Planning a trip to Kashmir in October 2026? The Kashmir Marathon 2026 gives travellers another reason to visit Srinagar this autumn. The third edition of the event is scheduled for 25 October 2026, bringing runners through some of Srinagar’s most scenic landscapes and cultural landmarks.
The event includes both a Full Marathon (42 km) and Half Marathon (21 km), making it relevant for serious runners as well as participants looking for a shorter challenge.
Whether you are planning to participate in the race or simply want to explore Kashmir around the event, this guide covers the Kashmir Marathon date, route, registration, fees, race expo, nearby attractions and travel tips.
Kashmir Marathon 2026: Quick Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Kashmir Marathon 2026 |
| Date | 25 October 2026 |
| Location | Srinagar, Kashmir |
| Full Marathon | 42 km |
| Half Marathon | 21 km |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Full Marathon Fee | ₹2,200 |
| Half Marathon Fee | ₹1,800 |
| Start/Finish Area | Polo View, Srinagar |
| Registration Deadline | 30 September 2026 |
The event is organized by the Tourism Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir.
When Is Kashmir Marathon 2026?
The Kashmir Marathon 2026 will take place on 25 October 2026 in Srinagar.
Participants can choose between:
- 42 km Full Marathon
- 21 km Half Marathon
Both categories have an age requirement of 18 years or above.
The route combines flatter sections with hilly stretches and offers runners views of Kashmir’s lakes, mountains, gardens and cultural landmarks.
Kashmir Marathon 2026 Route
One of the main attractions of the Kashmir Marathon is its scenic route through Srinagar.
The course features locations and landmarks including:
- Dal Lake
- Boulevard area
- Chinar-lined sections
- Mughal Gardens
- Zabarwan mountain views
- Pari Mahal
- Hazratbal Shrine
- Shankaracharya area
- Other Srinagar landmarks
The official event information states that the route has approximately 960 metres of total elevation gain, combining flat and hilly sections.
For runners, this means the event is not simply a flat city race. The route offers a combination of endurance and changing terrain against Kashmir’s autumn scenery.
Kashmir Marathon Full Marathon 2026
The Full Marathon covers 42 kilometres and is designed for participants looking for the longer challenge.
Full Marathon Details
- Date: 25 October 2026
- Distance: 42 km
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Registration fee: ₹2,200
- Start/finish: Polo View, Srinagar
- Approximate elevation gain: 960 metres across the route
The course provides views of Dal Lake, Chinar trees, Mughal Gardens and the surrounding mountain landscape.
Kashmir Marathon Half Marathon 2026
The Half Marathon covers 21 kilometres and provides a shorter alternative to the Full Marathon.
Half Marathon Details
- Date: 25 October 2026
- Distance: 21 km
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Registration fee: ₹1,800
- Start/finish: Polo View, Srinagar
The Half Marathon route also features some of Srinagar’s scenic and cultural locations.
Kashmir Marathon Registration 2026
Registration for the Kashmir Marathon is available through the official event website.
The published registration deadline is 30 September 2026.
Registration Process
The general process includes:
- Visit the official Kashmir Marathon registration page.
- Select your participant category.
- Enter the required personal details.
- Complete the registration process.
- Pay the applicable registration fee.
- Receive your confirmation.
Participants should check the official event website for the latest registration status and any changes to the process.
Kashmir Marathon Expo 2026
The Kashmir Marathon Expo is scheduled at the Indoor Hall, Polo Ground, Srinagar, from 22 October to 24 October 2026, between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
The expo is more than just a race-kit collection point. It is planned as an opportunity to experience aspects of Kashmir’s food, culture, handicrafts and local traditions.
Visitors can explore:
- Kashmiri cuisine
- Kahwa and Noon Chai
- Traditional handicrafts
- Pashmina products
- Kashmiri carpets
- Paper-mâché products
- Wood carving
- Cultural performances
- Local shopping
Participants can also collect their race kits during the expo.
What to See in Srinagar During Kashmir Marathon
If you are travelling to Srinagar for the marathon, consider extending your stay by a few days.
Dal Lake
A Shikara ride on Dal Lake is one of the most popular experiences in Srinagar. You can also consider staying in a traditional houseboat.
Mughal Gardens
Explore Srinagar’s historic gardens and enjoy the seasonal landscape during autumn.
Shankaracharya Temple
Located on a hill overlooking Srinagar, the temple offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
Hazratbal Shrine
Hazratbal is an important religious and architectural landmark located near Dal Lake.
Pari Mahal
Pari Mahal offers views across Srinagar and the surrounding landscape.
Old Srinagar
Explore traditional markets, architecture, handicrafts and local food to experience another side of the city.
Places to Visit Near Srinagar After the Marathon
A Kashmir trip does not have to end after the race.
You can extend your itinerary to:
Gulmarg
Known for its mountain scenery and Gondola experience, Gulmarg can be added for a day or overnight stay.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam offers beautiful valleys, rivers and mountain landscapes. Popular nearby areas include Aru Valley and Betaab Valley.
Sonamarg
Sonamarg is another scenic mountain destination that can be added depending on road and weather conditions.
Doodhpathri
For travellers looking for a quieter nature experience, Doodhpathri can be considered as part of a customized Kashmir itinerary.
Best Kashmir Itinerary Around the Marathon
If you are travelling specifically for the Kashmir Marathon, a 6-night/7-day itinerary can provide enough time for both the event and sightseeing.
| Day | Destination | Suggested Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Srinagar | Arrival, hotel check-in and Dal Lake |
| Day 2 | Srinagar | Mughal Gardens and local sightseeing |
| Day 3 | Gulmarg | Gulmarg sightseeing and mountain views |
| Day 4 | Gulmarg → Pahalgam | Scenic transfer and Pahalgam |
| Day 5 | Pahalgam | Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and local sightseeing |
| Day 6 | Srinagar | Marathon Expo / race preparation |
| Day 7 | Srinagar | Kashmir Marathon / departure depending on flight timing |
For runners, keeping the schedule flexible before race day is advisable. Avoid packing too many long sightseeing activities immediately before the marathon.
Kashmir Weather in October
October is an autumn month in Kashmir, and temperatures can vary considerably between daytime and early morning or evening.
Srinagar can be comfortable for sightseeing during suitable daytime periods, while higher-altitude destinations such as Gulmarg and Sonamarg can be considerably colder.
For marathon participants, prepare for changing conditions and check the latest weather forecast before travelling.
What Should Marathon Participants Pack?
For a Kashmir trip in October, consider carrying:
- Light warm jacket
- Thermal layers
- Comfortable running clothes
- Running shoes suitable for the course
- Warm socks
- Lightweight rain protection
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Personal medicines
- Energy and hydration supplies as appropriate
- Power bank
- Government ID
- Registration confirmation
Runners should follow the event organizer’s latest instructions regarding race-day equipment and requirements.
Why Combine Kashmir Marathon With a Kashmir Holiday?
The marathon provides an opportunity to experience Srinagar while also exploring Kashmir beyond the race.
You can combine the event with:
Srinagar → Gulmarg → Pahalgam → Srinagar
This allows travellers to experience:
- Dal Lake
- Shikara rides
- Mughal Gardens
- Autumn landscapes
- Mountain valleys
- Local Kashmiri cuisine
- Traditional handicrafts
- Gulmarg
- Pahalgam
- Srinagar’s cultural attractions
Kashmir Tour Package for Marathon Participants
Happy Vacations Club can help travellers plan a customized Kashmir tour package around the Kashmir Marathon 2026.
A customized package can include:
- Hotel accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Local transportation
- Srinagar sightseeing
- Gulmarg sightseeing
- Pahalgam sightseeing
- Houseboat stay
- Customized itinerary
- Travel assistance
The itinerary can be planned around your marathon schedule, number of travellers, preferred destinations, travel dates and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Kashmir Marathon 2026?
The Kashmir Marathon 2026 is scheduled for 25 October 2026 in Srinagar.
What are the distances in Kashmir Marathon 2026?
The event includes a 42 km Full Marathon and a 21 km Half Marathon.
What is the Kashmir Marathon registration fee?
The listed fee is ₹2,200 for the Full Marathon and ₹1,800 for the Half Marathon.
What is the minimum age for Kashmir Marathon?
Participants must be 18 years or older for the Full and Half Marathon categories.
When does Kashmir Marathon registration close?
The current official event information lists 30 September 2026 as the registration closing date.
Where does the Kashmir Marathon start?
The official FAQ lists Polo View, Srinagar as the start and finish area.
Can I travel to Kashmir only for the marathon?
Yes. You can plan a short Srinagar trip around the event or extend your stay to explore destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg.
Can families travel to Kashmir during the marathon?
Yes. Family members can accompany participants and explore Srinagar and nearby attractions while the participant prepares for or takes part in the race.
Conclusion
The Kashmir Marathon 2026 combines running with the natural and cultural scenery of Srinagar. Scheduled for 25 October 2026, the event includes 42 km and 21 km categories and takes participants through a scenic Kashmir setting featuring lakes, gardens, Chinar trees and mountain views.
For travellers, the marathon can also become the centrepiece of a longer Kashmir holiday covering Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
If you are planning to participate in the race or simply want to visit Kashmir around the event, a customized itinerary can help you combine the marathon with sightseeing and local experiences.
