“A thing of beauty is a joy forever, its loveliness increases, it will never,” a poem written by Keats can be used to best describe the autumn season in Kashmir. Though autumn is a season not related to joy, in Kashmir, it is! It’s the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. Autumn in Kashmir is an emotion. It is the hope and comfort one finds when things start falling apart, but it also assures that the beautiful fall is necessary for a new beginning. The incredible feeling the autumn season brings with itself never fades into nothingness. 

When the leaves start turning from green to a golden hue, it marks the onset of a period where the whole Valley is draped in the fall of Kashmiri leaves. And it is not just any leaves but the majestic Chinar leaves, famous for transitioning into riots of colours. Autumn is a period which stays for a short time in the Valley, notably from the end of September to mid-November. Yet, its arrival left an everlasting impression in the hearts of people. 

The Chinar tree is a symbol of longevity and is considered the pride of Kashmir. Every season in Kashmir is unique, for it paints the Valley in surreal landscapes. The changing leaves of the chinar tree are a symbol of the natural beauty of Kashmir and are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Found in many different regions throughout Kashmir, visit these famous places in Vale to witness the mystic autumn season.

1. Char Chinar Island, Dal Lake

The island is surrounded by Chinar trees and presents a stunning vista with the Zabarwan hills in the backdrop. The island is situated amid Dal Lake. Tourists visiting Srinagar and taking a Shikara ride can also enjoy a visit to Char Chinar Island. The island is breathtaking to look at, especially during autumn, for it is the time when four Chinars surrounding the island change their leaves from green to golden, amber, red and yellow, etc.

2. Mughal Gardens, Srinagar

Mughal Gardens need no special mention as the gardens adjoining Dal Lake makes up the top destinations for tourists arriving in Srinagar. When the autumn sets in, Mughal Gardens paint a pretty picture to get clicked. Locally, the autumn season is known as Harud. 

The leaves of the Chinar trees at the Nishat, Shalimar, and Mughal gardens have a beautiful golden hue that makes these gardens even more special. Tourists visit these Mughal Gardens to see the beautiful scenery. 

3. Leh Ladakh

Visit Leh in autumn, and soon yellow will become your favourite colour to reckon with. Engulfed by fall colours, Leh dazzles its visitors with green and yellow. Apart from offering visual pleasures, the landscapes’ non-conformist nature with autumnal green embraces Buddhist monasteries such as Thiksey and Likir. While you have time, do not think twice about planning a Leh trip to spot autumn colours along the way to your destination. 

4. Patnitop

Anyone can tell that Patnitop is a must-to-go destination in the autumn season. After all, the best time to visit Patnitop is either in summer (May/June) or autumn (September/October). This romantic hill station is situated in the Udhampur district of Jammu & Kashmir. Due to its proximity to River Chenab, the town offers numerous meadows and forests of Deodar and Blue Pine, thus providing an excellent opportunity for peaceful walks or picnics while enjoying the stunning views of the Chenab basin & the Pir Panjal.