Kashmir in May: A Summer Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Kashmir in Summer
Editor’s Note: In light of the recent tragic incident in Pahalgam, we strongly advise travellers to pause all non-essential travel plans to Kashmir until further notice. We recommend staying updated through official government advisories and news sources before planning or continuing your journey to the region.
May is the best time to visit Kashmir if you love sunshine but don’t want to melt under the heat. While the rest of India is sweating it out, Kashmir enjoys pleasant weather with cool breezes and just the right amount of warmth. But let’s be honest—if you’ve Googled “top tourist spots in Kashmir in May,” you’ve probably seen the same names over and over. Let’s do things differently.
This isn’t just another guide telling you to go to Gulmarg and ride a cable car. Instead, here’s an insider’s take on Kashmir in May 2025, highlighting places that will make your trip memorable and special.
In this Blog
1. Yusmarg – The Picnic Spot with a Secret
Yusmarg is known for being a quiet picnic spot, but here’s something not everyone knows—there’s a hidden meadow called Haigan that locals love. It’s a short trek away from the main area, and you’ll barely find any tourists there. Pack some kahwa (Kashmiri tea), grab a book, and let the cool May breeze do its magic. If you want a homely experience, rent a villa in Yusmarg—it’s the closest you’ll get to living like a Kashmiri.
2. Bangus Valley – The Place No One Talks About
Ask a Kashmiri about the most beautiful place they’ve seen, and many will say Bangus Valley. The funny part? Hardly any tourists go there. The valley is massive, and you’ll feel like you have the whole place to yourself. The best part of visiting in May? The wildflowers are in full bloom, making it look straight out of a painting.
3. Dachigam National Park – More Than Just a Sanctuary
Most people visit Dachigam hoping to spot a Hangul (Kashmiri stag). But here’s a secret—the park is also one of the best places to go birdwatching in May. You’ll see colourful Himalayan Monals and maybe even a Golden Oriole. Take an early morning stroll, and you’ll hear nothing but birdsong. It’s like having an entire orchestra playing just for you!
4. Kokernag – Where Fish Lovers Should Go
Kokernag is famous for its freshwater springs, but if you’re a foodie, you’ll love this place for another reason—its trout farms. You can watch the fish being caught, grilled, and served fresh. If you love fish, this is a must-visit. Want a relaxed stay? A villa in Kokernag will give you all the privacy and comfort you need.
5. Tosa Maidan – The Best Camping Spot You Didn’t Know About
Everyone talks about camping in Pahalgam or Sonmarg, but the real thrill is in Tosa Maidan. The place has a fascinating history—it used to be an army firing range! Now, it’s one of the most peaceful places to pitch a tent. The night sky here in May is crystal clear, perfect for stargazing.
6. Gurez Valley – Internet-Free Bliss
If you’ve ever wanted a break from social media, head to Gurez. There’s barely any network, which means you’ll actually have to talk to the people you’re traveling with (shocking, right?). The Kishanganga River adds to the charm, and the wooden houses make you feel like you’ve stepped into another century. May is the best time to visit because the roads are finally open after months of snow.
7. Verinag – The Place That Starts It All
Did you know that the Jhelum River, which flows through Kashmir, actually starts in Verinag? It’s not just a historical place; the Mughal gardens here are far less crowded than the ones in Srinagar. Sit by the springs, and you’ll understand why the Mughals were obsessed with this place. If you want an old-world experience, stay in a villa in Verinag and wake up to breathtaking views.
8. Gulmarg: Gondolas, Golf, and Glorious Ice Cream
Everyone talks about skiing in Gulmarg, but have you ever had soft serve while wearing sunglasses and snow boots at the same time? That’s Gulmarg in May for you. The place is still dusted with snow at higher altitudes, which means the Gulmarg Gondola is still very much a thrill.
If you’re lucky, Phase 2 of the Gondola ride (up to Apharwat Peak) is still operational. And trust me, even if you don’t ski, standing up there with wind in your face, ice under your feet, and not a single skyscraper in sight—it’s like rebooting your brain.Looking for a peaceful stay? Consider booking a villa in Gulmarg—some of them are tucked away in quiet corners with bonfire pits and wooden interiors that smell like pine and nostalgia.
9. Pahalgam
If Gulmarg is the cool sibling that snowboards, Pahalgam in May is the one that takes long walks and writes poetry in a journal. The weather is comfortable—perfect for walking, and more importantly, for walking aimlessly.
While most guides will push you toward Betaab Valley (and sure, it’s worth a picture), the real magic is in the smaller, unexpected spots. Ever heard of Aru village? It’s like a wallpaper come to life—but with goats. You can ride ponies up to meadows that don’t even have names, and that’s the fun part.
There’s also this one walnut tree behind a local bakery (ask anyone—they’ll know the one). The bread there is baked in a clay oven, and tastes best when you eat it leaning against that tree, watching kids play cricket with sticks.
And yes, for the love of your knees, don’t miss Lidder River. But don’t just take pictures. Get your feet in the water. It’s like a surprise slap of winter in the middle of spring.
Accommodation tip: Go for a villa in Pahalgam that lets you hear the river at night. White noise machines? Who needs them?
10. Sonmarg
Sonmarg in May is a wildcard. It can still snow, or you can get sunburnt—sometimes both in one afternoon. That’s the fun of it.
A must-do is the walk (or pony ride) to Thajiwas Glacier. It’s not just a glacier; it’s where you’ll end up getting into an impromptu snowball fight with complete strangers. It’s where people giggle like children because something about being surrounded by snow in May short-circuits your grown-up brain.
Now here’s something few will tell you: the local boys rent sleds made from plastic jugs and string. Forget fancy equipment; this is the OG version of snow adventure. Ride it once and you’ll remember it more fondly than your first roller coaster.
After that, grab some fresh trout. There are families who grill it roadside with just salt, chilli, and lemon. You’ll smell it before you see it. And once you taste it—yep, every other grilled fish will seem pretentious.
Spend a night in a villa in Sonmarg if you can. At night, the sky goes full galaxy mode. If you’ve never seen the Milky Way with your own eyes, this is the place.
Kashmir in May 2025 is different from the rest of the year. The snow has melted just enough to make travel easy, but it’s not yet peak tourist season, so you won’t feel like you’re in a crowd. The flowers are at their brightest, the rivers are full, and the air is just the right mix of cool and warm.
This Kashmir summer travel guide isn’t about ticking off famous spots; it’s about finding places that feel special, even if you’ve been to Kashmir before. So, pack your bags and head to the best places to visit in Kashmir in summer, stay in a luxurious private villa in Kashmir, and—just don’t tell everyone, or these hidden gems won’t stay hidden for long!
Image credits: BeeWas via Wikimedia
