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Jammu and Kashmir, India

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Long before Kashmir was immortalised in the eponymous Led Zeppelin song it had already achieved legendary status with Western travellers, from officers of the British Raj to the first hippie overlanders in the 1960s. No stint in the Subcontinent was complete without a sojourn on the famous houseboats of the capital Srinagar, in the heart of the idyllic Kashmir Valley. By the end of the 1980s, the tourist business was booming and had in fact overtaken agriculture as the region’s main source of income. This all came to an almost overnight halt with the onset of the conflict in 1989.

The best travel tips for visiting Kashmir

What to do in kashmir, best places to stay in kashmir, sleep on a houseboat, how to get around, how many days do you need in kashmir, what is the best time to visit kashmir, how to get here, tailor-made travel itineraries for india, created by local experts.

13 days  / from 1800 USD

A Trek Through Ladakh's Markha Valley

Trek through the Markha Valley, taking in the jaw-dropping Himalayan landscape, camp in traditional mountain villages, and discover hilltop monasteries. This unique journey combines the culture of the Buddhist faith with the natural beauty of the mountains and the hustle and bustle of Delhi.

15 days  / from 2745 USD

Rajasthan: The Land of Kings

Experience the Land of Kings in luxury.This trip around Rajasthan takes you to Jaipur's palaces, sacred pilgrimage sites and deep into the desert hills. Breathe in the excitement of Delhi and visit the Taj Mahal. Then come nightfall, lay your head to rest in former royal palaces and magical forts.

6 days  / from 785 USD

The Holy City of Varanasi

The flat, sunburnt plains of the Ganges River are India's breadbasket: a densely populated area, it is home to many of the country's greatest sights. See Delhi and all its treasures, then fly to Varanasi, the most sacred stretch of the Ganges and one of India's most intense and atmospheric places.

With the situation stabilising in recent years, visitor numbers have risen again (mostly domestic, thanks to the burgeoning Indian middle class), though they remain below the 1980s zenith.

There could hardly be a greater contrast than that between the hot and dusty plains around Jammu and the cool green of the Kashmir Valley. Geographical divides aside, separated as they are by a rise in altitude of more than 1000m, there persists cultural and religious differences.

The area around Jammu is predominantly Hindu, while the Kashmir Valley and its capital, Srinagar, are distinctly Muslim, a key factor in the sectarian problems. Most people content themselves with a visit to Srinagar, although the towns of Gulmarg and Pahalgam, both in prime trekking territory, are regarded as safe these days, as is the lovely town of Sonamarg on the Kargil road.

Nevertheless, before setting off for Kashmir, do check the current security situation. Guarded by the grandeur of the surrounding peaks, including the mighty Pir Panjal, whether you approach the Vale of Kashmir via the Jawahar Tunnel, which cuts through the mountains from the south, or via the Zoji La pass from Kargil to the east, you will find a lush rural paradise.

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Traditional houseboats on Dal lake in Srinagar, Kashmir, India © Shutterstock

From staying on a houseboat at Srinagar to hiking to exploring the atmospheric Old City, here are the best things to do in Shimla.

#1 Visit Srinagar

Srinagar is set in one of the most dramatic locations in India – a mile above sea level, with majestic mountains pressing in on three sides. This city of almost one million inhabitants is famed with tourists for the houseboats that line the fringes of Dal and Nageen lakes, as well as the central section of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus.

Like the rest of Kashmir, Srinagar is predominantly Muslim. For centuries this region was known for its religious tolerance, where adherents of all the major Eastern faiths lived side by side. As such, away from the lake, most of the sights here are religious in nature, including two venerated mosques – Jama Masjid, deep in the heart of the atmospheric Old City, and the lakeside Hazratbal – and the Sufi shrine of Makhdoom Sahib, as well as the Shankaracharya Mandir, a Hindu temple atop a hill overlooking Dal Lake.

#2 Discover Dal Lake’s floating flower market

Dal Lake and around Srinagar would be a major draw on the strength of its Himalayan scenery alone, but it is the city’s serene lakes and grand gardens that make it irresistible.

There are several large bodies of water dividing the urban sprawl into its constituent neighbourhoods by far the largest is Dal Lake, Covering, 21 square kilometres, the lake is usually as flat as a mirror and incredibly photogenic, with the surrounding peaks reflected in its greenish-blue waters.

Apart from the houseboats that cover its southern end, nearest the town centre, the lake is famous for its floating gardens, as well as a floating flower and vegetable market – well worth the 4am wake-up you’ll need to see it at its best. The best way to tour the lake is on a shikara, a colourful flat-bottomed water taxi that is steered with a heart-shaped paddle.

#3 Waterski for (almost) free at Nehru Park

A shikara ride from the mainland, Nehru Park may be the lake’s largest island, but it is still pretty tiny. Visitors will find pontoons for swimming and the excellent Gulshan Books café. Thrill seeks who want full throttle adrenaline at a fraction of the price will find the water skiing facilities, available at rates that must be among the world’s lowest.

#4 Stroll through The Mughal gardens

The perimeter of Dal Lake is punctuated by lavishly ornamental gardens, a legacy of the seventeenth-century Mughal period.

Incredibly popular with locals and Indian tourists alike, who flock here to picnic and frolic in the fountain pools, these collections of terraced lawns and flowerbeds – containing an array of flowers and plants sufficient to delight any botanist – reach their zenith in Nishat Bagh, halfway along the eastern shore, and Shalimar Bagh, set a little way back from the northeastern corner.

A short way back from the southeastern shore, Cheshmashahi Bagh is a smaller but equally delightful spot, which attracts people for the curative properties of its spring waters.

Chashme Shahi is one of the Mughal gardens built in 1632 AD, overlooking Dal Lake in Srinagar © Sutterstock

#5 See the skyline from Shankaracharya Mandir

The city’s main Hindu temple, Shankaracharya Mandir stands imperiously above Dal Lake, occupying the crest of the eponymous hill south of the Boulevard.

The temple itself is nothing special architecturally speaking and security is predictably tight, but the views across the city and lakes to the mountains beyond are quite breathtaking.

The walk up is a gentle thirty-minute stroll, although security guards sometimes demand that you take an auto-rickshaw.

#6 Admire the architecture in the Old City

Crammed with wooden buildings, the Old City displays the typical Kashmiri architectural style of carved balustrades and ornate frames on windows and doors. Away from the lakes, the venerable and atmospheric Old City is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating corners of Srinagar and in it’s heart stands Jama Masjid, the city’s largest mosque.

Built of sturdy stone and brick with the distinctive pagoda-style wooden minarets unique to Kashmir, it was erected between 1398 and 1402 by Sikander But-Shikoh but has been destroyed by fire and rebuilt several times, most recently in 1961. Look out for the fascinating family tree of the Prophet Mohammed going all the way back to Adam and Eve, which hangs on the wall near the main niche.

#7 Admire a museum fit for a maharaja

The outstanding Sri Pratap Singh Museum is in Lal Mandi, south across the Jhelum River from Lal Chowk. The former maharaja’s palace (and an adjacent newer wing) house a huge collection that includes archeological findings such as terracotta tiles and Buddhist tablets, decorative arts from enamelware to papier-mâché, textiles, manuscripts and miniature paintings.

#8 Take a closer look at the fort on the hill

Atop the eponymous ridge that dominates the Old City, Hari Parbat Fort is officially called Durrani Fort, after the emperor who had the current structure built in 1808. It is also known locally as Akbar Fort, however, because the first battlements were constructed here under the reign of Akbar in the late sixteenth century.

For many years the fort was completely off limits as a military zone, but it reopened to the public in 2015, despite an ongoing army presence. Though there are plans for development, there’s not much to see inside; the ramparts are the main surviving feature, and you may content yourself to admire them from afar.

Those who wish for a closer inspection, it is best to arrange a visit through the Tourist Reception Centre.

Durrani Fort on Hari Parbat Hill (also called Koh-i-Maran), overlooking Dal Lake and houseboats, Srinagar, Kashmir, India © Shutterstock

#9 Admire the intricacies of the Khanqah Mosque of Shah Hamdan

Sitting on the east bank of the River Jhelum, the Khanqah Mosque of Shah Hamdan was originally built in 1395 by Shah Sikandar, though the current structure dates from 1732. It is inaccessible to non-Muslims but still worth a visit for the intricate wood carvings of its exterior. You can also get a glimpse of the equally beautiful interior from the door.

#10 Visit the tomb of Jesus Christ

A couple of kilometres to the southeast of Jama Masjid, the small square mosque of Rozabal, with its simple octagonal dome, is purported to enshrine the tomb of Jesus by those who subscribe to the theory – the subject of Holger Kersten’s Jesus Lived In India – that Christ actually lived to a ripe old age and died here in Kashmir.

The mosque is kept locked but you may be able to peep inside through the gate. Note that this is one place where foreigners sometimes encounter hostility from locals, so it is best to move on if asked.

#11 Take the cable car to Makhdoom Sahib

One of Kashmir’s most vibrant places of worship, with frequent live music, the Sufi shrine of Makhdoom Sahib is located on the northern edge of the Old City, halfway up towards Hari Parbat Fort on the hill of the same name.

The inner shrine housing the tomb of the saint is open to men only. Good views across Nageen Lake and further afield can be enjoyed by all from the nearby steps, though it’s now possible to save yourself a gentle walk by taking the cable car.

Although most foreign tourists stay on houseboats, there are plenty of conventional hotels and lodges. During the domestic high season (April–June) the prices are likely to double.

Jammu has a wide range of options to suit every budget with lots of basic budget options around Vinaik Bazaar. For those seeking midrange bargains, the lanes off Residency Road are your best bet.

Popular with Indian holidaymakers, Srinagar has a multitude of hotels but most people who visit will want to stay on the houseboats adorning the lakes.

The ski resort of Gulmarg has plenty of high-quality accommodation options .

There are hundreds of hotels to pick from at Pahalgam, ranging from five-star luxury to basic and budget.

Browse the places to stay in Kashmir.

Few experiences are as romantic as lounging on an exquisitely carved houseboat, watching kingfishers diving for their dinner between the floating lilies, or gazing at the moon reflected in the lake’s dark waters.

These floating hotels of one to four rooms have existed for generations; many originated at the peak of the British Raj, when Victorian families would spend the entire hot season here. They originally chose to stay on boats to get around laws that forbade them from owning land.

The default option is staying at one of the many houseboats facing Boulevard Road at the southwestern corner of Dal Lake; the westernmost ones are accessible by footpath, which makes things easier, if a little less romantic, and the rest are a set ride by shikara from the road.

There’s another glut of houseboats a little further north; again, some are accessible on foot, and many of these have the benefit of having the city out of sight. Also quiet are the boats on Nageen Lake, which are usually accessible by footpath; there are also some houseboats floating on their lonesome at various points around Dal Lake, though their peace is often interrupted by the lake’s perimeter road.

How to choose a houseboat in Kashmir

Although it’s now very easy to book a houseboat stay online, this comes with an element of risk – while the reviews on certain booking engines may be genuine and informative, the boat’s purported position on the lake can be way, way off, with obvious implications when trying to actually find it.

The best bet remains to hole up in a town hotel for the first night, then either walk or hire a shikara to embark on a scouting mission, armed with a few ideas from online research; this way you can compare the prices, amenities and location of a number of boats, though do note that you’ll be pestered regularly on the way.

Another approach is to organise your stay through the Houseboat Owners Association whose office is opposite the Tourist Reception Centre on Residency Road. They can arrange rooms in different categories of boat from Deluxe Class with full board, though often discounted down to D Class. They do, however, often seem keen to push the boats of their buddies.

A small community in Srinagar, Kashmir (India) on a hot muggy summer day © Shutterstock

There are several ways to get around the mesmerizing valleys, serene lakes, and snow-capped mountains of Kashmir. All of them slow.

There are airports at Srinagar, Jammu and Leh which can be helpful if you're travelling large distances.

The train links Katra, Jammu and Udhampur but is more limited than other Indian states.

Buses lumber across steep, winding mountain roads throughout the state and will close if there is heavy snow. It's best to add a couple of day's leeway due to the weather.

By private jeep

If there are several of you, it can be worth hiring a 4WD and a driver to get you between towns.

To truly immerse youiself in Kashmir, it is generally recommended to spend at least 7 to 10 days in Kashmir.

During this time, visitors can experience the enchanting Dal Lake and stay in a houseboat, explore the picturesque valleys of Gulmarg and Pahalgam, and witness the breathtaking beauty of Sonamarg and its surrounding glaciers.

Additionally, a visit to the iconic Mughal Gardens in Srinagar, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, is a must. Extra days would be needed if you’re interested in exploring the lesser-known regions of Kashmir, like the Lolab Valley or Gurez Valley.

Looking for inspiration for your trip? Check our India itineraries .

Kashmir’s harshest climate is in Ladakh, with passes into the region open only between late June and late October, when the sun is at its strongest and the weather, at least during the day, pleasantly warm.

Although it is officially a high-altitude desert, recent years have seen increasing bouts of rain in July and August, sometimes making trekking difficult.

From November onwards, temperatures drop fast, often plummeting to minus 40°C between December and February, when the only way in and out of Zanskar is along the frozen surface of the river.

Note that nearly all hotels and guesthouses are closed from some time in October until April, while many garden restaurants only open in the peak summer months.

Kashmir is at its best (though also at its busiest and most expensive) during late March and mid-May, when spring flowers abound, and from September to early November, with its golden days and chillier nights.

Although the region’s climate is less harsh than Ladakh and the road up from Jammu kept open by the army, the winter months see some seriously subzero temperatures and heaps of snow.

By contrast, as much of the Kashmir Valley (including Srinagar itself) is well under 2000m in altitude, high summer can be surprisingly hot, sometimes topping 35°C.

It can also get quite wet in July and August. Sitting at the top of the plains, the Jammu area can be visited at any time of year, though it can get extremely hot and humid between April and August and rather cold and foggy in the middle of winter.

Find out more about the best time to visit India .

Sunset Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir, India © Shutterstock

Most travellers will arrive in Kashmir via Srinagar with plenty of ways to explore the state from there.

Srinagar’s airport lies 14 km south of the city centre. Taxis and Auto Rickshaws will take you into town.

Government buses pull in on Residency Rd, a few minutes’ walk south of Dal Gate, while the private bus stand is around 1 km further west.

By jeep/minibus

Jeeps, which also pull in on Residency Rd, run to Jammu, Kargil and Leh and operate more flexible hours. Shared minibuses are the best way to travel within the Kashmir Valley.

Srinagar does have a railway station, but at the time of writing it was only for local services west to Baramulla, and south to Anantnag; by 2020 the stretch to Jammu should have been completed, enabling rail access from the rest of the country

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written by Andy Turner

updated 31.05.2023

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About Jammu Tourism

Jammu is situated in the southernmost part of Jammu and Kashmir state which is popular for ancient temples. Owing to its pristine landscapes and popular tourist places, tourism in Jammu is rising at an increasing rate. The most popular places are Bahu Fort, Mubarak Mandi Palace, Mansar Lake, Shivkhori, Raghunath Temple and Peer Baba Dargah. The place is also famous among pilgrimage owing to the presence of Amarnath Cave and Vaishnodevi temples. The residents of the place are mainly Hindu Brahmin priests along with Sikhs, Muslims, and Buddhists.

Jammu is a famous tourist destination, located on the banks of the river Tawi and enveloped by the Himalayas in the north and the northern-plains in the south. The place is visited by the majority of people across the country giving rise to Jammu tourism. It occupies an area of 26.64km² and therefore, stands at the second most populous city of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The city of Jammu is divided into ten different districts. These districts which form the beautiful state of Jammu and Kashmir are rich in pristine beauty, impressive architecture, rich culture, and a lot of things. Jammu is also the winter capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu is considered an ideal pilgrimage centre as well as a peaceful holiday retreat because of all these factors. These religious centers also give rise to Jammu tourism.

Major Tourist Spots in Jammu

Jammu is nestled among the mountain ranges of the Himalayas, Pir Panjal and Karakoram. These mountain ranges offer a glimpse into the natural beauty of the place. The city is home to spectacular mountain peaks, huge glaciers, incredible monasteries, blue lakes, rivers, forests, verdant meadows and tall pine trees. Jammu offers a host of activities due to its impressive geographic location and natural bounties. Adventure activities such as skiing, golf, trekking, river rafting, paragliding, camping are offered during a Jammu trip for almost all the enthusiast tourists. Every year, a large number of tourists come here to undertake the pilgrimage of Amarnath and Vaishno Devi every year. Some of the most beautiful places to visit in Jammu are Dal Lake, Kashmir Valley, Khardung La Pass, Gulmarg, Shalimar Bagh and so on.

About Jammu

Jammu is divided into ten districts where the main Duggar Land of Jammu is covered with temples, hills, palaces and mountain ranges. Jammu is hemmed in by the gorgeous Pir-Panjal mountain ranges while the rivers Ravi, Tawi and Chenab flow through it. It has appropriately been termed as “paradise on Earth”. It is a famous tourist destination because of its natural landscape. Jammu has also been a cultural hub of intermixing traditions since ancient times, although it has been annexed by several kings and marauders. Many people come here to see the rich history and giving rise to Jammu tourism . The Dogra culture of Jammu strikes its resemblance with the culture of other states such as Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. Because of the multi-ethnic culture of Jammu, different types of festivals, celebrations and merriment take place in Jammu. For all the known reasons, Jammu is the perfect winter holiday destination for tourists.

Fairs and Festivals of Jammu

One of the important festivals of Jammu, the Hemis Festival takes place in the month of July. Hemis festival is celebrated with much fervour, and tourists from all over the world come here to witness the popular masked dances. Some of the traditional Indian music instruments are used such as cymbals, drums and trumpets. This dance marks the end of Evil as the dance is a symbol to show the triumph of good over evil. Many people across the country participate in the festivals, giving rise to tourism in Jammu .

Shopping in Jammu

There are many unique places to shop in Jammu such as Raghunath Bazaar, Kashmir Government Arts Emporium, Bahu Plaza, City Square Mall, JDA Complex, Poshish, Gole Market, and Hari Market. From these markets, one can easily purchase things like wooden carvings, papier mache, carpets, shawls, jackets, sweaters, sweets, dry fruits, and saffron.

2 Day Trip in Jammu

The places that can be covered on a 2 day trip in Jammu are Vaishno Devi Temple , Raghunath Temple , Bahu Fort , Peer Kho Cave, Bhimgarh Fort, Baag-e-Bahu, Manda Zoo, Amar Mahal Palace, Mubarak Mandi Palace, and Sidhra Golf Course. You can also explore various local markets and try a plethora of outdoor activities like trekking, horse riding, and skiing.

Facts about Jammu

Jammu and Kashmir is the most beautiful state in India which is dotted with stunning valleys and gorgeous landscapes.

The place is famous for a plethora of outdoor activities like parasailing, paragliding, fishing, hiking, trekking, camping, skiing, helicopter ride, boating, and camel ride.

Best Areas to Stay in Jammu

Gulmarg Colony, Talab Tillo, Trikuta Nagar, Bari Brahmna, and Sunjwan are considered to be the best areas in Jammu.

So, go ahead and plan your journey to the city of temples, Jammu. The city is dotted with astounding places and you are sure to have a remarkable time.

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Akhnoor Fort in Jammu

Akhnoor Fort is located in the small pleasing town of Akhnoor and is around 28 kilometers away from Jammu. The fort has big defensive walls that were built to provide protection to the people in the fort from the invaders. It is located on a higher altitude, on the top of the cliff near the banks of River Chenab. One can se...

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Surinsar Lake in Jammu

Surinsar Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jammu and is considered the twin lake of Mansar Lake . Surrounded by lush greenery from all sides and thick forests with rocky hills make for the perfect landscape that is worth capturing. Surinsar Lake is obviously famous for its enthralling beauty besides this...

Bahu Fort in Jammu

The history of Bahu Fort is as old as the history of the Jammu city. Bahu Fort, Jammu, is one of the most beautiful historical places situated on the banks of the Tawi river. The architectural style of the fort is influenced by Mughal architectural style. Sandstones and brinks are the backbones of this marvelous fort. The f...

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Bagh-e-Bahu in Jammu

Bagh-e-Bahu is a beautiful tourist destination in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located on the bank of Tawi River just beside the famous Bahu Fort, at a distance of only 4 kms away from the Jammu Tawi Railway Station and 9 km from the Jammu Airport. Bahu-e-bag is actually a garden which is situated in Jammu and serv...

Mubarak Mandi Palace in Jammu

Once a royal residence of former kings of the Dogra Dynasty now stands as a famous historical site in Jammu. Mubarak Mandi Palace is one of the most visited places in Jammu and Kashmir. It overlooks the Tawi river. The palace is a work of many Dogra rulers. Its architectural style shows the resemblance of Mughal and Europea...

Travel to Jammu

Read about the best & quickest routes to save time & money, as suggested by our travelers

Apart from being the fastest, traveling by flight is also the most hassle-free one. There are many regular flights that fly to Srinagar from where you can reach Jammu city. The three main airports that you can board a flight to are Jammu Airport in Jammu city, Aerodrome Airport in Srinagar, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. However, the Jammu Airport (IXJ) is the nearest airport from Jammu city. There is direct flight connectivity from many Indian cities.

One can easily reach Jammu by train. Jammu-Tawi Station is the nearest railway station from Jammu. It is situated at a distance of 6.7 km from the main city. The station is well-connected by many cities such as Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, etc. New Delhi-Jammu Tawi Rajdhani Express and Jammu Tawi Express are some of the major trains that run on this route.

Jammu city is connected by Srinagar from National Highway 1. The road routes leading to Jammu are often called the most scenic and apt for road trips. Many buses operate on a daily basis under J&K State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC). Moreover, one can also start their journey to Jammu city from Manali. However, it is well-connected from Delhi and other major cities as well by a network of highways.

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FAQ's of Jammu

What is jammu famous for.

Jammu is famous as the winter capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu is famous for its temples, especially the Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra which is visited by more than 10 millions pilgrims every year.

What can I buy in Jammu?

Some of the best things to buy in Jammu are :

• Wooden Carvings
• Papier Mache

Is there snowfall in Jammu?

Snowfall in Jammu takes place during the winter season in the month of December. The winter season lasts till March with January being the coldest month.

What is the famous food of Jammu?

Traditional food of Jammu is the famous food here. The popular food items are :

• Morel (Gushi)
• Madra (lintel cooked in curd)
• Oria(Potato/Pumpkin in mustard sauce)
• Katha Meat(Sour Mutton)
• Shasha(raw mango chatni)
• Kasrod and Timru-di-Chatni

What is the dress of Jammu Kashmir?

Pheran is the typical Kashmiri dress which is common to both Hindu and Muslim men and women in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a loose gown which hangs down till the knees.

How populous is Jammu?

As per the 2011 census, the urban population of Jammu is around 5.04 lakhs.

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How to Plan a Trip to Kashmir – A COMPLETE Travel Guide

How to plan a trip to Kashmir? For this, there are a lot of factors that you will have to consider like how to reach, where to stay, what to see, things to do, what to pack, how much will it cost, itinerary planning, etc. All of these questions cannot be answered in a single post if you truly want it to be detailed.

I have visited Kashmir a few times and have written several detailed articles that can be of help to everyone planning a trip. This information is scattered in several posts and getting the details that you need can be a little time-consuming.

For the sake of convenience and ease of navigation, I am cataloging these articles in the post below. Follow the links, take a look at the articles and every question that you have about visiting Kashmir will surely get answered. You will find complete information about popular destinations like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Gurez, and Aharbal, as well as some offbeat destinations like Drung Waterfall, Chatpal Valley, Sinthan Top, Daksum, and several other places.

If there are still some doubts left, you can contact me on Instagram and I will be happy to help in any way that I can. I would greatly appreciate it if you could also consider subscribing to my YouTube channel .

To get the best hotel rates, and taxi charges, and to organize your trip to Kashmir, you can speak with Kunal @ 9910 402 252 . Give him my reference and you will surely get a discounted rate.

Quick Navigation

Best Time to Visit Kashmir

When is the best time to visit Kashmir? There is actually no straight answer to this question because it will depend on what kind of trip you were looking forward to.

If you want to see snow, January and February are ideal times. If you want to see lush green views, September will be the best time. For a honeymoon trip, I will recommend April and September.

If you want to see flowers and the Tulip Garden, you should plan for April. If you want to see Apple orchards, August and September is the best time to go.

For photography, a trip in the post-monsoon season will be best. For budget travelers, August and November are good times to go.

This however is just a brief overview. For a more detailed and month-by-month breakdown of this information, please take a look at When is the Best Time to Visit Kashmir .

Mobile Network and Data Connectivity

BSNL has the widest network in Kashmir but Airtel is better in terms of the quality of the network. Jio works decently well but the services of Vodafone and Idea are not that great.

The important thing that you should know is that only postpaid connections work in the valley. Irrespective of which network you were on, your phone will be dead as soon as you enter Kashmir if it was a prepaid connection.

But if it was a postpaid phone, you would have good reception and data connectivity in tourist destinations like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. If you went a little offbeat, your phone may or may not work depending on the service provider.

I have covered this topic in great detail in another article Mobile Network and Data Connectivity in Kashmir that you can take a look at. I have given a region-wise breakdown of the network reception in this post.

Kashmir Trip Cost

How much will a Kashmir trip cost? This will depend on a lot of factors like the number of travelers, duration of the trip, mode of commute, personal preferences, etc. But with that being said, there is still an average per-person cost that can be calculated.

Take a look at this post – How to Calculate the Total Cost of Kashmir Trip . While I cannot give you the exact cost of the Kashmir trip, I can still give you an idea of how you can calculate your own Kashmir trip budget. That is the information that I covered in this article.

Using the numbers below, you will get a fairly good estimate of how much you will end up spending in the valley. These are some of the minimum expenditures that you will end up incurring for accommodation, taxi, food, shopping, etc.

Clothes to Pack for Kashmir Trip

The next important question will be related to your packing. The clothes that you need for visiting Kashmir will vary according to the season and month of your trip. It will also depend on the places you have in mind to visit and your mode of commute as well.

I will recommend taking a look at Clothes for Kashmir Trip – Things to Pack for Kashmir Trip for more information on this aspect. In this post, I have talked in detail about the kind of clothes that you should be packing for a trip to Kashmir in different seasons.

Places to Visit in Kashmir

Now let us take a look at the tourist destinations in Kashmir, places that you just cannot afford to miss. These are the destinations that will become the very highlight of your journey.

I am adding Srinagar first to the list because that is where you will have to go first. Srinagar will be your base to explore the beautiful valleys of Kashmir.

But is it just that? The answer is no.  It is not just a base to explore Kashmir but rather a place that deserves to be explored, a place of both natural and man-made beauty.

Shah Jahan a long time ago aptly called Kashmir the paradise on earth, and Srinagar is the heart of that paradise. With its serene blue lakes and magnificent gardens ringed by an Arc of Majestic Himalayas, it is a picture-perfect town that looks straight out of a painting.

There is just so much to see here and so much to do. This I believe is the very reason that despite all the unrest and tensions, Srinagar continues to remain one of the most visited tourist destinations in our country.

• Srinagar – How to Plan your Trip and Explore?
• Places to Visit in Srinagar and Things to Do
• Best time to Visit Srinagar – Best Month, Season, Tips
• Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar – Entry Fee, Timings, Trip Planning
• Nishat Bagh Srinagar – How to Reach, Timings, Entry Fee
• Hazratbal Shrine Srinagar – How to Reach, What to See
• Chashme Shahi Srinagar – How to Reach, Timings, Tips
• Pari Mahal Srinagar – Timings, How to Reach, Best Time
• Floating Vegetable Market of Srinagar – Flower Market
• Shikara Ride in Dal Lake Srinagar – Cost, Timings, Best Spot
• Sound and Light Show in Srinagar in Dal Lake
• Astanmarg – One of the Best Viewpoints in Srinagar

Gulmarg in my opinion is the biggest tourist attraction in Kashmir. Known as the meadow of flowers, it is a heavenly place to tread in that offers mesmerizing landscapes and an enthralling possibility of various adventure activities.

Such is the beauty of this tiny hamlet that it attracts people from all over the country throughout the year. It is possibly one of those destinations where the tourist season never ends.

From families to adventure enthusiasts, Gulmarg has a lot to offer everyone. It not only draws tourists from other parts of the country but also is a favorite weekend getaway for the local Kashmiris as well.

Below is a list of articles that I have posted on Gulmarg. I will recommend taking a look at these before visiting this beautiful little town.

• Gulmarg – A Complete Travel Guide and Itinerary
• Gulmarg in Winter Travel Guide
• Places to Visit in Gulmarg & Things to Do
• Best Time to Visit Gulmarg – Best Month, Season, Activities
• Gulmarg Gondola – Travel Guide, Sightseeing, Safety Tips
• Alpather Lake Trek Guide
• Baba Reshi Gulmarg – History, How to Reach, What to See

If you were planning a winter trip to Gulmarg, you may want to check out the video below. This was shot during one of my trips to Gulmarg in the month of January.

The next destination that you must visit during your Kashmir trip is Sonamarg. The place is easily accessible, remains open for most of the year, has plenty of hotels, offers amazing views, and is perfect for all kinds of trips.

Public transport is also easily available. There is a daily bus between Srinagar and Sonamarg. Other than that, shared cabs also travel on the route regularly.

For accommodation, there is a wide range of hotels to choose from, both for budget travelers as well as someone looking for a luxury stay. Read on to find out more.

Below is a list of articles that provide the information that you need to know in order to plan your trip.

• Sonamarg – A Complete Travel Guide and Itinerary
• Best Time to Visit Sonamarg – Season, Month
• Places to Visit in Sonamarg and Things To Do
• Thajiwas Glacier – Sonamarg to Thajiwas Glacier Trek Guide
• Hotel Barzman Sonamarg – A Great Place to Stay
• Taxi Rates in Sonamarg | Sonmarg Local Taxi Rates

If you were planning on visiting Sonamarg in the winter season, you can also take a look at the video below to get more details on the topic.

The name Pahalgam needs no introduction. It is one of the most visited destinations of Kashmir, one that receives tourists all year long. No trip to Kashmir is complete unless Pahalgam is a part of the itinerary.

Located at a distance of about 100 kilometers from Srinagar, Pahalgam is best known for its awe-inspiring vistas, lush green meadows, dense forests, and pristine waters. The place is also noted for the annual pilgrimage to the shrine Amarnath Yatra that starts here in July and August.

In the articles below, I have talked about how a trip to Pahalgam can be planned, places you should visit there, accommodation, public transport, and several other useful tips.

• Pahalgam – A Complete Travel Guide & Itinerary
• What to see in Pahalgam – Sightseeing in Pahalgam
• Best Time to Visit Pahalgam – When to go to Pahalgam

But in my opinion, the actual fun of visiting Pahalgam is in the winter season. This is when the natural beauty of this place is at its best. Take a look at the video below to know what I am talking about.

Drung Waterfall

Drung Waterfall, also known as Drang Waterfall or Durung Waterfall, is a destination that must find a place in your itinerary if you are planning a winter trip to Kashmir. It may not be that large in size but the sight that it presents in the winter season is truly majestic and is sure to charm you off your feet.

As the temperature in the valley drops, the water of this fall starts to freeze. By early January, the entire face of the mountain that it falls from is covered by a thick layer of ice. The water still continues to flow down but is surrounded by huge icicles and snow.

The waterfall is located about 42 kilometers from Srinagar and 16 kilometers from Gulmarg. It remains accessible for all 12 months and can easily be included in your trip to Gulmarg. You can visit Drung at any time of the year but it is in the winter season when the waterfall is truly at its best.

For more details on this one of its kind waterfall, please take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Drung Waterfall and What to See . You can also take a look at the video below for more details.

Gurez Valley

Gurez Valley is one of the least explored regions of Kashmir and the one that can truly be called an offbeat destination. It is a place of high scenic beauty that does not really get the attention that it truly deserves. The vistas and the natural beauty of the mountains that you see here are very different than what you will see elsewhere.

Usually, when you talk about visiting Kashmir, it is mostly 4 places that come to mind – Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. Even Srinagar just acts as a base to explore the other three places.

But Kashmir is so much more. There are so many other places here that will leave you mesmerized if visited. Gurez is one such destination that I will highly recommend that you find a place for in your travel plans.

How you can plan your trip to Gurez are details that I have covered in the posts below.

• Gurez Valley – A Complete Travel Guide & Itinerary
• Places to Visit in Gurez Valley and Things to Do
• Best time to Visit Gurez Valley – Month, Season, Snow, Road
• Habba Khatoon Peak Gurez – The Legend of Habba Khatoon
• Razdan Pass Gurez, Kashmir – Sightseeing & Trip Planning

Let us now take a look at some offbeat destinations that do not find a place in everyone’s itinerary but are definitely worth visiting.

Yusmarg is located at a distance of about 50 kilometers from Srinagar in the Badgam district of Kashmir. At an altitude of 2,396 meters (7,861 ft), it is an alpine valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains and meadows of Pine and Fir.

It is one of those places in Kashmir that are immensely beautiful but do not get the attention that they rightfully deserve. But for someone wanting to go offbeat and stay away from the crowd, Yousmarg is perfect.

For more details on this destination, please take a look at Yusmarg – A Comprehensive Travel Guide & Itinerary .

Doodhpathri

Doodhpathri is a small hill station in Kashmir. It lies in a bowl-shaped alpine valley surrounded by snow-clad mountains and meadows of Pine Fir and Deodar. It sits at an altitude of 2,730 meters (8,957 ft) above sea level and receives heavy snowfall in the winter season.

The region does not have all-year road connectivity yet and in the months of peak winter, it can get very difficult to reach here. For the rest of the year though, a trip to Doodhpathri can actually be made in less than half a day.

To be honest, it is not yet a hill station as there is little to no development in the region. What you see is nature in its raw form. There are just a few houses of the local shepherds and that is the only sign of civilization that you will see here.

The area is largely unexplored and receives very little tourism. However, efforts are being made by the authorities to develop it as a tourist destination. JKTDC has also built a resort here for tourists who want to stay overnight. You can take a look at Doodhpathri – A COMPLETE Travel Guide & Itinerary to find out more.

Mughal Road

Not many people would know about the Mughal Road. Srinagar Jammu National Highway, also known as NH44, is often considered to be the only road connecting the cities of Jammu and Srinagar.

It is true that it is indeed a better maintained, wider, more traveled upon, and shorter way to travel between the two places but it is definitely not the only one.

There actually exists another route that is far more scenic, less crowded, takes you through some internal parts of Kashmir, and has existed for far longer than the regular NH44 highway. Yes, I am talking about the historical Mughal road.

This route is the alternate way to travel between Jammu and Srinagar and to reach some internal areas of Kashmir like the town of Rajouri. It is also a very scenic route that definitely deserves to be explored.

For more details on Mughal Road, you can take a look at the posts below.

• Mughal Road – Route Detail, Sightseeing, Best Time
• Peer ki Gali, Mughal Road – Trip Planning & Sightseeing

Aharbal Waterfall

Aharbal Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kashmir. It is also the most easily accessible one and yet never crowded. Located at a distance of only about 70 kilometers from Srinagar, it is a place that is amazingly beautiful but does not get the attention that it truly deserves.

If you are planning to visit Kashmir, I highly recommend that you find a day in your itinerary for a visit to Aharbal. How can you plan that is what I have talked about in the article below.

• Aharbal Waterfall – A Complete Travel Guide & Itinerary

Can you visit Aharbal Waterfall in the winter season? It will depend a lot on the weather at the time of your trip but yes, a trip can be planned. Take a look at this short video below to see how this beautiful waterfall looks in winter.

Daksum Valley

Daksum, also known as Daksum Valley or Daksum Village, is a viewpoint or a picnic spot located on the Anantnag-Kishtwar road near Sinthan Top. Surrounded by lush green mountains and sitting right next to the Bringhi River, it is a popular spot among the locals for family outings and school picnics.

If you are someone who likes spending time in nature, away from the crowd in an offbeat place, Daksum may just be your cup of tea. It really feels like in the middle of nowhere and if you were here during the weekdays, there would hardly be anyone around. For more details, please read How to Plan a Trip to Daksum Valley .

Sinthan Top

Sinthan Top, also known as Sinthan Pass, is a mountain pass located in Kashmir’s Breng Valley, on the road that runs between Anantnag in Kashmir and Kishtwar in Jammu. At an altitude of 12,500 ft, the top of the pass is also known as the 360-degree viewpoint as it offers a charming panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and the valley.

It is a beautiful mountain pass that should find a place in every tourist’s itinerary who is coming toward Pahalgam. Due to its close proximity, Sinthan Top can be easily incorporated with a trip to Pahalgam. The drive from Srinagar to Sinthan Top through the Daksum Valley is also quite scenic and offers a chance to visit some other destinations like Achabal Gardens, Kokernag, and Daksum.

For more details, please read How to Plan a Trip to Sinthan Top and take a look at the video below. This video covers both Daksum Valley as well as Sinthan Top because both these places are right next to each other.

Chatpal Valley

Chatpal, also called Chattabal, is not really a name that many tourists know about. It is a small valley located near Pahalgam but while Pahalgam receives thousands of visitors each year, almost no one goes in the direction of Chatpal. It is one of those places in Kashmir that are still unexplored and yet to find their place on the tourist map.

The majority of the folks you will find in Chatpal will just be the locals from Anantnag or any of the nearby villages, out there for a picnic or a family outing. Even they visit Chattabal usually over the weekends, on Sundays. For the rest of the week, you will hardly see anyone there.

If you are someone who likes to go to offbeat places, away from the crowd, and spend some time in peace, then Chattabal will surely look charming to you. For more details, please take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Chatpal Valley and check out the video below.

Public Transport in Kashmir

The best way to travel to Kashmir is either by your self-owned vehicle or a private taxi. But if you are a budget traveler, you can also opt for public transport which is available in the form of buses and shared taxis. The problem however is that it is not frequent.

It will be hard to find a JKSRTC bus anywhere in Kashmir. You will have to rely on mini-buses and shared cabs operated by the locals. They do not have a set schedule or timetable but are available throughout the day.

For more details on this topic, please take a look at How to Travel in Kashmir by Buses & Shared Cabs . In this post, I have provided complete details on how you can commute from Srinagar to other places by public transport.

If you are planning on renting a taxi for your trip, the posts below can help you get a cost estimate. An important thing that you should remember is that places like Pahalgam and Gulmarg have their own taxi rates.

What it means is that if you rented a taxi to Pahalgam from Srinagar, it could only drop you in Pahalgam. To visit local places like Betaab Valley, Chandanwari, and Aru Valley, you will have to rent a local cab in Pahalgam.

The same rule applies to Gulmarg. If you want to go for a drive to Bota Pathri, you will have to rent another cab in Gulmarg for that.

Similarly, this rule is also applicable if you intend to move on to Kargil, Zanskar Valley, or Ladakh after exploring Kashmir. Take a look at the posts below to find out taxi rates applicable for these particular regions.

• Srinagar Taxi Rates
• Pahalgam Taxi Rates
• Sonamarg Taxi Rates
• Gulmarg Taxi Rates
• Kargil Taxi Rates
• Ladakh Taxi Rates

Renting a Bike

Renting a bike in Srinagar is a great way to explore for people who reach Kashmir by flight. There are a few bike rentals in the city which you can get the bikes from.

Please take a look at How to Rent a Bike in Srinagar and Srinagar Bike Rental Rates . From both of these posts, you can get to know the procedure and the cost involved.

Self-Drive Rental

If you would however like to rent a car in Srinagar and drive it around on your own, that is also an option. Please take a look at How to Rent a Self-Drive Car in Srinagar for more details.

Itinerary Planning

Your final itinerary for Kashmir will entirely depend on the number of days you have in hand, your budget, and your preferences. But I will recommend taking a look at How to Plan Your Itinerary for Kashmir .

In this post, I have shared different examples of itineraries based on the time at hand. You can pick any one of the suggested itineraries and either follow it completely or modify it as per your requirements.

Food to Try in Kashmir

Your trip to not just Kashmir but any place is incomplete unless you have tasted the local cuisine. That in my opinion is actually one of the best parts of traveling to different places.

The mouth-watering local food to try in Kashmir is an experience that you just cannot miss. Below is a comprehensive list of what to eat and where.

A common question that gets asked most often is about vegetarian food and its availability. You do not have to worry about that as well.

There are a lot of places all over Kashmir where they only serve vegetarian, even Jain food as well. So finding a place to eat will not actually be a problem.

The posts below provide more information on the food that you should try in Kashmir and where.

• Food to Try in Kashmir – What to Eat & Where
• Cafe Liberty Srinagar Review – You Must Eat Here
• Kareema Restaurant Srinagar Review

In the posts below, I have reviewed some of the hotels that I have stayed at during my trips to Kashmir. You can take a look at the information and pictures that I provided and decide if you wish to stay at any of these.

Read through my reviews below. I have also posted pictures of the hotel rooms that you can take a look at and decide if you would like to stay at any of these hotels.

• Hotel One Earth Trinetar, Jammu
• Hotel Grand Valley Inn, Srinagar
• Hotel Barzman, Sonamarg
• Kashmir Tourist Camp, Sonamarg
• Hotel Green Park, Gulmarg
• Hotel Royal Park, Gulmarg
• Hotel Affarwat, Gulmarg
• Hotel Iceland, Pahalgam
• JKTDC Resort, Yusmarg
• JKTDC Resort, Doodhpathri
• Hotel Kaka Palace, Gurez Valley
• Hotel Kargil Heights, Kargil

Travelogues

Below are the links to detailed travelogues that I was able to pen down of some of my Kashmir trips. If you would like to, you can take a look at these logs to gain further information and see pictures of the places.

I have tried to be as detailed as possible in these logs, providing several necessary details for anyone wanting to plan a similar journey.

This one was my longest trip to Kashmir and covered most of the tourist destinations.

• Road Trip to Kashmir – Planning & Preparation
• Delhi to Jammu by Road – Day 1
• Jammu to Srinagar via Mughal Road – Day 2
• Srinagar to Astanmarg – Day 3
• Shankaracharya Temple – Day 4
• Srinagar to Sonamarg – Day 5
• Sonamarg to Thajiwas Glacier – Day 6
• Sonamarg to Srinagar – Day 7
• Srinagar to Pahalgam – Day 8
• Pahalgam to Betaab Valley – Day 8
• Betaab Valley to Chandanwari – Day 8
• Pahalgam to Aru Valley – Day 9
• Aru Valley to Srinagar – Day 9
• Srinagar to Gulmarg – Day 10
• Gulmarg to Bota Pathri – Day 10
• Gulmarg to Srinagar – Day 11
• Srinagar to Yusmarg – Day 12
• Yusmarg to Doodhpathri – Day 13
• Doodhpathri to Srinagar – Day 14
• Srinagar to Dawar in Gurez Valley – Day 15
• Dawar to Chakwali – Day 16
• Gurez Valley to Srinagar – Day 17
• Srinagar to Aharbal Waterfall – Day 18
• Srinagar to Sonamarg to Kargil – Day 19 & 20
• Kargil to Hambuting La Pass – Day 21
• Kargil to Hunderman Village – Day 22
• Drang Drung Glacier – Day 23
• Zanskar Valley to Srinagar – Day 24, 25, 26
• Srinagar to Gulmarg to Srinagar – Day 27, 28
• Srinagar to Jammu to Delhi – Day 29, 30

The trip above was entirely in my Thar. Take a look at this second travelogue. This was a complete bike trip done in a different manner.

• 9 Days Trip to Kashmir – Prologue
• Delhi to Srinagar by Flight – Day 1
• Srinagar to Gulmarg – Day 1
• Sightseeing in Gulmarg – Day 2
• Enjoying the Gondola Ride – Day 2
• Alpather Lake Trek – Day 2
• Gulmarg Sightseeing in the Morning – Day 3
• Gulmarg to Doodhpathri to Srinagar – Day 3
• Srinagar to Aharbal Waterfall – Day 4
• Aharbal to Peer ki Gali to Srinagar – Day 4
• Srinagar to Yusmarg – Day 5
• Sightseeing in Srinagar – Day 6
• Srinagar to Gurez Valley – Day 6
• Dawar to Chakwali – Day 7
• Gurez Valley to Srinagar – Day 8
• Srinagar to Delhi – Day 9

This was the time when I caught a flight to Kashmir, hired a self-drive rental in Srinagar, and drove around some offbeat destinations.

• Delhi to Pahalgam – Day 1
• Achabal Mughal Garden – Day 2
• Daksum Valley – Day 2
• Sinthan Top – Day 2
• Chatpal Valley – Day 2
• Betaab Valley & Aru Valley – Day 3

Winter Trips

The travelogues above were both from the summer season. If you are planning to visit Kashmir during the winter season, the travelogue below can be of help.

• Delhi to Gulmarg – Day 1
• Sightseeing in Gulmarg – Day 3
• Change in Plans & Another Day in Gulmarg – Day 4
• Gulmarg to Delhi – Day 5

This one is another winter trip to Kashmir.

• Delhi to Srinagar – Day 1
• Srinagar Old City Tour – Day 2
• Srinagar to Gulmarg – Day 3
• Gulmarg to Drung Waterfall – Day 3
• Shankaracharya Temple & Srinagar Local – Day 4 & 5
• Srinagar to Pahalgam – Day 6
• Srinagar to Aharbal Waterfall – Day 7
• Winter Trip to Sonamarg – Day 8

Other Travelogues

These travelogues were written by other authors detailing their journeys. Take a look and I am sure you can get a lot of helpful details from their travel stories.

If you would like your travel story to be published on my blog, you can send it to me with the relevant pictures at [email protected] . I can give a final touch to the log, put it up on the log, and add the links here.

• Delhi to Kashmir Road Trip in 4 Days
• Bike Trip to Kashmir
• Shankphal Trek from Jammu
• Honeymoon Trip to Kashmir

If you would like to take a look at some of my images of places in Kashmir, you can take a  look at the posts below. This can help you decide whether or not you want to visit that particular place or not.

• Doodhpathri Photos
• Shalimar Bagh Photos
• Alpather Lake Photos
• Aharbal Waterfall Photos
• Dal Lake Photos
• Gulmarg Pictures

How to plan a trip to Kashmir – Conclusion

I believe that is it. This should cover the majority of the information that you need to get in order to plan an enjoyable and hassle-free trip to Kashmir.

If there is a specific question that you were not able to find an answer to, you can contact me on Instagram and I will be happy to answer. You can also consider subscribing to my YouTube channel and asking a question there.

Vargis.Khan

Not much to write about me really except for that I love to travel around whenever I can and to wherever I can. This blog is just a small attempt to share my travel experiences with the world. Hope you like it !!!

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Unlock the secrets to planning the perfect trip to Kashmir with this comprehensive travel guide, offering everything you need to know for a seamless and unforgettable journey. From choosing the best time to visit to navigating local customs and attractions, this guide is your key to experiencing the magic of Kashmir to the fullest.

Very helpful to plan a trip.

Thank you !!!

I am also planning to visit Vaishnodevi and start from them to Srinagar. What is the travel options from Katra to Srinagar apart from cab?

You can find buses as well

We are planning to visit Kashmir during end of May to 1st week of June for the first time with family. Can we see snow anywhere in Kashmir at that time?

Hi Prabal – No, not that late in the season. Snow this year is anyway very less everywhere

Hello Mr. Vargis, I’m Rajarshi Roy from Kolkata and I must confess that your blogs are really superb and detailed and really helped me to plan my honeymoon tour to Kashmir on 6th May 2024. I’ve one question that is May a good time to spend 2 nights in Gulmarg or shall I plan a day trip to Gulmarg? Your reply will be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Thank you Rajarshi Ji. If you have time, I will definitely recommend staying in Gulmarg for the night

Thank you for this comprehensive guide on planning a trip to Kashmir! Your personal experiences and detailed articles make it easier for us to navigate and plan our visit. Grateful for the valuable insights!

This is really a complete kashmir travel guide, this is very helpful for planning a Kashmir trip

Thank you Ankita !!!

Hi Vargis, Your blog is very useful. I am planning to visit Kashmir from Delhi in my own micro suv with 2 year old toddler in May 2024? is it ok? I have atleast 12 days in hand. Places of interest – srinagar, gulmarg, sonmarg, doodhpathri, pehalgam, gurez …please guide…Regards

Hello Mr. VARGIS, Refer aforesaid views, I am writing to you for your guidance and suggest good contact number for the entire Kashmir tour Myself and wife both are senior citizens , we are intend to visit Kashmir in the month of April 24 for 9 nights/10 days.

Sir you can talk to Faisal @ 907 000 0036

Hello, Vergis sir, Shall I visit the gurez valley after mid november?

Hello vargas.khan,I want ti travel kashmir after15th November. May I get snow fall at any place ?

Not in November Bhai, not int the lower areas

Hello Do we need to change taxi at tangmarg while going to hotel stay at gulmarg in March? Or we can take taxi hired for 5 days to at least hotel in gulmarg?

You can take a taxi for 5 days but if you are planning a trip in winter, then you will have to change at Tangmarg. For rest of the year, it can be the same cab.

Hello Vargis bhai, Thanks a lot for detailed information, Extremely helpful to people like us to build DIY travel plan.

I am considering trip to Kashmir from Oct 14 to 24, Mainly Srinagar, Gurez, Gulmarg and Pahalgam, , is this good time to visit Kashmir and all these places i want to cover.

I am planning below itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Srinagar Day 2: Srinagar Local Day 3: Sringar Gurez Day 4: Gurez Day 5: Gurez to Gulmarg Day 6: Gulmarg to Pahalgam Day 7: Pahalgam Day 8: Pahalgam Day 9: Pahalgam to Sringar and flyout

Please let me know your thoughts if i should make any adjustment to above plan.

This is a good plan Sachin Bhai. I am assuming that you are going to book a taxi for the trip?

Yep, thanks for your feedback , Yep I plan to book taxi for entire trip, few questions.

1) Is Toyoto Etiros/Dzire is good for Gurez trip of you need to have Innova /Scorpio ? Do you know if Razdan pass would be open during October or there is chance of closure ?

2) I changed my plan a bit to skip Gulmarg as I am not interested in doing Gondola, so is there anything else interesting to do there, I assume As i am covering Doodthpatri from Srinagar, the scenary would be similar., what is your suggestion ?

3) what is your opinion on doing Day trip to Yusmarg vs Doodhpatri, from Srinagar ?, doing both on one day could be hectic right ? which one I should do Yusmarg or Doodhpatri ?

Here is my final plan with and without gulmarg as below, let me know your suggestion.

Itinerary 1: without Gulmarg Day 1: Arrive Sringar and go to Pahalgam Dah 2: Pahalgam Local Day 3: Pahalgam Local Day 4: Pahalgam to Gurez Day 5: Gurez Local Day 6: Gurez to Srinagar Day 7: Sringar local Day 8: Srinagar Doodhpatri Day 9: Srinagar Flyout in evening

Itinerary 2: with Gulmarg Day 1: Arrive Sringar and go to Pahalgam Dah 2: Pahalgam Local Day 3: Pahalgam to Gulmarg Day 4: Gulmarg to Gurez Day 5: Gurez Local Day 6: Gurez to Srinagar Day 7: Srinagar Local Day 8: Srinagar DoodthPatri Day 9: Srinagar local and Flyout.

1. Razdan Pass usually remains open in Oct. Scorpio / Innova will be better but it depends on the number of people traveling 2. Yeah, the scenery is more or less similar 3. Same on one day will be hectic. Doodhpathri is better

If the taxi driver is agreeing, the second plan would be better

Thanks a lot for your Feedback Vargisbhai ! Yes we are 3 people so I assume Dzire or Etios should be good enough to cover Dawar – Chakwali route, right ?

For Chakwali route, you will have to hire a Sumo from Dawar. The drivers from Srinagar usually refuse to go on that route due to extremely bad roads. A hatchback or a Sedan driver will definitely not go

Special thanks Verghis Bhai for so detailed information on helping out Persons planning Kashmir trip. Me and my wife both early 69s are planning for Kashmir trip for 5 days 4 night somewhere in May next year. Can u suggest suitable itenerary for above and some insight that how should I plan for private taxi. Thanks

This is the most genuine blog I have come across while planning my trip to Kashmir. This covers everything in great detail. Thank you Vargis for all that work and I assure you this helps us travelers very much.

Thank you Akash Bhai for your kind words !!!

Hi, I am Saikat, I got guidance from you for my ladakh tour and it’s really help me a lot for that thank you. Now I plan to cover Kashmir and again I read your blog it will help us to cover. Now I want a reference of a good and reliable tour operator for Kashmir tour.

Take a look at the contact me page Saikat … I have mentioned a few numbers there

I would be glad if you please let me know at the earliest about Local Sight Seeing in and around Srinagar and Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Yousmarg, Dudhpathri, etc., during my ensuing visit to Srinagar from 10th to 16th June 2023. I am a SOLO Sr. Citizen.

Thank you so much Mr. Vargis for your details, Want to choose one destination among Doodhpathri, Yousmarg and Gulmarg, please advise.

Hi Sangita – Gulmarg is better among all three of them but also crowded. If not Gulmarg then Doodhpathri

Dear All, This is the review about Kashmironline. We booked on a package in this summer for a family through them, but the hotel which they have opted in Srinagar was not good. No power to stay, no water and no hot water as well. We have to ask for all service every now and then. But upfront the agency collects the payment. Also, they never respond. The reason for booking through a travel agent is that we will not have issues and it will be a safe travel, but here its very bad, there will be a response saying that they will do, but nothing will happen. Remember people travelling to Srinagar / Kashmir make sure you are clear on package, would recommend to make arrangements on your own. Do not depend on any travel agents. Specially Kashmironline at all. They are not friendly and held me in a hotel to pay the final amount. Never trust on any customer and they do not need any customer satisfaction. I have informed very clearly the balance 7-8% (Approx 9000) of amount will be paid on last day of my travel in morning, irrespective of telling and informing the same, they holded in the hotel in the lobby asking for balance payment two days prior itself. The agency called up the hotel informed that before I leave collect the balance money. That looks very bad in front of others asking for money as if am going to move away without paying from them. My only question is if you guys or agency never trust on customer, how do you expect the customer to trust you. If something goes wrong, you will never revert back right. Now, I had a bad and worst stay in Srinagar, they never responded to me anything about that at all. The kashmironline person was apologizing but nothing happened. The issues repeated thrice for all 3 days of stay, our stay was ruined. We went for sight-seeing late for all 3 days and we are not provided with basic necessity of things to stay. Irrespective of informing that Iam not comfortable on the first day itself. Please be aware of these things in Kashmir. Never book though kashmironline at all. They never bother about any feedback or comfortable stay of customer. Only money is important. The driver they organized doesn’t even have a courtesy and he dropped us the railway station by 9pm and have requested him to take me to 5km nearby for dinner which he denied. He never answered any calls after dropping us. Irrespective of informing that we need to have dinner before dropping us, he never bothered that Iam with 2 kids without food travelling for whole night. He was keen on moving away since the money is fully paid a day prior. Important is he knows entire story of this issue. They never change and felt bad for booking with them. Entire trip is ruined and I have give other hint to save other atleast, not to get cheated. Since no one save me.. kashmironline These details are from my recent personal experience during the month of May 2023.

With Regards, Balasubramaniam.

Thank you Bala Bhai for sharing your experience. Most of these online travel platforms are more or less the same. They act as mediators only. I always tell people to not go with any online travel platform.

Hello Vargis Thank you so much for your details, Want to choose one destination among Doodhpathri, Yousmarg and Gulmarg, please advise.

Hi Vargis, Thank you for your sharing and your article very details. If you don’t mind please suggest best travel agent in Kashmir who can arrange. We plan our trip on December 2023.. tq

Hello. Thanks for the details. I am planning Gulmarg directly from the airport (2 nights) , then Sonmarg (2 nights), then Pahalgam (3 nights) and then Srinagar (2 nights). Is that itinerary okay ? Are these places equidistant

2 and 3 days is a bit much. Gulmarg 1 day, Sonamarg 1 day and Pahalgam 1 night should be more than enough. You can spend rest of your time visiting other places.

Vargis Ji, we are not getting tickets for Gondola Ride. what would be other options?

No other option bhai. You can check at the counter if anyone is selling in black

Hi I am visiting from may 1 to 6 ., this is my first trip to kashmir solo, will travelling to Kargil from Srinagar for 2 days be good ..?

That road is not open yet. There is no telling if it will open by May 1

What a great Blog. Covers almost everything. The best part is that it is not commercial blogs, which generally have an interest in the places they mention. You have written in simple language and from your first-hand experience. I am a Sr. Citizen and also handicapped. I use an artificial limb, but mobility is not an issue (maybe rocky climbing and snow/water). I do travel a lot. My question is: Will you recommend Gondola Phase I and II? My Travel Agent has custom-built an Itinerary for my wife and me using taxis only for the 2 of us. I was told that there is a Union issue and private taxis are not allowed in Gulmarg and Pahalgam and I will have to book local taxis there.

Please advise keeping my handicap in mind. Thanks.

I intend to travel in mid-September.

Thank you for your kind words, Mr. D’Souza.

If you are going to stay in Gulmarg overnight, then yes, I will recommend the Gondola ride. If you are just planning a day trip, it will be best to skip it.

You do not need to rent another taxi in Gulmarg for sightseeing. They may ask to take you to Bota Pathri by renting another cab but avoid that. There is nothing there. All the other places in Gulmarg are near the market area. No additional taxi is needed.

Yes, you will have to rent another taxi in Pahalgam for local sightseeing. Srinagar taxi will not be allowed there.

Hello Vargis, your blogs are awesome, provides complete details one need to plan themselves. Great work! I’m confused in choosing one between yusmarg and doodhpathiri. If i have to select one of these, which one should it be? TIA

Hello Priya Ji – Thank you for your kind words. Both of the places are equally beautiful but if I have to pick one, I will go to Doodhpathri.

Such a detailed article!!! Thanks for sharing

There are so many very well known and most liked temples in Kashmir I didn’t find any mention of these temples and places in your article is there any particular reason or you missed it In case you need any help to draw your attention towards those places I can do that

Pran Bhai Most of these temples are located in the old Srinagar town and I never had the chance to visit there until recently. I do not put any information on the blog until I have been to that place. Please see this post. I did visit the temples and highlighted them

https://vargiskhan.com/log/srinagar-old-city-tour/

If you have information on these temples, please do let me know and I will update. The two that I have been to is the Mangaleshwar Mahadev temple and the Ganesh Ji temple in Ganpatyar. I know there are a lot many others and I plan on visiting them during my next trip so that I can write a post about the temples in Srinagar.

Khan Sir, We are 03 couples (65 years age )planning for Kashmir for 7 Night trip. 1n Gulmarg, 2 N Pahelgam,4N Srinagar. Will see sonmarg,Dooghpatri & all places in srinagar. Pl. suggest best travel agent in srinagar who can arrange . Our travel month is third week of March 2023. Thanks & regards, Pinakin Desai mob:7600227499

Hi Vargis, your blogs are just out of this world. You can start publishing “Vargis Planet”

I have a mobility issue. Though I drive but I walk with crutches and small distances only. I followed your blog on Prashar Lake and you had clarified all my concerns so well that I drove upto the last possible point without any issue and then a little walk to the point from where the lake is visible. Though I didn’t trek down to the lake and temple. That was little too much for me.

Anyway, I am now planning to drive to Kashmir in Sept 1st week and plan to spend 3 days each at Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg. I wanted to ask you how long is the walks at various gardens in Srinagar. I also plan to do Doodhpatri, Yousmarg and Achabal.

Is there too much to walk in Phase 1 and 2 of Gandola, also Sonmarg, Kokernag, Daksum areas? I will be thankful if you can reply to me and help me plan better.

Hi Swati – Sorry I had been traveling myself for the last couple of months and did not see your comment until now. Sorry for the late reply. I guess you are already in Kashmir by now.

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