The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden below the Zabarwan hills is the largest of its kind in Asia, and it is open for roughly three weeks a year. That short window is the whole planning problem: everyone wants the same fortnight, and the exact dates are announced only a little in advance.
When it opens
Usually the last week of March or the first week of April, running to about the end of April. It depends entirely on the winter - a cold March pushes it later. The garden's peak, when the most beds are in full colour, is normally the second week it is open.
Practical advice: book a Kashmir trip for mid-April and treat the tulips as a very likely bonus rather than the reason for the trip. Mid-April in the valley is beautiful whatever the garden is doing - the almond blossom is out, the Mughal gardens are green again, and Gulmarg still has snow at the top of the gondola.
What it costs
Entry is nominal - a few tens of rupees. The real cost is that April is peak season, so flights into Srinagar and houseboat rates are at their highest. If your dates are flexible, the last week of April is materially cheaper than the first and the garden is usually still open.
Do not build the whole trip on one garden
An hour is enough at the tulip garden. Plan the rest properly:
- Dal Lake - one night on a houseboat, and a shikara ride at sunset rather than midday.
- Gulmarg - the gondola to Kongdoori. Phase 2 depends on snow and weather.
- Pahalgam - Betaab and Aru valleys, both an easy day trip.
- Sonmarg - the Thajiwas glacier walk, better as an overnight than a day trip.
Our Kashmir Tulip Special is timed for the window and covers the first three. If you would rather have a night in each valley instead of day trips out of Srinagar, the seven-day Gulmarg and Sonmarg escape is the unhurried version, and the classic Kashmir Delight sits between the two.
What to pack for April
Warmer than you think. Srinagar mornings are single digits, Gulmarg can be near freezing at the top of the gondola, and the same afternoon can be pleasant in a shirt. Layers, a windproof outer, and proper shoes if you intend to walk at Thajiwas.
Read next
If you are still choosing dates, our season-by-season guide to Kashmir covers every month, not just spring. The Kashmir destination page lists every itinerary we run, and Aarif Lone in Srinagar is the guide most of our Kashmir travellers end up with.
Aisha Khan shares travel stories, tips and guides to help you explore the world with confidence.
