Kashmir in February is for couples who crave snow, serene views, and slow, memorable days. Your valentine week in Kashmir starts with a sunrise shikara ride on Dal Lake followed by a day trip to Gulmarg to enjoy the snowfall, skiing, and Gondola ride. For the rest of the week, balance it with sight-seeing the Betaab Valley and spending relaxed afternoons in Srinagar’s Mughal gardens. Keep a romantic candlelight dinner planned on the last day right after watching the sunset from Pari Mahal.
Come Valentine's day, and the cold, cozy vibe of winter starts getting better for couples. Between red roses, heart confettis, and candlelight dinners, the real magic doer is the location. For winter-loving couples planning a Valentine’s Day escape, nothing beats Kashmir. Snow-capped mountains, soft, shimmering light kissing the lakes, long relaxing walks, and warm cups of kahwa—there’s an uncanny charm that you surrender to every single time.
This blog is your ultimate guide to 7 romantic activities for valentines day in Kashmir including:
Smart travel tips
Ways to balance adventure and travel, and
Bonus ideas for romantic day out
Dal Lake remains the crown jewel of Kashmir for a reason. A shikara ride on Valentine's day can instantly spark your romantic plug. The calm waters, snow-capped mountains as the backdrop, and the smooth plying of oars as you ride the shikara takes you to a new world.
Here’s how to make every moment count as you glide through the waters of Dal Lake.
Go for Shikara rides at the sunrise. Besides low charges at the starting hours, you can also enjoy the serene calmness around.
For shutterbugs though, you will always be chasing the warm hues of sunset in the evening for those special photos.
Keep your shikara ride simple with one blanket (you’ll be sharing obviously) and a thermos flask. This will ensure minimum baggage and plenty of quality time for each other.
Note: Shikara charges vary from season to season. So, check the route and duration beforehand. Uber has also launched boat hailing services exclusively for Dal lake in association with individual Shikara operators.
While the chill outdoors can be fun, the real romance begins indoors when you're close to your beloved. No chasing scenery, calm, relaxing, and quiet interiors allow you to enjoy each other’s company better. That’s why you need to choose the right place to stay. Take the Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa for instance that’s thoughtfully designed to amp up your romantic escape to Kashmir.
Nestled in the corners of scenic Gulmarg, the Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa is India’s only boutique luxury ski-resort with 85 keys and state-of-the-art experience across fine dining, an ultra-luxurious Mediterranean-themed spa, jacuzzi, steam pool, and gym. Together with its endless wellness offerings, the hotel offers ample scope to unwind and relax.
Pro tips to elevate your romantic stay at the Khybers:
The skier's paradise of Kashmir, Gulmarg is where romance meets adventure. Whether you prefer the adrenaline rush of fresh snow under your boots or the calm of a solitary winter walk, Gulmarg lives up to the Valentine’s vibe.
For Adventure: Enjoy skiing and snowboarding, but fair warning, if you’re a first-timer at Gulmarg, we recommend choosing beginner-friendly slopes and taking guided lessons before stepping out. Go out in the morning for fewer crowds.
For Romance: Take a slow stroll along the vast pine stretches. Stop for hot chocolate or kahwas when you just sip and admire the magical snowfall around. Plan for little walks to 3-4 scenic spots to click some memorable snaps.
It's good to know: Gulmarg pulls tourists like a magnet. To beat the crowd, start your day early and keep your afternoons flexible as traffic and snow can play foul.
Gulmarg’s Gondola rides are like the cherry on the top for any winter Kashmir itinerary, especially on a Valentine’s day weekend. Just the two of you, the cozy cabin, and majestic view of the Himalayas at a hand’s distance-a winter romantic escape doesn't get any better than this.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your Gondola ride.
The Gondolas run in two phases, namely Gulmarg to Kongdori and Kongdori to Apharwat.
Book your tickets online and report early.
To make the Gondola rides more romantic, put your phones away for the first few minutes and bask in the feeling.
Hit the right angle for your photos (one wide shot, one close, and one shot closing up on you two).
Vast meadows and scenic pine trails with snow caps in between, Betaab Valley is undoubtedly the soft reset button in your winter kashmir romantic itinerary. Winter brings out the real charm of the place as the first snow settles fast changing the touristy vibe to a winter postcard.
Some may find it old school but Betab Valley is perhaps best enjoyed when you take it slow. Either ride a pony or walk hand-in-hand, lost in each other and the beauty around. Its close proximity to Pahalgam also makes it easily accessible and can be covered in just half a day.
What Betaab Valley ignites within a romantic soul comes full circle at Srinagar’s Mughal Gardens. This place is a marvel in its creation, depicting the pinnacle of Islamic architecture. While the flowerbeds and fountains may be dormant in February, the gardens still offer a stunning view of the Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Mountains with resplendent corners readily invoking a feeling of longing.
Here's how to explore the Mughal gardens following a simple circuit:
Start by exploring Shalimar Bagh built by Jahangir for Noor Jahan.
Next, head to Nishat Bagh, a beautiful terraced garden built by Asif Khan.
Lastly, stop by at the Chashme Shahi, an exquisite structure built around a spring and was commissioned under Shah Jahan’s rule.
To make your stroll more romantic, walk at a slow pace and don’t hurry to explore.
Beyond the scenic charms, Kashmiri cuisine packs the right punch for a Valentine’s day dinner. From slow-cooked delicacies to spicy gravies, every item on the menu is sure to tantalize your tastebuds. Avoid the chaos by requesting a quiet table with a soft light setting and foods served at a slow pace. You can also try shared tasting that includes a local dish and a dessert.
Catch the magical sunset from Pari Mahal: The Pari Mahal located on the Zabarwan mountains range is known for its magical sunset views looking over the Dal Lake. To catch things in action with your beloved, reach the place early. Fair warning, carry warm clothes as it can be a lot colder than you expect.
At a luxury resort in Gulmarg, couples can enjoy intimate candlelight dinners, curated menus inspired by local flavors, and a warm mountain ambiance—making Valentine’s evening in Kashmir truly unforgettable.
Also Read: Fall in love with the beauty of kashmir this valentine’s season
Kashmir checks all boxes for a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend as it blends scenic beauty and adventure in equal measure. Whether you like to spend hours gliding on the waters of Dal lake or get lost in a winter evening stroll, Kashmir is sure to make your hearts grow fonder. All you need to do is plan right, book things ahead, and choose the best accommodation in town for a memorable experience.
At Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, we have coined a niche in curating the finest experiences for couples seeking a luxury stay in Kashmir. Fine dining, unbeatable ambiance, state-of-the-art amenities, and world class facilities makes Khyber a one-of-a-kind hotel in Gulmarg. Come experience the Khybers and make this Valentine’s day in Kashmir a trip to cherish forever.
Absolutely, Kashmir is one of the most romantic places in the whole of India for celebrating Valentine’s Day. The snow-capped mountains, the houseboats, the valleys, and the lakes provide an ideal background for couples who seek seclusion, natural beauty, and pleasant experiences.
Some of the most romantic places for couples to visit in Kashmir are the Dal Lake (for shikara rides), Gulmarg (for skiing, snow activities, and Gondola rides), Betaab Valley (for nature walks), and Srinagar’s Mughal gardens (for romantic strolls).
There are many romantic activities that couples can enjoy in Kashmir during winter. These include shikara rides in Dal Lake at sunrise, skiing, snowboarding, and Gondola rides in Gulmarg, snow walks and garden strolls in Srinagar, and watching sunsets from famous viewpoints like Pari Mahal.
Yes! Gulmarg offers the right balance of romance and adventure for couples, especially if you’re in Kashmir on a Valentine’s day weekend. If you like a quick adrenaline rush, go skiing, snowboarding, and Gondola rides. For a slower, romantic vibe, stroll through the snow capped pine stretches and majestic gardens of Srinagar.
