahal, or exploring the bustling old city with its wooden houses, markets, and the grand Jamia Masjid. With fewer tourist crowds and comfortable weather, October is the best time to visit Kashmir, and the beauty of Srinagar shines the brightest in this season.

Things to do in Srinagar in October: Shikara ride on Dal Lake, stay in a houseboat, visit Mughal Gardens, explore Old Srinagar, and shop at local markets.

Popularly known as the “Meadow of Flowers,” Gulmarg is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. When you visit Kashmir in October, you will find the meadows covered in warm autumn colours, with golden and red foliage contrasting against the snow-dusted mountains. The crisp air, clear skies, and tranquil surroundings make it one of the best places to visit in Kashmir.

One of the attractions here is the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, which offers panoramic views of the valley and surrounding peaks. Adventure seekers can also enjoy trekking, mountain biking, and even early skiing on the slopes of Mount Apharwat. For fun-loving people, walking through Strawberry Valley, exploring quiet forest trails, or playing a round at the highest golf course in the world are perfect.

Things to do in Gulmarg in October: Gondola ride to Apharwat Peak, trekking, mountain biking, meadow walks, and golfing.

Pahalgam, often called the “Valley of Shepherds,” is a serene escape in Kashmir in October. The town is situated along the sparkling Lidder River, surrounded by lush meadows, dense pine forests, and majestic mountains. The autumn foliage transforms the valleys into a vibrant canvas of gold, red, and orange for nature lovers and photographers.

Some of the popular attractions in Pahalgam include Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and Baisaran Valley, also known as Mini-Switzerland. Here, you can enjoy pony rides, pleasant walks, or relaxation amidst stunning landscapes. The riverside is perfect for picnics or quiet reflection, while the meadows offer ample space for photography and camping under starlit skies.

Things to do in Pahalgam in October: Pony rides, nature walks, trekking, picnic by Lidder River, and explore Betaab and Aru Valleys.

If you are looking for an early winter, Sonmarg is a must-visit destination for those planning the best time to visit Kashmir for snowfall. It gives you a glimpse of snow on distant peaks, without the full winter chill.

The valley is adorned with golden autumn vegetation, lush meadows, and snow-dusted peaks, which creates a perfect backdrop for nature lovers and photographers. The Sindh River flows calmly through the region and provides peaceful riverside walks and thrilling activities like river rafting for adventure enthusiasts. You can explore the Thajiwas Glacier, accessible before heavy snowfall begins, and trek along high-altitude trails like the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. Horse riding across meadows and walking through forested paths also provide a tranquil way to soak in the scenery.

Things to do in Sonmarg in October: Thajiwas Glacier trek, river rafting on the Sindh, horse riding, trekking, and nature walks.

Also read: Places to visit in sonamarg

Doodhpathri (the Valley of Milk) is one of the hidden gems of Kashmir that is popular for its lush meadows, pine-covered hills, and milky streams that sparkle in the sunlight. This valley in Kashmir in October turns into a rustic paradise with golden autumn hues and makes a perfect spot for nature lovers seeking peace and solitude.

You can plan a picnic by the gushing Shaliganga River or explore the meadows with light treks. The cool and fresh air, combined with colourful fall vegetation, creates a memorable experience, away from the busier tourist hubs like Gulmarg and Pahalgam.

Things to do in Doodhpathri in October: Picnics by the Shaliganga River, short treks, nature photography, and relax in the meadows.

If you are a wildlife lover, you should visit Dachigam National Park to see the rare Kashmir Stag (Hangul), along with musk deer, Himalayan weasels, jungle cats, and a variety of bird species. The cool and clear Kashmir weather in October creates ideal conditions for spotting animals in their natural habitat.

You can explore the park on a guided safari, where experts share fascinating insights into the conservation of endangered species. With its combination of rich biodiversity and scenic surroundings from the Warwan range, Dachigam National Park offers both adventure and tranquillity.

Things to do in Dachigam National Park in October: Wildlife safari, spot the Kashmir Stag, bird watching, and nature photography.

Pulwama is one of the most unique places to explore in Kashmir in October, especially if you want to experience the agricultural beauty of the region. Famous as the “Saffron Bowl of Kashmir,” Pulwama is at its most vibrant in October when the saffron fields of Pampore come alive with delicate purple blooms. This is the harvest season, and many farms welcome you to witness the process of picking and drying saffron, the most expensive spice in the world. It is a mesmerising experience to walk through the fragrant fields while learning about this centuries-old tradition.

Also read: Places to Visit in Pulwama

Apart from saffron, Pulwama is also lined with lush apple orchards and scenic landscapes in autumn. October is a great time to explore the countryside, enjoy saffron-flavoured tea, and shop for authentic Kashmiri saffron as a keepsake. The annual Saffron Festival, held around this time, makes the experience even more special with cultural programs and local delicacies.

Things to do in Pulwama in October: Visit saffron farms, explore apple orchards, join saffron tours, and enjoy local cuisine.

Betaab Valley is one of the most scenic spots to explore near Pahalgam. Famous for its crystal-clear streams and snow-kissed peaks in the backdrop, the valley becomes absolutely beautiful in autumn.

The mild Kashmir temp in October usually ranges between 5°C and 21°C, and is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, picnics, and photography. The Lidder River flowing through the valley makes the scenery more beautiful with its sparkling waters reflecting the autumn hues all around. Clear skies during this month also make the valley a peaceful retreat for nature lovers who want to relax away from the bustle of city life. It also offers opportunities for pony rides, leisurely walks, and even river rafting, making it one of the best places to visit in Kashmir.

Things to do in Betaab Valley in October: Hike the meadows, enjoy riverside picnics, explore the Lidder River, and try pony rides.

Gurez Valley is one of the most spectacular offbeat destinations to explore in Kashmir in October. This hidden gem offers a peaceful retreat for travellers who want to avoid the usual tourist rush. In the month, the valley becomes a painter’s canvas, with meadows turning golden and forests glowing in shades of orange and red

Trekking, camping, and hiking through the valley are popular choices here, while the Kishanganga River offers serene spots for fishing or relaxing by its banks. You can also explore the unique culture of the Dard-Shina community and admire the traditional wooden houses that give the valley a rustic touch. Moreover, you should visit Habba Khatoon Peak, named after the Kashmiri poetess, for panoramic views of the valley.

Things to do in Gurez Valley in October: Kashmir Trekking, riverside camping, exploring Habba Khatoon Peak, and experiencing Dard-Shina culture.

One of the beautiful places to visit in Kashmir in October is the Wular Lake, which is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia. Surrounded by majestic mountains and autumn-coloured landscapes, the lake has serenity and natural beauty. October is also when migratory birds begin to arrive, which makes it a paradise for birdwatchers and photography enthusiasts.

The serene waters of the lake reflect the golden hues of autumn and create a perfect setting for boat rides, lakeside picnics, or soaking in the tranquillity. Nature lovers can also spot a variety of bird species in this place.

Things to do at Wular Lake in October: Birdwatching, boat rides, lakeside photography, and visit Hokersar Wetlands.