The tulip season in Kashmir generally starts from mid-march and lasts till late April. During this time, it's spring in Kashmir with warm pleasant weather and greenery all around. If you’re planning to visit Kashmir in Spring to watch the tulips in full bloom, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar is where the real action takes place. The garden gates are believed to open for a month starting March 15, 2026. Besides tulips, this is also the blossoming time for daffodils, hyacinths, and almond trees.
Spring in Kashmir is magical. It’s when the winter-clad valley exhales as the snow starts to melt. While the white mountain peaks in the distance shine, the ground embraces the lush green, before turning into pink and then a resplendent show of colors. If you’re someone who doesn't like to tread on snow but still wants to get a slice of Kashmir’s beauty, Spring hits the sweet spot.
The headline maker is definitely the tulips blooming in abundance and gracing Kashmir’s most romantic spots, from Dal Lake to Mughal Gardens. For couples and families alike, Spring in Kashmir is an extraordinary experience for more than one reason.
In this blog you will learn:
What makes Spring the ideal time to visit Kashmir
The best time in the day to visit tulip gardens
Romantic trails and scenic walks in spring
Blooming orchards and countryside escapes
Food & beverage options during sightseeing
Travel tips for couples and families
Whether you’re on a family vacation or a romantic break, the Spring season in Kashmir ticks all the right boxes.
Clear and brighter outdoors: As the winter chill takes a backseat, Spring brings brighter and breathable days to enjoy sightseeing. The temperature supports as it averages around 15°C high and 4°C low with cooler mornings and warmer evenings.
You get to enjoy both snow and bloom: Springtime in Kashmir offers a wonderful contrast with snow-capped mountains and blooming city gardens.
Less crowd, more room for romance: While winter in Kashmir is a different delight, Spring is the time when the valley attracts a lot less tourists. That means, you have more room for those cozy romantic trails with your loved ones without thinking about the rush.
Wear light layers of clothing for warm afternoons and cool evenings.
Invest in good walking shoes.
Plan early morning visits to the tulip garden.
Use sunglasses and sunscreen when outside.
Stay updated on gate opening time and day for Tulip garden.
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The tulips season in Kashmir turns the valley into a show of colors, especially in Srinagar where the terraced Indira Gandhi Memorial tulip garden overlooks the iconic Dal Lake. By far, it’s Asia’s largest tulip garden, built with a sloping layout in seven terraced levels spread across 30 hectares, and situated on the foothills of the Zabarwan Range. Besides tulips, this garden is also home to hyacinths, daffodils, and ranunculus.
It's good to know: If tulips gardens are in your Kashmir itinerary this Spring, you need to know about the timings when the gates are opened for the general public. Remember, the bloom time of tulips shifts every year depending on the weather. For 2026, the tulip garden is most likely to open from March 15 and one can expect to see almost 1.8 million tulips (70+ varieties) blooming.
For shutterbugs, the best time to visit the Tulip Garden is either early mornings for soft lights and late afternoons for warmer tones and the ever-flattering “golden hour”. However, you won’t be able to cover the entire garden in a day. So, split your visit into two days. Reserve the first day for landscape shots and the next day for close ups and macros.
When looking for romantic places in Kashmir, Spring brings out the beauty out of ordinary locations, including watersides, gardens, and viewpoints. Here are some of the best romantic trails and scenic walks to explore in Kashmir during Spring.
No matter what, Shikara rides on Dal Lake is a classic romantic activity in Kashmir across seasons. Spring is no exception either, infact a lot better with cleaner air, sharpener reflections in water, and blooming flowers around. If you love the warmer tones of evening and silhouettes, sunset rides are highly recommended. Alternately, catch the morning ride if you like softer hues and the sight of quiet waters.
Love aerial views of cities? Then you must visit the Shankarcharya Hill that offers a stunning skyline view of Srinagar. Plan for a visit during sunset when the city lights start flickering and the Dal Lake surrenders to the metallic hues of the evening.
The Mughal gardens, especially Nishat and Shalimar Bagh, light up in all glory during Spring with new blossoms. If you want a beautiful, cozy spot in Kashmir for unhurried conversations and long walks hand-in-hand, there's no better place to be. Choose to visit the Mughal Gardens during the mid-mornings when the light is still not bright to catch the heavenly glimpse of the flowers.
If you love taking the day slow with your beloved by your side, the Pari Mahal could be your kind of place, especially during the golden hours. Make sure to carry some warm clothes as Spring in Kashmir sometimes brings cooler evenings.
Spring in Kashmir not only fetches a fresh lease of life for Srinagar’s city life. The part of the valley that sits outside the main frame also gets its fair share. Here are a few places to add to your Spring Kashmir itinerary.
Badamwari Gardens: The place where almonds grow before the tulip rush takes over.
Pampore: Home to saffron lands, Spring brings out the real charm of the place.
Apple orchards and village roads: Springtime and apples are best friends in Kashmir. It takes only a half-day drive across the village roads to Kashmir’s apple orchards and the view along the way is worth every penny spent.
Spring in Kashmir typically means more walking than planned. So, you will need to fuel up with the right food and drink. Here are your best, local food and beverage options.
Kahwa: A saffron-infused drink that pairs well with the cold mornings.
Dum Aloo: An ever comforting and fulfilling vegetarian dish to complement any meal.
Rogan Josh: The signature dish of Kashmir that you shouldn’t miss.
Street snacks and local bakery: Perfect for those little hunger pangs while sightseeing.
Spring in Kashmir is a rare mix of nature’s blessings. There’s color without chaos, free flowing romantic vibes, and views that enthrall you like nowhere else. While most visit Kashmir in Spring for the tulips, the memories they carry back home comprises a lot more, like serene lake mornings, blossom filled garden paths, scenic orchard roads, and magical sunsets.
If your Spring itinerary in Kashmir includes Gulmarg after or before Srinagar, stop by for an experience stay at the Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa. Cozy, comfy, and couple-centric, Khyber promises world class amenities with breathtaking nature views to relax and unwind.
The best time to visit the tulips in Kashmir is anywhere between March and mid-April when the flowers bloom at their peak. For 2026, the gates of the tulip graden are likely to be opened for the general public on March 15.
The tulip festival takes place during Spring in Kashmir and is a month-long event when the gates of the garden remain open for the general public. The dates and timings vary from year to year.
Absolutely! Spring is definitely a good time to visit Kashmir for couples on a romantic break. Unlike winter in Kashmir, the Spring season promises comfortable walking weather, resplendent gardens, delightful shikara rides, and generally longer daylight for uninterrupted sightseeing.
Similar to winter, there are several activities to enjoy during Spring in Kashmir, like nature photography walks, horse riding in the valley, light trekking, and exploring vibrant local markets for authentic Kashmiri handicrafts, from exclusive pashmina shawls to intricately carved walnut woodwork.
Compared to winter, Spring in Kashmir sees a lot less crowd. However, with the tulip rush, people may rush to get entry to the tulip gardens, especially on the weekends. So, plan your visit to the Tulip garden early and choose weekdays only for a hassle-free experience.
