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Kashmir, people call it “Paradise on Earth,” and for once the phrase isn’t an exaggeration. Every turn seems to hand you a view worth keeping. Picnic places in Kashmir carry their own magic. Meadows ringed by snowy ridges. A river bend where the water throws back light. Families spread blankets, children running, someone pulling food from a basket. It is company, nostalgia, or maybe just the urge to sit still for a while. Green stretches, silence broken by chatter, air that feels sharper in the lungs. These spots don’t just refresh you. They remind you that slowing down is possible.
Top 10 Picnic Places In Kashmir For A Fun-Filled Day
Kashmir offers stunning picnic places in Kashmir, from serene valleys to sparkling lakesides, perfect for rest, joy, and unforgettable scenic views.
1. Shalimar Bagh
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Shalimar Bagh, which was commissioned by Emperor Jahangir in 1619 for his wife Nur Jahan, is the largest Mughal garden in the Kashmir valley. This historic getaway is terraced and is made up of three tiered sections that brought life to royalty and guests during Mughal times. The garden bursts with colour and brilliance during the spring and summer, and it is the perfect place for a family outing and photography sessions. In addition to walking leisurely on the well-paved walkways, guests can picnic here and admire the seamless fusion of Muslim architecture and the natural beauty of the park.
Location: Srinagar, Kashmir Valley
Major Attractions: Mughal garden terraces, vibrant floral displays, Persian-style architecture, peaceful walkways.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Kashmir
2. Nishat Bagh
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Sometimes referred to as the ‘Garden of Bliss’, Nishat Bagh is a Mughal Garden built in 1633 by Asif Khan, Nur Jahan’s brother. The garden is the second largest in Kashmir, descending from the Zabarwan Mountains in 12 terraces, each representing a zodiac sign. Nishat Bagh is a perfect combination of symmetry and elegance. Its most striking feature is its central water channel, originating from Dal Lake, adorned with a few fountains and flanked by cypress and chinar trees. It has become a popular picnic site for families because you can enjoy history and personal leisure, allowing children to roam and play on vast green lawns and adults to lose themselves in the panoramic view of the lake.
Location: Srinagar, Kashmir Valley
Major Attractions: Terraced garden with 12 zodiac-themed terraces, Dal Lake views, water channels and fountains, cypress and chinar trees.
3. Gulmarg Meadows
Photo: Poet Shankar Gurjar / Wikimedia Commons
Gulmarg Meadows is one of the most famous picnic places in Kashmir. It consists of enormous rolling fields surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks. This gorgeous spot earns its reputation as the “Meadow of Flowers”, particularly lovely in spring and summer as the entire area is alive with colours and wildflowers blanket the area. For those who enjoy sightseeing in the area, the two gondola rides (the Gulmarg Gondola being the highest cable car in Asia) are simply exquisite and offer amazing aerial views of the valley. A few notable treks are offered starting around Gulmarg, such as the trek to Khilanmarg, and horseback rides over the rolling meadows.
Location: Gulmarg, Kashmir
Major Attractions: Vast rolling meadows, Himalayan mountain views, Gulmarg Gondola (Asia’s highest cable car), wildflowers in spring.
Suggested Read: Beautiful Places To Visit In Kashmir
4. Pahalgam Valley
Photo: Sauood07 / Wikimedia Commons
Often described as an unspoiled mountain resort and a popular destination for day-trippers, it is also the location of the Lidder River/Pahalgam Valley, where visitors can soak in the breathtaking beauty one minute and enjoy a relaxing riverside picnic or the sweet sound of rushing water the next, while simultaneously being surrounded by towering pine trees. Excellent options for families visiting Pahalgam include Betaab Valley and Aru Valley, which also allow some accessibility to spread their territory out in nature. Visitors to the Lidder River can, in addition to having a picnic, also experience some river fishing of the trout variety, pony rides, and trekking trails toward Kolahoi Glacier.
Location: Pahalgam, Anantnag District, Kashmir
Major Attractions: Lidder River, Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, river fishing, pony rides, trekking routes to Kolahoi Glacier.
5. Sonmarg
Photo: Mohammad Iliyas khanday / Wikimedia Commons
Sonmarg (“Meadow of Gold”) is one of the popular picnic places in Kashmir, especially with its golden scenery at sunrise and sunset. Nestled beneath towering glaciers and fields of alpine meadows, it has access to trekking routes like the Thajiwas Glacier, an important neighbouring feature that attracts many adventure enthusiasts. Many families find picnicking on the banks of the Sindh River perfect. Adults can admire the mountains while the kids enjoy pony rides or whatever lies on the riverbank to entertain them. As the river is clean, people also try to catch trout, either as a picnic activity or even as a planned dinner.
Location: Sonmarg, Ganderbal District, Kashmir
Major Attractions: Sindh River banks, Thajiwas Glacier trek, alpine meadows, pony rides, trout fishing.
Suggested Read: Camping In Sonmarg
6. Dal Lake Banks
Photo: Shazman Bhat / Wikimedia Commons
The banks of Dal Lake are both calm and festive, making them a great location for day picnics. Numerous families spend time together on the banks of Dal Lake, having meals while watching busy, colourful shikaras move rhythmically over the water. Dal Lake’s floating gardens, or “Rad”, feature aquatic plants and even lotus flowers in summer, and have their own appeal to visit. Children enjoy walking around on the houseboats that line the banks while adults peruse the floating markets of handicrafts and vegetables. For groups, there is an option of shikara rides where they can paddle through hushed corners of the massive Dal Lake and find scenic parts of hidden beauty to take some pictures.
Location: Srinagar, Kashmir
Major Attractions: Shikara boat rides, floating gardens (“Rad”), houseboats, floating markets, lotus flowers in summer.
7. Manasbal Lake
Photo: Soporekashmir / Wikimedia Commons
Manasbal Lake is noted for being one of the deepest picnic places in Kashmir and is surrounded by orchards and mountains, which create a relaxed atmosphere for day trips. The location is wonderful, and the lake is calm and peaceful, and in summer, the lake has lotus blooms, which create a very different atmosphere when compared to the other busy lakes in Kashmir. Families often picnic near the lake and therefore find lakeside places to put down their picnic mats so that they can enjoy the spring or summer breeze. Boating is also a much-loved activity, as paddleboats are provided for family exploration along the lake.
Location: Manasbal, Budgam District, Kashmir
Major Attractions: Deepest lake in Kashmir, surrounding orchards and mountains, lotus blooms, paddle boating, serene environment.
Suggested Read: Largest Lake In Kashmir
8. Yusmarg
Photo: Debashritaiitmandi / Wikimedia Commons
Yusmarg, often known as the ‘Meadow of Jesus’, is a natural scene of meadows and grassland hills with scattered pine forests. Yusmarg does not tend to have as many tourists, allowing it to be a peaceful escape; therefore, it is a lovely place to picnic for the day and not worry about rush hour. The Doodhganga River runs close by, where families picnic by the river and listen to the pampering tumble of the stream while they enjoy lunch. Other activities enjoyed include horse riding across the boggy, open grassy meadows and trekking routes such as to Nilnag Lake, a tranquil, alpine, forested lake in all seasons.
Location: Yusmarg, Budgam District, Kashmir
Major Attractions: Meadows and pine forests, Doodhganga River, horse riding, trekking to Nilnag Lake, peaceful and less crowded.
9. Doodhpathri
Photo: Bronzestarv/ Shutterstock
Of the lesser-known picnic places in Kashmir, Doodhpathri, translated as “Valley of Milk”, derives its name from the foaming streams that have a milky colour. The valley has green meadows with pine forests surrounding it, creating an inviting landscape. Families enjoy picnicking along the Shaliganga River, where the cool waters provide a relaxing backdrop. Riding horses across the open green areas of grass is one way to enjoy the valley, and adventurous people will find short treks in the nearby forests. In summer, when the meadows are covered with colourful wildflowers, it makes for a stunning picnic setting.
Location: Doodhpathri, Budgam District, Kashmir
Major Attractions: Milky foaming streams, green meadows, Shaliganga River, horse riding, short treks in nearby forests, wildflowers in summer.
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Kashmir To Delve Deeper Into The Paradise
10. Aharbal Waterfall
Photo: Tawheed Manzoor / Wikimedia Commons
Known as the “Niagara Falls of Kashmir”, Aharbal is one of the most breathtaking picnic sites in the entire valley, and the waterfall plunges vigorously into a gorge of the Veshu river and provides a stunning picture and a refreshing sit for visitors. Families often picnic on the banks of the river, listening to the roar of the rushing water. Adventurists can hike up the high points for larger shots of the waterfall or along the various trekking routes to Kausar Nag Lake. Aharbal has towering trees for shade to enhance the picnic theme. Vendors near the waterfall offer food and local delicacies such as Kashmiri tea.
Location: Aharbal, Kulgam District, Kashmir
Major Attractions: “Niagara Falls of Kashmir,” Veshu River gorge, waterfall viewpoint, trekking routes to Kausar Nag Lake, local food stalls.
Kashmir is full of wonders, and the picnic places in Kashmir beautifully blend nature, culture, and adventure. From golden meadows and glimmering lakes to magnificent waterfalls, each spot promises memorable moments filled with beauty and joy. Whether it’s a family picnic, romantic getaway, or peaceful retreat, every location offers unforgettable experiences. Plan your picnic adventure with TripXL and create memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Cover Photo: Divya Agrawal / Unsplash
