How to Plan Kashmir Tour in July?
July is the best month to plan a much awaited trip to the stunning Kashmir valley. Summer officially begins now and you get the best of it during this time. July to September is the time when Kashmir tourism is at its peak. The whole place turns dreamy with vast landscapes, blooming flowers, streams with sparkling water, snow capped mountains and gorgeous lakes. Clear blue skies and balmy days are prevalent. You can enjoy every outdoor activity including water based ones too like fishing, river rafting etc.
It is the best time to undertake treks to the high altitudes and feel the energy of the mountains. You are surrounded by nothing but beauty in kashmir. It is called “heaven on earth” for a reason. Words are never enough to describe the beauty of it. It can only be felt when you are there. The valley of Kashmir in July month has everything that a traveller is looking for. One can enjoy the natural beauty of lush green landscapes and mountains during the summer. Nature lovers from across the world can visit the famous Mughal Gardens or many water springs to have a peaceful time.
Here, we have provided every detail of Kashmir in July including the places you can visit, activities to do and much more.
Looking for a Kashmir trip, then must consider: Kashmir Tour Packages
Kashmir Weather In July
In July, Kashmir experiences warm summer weather with lush green landscapes. The temperature in Kashmir in July during the day ranges from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). At night, it cools down to around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Early July is generally warm, while by the month’s end, occasional rain showers provide relief from the heat. The weather remains pleasant, making it an ideal time for sightseeing, trekking, and exploring Kashmir’s scenic valleys. Light, breathable clothing is suitable for the day, while a light jacket may be needed for the cooler evenings. July is also a great time to visit the famous lakes and enjoy outdoor activities.
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Places To Visit in Kashmir in July Month
Kashmir is widely known for the top tourist attractions like different gardens, lakes, peaks etc. here, we have provided some places to visit that are unmissable.
Srinagar
Being the summer capital of Jammu Kashmir, Srinagar is popularly known for its Dal Lake and Mughal Gardens. It is home to Asia’s largest Tulip Garden. Nishat Garden, Shalimar Garden, Chashma Shahi, Hari Parbat, Pari Mahal, Pather Masjid, and Jamia Masjid are some of the popular tourist spots in Srinagar.
It is also famous for traditional kashmiri handicrafts and dried fruits. A shopping spree in Srinagar is a must. There are many activities that one can do in Srinagar such as jet skiing, a night stay at a houseboat, and a shikara ride. You can visit Srinagar via airlines. Sheikh Ul Alam International Airport is only 15 kilometres from the city and is connected to major cities of india.
Weather & Temp: The temperature ranges from a 15°C (59°F) in the early morning and late evening to a warm 30°C (86°F) during the day.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a small hill station which is located in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. Situated about 60 kilometres from Srinagar, it takes about an hour and half to reach the town. The place is famous as a winter spot. It is widely known for its skiing scenes in the winter season. you can indulge yourself in many activities such as snowboarding, ice skating, gondola rides, etc.
Gulmarg gondola, the highest cable car in the world, is a prime tourist attraction of Gulmarg. Snowy mountains in the backdrop are just picture-perfect. Some of the places that you visit when you are in Gulmarg are Apharwat Peak, Outer Circle Walk, Alpather Lake, etc.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam is the most scenic and popular tourist attraction here in Kashmir. The place is best for sightseeing and popular for its Lidder River. Surrounded by lush greenery and magnificent mountain peaks ,It is situated in Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir.
Also known as “ shepherds valley “ the hill station is a celebrated golfing destination. Some of the nearby places that you can visit are Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, Lidderwat Panchtarani etc. Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary near Pahalgam is a home to various types of species.
Apart from visiting these places, you can also indulge yourself in many activities such as trekking and river rafting. It takes about two and a half hours to reach Pahalgam from Srinagar.
Book here taxi service in Kashmir: Kashmir Taxi Service
Sonmarg
Sonmarg , also known as “meadow of gold”, is a hill station that is surrounded by the highest peaks of the Himalayas. It is an easily accessible place that remains open for all months. It is situated in the Ganderbal district of Jammu & Kashmir, 87 kilometres away from srinagar city.
It takes approx 3 hours from Srinagar via NH1D. Zojila Pass, Nichnai Pass, Thajiwas Pass are found here. Some of the most breathtaking lakes like Gangbal Lake, Gadsar Lake, Vishansar Lake, Krishnasar Lake, Satsar Lake are the top attractions of Sonmarg.
The place is also perfect for trekking as the prominent trek Kashmir Great Lakes Trek starts from this place.
To reach Sonmarg from Srinagar book: Taxi Service In Srinagar
Doodhpathri
Doodhpathri ( valley of milk), is one of the popular offbeat locations that are still unexplored and unspoiled by any kind of modernity. It is located in the Khan Sahib area of Budgam.
It is one of the picturesque gems in Kashmir which is surrounded by snow-covered mountains, pine forests, meadows, and Deodar trees. It sits at an altitude of 2730 metres above sea level. Doodhpathri is home to many water streams, Lakes, and scenic beauty.
Shaliganga river flows on one side of the hill station. It is just 45 kilometres from Srinagar, taking approx 2 hours to reach the place.
Dachigam National Park
Dachigam is home to Hangul(kashmiri stag). They are only found here. The park is situated near Harwan Mughal Garden. It is 22 kilometres away from srinagar city.
There are various types of trees such as those of peach, oak, plum, apple, wild cherry, chestnut, willow, walnut etc.
When you visit here, you see animals like Himalayan brown bear, Indian leopard, Himalayan wolf, Himalayan weasel and many more. It is open throughout the year but April to September is the best time to go.
Explore The Secret Gems Of Kashmir through: Kashmir Offbeat Tour Packages
Aru Valley
Aru valley is the starting point of the famous Tarsar Marsar trek and Kolahoi Glacier. It is one of the most beautiful valleys of Kashmir. The valley lies in Anantnag district, and is just 12 kilometres from Pahalgam. You can hire a taxi or share a cab to reach this tourist spot in just half an hour.
It is popular for its scenic beauty and serenity that it offers. Summer is the best time to undertake treks from Aru valley. In winters, when the whole place freezes, it becomes a favourite destination for skiing and heli skiing.
There are some places that are very close to Aru valley such as Tarsar lake, Sheshnag lake, Tulian lake, Betaab valley, Baisaran , Chandanwari etc. people do activities like fishing in Aru river, horse rides, sightseeing, picnicking, etc.
Betaab Valley
Betaab valley, previously named Hagan valley, was re-named after the superhit movie ‘Betaab’ was shot here. It is at a distance of 15 kilometres from Pahalgam. It serves as a base camp for various treks. The scenery around is just lovely and a treat to the eyes.
Some of the nearby places that you can visit are Baisaran and Tulian lake. The spot is every photographer’s delight. It snows heavily here in the winter. Hence, July to September is the best time to visit.
Read here about: Best Time To Visit Kashmir
Yusmarg
Yusmarg ( meadows of Jesus) have long stretches of green pastoral land with huge pine forests. The place makes us believe in the conservation of natural habitat. It is situated in the west of Budgam district of Jammu & Kashmir, somewhere 53 kilometres from Srinagar. The presence of the Doodh Ganga river flowing side by side makes it more majestic and beautiful.
There are a variety of flowers that bloom in the spring from March to April adding another dimension to its beauty. Pakherpora Shrine is a nearby place and you can visit here.It falls in the way of some treks, hence trekking is a common activity to do in Yusmarg.
Khilanmarg
One of the most offbeat places of kashmir, Khilanmarg is dotted with blossoming flowers. The Himalayas look breathtaking from here. The place is very picturesque with sky-touching peaks all around. The sight of Nanga Parbat, Nun and Kun peaks is crystal-clear from the valley.
It is 6 kilometres from Gulmarg and you have to walk all the way to it . You can also take a pony. Alpather Lake, St. Mary’s Church, Gulmarg Gondola are some nearby attractions. From November to February, it turns into a winter paradise, perfect for skiing.
Experieince the winter adventure: Skiing in Gulmarg
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Things to Do In Kashmir In July
Trekking
Trekking is one of the main activities you can do when you visit Kashmir. Kashmir Valley offers plenty of trekking trails in the summer season. Kashmir is surrounded by the Himalayan mountain ranges and the Pir Panjal ranges which makes it the perfect destination for trekking.
One can go trekking to the most popular alpine treks which include Tarsar Marsar Trek, Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, Kolahoi Glacier Trek, Tulian Lake Trek, Vishansar Gadsar Trek, and Alpather Lake Trek. Trekking in Kashmir is one of the best things you can choose. Kashmir is undoubtedly one of the best places for adventure lovers.
Book the best summer treks of Kashmir: Kashmir Great Lakes Trek | Tarsar Marsar Trek
Shikara Ride
Shikara ride on the iconic Dal Lake is one of the best experiences. Once you sit in the Shikara you will witness all the nature’s wonder all around you. Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake is one of the popular places where you can enjoy this ride.
You can enjoy the spellbinding views of the sunrise and sunset with the magnificent backdrop of snow-covered Himalayan peaks. The Shikara ride is one of the most soothing and relaxing experiences to enjoy. The best time to visit Dal Lake for a Shikara ride is the summer season and it remains frozen during the winter season.
River Rafting
One of the thrilling adventurous activities for adrenaline junkies is River rafting. River rafting in the Lidder River is popularly famous. Pahalgam has lush greenery and rocky terrains that form an excellent spot for River rafting.
It is one of the recently emerged sports in Kashmir. If you are an adventure lover, do not forget to take part in this activity in Kashmir. The best time for River rafting in Pahalgam is from July to September. During this time the water levels of the rivers are high which makes it the best season for this activity.
Enjoy River Rafting in Kashmir: White Water Rafting
Gondola Ride
A Gondola ride is among the top things to do in Kashmir. It is one of the highest cable car rides in India. This cable car will take the passenger to Apharwat Peak. During this ride, you will enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.
The Gulmarg gondola is one of the prime attractions in Gulmarg. Your Gulmarg trip will be incomplete without enjoying this ride. So, if you are in kashmir in July do not miss the opportunity for this activity.
Book here: Gulmarg Tour Packages
Photography
July is the best time to enjoy Photography. This month you can capture panoramic photos of the entire valley.
During this time the valley is in full bloom and you can take pictures of the beautiful gardens, lush meadows, lakes, and many other things. If you are a photography lover, then the magical hours of sunrise and sunset are the best times to enjoy photograhy.
Read here about the details of: Kashmir Trip Cost
Wildlife Tour
Wildlife tour at the Dachigam National Park is one of the popular wildlife sanctuaries which is rich in flora and fauna. It is thickly covered with dense forests and grasslands. In this park, you will get to see many rare and endangered species. Musk deer, brown beer, hangul, leopard, and langurs are some of the popular species that you can spot in this park.
Apart from this, you can also go birdwatching here, there are many popular birds like Black Bulbul, Babbler, Wall Creeper, Wagtail, etc. There is also a water stream that flows through this park and meets with the Dal Lake.
Try Kashmiri Cuisine
Kashmiri Cuisine is one of the most important parts of your Kashmir tour. It offers a variety of dishes which you can taste. It contains both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Some of the popular dishes are Kebabs, Yakhni, Dam Allo, Nadur Yakhni, etc.
Kashmiri Kahwa is a drink that is made of saffron and nuts. This is one of the best things one can do in kashmir in July .They taste heavenly and are nutritious too.
Must Try: Kashmir Food Tour
Shopping
Shopping in Srinagar should be on your to-do list when you visit kashmir. Srinagar has many markets from where you can buy things. Pashmina shawls, handicrafts, handlooms, paper mache, etc.
You can also visit the famous Maharaja Bazar where you can buy dry fruits and old spices. Things in the markets there are kashmir-specific. Kagzi walnuts found there can be broken down by hand only unlike the regular ones.
ATV Ride
ATV rides are popular in Gulmarg and Pahalgam. It is one of the most thrilling experiences one can have in Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
The ATV ride in Gulmarg will take the passengers to the Kongdoori station and during the ride, you will see the stunning views of Gulmarg and the strawberry valley. It is also performed in Pahalgam. The best time for an ATV ride is in the summer season.
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Why Visit Kashmir in July Month?
Lakes: there are a number of lakes in kashmir where you can camp out, plan a picnic or just do sightseeing. There are postcards- perfect. Some of the serene lakes of Kashmir are Tarsar lake, Marsar lake, Vishansar lake, Satsar lake, Dal lake etc. In lakes like Dal, sikhara rides are popular among tourists.
Valleys: The Kashmir valley has small but beautiful valleys in it. Naming a few like Aru valley, Betaab valley etc. they have different types of vibrant wildflowers, making the landscape gorgeous. These valleys are hotspots for activities like river rafting, trekking and many more.
Adventurous activities: you can experience a lot of thrilling activities like Gulmarg Gondola, paragliding, trekking, skiing. They are totally safe and under a trained leader. Kashmir is a hub of such adrenaline-pumping things.
Delicious cuisine: you just can’t miss the local food of kashmir. It is delicious and just melts in your mouth. You get to know a lot about the culture and heritage of the valley from its cuisine. Kashmiri people cook the same dishes in a very different way than usual but they are just mouth-watering.
Mighty mountains: Kashmir lies in the foothills of mighty Himalayas. Most of the places here have snowy peaks in the backdrop which look like beautiful scenery. They add an extra charm to the whole place.
Essential Information to Plan Your Trip
How to Reach Kashmir in July
By air : Srinagar Airport of Jammu & Kashmir is well-connected to a number of Indian cities. Major airlines have regular flights to Kashmir and they have the least chance of cancellation in July. Booking in advance can save you some money. From the airport, you can hire cabs or taxis to visit a particular place.
By train: Jammu Tawi Station is the only station in kashmir. You have to book tickets and trains from major cities arrive here. The station is very well connected. After reaching jammu, if your final destination is Srinagar, it would take at least 10-12 hours on a road trip.
By road: On arriving in jammu, you can either hire a cab or rent a car to reach srinagar. It takes about 12 hours to reach Srinagar but keeping extra hours is advised due to traffic and unpredictable weather conditions. In July, roads are clear with almost no snow seen. If you are opting to choose buses from your respective place like Delhi, Chandigarh then that is a good option too as state and private buses run regularly.
Tips to Visit Kashmir in July Month
- Advance booking: booking your accommodation, whether it is a houseboat, hotel, government stay or anything, is encouraged due to peak season of kashmir tourism in July.
- Clothing: packing some warm clothes like thermals, a jacket, warm socks is crucial as temperature dips down during nights. Carry all the essentials you might need.
- Rainfall: Kashmir experiences infrequent rainfall in the last days of July and August, so make sure everything you carry is waterproof including your backpack.
- Documents: Kashmir is a sensitive part of india. Having permits of places whenever it is required is mandatory. ID proofs like Adhar card. PAN card and driving licence are necessary.
- Weather: weather of kashmir is quite unpredictable. So make sure you have done prior checking before you take off to avoid any type of traffic or closure.
Road Connectivity in Kashmir in July
Roads in July in Kashmir are open and fully functional. They are accessible and in good condition. Although, drive with proper attention and caution on mountain roads. They are not regular city roads. Some experience in off-roading is appreciated. Due to occasional rainfall in July end, some roads might face temporary closure so rain-check before taking off is advised. Other than that, you will have a safe and smooth trip in July.
Network is overall fine in srinagar city. Although some types of sim have low internet. As you go higher, say while trekking, you will lose the internet. Having a satellite phone comes handy. Government is working to improve it.
Transportation Options in Kashmir
Rental vehicles: Rental vehicles are an option to explore kashmir. You can rent bikes and cars from our online website. Internal roads are very well-connected.
Public transports: State- operated buses are a mode of transportation in kashmir. There are some private buses too that you can choose.
Private taxis: You can hire a private taxi to move around and visit tourist spots. Just keep in mind that ola and uber do not operate there.
Stay Options in Kashmir in July
Houseboats: houseboats are a popular option chosen by tourists in Kashmir because of the view they offer. You can stay in a houseboat on Dal lake, Nigeen Lake etc. their categories range from deluxe to grade D. You can pick according to your budget. They have bedrooms, washrooms, and sometimes a balcony too. Waking up to beautiful sights is mesmerising.
Luxury hotels: luxury hotels in srinagar welcome you with open arms. They are fully functional by July with every service you need. They are a bit costly but they are worth it. The stays are comfortable and hotels offer delicious food of various cuisines including kashmiri too. Booking them prior to your vacation through online websites is preferred due to July month being the peak month.
Homestays: staying with a local family is enthralling as well as affordable. They cost much less than hotels. Their affordability makes them one of the most chosen options. You will find plenty of them. They are cosy and comfortable. You can find many homestays in srinagar city.
Camps: it can be of two types. One is you camping out near lakes and in valleys by yourself while you are trekking. The second would be camps by different types of resorts. Lying there under the starry sky during night time is a unique experience. They are quite under your budget. Aru valley, Pahalgam, Gulmarg Chandanwari are some of the best places for camping.
Government tourist stays: there are various hotels in kashmir that come under the government. They offer good food and they are cheaper too. Located at good locations makes them a popular choice by people visiting kashmir.
FAQ's
What are the best places to visit in Kashmir in July?
Kashmir has a number of tourist attractions like Dal lake, Aru Valley, Betaab valley, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Gulmarg etc. it also has stunning lakes including, Tarsar lake, Marsar lake, Vishansar lake, Satsar lake etc. they are calm and serene and camping out near them is a must.
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What are the best things to do in Kashmir in July?
Shikara ride in Dal or Nigeen lake, Gulmarg Gondola ride, trekking, ATV rides, photography, river rafting, etc are some of the best things that you can do in kashmir in July. It is the ideal time for outdoor activities in kashmir.
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Is there snow in Kashmir in July?
Snow has stopped by July. You will rarely see any. Although, high altitude places do experience some of it. But for snow, you can come in winter and do activities like skiing in gulmarg etc.
Read here about: Daksum Valley
Can we visit Kashmir in July?
Yes, you can visit kashmir in July. In fact, it is the ideal time to plan a trip here. You can enjoy every outdoor activity, do sightseeing, and much more.
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What is the weather of kashmir in July?
Does it rain heavily in July in kashmir?
Is July a good time to visit kashmir?
How is Kashmir in July?
Is Gulmarg worth visiting in July?
Is it safe to visit Kashmir in July?
Which are the best winter months to visit Kashmir?
Here are the best winter months to visit in Kashmir:
Which are the best summer months to visit Kashmir?
Here are the best winter months to visit in Kashmir:
What are the best tour packages for Kashmir?
Here are the best tour packages for Kashmir: