10 Festivals in Jammu & Kashmir to Experience in 2025!

Jammu Kashmir Festivals

Jammu Kashmir festivals bring the region’s culture to life with colour, tradition, and celebration. From spring’s tulip blooms to Ladakh’s masked dances, each festival offers a unique experience. These events showcase music, food, rituals, and local crafts, attracting visitors from around the world.

Spring marks the Tulip Festival, where the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar bursts into vibrant colours. Shikara Festival on Dal Lake features boat races, showcasing Kashmir’s floating heritage. The Saffron Festival in Pampore celebrates the world’s finest saffron with cultural performances and food stalls. Baisakhi is a lively harvest festival with fairs and folk dances in Jammu.

Summer brings Ladakh’s Hemis Festival, where monks perform the Cham dance. The Gurez Festival highlights local traditions with sports and music. Spituk Gustor and Losar Festival in Ladakh showcase Tibetan Buddhist rituals. The Sindhu Darshan Festival honours the Indus River, while the Dosmoche Festival wards off evil spirits.

Witness these celebrations and explore Kashmir’s cultural richness through Thrillophilia's Kashmir Tour Packages!

01

Tulip Festival

1. The Tulip Festival ranks among the top Jammu Kashmir festivals for its dazzling floral displays each spring.

2. Held at Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, it features over 1.5 million tulips in various colours.

3. The garden, set against the Zabarwan Range, creates a breathtaking view for visitors.

4. The festival also includes Kashmiri cultural performances, handicraft stalls, and traditional cuisine.

5. Tourists from around the world visit, making it a major event in Kashmir’s tourism calendar.

Location: Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Srinagar

Timings: March-May

Entry Fee: INR 25 (children), INR 60 (adults) (approx)

02

Shikara Festival

1. Among the top festivals of Jammu and Kashmir, the Shikara Festival celebrates Kashmir’s iconic houseboats.

2. Dal Lake is the centre of attraction with shikara races, dragon boat races, and canoe polo matches.

3. Participants also showcase creative Shikara decorations, featuring flowers, canopies, and traditional motifs that reflect local craftsmanship.

4. Cultural performances on floating stages add musical charm, while vendors serve tasty Kashmiri snacks to visitors.

5. The festival promotes eco-tourism and supports local artisans who craft these wooden boats.

Location: Dal Lake, Srinagar

Timings: July-August

03

Saffron Festival

1. Listed among the most famous festivals in Jammu and Kashmir, the Saffron Festival celebrates saffron cultivation in Pampore.

2. It is held from late October to early November, coinciding with the delicate process of saffron harvesting.

3. Visitors roam through purple-hued fields, observing farmers pluck crimson stigmas from blossoms to create this treasured seasoning.

4. Colourful folk performances and food stalls add lively charm, where locals brew refreshing Kahwa flavoured with fresh saffron strands.

5. The festival also promotes local farmers and boosts the global recognition of Kashmir’s world-famous saffron.

Location: Pampore, Pulwama District, South Kashmir

Timings: Late October-early November

04

Hemis Festival

1. The Hemis Festival is revered among the grand festivals of Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting Ladakh’s vibrant Buddhist heritage.

2. Held at the Hemis Monastery, it honours Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism.

3. Monks perform colourful mask dances called Chham, symbolizing the triumph of goodness over evil.

4. Traditional instruments accompany these rhythmic moves, filling the air with drums, horns, and chanting for a mesmerizing spectacle.

5. A giant religious thangka (painting) is also displayed once every twelve years during the Hemis Festival.

Location: Hemis Monastery, Ladakh

Timings: Late June-early July

Entry Fee: INR 100 per person (for entry to the Monastery) (approx)

05

Losar Festival

1. Losar Festival stands prominently among Jammu Kashmir festivals, marking the Tibetan New Year celebrated widely in Ladakh.

2. It generally occurs in the winter season, with prayers, dances, and feasts that bring good fortune and harmony.

3. Homes get cleaned and bright decorations are put in place, as families prepare ceremonial cakes and share gifts with neighbours.

4. Monasteries hold special rituals, including vibrant mask dances that honour Buddhist deities and chase away malevolent spirits.

5. Special delicacies like guthuk (barley soup) and tsampa (roasted barley flour) are prepared.

Location: Ladakh

Timings: Late February-early March

06

Sindhu Darshan Festival

1. Sindhu Darshan Festival holds a special place among the spiritual festivals of Jammu and Kashmir, honouring the sacred Indus River.

2. Celebrated in Leh, participants from across India bring waters from their local rivers to merge with the Indus.

3. This symbolic act promotes unity and respect for riverine heritage, reflecting the festival’s message of peace.

4. Traditional music, folk dances, and local craft exhibitions are held, allowing visitors to experience Ladakhi culture.

5. This festival highlights the historical and cultural importance of the Indus River in Indian civilisation.

Location: Leh, Ladakh

Timings: June

07

Baisakhi

1. Baisakhi holds a cherished place among Jammu Kashmir festivals, marking the start of the harvest season every April.

2. Celebrated especially in the Jammu region, it coincides with Sikh traditions that honour the formation of the Khalsa Panth in 1699.

3. People visit temples or Gurudwaras, offer prayers, and share festive meals that include local delicacies and sweet treats.

4. Colourful fairs spring up in many areas, featuring folk dances, music performances, and stalls selling regional crafts.

5. Gratitude and togetherness fill the day, uniting communities through shared joy and cultural pride.

Location: Jammu

Timings: April

08

Spituk Gustor Zanskar

1. Spituk Gustor Zanskar is ranked among the most notable festivals in Jammu and Kashmir, celebrated at Spituk Monastery.

2. It usually takes place in winter, when chilly winds blow across Ladakh and devotees gather for sacred ceremonies.

3. Monks wear ornate masks, performing mystical dances to symbolize the banishment of negative energies from the region.

4. Tourists experience monastic life firsthand, observing prayer sessions and admiring the intricate artefacts preserved within the monastery.

5. The festival offers a deep insight into Ladakh’s spiritual traditions and Buddhist heritage.

Location: Spituk Monastery, Ladakh

Timings: January

09

Gurez Festival

1. The Gurez Festival showcases the hidden charm of Gurez Valley, which lies surrounded by lofty mountains and serene landscapes.

2. Launched to promote tourism, this festival includes cultural performances, handicraft displays, and interactive sessions with the Dard-Shina community.

3. Visitors relish Kashmiri cuisines while enjoying folk dances that illustrate the valley’s vibrant heritage and warm hospitality.

4. Adventure seekers find excitement in trekking, rafting, and other outdoor sports, surrounded by pristine alpine beauty.

5. This two-day celebration unites travelers with locals, forging bonds through shared experiences and scenic views of the valley.

Location: Gurez Valley

Timings: July or August

10

Dosmoche Festival

1. Dosmoche Festival is one of the most unique Jammu Kashmir festivals, observed in Leh and Likir monasteries each winter.

2. Its name translates to ‘Scapegoat Festival,’ referring to rituals aimed at driving away malevolent spirits and bringing prosperity.

3. Monks gather for special ceremonies, crafting sacrificial rituals that symbolize negativity that’s destined for destruction.

4. Elaborate mask dances are held at the courtyards, accompanied by rhythmic drums and horns that fill the air.

5. Travellers witness a blend of mysticism and joy, leaving with a deeper cultural appreciation for Ladakh’s winter traditions.

Location: Leh, Ladakh

Timings: February

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Ranbireshwar Temple

Opening Hours: Monday: Sunday (06:00 AM - 08:00 PM)Prime Day & Hours: Mondays, especially during morning and evening aartiSuggested Duration: 1 hourTickets: Free EntryNearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station, 5.5 km awayNearest Airport: Jammu Airport (Satwari Airport), 7.6 km awayNearest Bus Stop: Jammu Bus Stand, 500 metersRanbireshwar Temple is one of the most significant Shiva temples in Jammu. Built in 1883 by Maharaja Ranbir Singh and dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is a key spiritual site included in many Kashmir Tour Packages. The temple is renowned for its massive 8-foot-tall Shiva Lingam, which is made of black stone. Additionally, it houses 12 crystal Shiva Lingams, each measuring between 15 cm and 38 cm, placed in two parallel rows inside the complex. The temple’s sanctum and surrounding halls are adorned with numerous smaller Shiva Lingams, enhancing its spiritual aura.Located on Shalimar Road, the temple offers a serene atmosphere for devotees and visitors. It is a major pilgrimage site, especially during Mahashivaratri, when devotees gather to offer prayers. With its traditional architecture and deep religious significance, Ranbireshwar Temple stands out among the top places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir.

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Jammu and Kashmir Reviews

Prakash Jaiswal Manali to Leh Bike Trip From Delhi

Excellent

"the experience was awesome. The whole thing organized by Thrillophilia was great. Our tour operator Jigmet sir and the whole crew were 1 no. SHAMAAASS. Julley.

+106

11 July 2019

Vedant Rander Manali Leh Srinagar Bike Trip

Excellent

We went for Manali to srinagar Bike tour. It was the best bike trip of my entire life It all started with the person named Shubham from thrillophilia who helped me in selecting the best trip and processed with my booking, all thanks to him! Without him I wouldn’t have been able to experience the best trip of my life. On arrival there, we met our tour guide Tani and our Mechanic Shashi about whom I have read a lot at thrillophilia reviews. These 2 guys were so supportive during the entire tour that no matter what happened they were always there to look after us. They always made sure we are safe and we are following them and there is no overtaking taking place. Tani, the tour guide, one chilled out person he is! Make sure you get him as your tour guide and Shashi as the mechanic as these guys will always make sure that they are there for you no matter what. And in the end, it’s all the Main man behind everything, Jimmy Sir. Thanks a lot Sir for making me experience the best trip of my life! Without you and your team this wouldn’t have been possible. Thanks for helping us out in every way possible. The roads here are difficult terrain to ride on. You gotta be careful. You gotta carry your gum boots during water logging which is the most difficult to cross. But these guys made sure that we were all safe and had sound health till we reached home. Not even a single person was hurt. Our group was a mixture of all age groups, I’m fact we even got to meet 2 people From the Indian navy as well. One mad kickass experience! Unbelievable. Reaching the worlds highest Pass, Khardungla Top, was the highest achievement of my life till date which happened on this trip! And if at all you wish to go, don’t forget to ask Tani and Shashi as your tour guide and mechanic, and go only through Jimmy Sir as he has the best team! Thanks a lot to everyone out there for which I thought the best way would be to write at thrillophilia reviews.

+50

05 October 2017

Umesh Joshi Stok Kangri Trek

Excellent

First, I would like to say thank you to shyam@thrillophilia.com for their coordination and cooperation by writing my thrillophilia reviews.The trip was well planned and executed extremely well by the tour operators, I am very happy with the services provided by thrillophilia during this trek. 1) Our trek leaders Salman and Stenzin are really a wonderful Guys, they were very helpful and supportive all the time during trekking.Other staff members were also supportive and helpful. 2) Food quality and quantity was good. 3) Accommodation was good, camps were in good shape, neat and clean and quite spacious. Let's review the Trek about which I had read a lot at thrillophilia reviews. No doubt Stok trek was awesome as well as difficult. It would not be correct if I will say Stok trek is the most beautiful trek ???? but there is something which makes this trek different from all other treks and which is the main reason to attract tourist from every corner of the word, that is its height. At 20,500 feet Stok Kangri is the highest trekkable summit in India (6,153 m), what google says but when I googled it bit more and try to find if there is any other trek exist in this word which is above Stok, I did not get any information so I assume this is the highest trekkable summit in world ???? Highlights of this Trek 1) Trekking till base camp is not very tiring, which itself a big achievement as you would be able to achieve the height of 16300 feet ???? and the best part what I found in this trek is “you don’t need to walk too many hours to reach base camp” 2-4 hours walk a day is max you will walk. 2) Leh treks are totally different from Himachal and Uttrakhand treks in terms of scenic beauty, it’s a different experience, you would be able to see some splendid views of the Stok mountain ranges. 3) The last day “Summit day” will give you a totally different experience. You start your trek at night time which generally don’t happen in other treks. Moreover, you will get a chance to do snow trekking in summers as well “Only in summit Day”. Here is a great saying "the best view comes after the hardest climb" Very True!!! Preparation: I should say this is not a trek for first time trekkers but still if someone wants to give a try, Start your preparation at least 2 months before this trek as last day “Summit Day” is really a challenging one, compare to other days where you have to just walk 2-4 hours max here on final day you have to walk for a 12 – 14 hours and Trekking at night on Snow is bit tricky task and it becomes more challenging when you have to walk by putting Crampons on your shoes as rightly suggested by many people at thrillophilia reviews. a) Aim for 5 km running in 30 minutes b) Do breathing exercise which helps you a lot during this trek especially. c) Drink as much as water you can.

+44

12 July 2018

Amit Rajput Bike Trip: Srinagar Leh Manali

Excellent

From Recent Expedition -: Srinagar > Leh > Manali !! The feeling was awesome and words are not enough to express my experience of the expedition, but ever since I talked about it, it makes me feel that I’m still travelling, I’m still there. I had been a frequent traveller, but the emotions associated with this tour were different. We enjoyed, we had fun, we went emotional, we met some new friends, we felt proud, we captured every possible feelings and emotions we can during the entire journey.

+38

12 July 2018

Abhishek Kumar Chadar Trek

Excellent

It had everything that you dreamed about. It had ice (lots and lots of ice), even when I was sleeping battling the cold at night I was could see those ice sheet right in front of my eyes. We were walking on ice, we were drinking those ice (of-course the boiled one), but the most exciting part was that we were never complaining even under these extreme condition. Thank to these amazing group of people I was travelling with. The support staff, the organiser and each and every people related to this trip were an amazing host. They made us feel at home, they fulfilled almost all our demands. I had done 2 treks before with other organizations, but these people were the best. The fun we had is quite vivid with this picture, but trust me nothing can be explained in words, you just have to feel it. Keep yourself fit and go for it . It will change the way you see nature , it will change your perception towards people and many more things. Stay happy and keep trekking

+37

02 March 2021

Dhanadeepa Gandhi Cheapest Kashmir Tour Package

Excellent

Just like every other travel enthusiast who keeps Kashmir on their bucket list I was no different. And, I am glad I made my Thrillophilia plan my entire Kashmir tour with much élan. The Shalimar Bagh captivated my senses and the spell-binding sunset views at the Pari Mahal, over the Dal Lake, transported me to a different world.Thanks to Thrillophilia for booking my stays in hygienic guest houses that fed me delicious dinners, and sumptuous breakfasts. I will always cherish having lunch in the most wonderful environs, and my short drive to the Betaab valley that made me make the most of bright and beautiful mornings. Totally recommend Thrillophilia for a soothing trip and adventurous tour, all rolled into one!

13 February 2021

Suryakanta Mehra Cheapest Kashmir Tour Package

Excellent

Whenever I think of Kashmir, the placid valleys, the snow and the stunning greenery blur past. We went to the iconic Gulmarg and Sonmarg and also took an unforgettable shikara ride in Dal Lake. I am still cherishing the memories of the trip I took in January this year with the images of ever-classic Aru and Doodhpathri Valleys still crossing my mind, every now and then. Go pack your bags and set off with Thrillophilia to make the most of humble Kashmiri hospitality and stay in plush guesthouses.

04 February 2021

Acaryatanaya Johar Gulmarg Tour Package

Excellent

My family and I envisaged a tour of Kashmir and thankfully that trip was made a reality by Thrillophilia with such finesse, that I don’t think I can ever be associated with any other tour company. Right from arrival in Srinagar to getting transferred to an incredible houseboat in Dal lake, our trip was every bit fascinating. We relished a delicious breakfast in the Panjal Range’s lap and headed off to Gulmarg for a soul-stirring experience. The pre-booked hotel at Pahalgam was a beautiful one and made our night stay a comfortable one. We will cherish the gondola cable ride at Gulmarg, the short day excursions to Anantnag Sulpher Springs, Avantiswami, and Avantishwar Temples. Thanks a ton to Thrillophilia, for making the Kashmir tour, a nice blend of adventure and travel by incorporating a fair share of outdoor activities with oodles of sightseeing. If you fancy visiting heaven on earth but are pressed for time, allow Thrillophilia to make a trip worth your while!

29 January 2021

Agniprava Malik Gulmarg Tour Package

Excellent

I and my friends always made Kashmir a topic of our coffee table conversations and who would have known that our long-awaited dream would bear fruits this very year. I absolutely adore the fact that Thrillophilia literally turned out to be our hero by arranging everything from airport transfers to a dozen shikhara rides and excursion tours. Four of us had a gala time indulging in nature walks at Gulmarg, and participating in the water sports at Manasbal Lake’s Ganderbal. Thanks, Thrillophilia!

23 February 2021

Shashi Panicker Kashmir Tour Package From Mumbai

Excellent

A 6 day trip with my family to Kashmir will always be special to me. I am in total awe of how the cheerful representatives welcomed us at the airport and escorted us all to a luxurious houseboat. We had the most fabulous lunch and relaxed, only to set out for an evening tour to the Nehru Park on a shikara. The trip from Gulmarg to Pahalgam on the fourth day will be the closest to my heart because we were in awe of the nature trail that went through the pine forest along the Lidder River. Sonmarg by every means had my heart with its flowery meadows, pristine lakes and glaciers. And the fact that we could all visit the Khir-Bhiwani and Narayan temples on such a short trip, is beyond commendable. Kudos!