01
Dal Lake
Dal Lake, the second-largest lake in the state, spans over 16–20 km and is one of the most popular places to visit in Kashmir in November. The waters remain unfrozen at this time, making it perfect for a serene shikara ride with uninterrupted views of the Pir Panjal mountains in the distance.
A visit to the floating market, locally known as Raad, adds a unique charm, as vendors in shikaras sell everything from handicrafts and saffron to fresh produce and even ice cream. For a more immersive experience, staying in a traditional houseboat allows you to wake up to calm waters and misty mornings, best enjoyed with a steaming cup of kahwa.
Since temperatures in November range between 12°C during the day and -2°C at night, carrying warm jackets and layered clothing is essential for a comfortable stay.
Things to do: kayaking, houseboat stay, Shikara ride, shop from the floating markets.
02
Nigeen Lake
Nigeen Lake, connected to Dal Lake through a narrow strait, is a quieter and more peaceful spot to explore in Kashmir during November. Unlike the busier Dal, it offers a calm atmosphere where you can enjoy a leisurely shikara ride without heavy crowds. Thanks to its greater depth, the lake also allows swimming during the warmer hours of the day, adding a unique experience for visitors.
The surroundings are equally captivating, with willow and poplar trees lining the banks and reflecting beautifully on the clear waters. For a serene stay, houseboats anchored near the Hari Parbat hillock provide uninterrupted views of the lake and its tranquil setting. Just a short distance away lies the Hazratbal Shrine, an important spiritual site that adds cultural significance to the visit.
Things to do: stay in a houseboat, shikara ride, visit Hazratbal Shrine.
03
Shankaracharya Temple
When the weather in Kashmir turns cold in November and the first signs of snow appear, the Shankaracharya Temple becomes a remarkable place to visit. Perched on the 1,100-foot-tall Gopadri Hill, the temple is reached by climbing 243 steps that lead to the sanctum housing the sacred Shiva Linga.
Inside, you can find Persian carvings, cosmic symbols, and inscriptions that reflect different eras of Kashmir’s history. The temple’s origins trace back to the Mauryan period, and it is believed that Adi Shankaracharya meditated here before establishing the present structure in the 9th century.
Visitors can perform puja with offerings of milk, fruits, and flowers to the Shivalinga, adding a spiritual experience to the visit. From the hilltop, the temple also rewards you with sweeping views of Srinagar and Dal Lake, especially clear and breathtaking during the crisp November air.
Things to do: meditate, offer prayers to Lord Shiva, witness celebrations like Mahashivratri, and learn about Advaita philosophy.
04
Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden
Shalimar Bagh is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir in November. As the first snow touches the higher peaks, the garden becomes tranquil, with golden Chinar trees adding warmth to the landscape. Built by Emperor Jahangir, the Mughal garden is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM during winter.
While the fountains may not be fully active, the terraced lawns, arched chini khanas, and the Black Pavilion made of black marble continue to impress. Octagonal pavilions, royal quarters, and the canal connecting to Dal Lake make a stroll through Shalimar Bagh a serene journey into history.
Things to do: witness Mughal architecture, see the fountains, and catch sight of Dal Lake.
05
Gulmarg Golf Course
As the best time to visit Kashmir arrives in November, Gulmarg Golf Course lets you see its high-altitude greens gradually touched by the season’s first snow. November marks the tail end of the golf season, so you can play on the world’s highest golf course at 8,700 feet before heavy snowfall makes it inaccessible.
Here, you can enjoy long drives with the Himalayan peaks in view, as the altitude allows the ball to travel farther than usual. As the snow starts settling, you can indulge in beginner-level skiing on the gentle slopes of the course. Moreover, since the clubhouse provides a bar, library, and other amenities, you can relax here after outdoor activities while witnessing the changing landscape.
Things to do: play golf, ski on slopes, visit the clubhouse.
06
Lidder Amusement Park
With the best time to visit Kashmir for snowfall moving into November, Lidder Amusement Park in Pahalgam offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds. Here, you can catch sight of snow-touched pine- and deodar-covered hills along with the Lidder River flowing nearby.
During this low season, only selected rides operate, which makes it easier for you to walk along the park’s open spaces and pathways.
You can enjoy family rides such as merry-go-rounds, bumper cars, swings, and paddle boats, while spotting birds and butterflies in the garden areas. Moreover, the park’s lawns and riverside location provide you with a calm setting for outdoor activities and winter visits.
Things to do: try boating, enjoy rides, spot birds and butterflies
07
Kheer Bhawani Temple
The Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal's Tulmulla offers you a quiet and reflective visit, as the best time for the Kashmir tour approaches in November. This temple, built of simple grey stone around the hexagonal Tula Mula spring, stands among Chinar trees with the cool November breezes brushing the surroundings. During this time, you can experience the temple without large crowds as the main Mela in May or June is over.
You can walk barefoot around the sacred spring and observe the water change colours, which is a sign of the presence of Goddess Ragnya Devi. Also, you can offer milk and kheer to the deity, explore the hand-carved wooden ceilings, and appreciate the sloping roofs and peaceful architecture of this important pilgrimage site.
Location: Tulmulla - Dangerpora Link Rd, Tulmulla, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 191201
Timings: Open daily 7 AM - 5 PM
Things to do: meditate, offer prayers to Goddess Ragnya Devi, and admire architecture.
08
Avantiswamy Temple
The Avantiswami Temple in Awantipora becomes a quieter place to explore, with cool winds and clear views of the surrounding mountains, in Kashmir in November. This 9th-century complex, built by King Avantivarman, includes two temples, Avantiswamin for Vishnu and Avantisvara for Shiva, which feature well-preserved stone walls, pillars, and corner shrines.
You can admire the intricate carvings on the remaining pillars, note the traces of early Shaivism and Vaishnavism, and walk through the temple layout reminiscent of the Martand Sun Temple. The site, which is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, also lets you take photographs, study the architectural details, and understand the historical significance without the crowds of peak tourist seasons.
Location: Jawbrari Village, Pulwama District
Timings: Open daily 8 AM - 5 PM
09
Dachigam National Park
Dachigam National Park’s lower regions are accessible and quieter, with the first snow settling on the higher slopes in Kashmir in November. Here, you can spot the endangered Hangul (Kashmiri red deer) grazing and Himalayan black bears feeding on acorns before winter.
You can spot birds like the Himalayan monal, cheer pheasants, and other resident birds active in the lower areas. Since the upper parts of the park get covered in snow, you cannot visit the park, as temperatures are colder than in summer. However, you must seek online permission to enter, and focus on the zones of Lower Dachigam to observe wildlife safely during November.
Location: 42PQ+V4C, Dachigam Road, near Harwan Mughal Garden, Jammu and Kashmir 191202
Entry fee: INR 25 for Indians, INR 50 for foreigners
Timings: Open daily 9 AM - 5 PM
Things to do: Spot black bears and red deer, witness local birds
10
Hazratbal Shrine
The Hazratbal Shrine on the northern banks of Dal Lake is quieter, with cool weather and golden Chinar trees around the mosque in Kashmir in November. This white marble structure houses the Moi-e-Muqaddas, which is a sacred relic believed to be a strand of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), that is displayed on special religious occasions.
Here, you can offer prayers, admire the Mughal-inspired architecture with domes and minarets, in addition to the elaborate marble work and symmetrical design. From the banks, you can enjoy clear views of Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Mountains, especially during sunrise and sunset. Moreover, you can enjoy a calm experience of exploring this important Islamic heritage site without the rush of tourists.
Location: Dargah Hazratbal Mosque, University Main Road, Hazratbal, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190006.
Timings: Closed on Sunday, Open Monday to Saturday 9 AM - 5 PM
Things to do: appreciate Mughal architecture, offer prayers
11
Polo View Market
Polo View Market becomes a quieter shopping destination as the cool weather makes it comfortable to explore the lanes and stalls in Kashmir in November. Here, you can browse traditional Kashmiri handicrafts, including hand-knotted pashmina shawls, oriental carpets, and walnut wood carvings, while avoiding the peak tourist crowds.
Shop for papier-mâché items, decorated with vegetable-based colours, and Kashmiri embroidery displayed in handloom collections. Also, you can admire the craftsmanship of local artisans by seeing carpets made over a span of 8 to 10 months, and pick wooden bowls, trays, or furniture carved from walnut wood.
Location: 5, Polo View Road, Regal Chowk, Kothi Bagh, Srinagar, 190001
Timings: Open daily 9 AM - 9 PM
Things to do: shop for pashmina shawls, carpets, walnut wood items, and papier-mâché items.
12
Charar-E-Sharif
The 600-year-old shrine of Charar-e-Sharif is enveloped in early winter chill and light snow, which creates a calm and reflective setting in Kashmir in November. Here, you can see the fusion of Islamic and Kashmiri architecture, with intricate woodwork and traditional designs highlighting the cultural heritage of the region.
You can join devotees in prayer or spend time reflecting in the quiet surroundings, while experiencing the spiritual essence of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (Nund Rishi). Also, you can establish a deep connection with Kashmir’s inclusive culture and centuries-old Sufi traditions in the shrine’s non-commercialised environment, without the rush of the crowds.
Location: Budgam district
Things to do: Appreciate Kashmiri architecture, learn Sufi traditions, and offer prayers.
13
Chashme Shahi
Chashme Shahi offers you a peaceful visit because the air turns cold and crowds begin to thin out in Kashmir in November. This three-tiered Mughal garden, built in 1632 by Ali Mardan Khan for Emperor Shah Jahan, retains its structured terraces and flowing spring water, which is believed to have healing properties.
Here, you can walk along the terraced lawns, explore Persian-style pavilions, and enjoy the gentle waterfalls that remain active despite the colder temperatures. You can see the garden’s chinar trees shedding their leaves, which creates a unique autumn-to-winter landscape. See Dal Lake and the Zabarwan mountains clearly from the upper terrace, to capture beautiful shots. Also, you can admire the historical Mughal architecture without the peak-season crowds in November.
Location: 7, Boulevard Road, Chashma Shahi, Rainawari, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 191121
Timings: Open daily 10 AM - 6 PM
Things to do: take peaceful walks, explore pavilions and terraced lawns, and admire Mughal architecture
14
Jamia Masjid
Visiting Jamia Masjid allows you to experience the historic mosque with fewer visitors and cooler weather in Kashmir in November. Built in 1400 AD by Sultan Sikandar and later expanded by Zain-ul-Abidin, the mosque has 370 intricately carved wooden pillars and a large courtyard that holds over 33,000 worshippers.
You can walk around the courtyard, study the detailed woodwork, and quietly join prayers. Despite being in the busy Nowhatta market, the mosque’s layout creates a focused atmosphere, making it ideal to appreciate the Indo-Saracen architecture and spiritual importance during November.
Location: Nowhatta Kathi Darwaza Road, Nowhatta, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190003
Things to do: Admire architecture, offer prayers, learn the mosque’s history.
15
St. Mary’s Church
St Mary’s Church offers you a unique experience, as the weather turns cold and the first snow begins to cover the surrounding pine trees in Kashmir in November. Built in 1901, this Victorian-style church features grey stone walls, a green roof, and intricately carved wooden interiors which stand out against the approaching winter landscape.
Here, you can walk or take a pony ride across the nearby snow-covered meadows and the Gulmarg Golf Course while enjoying views of the century-old Lord Shiva Temple and Masjid Shareef. Enjoy the sight of multicoloured lights inside the church, which creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for prayers. In the quieter days of this month, you can admire the Victorian architecture, explore the surroundings, and learn the colonial-era history without the crowds.
Location: Gulmarg Baramulla Jammu and Kashmir, 193403
Things to do: Admire architecture, offer prayers, nearby sightseeing, learn the church’s history.