Offbeat Kashmir
Kokernag
Kashmir's largest freshwater spring, a claw of streams in a botanical garden — and the valley's famous trout.
- From Srinagar
- ≈80 km
- Drive time
- ≈2.5 hrs
- Altitude
- ≈2,000 m
- Best season
- April – November
Why Kokernag
Kokernag's name comes from its shape — the spring bursts from the hillside in several claw-like channels ('kokar' is fowl in Kashmiri), making it the largest freshwater spring in the valley. Around it the Mughal-descended botanical garden steps down in terraces of roses and chinars, and the trout hatchery here stocks half of Kashmir's rivers.
What we arrange
South-Kashmir day circuits pairing Kokernag with Verinag and Daksum or Aharbal, trout-fishing permits and gear in season, and garden-picnic lunches under the chinars.
Good to know
Kokernag is also the turn-off for Sinthan Top and the Margan Top road to Warwan — if you're heading to either, build in an hour here; the garden earns it.
Trips that include Kokernag
Kokernag trips are built to order — most guests add it to a Srinagar itinerary. Tell us your dates and we'll plan the route, stays and permits end to end.