April is spring in Kashmir: tulips in Srinagar, blossom across the orchards, the valley turning green, and snow still on the mountains above it. It is one of the most beautiful months of the year and, until the summer rush starts in May, still reasonably priced. The catch is rain: April is one of the wettest months in the valley.
This guide covers the Tulip Garden dates, the weather, where you can still find snow, what is open, and a five-day April plan. We are based in Srinagar, and spring is one of our favourite seasons to show people the valley.
Kashmir in April at a glance
- Srinagar: about 7°C at night to 20°C by day; warmer by the end of the month.
- Rain: showers on several days in most weeks, rarely all day.
- Tulip Garden: usually open from the second half of March into mid-April; peak bloom around the first week of April.
- Blossom: apple, cherry and pear through April; the almonds at Badamwari flower earlier, in March.
- Snow: still on the Gulmarg Gondola top, at Sonamarg and at Chandanwari; gone from Srinagar.
- Crowds and prices: rising through the month; busiest on Tulip Garden weekends; cheaper than May and June.
The Tulip Garden
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, on the slopes of the Zabarwan hills above Dal Lake, is the largest tulip garden in Asia, with around 1.7–1.8 million bulbs in more than 70 varieties. It opens for only about four weeks each spring, while the flowers last.
- 2026 dates, for reference: opened on 16 March, peak bloom around 1–8 April, closed to visitors in mid-to-late April as the beds finished.
- 2027: expect a similar window, but the opening date is announced each year and moves with the weather. Confirm it before you book flights.
- Best time of day: early morning, for soft light and smaller crowds. Avoid weekends at peak bloom if you can.
- Tickets: a small entry fee, bought at the gate or online.
- Nearby: Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi are a short drive along the lake, and in full spring colour at the same time.
If your dates fall after the tulips, April is still beautiful: the orchards are in blossom and the Mughal gardens are in flower. The most common mistake we see is booking a "tulip trip" in May, when the garden has closed.
Weather and what to pack
April days are mild and pleasant, often sunny between showers; nights are cool, and much colder at Gulmarg and Sonamarg. Kashmir gets its spring rain from western disturbances, not the monsoon, so expect passing showers rather than days of downpour.
- Layers: T-shirts, a warm fleece or sweater, and a jacket for evenings.
- A light waterproof jacket. Better than an umbrella on a shikara.
- Waterproof shoes with grip for the meadows and snow patches.
- A warm layer and gloves for the Gondola top.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen.
Where to go in April
Srinagar
The heart of an April trip: the Tulip Garden, the Mughal gardens, a shikara on Dal Lake, and the Old City. Two days here is not too many in spring.
Gulmarg: snow above, spring below
The meadow is usually thawing into green in April, while Kongdori and Apharwat on the Gondola still have snow. That makes April a good month to see snow without winter cold. See the Gondola guide and Srinagar to Gulmarg.
Pahalgam: snowmelt and green valleys
The Lidder runs high with snowmelt, Betaab and Aru turn green, and Chandanwari keeps its snow. See Srinagar to Pahalgam for the union taxi rates.
Sonamarg
Snow still lies deep around Thajiwas in April, with the meadow opening up as the month goes on. Zero Point and the Zojila pass are usually still closed. See Srinagar to Sonamarg.
Doodhpathri and Yusmarg
Both meadows, about 1.5 hours from Srinagar, are opening up in April, with snow lingering early in the month. They are quieter alternatives to the main day trips. See Doodhpathri and Yusmarg.
Still closed
Gurez, Bangus, Sinthan Top and Zero Point usually stay closed until May or later, depending on how much snow the winter brought. The Mughal Road typically reopens in late spring.
Crowds, holidays and prices
- Tulip weekends are the busiest days in Srinagar; go on a weekday morning.
- Baisakhi, Wednesday 14 April 2027, brings local crowds to the gardens.
- Easter 2027 falls on 28 March, before April, so it does not affect the month itself.
- Ramadan 2027 ends in early March, so April is unaffected.
- Prices: higher than winter and rising towards May, but well below the May–June peak. Book flights and hotels for the tulip weeks early.
For the full numbers, see the Kashmir trip cost guide. April is also one of our favourite honeymoon months; the honeymoon cost guide compares the packages.
A five-day April itinerary
- Day 1: Srinagar. The Tulip Garden in the afternoon, a sunset shikara.
- Day 2: Srinagar. Tulip Garden again at opening time if you want photographs, then the Mughal gardens, Pari Mahal and the Old City.
- Day 3: [Gulmarg](@destination-fcf68225f2c2). The Gondola to the snow at Kongdori; the green meadow below.
- Day 4: [Pahalgam](@destination-005d8322185f). Betaab and Aru in spring green, Chandanwari in the snow, via the Pampore saffron fields.
- Day 5: Depart, or swap in Sonamarg or Doodhpathri on a sixth day.
In April we put Srinagar first and give it two days, because the tulips and the gardens are the point. The 5-day and 7-day itineraries have spring variations.
April travel tips
- Confirm the Tulip Garden dates before booking anything.
- Pack for rain and for snow, both in the same day.
- Book the Gondola early: April is busy at Gulmarg.
- Carry cash for union taxis, ponies and garden tickets.
- Keep the itinerary flexible around showers: swap a garden day and a drive day if the forecast suggests it.
Plan April with us
MIRHA Tour & Travels is based in Srinagar. We track the Tulip Garden opening each year and time our April trips around it. Packages such as the Kashmir 4N/5D, Romantic Honeymoon and Family Delight all work well in spring; see also the honeymoon packages.
See the Kashmir tour packages, or tell us your April dates and we will tell you what will be in flower that week.
