Let us talk about Kashmir magic! Looking for a wonderful holiday that doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg? We have the place for you. Kashmir is a picture-postcard heaven with snow-covered mountains and lakes so clear that you can reflect on them.
If we mention a Backpacking trip to Kashmir, we mean experiencing remote locations that few tourists can access. Wake up in a wooden houseboat and sip sweet Kashmir tea with sunrise over Dal Lake. Walk through Gulmarg's grassy meadows in colorful blooms.
There are just so many things to do in Kashmir - from boat rides on peaceful lakes to camping under the stars in Sonamarg. The places to visit in Kashmir will leave your mouth hanging open. Our Kashmir backpacking trip is special, and you'll have amazing stories to tell your friends and family when you get back home!
Ready to explore this beautiful place? Let's plan your Kashmir adventure together!
Best time for Kashmir Backpacking trip
Choosing the Best Time for Kashmir Backpacking trip for your Kashmir backpacking trip is crucial. The region's climate varies, offering different experiences each season.
- Summer: During the Summer months (April through June) one can experience great conditions for sightseeing journeys and both trekking activities and camping excursions. The summer month brings a nice climate as temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C with green valleys in Kashmir.
- Autumn: Autumn (October to November) becomes famous because of its remarkable autumn leaf colors, particularly the radiant Chinar tree yellowness. Photography lovers along with leisure seekers find this season ideal.
- Winter: Ideal for snow lovers. The ski and snowboard activities thrive, in particular at Gulmarg. The temperatures often fall below freezing point, so maintain warm clothing in your pack list.
- Monsoon: The monsoon season from July to September delivers excessive rain which produces precarious landslides while making trails highly dangerous to walk on. The destination maintains negligible crowds although people need to prepare ahead for weather-related difficulties.
Suggested Read: Bhimgarh Fort, Kashmir
Kashmir Backpacking Trip Itinerary
A well-planned itinerary ensures you experience the best of Kashmir. Here's a suggested 7-day Kashmir backpacking trip itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar
- Morning: Upon landing at Srinagar Airport you will proceed to Dal Lake where you will stay in a houseboat.
- Afternoon: Experience the Mughal Gardens and their three main attractions Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh as well as Chashme Shahi in the afternoon. Viewpoints and Mughal architectural elements characterize these Mughal gardens.
- Evening: A shikara boat ride through Dal Lake lets you observe the floating markets and houseboats during the evening hours. People can explore the active Lal Chowk market to witness local culture as they experience local eating establishments.
Day 2: Srinagar to Gurez via Razdan Pass
- Morning: After breakfast, depart for Gurez Valley via the scenic Razdan Pass.
- Afternoon: Upon reaching, visit the famous Habba Khatoon Peak and the Habba Khatoon Spring.
- Evening: Check into a local guesthouse, enjoy a warm dinner, and rest for the night.
Day 3: Gurez Valley Exploration
- Morning: After breakfast, visit Tulail Valley, the last village of India.
- Afternoon: Return to Dawar and explore the local surroundings.
- Evening: Have dinner and overnight stay at Dawar.
Day 4: Gurez to Gulmarg via Tangmarg
- Morning: Post breakfast, depart for Gulmarg, known as the "Meadow of Flowers."
- Afternoon: Arrive in Gulmarg, check into your accommodation, and spend the day exploring the meadows.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Gulmarg.
Day 5: Gondola Ride and Transfer to Pahalgam
- Morning: After breakfast, experience the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the world's highest cable cars, offering stunning views of the Himalayas.
- Afternoon: Post lunch, depart for Pahalgam, known for its beauty.
- Evening: Check into your hotel, have dinner, and rest for the night.
Day 6: Pahalgam to Srinagar via Betaab Valley
- Morning: Visit Betaab Valley, Chandanwari, and Aru Valley, known for their lush meadows and pristine landscapes.
- Afternoon: Return to Srinagar and check into your hotel.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Srinagar.
Day 7: Departure from Srinagar
- Morning: After breakfast, check out from your hotel.
- Afternoon: Depart from Srinagar Airport with cherished memories of your Kashmir backpacking trip.
Average Cost for Kashmir Backpacking Trip
Budgeting is essential for your Kashmir backpacking trip. Here's a breakdown of Average cost for Kashmir Backpacking Trip:
- Accommodation: The average budget hotel room rates per day are between ₹1000 to ₹3000 based on the place and the facilities offered.
- Food: Different meals in nearby restaurants range from ₹200 to ₹500 for each daily meal. Tourists can taste real food from cheap dhaba restaurants and small eateries in the vicinity.
- Transportation: The transportation cost while shared taxis or public transport are utilized is ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per day depending on distance and bargaining ability.
- Activities: Other activities such as the Gulmarg Gondola ride and rafting along with trekking will cost you between ₹5,000 to ₹7,000.
- Miscellaneous: Use ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 for miscellaneous expenses and souvenirs.
Estimated Total: For a 7-day trip, anticipate spending between ₹25,000 to ₹35,000 per person. This estimate can vary based on personal preferences and choices.
Suggested Read: Kashmir Travel Guide
Things to carry for Kashmir Backpacking trip
When packing for a Kashmir backpacking trip, here are the essential things to carry for Kashmir backpacking trip:
1. You will need warm clothing consisting of thermal wear, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes packed together. It is essential to pack both extra pairs of socks and additional pants when traveling.
2. A sturdy backpack at the medium tonnage size serves best for convenient stuff transportation.
3. For comfortable outdoor and outdoor hut rest you need an insulated sleeping bag together with mattress pads for comfortable nighttime use.
4. Waterproof Gear: A raincoat or poncho and waterproof gloves for unexpected rain showers.
5. Using trekking poles improves your balance and eases strain because of hiking over extended distances.
6. First Aid supplies must include band-aids together with pain medication and medicines needed personally.
7. Trekking snacks should contain energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits because they offer quick energy sources.
8. Hydration is essential with a reusable bottle paired with a filter as your source of hydration when hiking in Kashmir.
9. Sunscreen & Lip Balm: Protect your skin from the sun, even in cooler weather.
10. The combination of camera equipment alongside a power bank lets you photograph the Kashmir landscapes and ensures your devices will not run out of power.
11. The offline maps with a compass system serve as your guide when exploring remote territories.
12. ID & Permits: Carry your ID and any required permits for protected areas.
Packing these things to carry for Kashmir backpacking trip will help ensure you’re ready for any adventure in Kashmir!
Places to stay during Kashmir's Backpacking trip
Finding the right Places to stay during Kashmir's Backpacking trip during your Kashmir backpacking trip enhances the overall experience. Here are some budget-friendly options:
- Srinagar: Srinagar offers two accommodation options including houseboats on Dal Lake as well as hostels and budget hotels located in central city areas.
- Gurez: Guesthouses together with homestays are the only accommodations available in Gurez while providing minimal amenities along with genuine local hosting.
- Gulmarg: Budget hotels in Kashmir together with guesthouses offer accommodations with essential facilities throughout Gulmarg.
- Pahalgam: Guests can select various guesthouses and budget hotels that offer lodging in pretty locations at Pahalgam.
Key Attractions of Kashmir Backpacking Trip
Here are some of the key attractions of Kashmir backpacking trip that you shouldn’t miss.
- Dal Lake & Shikara Rides: The largest attraction of Srinagar is Dal Lake, where visitors move in Shikara boats for exploration. The beautiful scenery of the mountains, along with floating gardens, can be savored while riding a shikara boat across the lake. Besides the Dal Lake water markets, tourists can have a unique floating market experience.
- Mughal Gardens: The Mughals constructed three beautiful gardens in Srinagar, namely Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. The gardens possess stunning flowers and fountains together with traditional Kashmiri architecture so that the visitors can relax by taking walks.
- Shankaracharya Temple: The old Shankaracharya Temple at its elevated hill offers sacred Lord Shiva worship and stunning views over Srinagar. The temple is accessible through a short trek while sunrise or sunset spots are the most romantic hours to see.
- Lal Chowk & Kashmiri Markets: Lal Chowk's active markets and Kashmiri cattle both have Pashmina shawls and hand-carved wooden items on sale for tourists. The local cuisine in Srinagar features Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao lunches and traditional Kahwa (saffron tea).
- Gulmarg Gondola: The Gondola ride at Gulmarg is one of the world's highest cable car systems. From the top, you enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas Range after snow has covered it.
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Winter tourists must try skiing and snowboarding in Gulmarg because these are the main activities for tourists visiting the town during winter. Indians regard this town as their main destination for skiing because tourists from other countries visit to enjoy its adventure sports.
- Strawberry Valley & Drung Waterfall: When summer arrives Strawberry Valley serves as a secret gem because it holds green landscapes and plenty of fresh strawberry crops. Travelers can reach Drung Waterfall in Kashmir from Gulmarg since this cold weather destination turns into a magnificent ice wall.
- Betaab Valley: Betaab Valley got its name from Betaab, which is a Bollywood movie. Betaab Valley expresses its beautiful landscape through scenic views of mountains and its lush meadows with sparkling streams. Most people visit here to have picnics where they enjoy eating and also to take photos.
- Aru Valley: Aru Valley provides hikers with a base to start multiple expeditions including those to Tarsar Marsar Trek and Kolahoi Glacier Trek. The valley offers both wooden house elegance and picturesque scenery in its tranquil atmosphere.
- Lidder River & Rafting: Through Pahalgam, the Lidder River provides superior fishing conditions for trout, while excursion opportunities for river rafting in Kashmir exist here. Hot Kahwa can be enjoyed while resting on the riverbank areas.
- Thajiwas Glacier: A trip from Sonmarg through either a pony ride or a short trek leads you directly to the Thajiwas Glacier to observe snow across its landscape during the summer months. The glacier presents spectacular scenery along with attractive options for snow-based recreation.
- Zoji La Pass: Tourists can drive along Zoji La Pass to commute between Kashmir and Ladakh because the Indian mountain pass is one of the highest points in the nation. Drifting along Zoji La provides a thrilling experience due to its sharp corners and beautiful landscapes.
- Habba Khatoon Peak: Travelers to Gurez Valley must not miss visiting Habba Khatoon Peak as it is dedicated to Kashmir's most popular poet. The sunset can be viewed by the audience while looking from here.
- Doodh Ganga River: Doodh Ganga (Milk River) gets its name due to the white froth in the water running through Yusmarg. Walking a short way through the river allows tourists to view the stunning views.
Suggested Read: Things to do in Doodhpathr
Adventures activities to enjoy during Kashmir Backpacking trip
A backpacking trip to Kashmir is incomplete without adventure. From trekking in scenic valleys to thrilling water sports, Kashmir offers unforgettable experiences. Here are the top 10 Adventures activities to enjoy during Kashmir Backpacking trip:
1. Trekking: Backpacking in Kashmir stands on trekking activities as its essential fundamental part. The three preferred trekking sites in Kashmir are the Great Lakes Trek, Tarsar Marsar Trek, and Kolahoi Glacier Trek. Trekking serves as a primary adventure element for Kashmir backpacking trips because participants hike through magical glacial lakes and beautiful alpine grounds during their trips.
2. Skiing and Snowboarding in Gulmarg: Tourists visit Gulmarg to experience both snowboarding and skiing at their finest. The Gulmarg Gondola stands as one of the highest cable car systems in the world to give its users a breathtaking sloping experience. The experience of skiing in Gulmarg matches every backpacker's caliber whether they are novices or experts thus making it a memorable part of Kashmir touring.
3. White Water Rafting in Lidder River: Rafters find a thrilling venture when they navigate through the Lidder River in Pahalgam. Professional rafters and beginners will both find suitable conditions in this river because it offers different levels of challenging rapids. Backpacking in Kashmir becomes particularly exciting because rafting through rushing rivers offers one of the most exhilarating activities.
4. Paragliding: Individuals experiencing paragliding in Kashmir will behold spectacular scenes from above. The top visiting destinations in Kashmir include Aru Valley beside Sonmarg and Harwan located in Srinagar. Travel adventure enthusiasts can have an unrepeatable mountaintop-meadow flight experience during their backpacking trip to Kashmir.
5. Camping Under the Stars: The experience of campground sleeping beneath the stars becomes an amazing adventure in Kashmir. You will find the camping sites in Kashmir - Yusmarg, Tarsar Marsar, and Daksum Valley among the best options. The experience of stargazing against mountains and rivers while sleeping under the stars stands as the most peaceful adventure pursuit within the Kashmir backpacking trip.
6. Pony Rides in Sonmarg and Pahalgam: Sonmarg and Pahalgam communities can have fun exploring the landscapes of Kashmir on pony rides. The primary tourist routes in Kashmir take one to Thajiwas Glacier in Sonmarg and Baisaran in Pahalgam. On their Kashmir backpacking tour, tourists will enjoy the experience of viewing mountain scenery by availing themselves of this short route to long trekking trails.
7. Mountain Biking: Mountain biking lovers love to explore Kashmir's untamed wilderness because of its off-road trails. Mountain bikers give Srinagar to Gulmarg, Leh to Srinagar, and Pahalgam to Aru Valley their top three ratings as their favorite mountain biking trails. Mountain biking along Kashmir's world-class trails has to be added to the list of must-do things for travelers who come to the state as backpackers.
8. Fishing and Angling in Kashmir’s Rivers: Backpackers consider fishing and angling in the Lidder River, Sindh River, and Doodhpathri recreational and adventurous. The trout fish inhabiting the rivers in Kashmir attract fervent fishermen to the region. Backpackers in Kashmir are required to have a permit as fishing in serene streams is rewarding throughout their journey.
9. Rock Climbing and Rappelling: Rock climbing and rappelling for a thrilling adventure are done in Lidder Valley, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg Cliffs. The professional assistance facilitates beginners and enthusiasts to climb natural rock faces as a part of their Kashmir backpacking tour and thus emerges as one
of its best adventure activities.
10. Off-Roading and Jeep Safaris: Off-roading offers an adrenaline-filled experience at Zoji La Pass and Gurez Valley together with Doodhpathri as riders enjoy jeep safaris here. The Jeep safaris offer scenic exposure to far-off Kashmir views through their demanding off-road trails. The safaris are hence counted among the most adventurous pursuits offered in a Kashmir backpacking trip.
A backpacking trip to Kashmir is an unforgettable experience. Whether you are an adventure lover or just want to relax in nature, Kashmir offers something for everyone. With proper planning, you can explore this beautiful region without spending too much. Follow this backpacker’s guide to Kashmir, pack your bags, and get ready for an amazing journey into the heart of the Himalayas!
