Begin the trip of a lifetime by taking a Kashmir road trip, cruising across valleys of emerald hue and snow-capped peaks. Speed past lakes glistening like mirrors with fantasy meadows abounding in blossoming flowers!
You are guaranteed to be spoilt for options with plenty of places to visit in Kashmir. Riding on shikara across Dal Lake while sipping on hot tea is something everyone must try. We will take a ride on cable cars in Pahalgam and even dip our feet in the refreshingly cold mountain streams.
There are endless things to do in Kashmir that will make your journey so interesting. There is no heaven other than experiencing the magic of interaction with locals, seeing the sky painted orange behind snow-covered mountains, and buying the softest shawls you have ever felt. It does not stop here; You can sleep in comfortable houseboats, pluck crunchy apples directly from trees, and stroll through gardens constructed centuries ago.
Sounds like a dream? We can assure you that no place comes close to Kashmir as it is the most beautiful place on Earth which is why our Kashmir tour packages include everything you wish to see and do on your perfect trip. So pack your bags and get ready to be awed!
Best time to go for Kashmir road trip
Deciding the Best time to go for Kashmir road trip is essential when trying to enjoy a Kashmir road trip. Kashmir displays different seasons which bring individual attractions to the visitor. Weather conditions together with road travel accessibility, determine the trip's outcome for road travelers.
- Summer: Traveling to Kashmir for road exploration should be done during the Summer months between May to August. Kashmir experiences pleasant weather rates that fluctuate between 15°C to 30°C. All main roads, along with major highways, have become accessible due to the fading winter snow. Practically all sightseeing attractions and outdoor pursuits become available during these months.
- Autumn: During autumn between September and October the valleys become spectacular because the Chinar trees transform into golden and red hues. The temperatures range between 10°C to 20°C. Few visitors mob the destination making this period calmer for visitors. The roads maintain a decent state throughout the season thus enabling travel safety.
- Winter: During November and April, Kashmir has a bewitching snow-white look. Scenic sights come with roadblocks, which can halt mobility in case of heavy snowfalls at Gulmarg and Sonamarg too. If your trip to Kashmir by road happens during this period, you have to check the weather conditions prior and ensure that the vehicle comes equipped with features to handle snow.
Suggested Read: Bhimgarh Fort, Kashmir
Average Cost of Road Trip to Kashmir
Budget planning is key to a stress-free trip. A division of the Average Cost of Road Trip to Kashmir is as follows:
Fuel: Based on the assumption that you're traveling from Delhi, the total distance for a round trip to Srinagar is about 1,600 kilometers. For a vehicle with a moderate mileage of 15 km/l, and assuming fuel prices at around ₹100 per liter, the cost would be around ₹10,700.
Accommodation: Kashmir has various accommodations to cater to various budgets.
- Budget Hotels: ₹800 to ₹2,000 per night.
- Mid-Range Hotels: ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per night.
- Luxury Hotels and Houseboats: ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per night.
For a 7-day tour, residing in mid-range hotels, the cost would be approximately ₹21,000.
Food: Eating at local restaurants ranges from ₹100 to ₹300 per meal. Mid-range restaurants cost ₹500 to ₹1,000 per meal. Spending ₹1,000 per day on food comes to ₹7,000 for a week.
Local Transportation: Hiring a car with a driver ranges from ₹2,500 to ₹4,500 per day. For seven days, this comes to around ₹24,500.
Activities and Sightseeing:
- Shikara Ride on Dal Lake: ₹500 to ₹1,000 per hour.
- Gulmarg Gondola Ride: ₹810 to ₹1,820, depending on the phase.
- Entry Fees to Gardens and Museums: ₹20 to ₹100 per person.
Allocating around ₹5,000 for activities is advisable.
Miscellaneous Expenses: This includes shopping, tips, and unforeseen expenses. Budgeting an additional ₹5,000 is prudent.
Total Estimated Cost: For a week-long trip, the average cost of a road trip to Kashmir would be approximately ₹33,000 per person, considering mid-range accommodations and activities.
The perfect itinerary for Kashmir road trip
To make the most of your journey, here's a perfect itinerary for Kashmir road trip spanning seven days:
- Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar
Morning: Reach Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Overnight stay on a houseboat on Dal Lake to experience the novel accommodation.
Afternoon: Take a relaxed dal Lake shikara ride which allows you to visit its gift markets in addition to the floating gardens. At the first halt, you have calm lake waters whose surface mirrors the nearby mountain ranges thereby starting your tour in peace.
Evening: Spend the night at Mughal Gardens with visits to Shalimar Bagh Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi. The Mughal garden art glows through the terraced lawns full of cascading fountains and colorful flowerbeds of these gardens.
- Day 2: Srinagar to Gulmarg (51 km, 2 hours)
Morning: Visit Gulmarg in the morning hours as it has the tagline "Meadow of Flowers." Drivers who undertake the journey in Kashmir get to see endless rural villages while on this trip.
Afternoon: Cable car fanatics have to ride the Gulmarg Gondola at the highest point of all cable car networks in the world. From its cable ride, its travelers get to see breathtaking views of both white peaks as well as green meadows.
Evening: The evening is when the meadow walks start, and winter offers the opportunity to ski and snowboard in Gulmarg. People from across India travel to Gulmarg to avail of its status as a prime winter sports destination.
- Day 3: Gulmarg to Pahalgam (140 km, 4.5 hours)
Morning: Travel to Pahalgam and take a stop at Awantipora Ruins to see ancient temples that feature wonderful stone carvings dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon visiting Betaab Valley as it has been christened after the Bollywood film "Betaab." The valley features breathtaking views owing to its emerald green meadows, snow-white mountain peaks, and glistening waterways.
Evening: Go to the beautiful Aru Valley in the evening to find out its unique beauty in deodar forest scenery. The beautiful site welcomes people on nature treks while offering amazing views of Himalayan mountain ranges.
- Day 4: Pahalgam to Sonamarg (170 km, 5.5 hours)
Morning: The day begins with the drive to Sonamarg meaning "Meadow of Gold." Beautiful scenery adorns the road, which makes an equal delight for both the ride and destination.
Afternoon: The afternoon activity is trekking up to the Thajiwas Glacier which is at 2816 meters above sea level. When summer comes, the glacier has snow on top giving room for sledding activities as well as snowball fights.
Evening: The Sindh River is your relaxation place in the evening since its gushing currents run through the midst of mountain peaks.
- Day 5: Sonamarg to Srinagar (80 km, 3 hours)
Morning: The day starts with breakfast and a return to Srinagar. Visit Zojila Pass for an exciting mountain pass experience while traveling.
Afternoon: Visit the holy Hazratbal Shrine located near Dal Lake in the afternoon.
Evening: Take pleasure in Lal Chowk shopping, renowned for Kashmiri handicrafts, Pashmina shawls, and dry fruits.
- Day 6: Exploring Srinagar and Nearby Villages
Morning: Your trip in the morning should take you to Yusmarg where you can locate vast green fields that should be part of your must-visit list during your Kashmir trip by road.
Afternoon: Visit Charar-e-Sharief in the afternoon to view the ancient Sufi shrine.
Evening: Spend a peaceful sunset at Nigeen Lake, a less famous but equally lovely lake in Srinagar.
- Day 7: Departure from Srinagar
Morning: Before leaving, stop by the Shankaracharya Temple for amazing views of Srinagar city.
Afternoon: Begin your return journey, marking the end of a memorable road trip to Kashmir.
Suggested Read: Kashmir Travel Guide
Must-visit places on a Kashmir road trip
A Kashmir road trip is an unforgettable experience filled with scenic landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and valleys. Here are the must-visit places on a Kashmir road trip that you should include in your itinerary.
1. Srinagar: Srinagar has become popular because of Dal Lake since tourists can sail on shikaras and enjoy houseboat stays. You will discover magic at Mughal Gardens, followed by shopping excursions while exploring the vantage points from Shankaracharya Temple. You must visit the Hazratbal Shrine since it remains a sacred location by Dal Lake.
2. Gulmarg: Gulmarg has it all that can be expected in a scenic area for adventure buffs and nature enthusiasts. Enjoy unparalleled vistas from the world's highest cable car run called the Gulmarg Gondola. Watching the icy Alpather Lake should definitely be on your itinerary. Add skiing and boarding with walking within Strawberry Valley, and this region becomes a necessary place to amble around come rain or sunshine.
3. Pahalgam: The area of Pahalgam attains fame due to its colored river valleys and green open grazing grounds. The Betaab Valley was named due to the Indian film "Betaab" since it possesses heavenly landscapes. Pretty Aru Valley makes a visitor enjoy sprawling landscapes via trekking trails, while Lidder River makes the white water surface suitable for rafting. Baisaran Valley earns the label of being the "Mini Switzerland" due to its beautiful sightseeing vista.
4. Sonmarg: Sonmarg hill station surrounds itself with mountains and valleys that turn white with snow and offer amazing views. The Thajiwas Glacier is a favorite spot that allows visitors to experience pony rides as well as snow sports. Adventure-seekers can discover the Zojila Pass at the link path between Ladakh and Kashmir. The Amarnath Yatra takes Baltal Valley as its base headquarters while tourists have stunning views of mountain altitudes from here.
5. Yusmarg: The tourist spot of Yusmarg is still less known despite offering great natural beauty. The water of the Doodh Ganga River is found to be milky white. Tourists can trek to Nilnag Lake which lies among pine forests. Tourists can have peaceful picnics in the vast green meadows here since it receives fewer tourist groups.
6. Doodhpathri: Doodhpathri is an uncrowded haven as it has rolling green grass hills as well as the Shaliganga River flowing within it. People can experience ultimate peace in these natural landscapes which attract nature lovers. Travelers will experience a peaceful resting place perfectly ideal for Kashmir road trip halts in this valley.
A Kashmir road trip is incomplete without visiting these breathtaking locations. Explore the beauty of Kashmir and create unforgettable memories!
Suggested Read: Backpacking Trip to Kashmir
Things to do during Kashmir road trip
A Kashmir road trip is not just about beautiful roads and mountains. There are many fun and exciting things to do along the way. From boat rides to adventure sports, here are the best things to do during Kashmir road trip to make your journey special.
1. Ride a Shikara on Dal Lake: You can peacefully cruise Dal Lake by taking a ride on a Shikara boat from Srinagar. Possibly you can see floating markets as well as houseboats along with the Zabarwan Mountains. Dal Lake is the ideal place to relax due to its serene water in conjunction with refreshing breezes. Visit Char Chinar Island to take some amazing pictures.
2. Stay in a Houseboat: Guests can stay in houseboats that moor both at Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake. The boats have elegant rooms with lake-view balconies made of wood. A moment that will remain etched in your memory for eternity is the one when you wake up to find the solar disc rising out of the water. An experience in Kashmir is among the leading options to see its beautiful scenery.
3. Ride the Gulmarg Gondola: Enjoy the world-class Gulmarg Gondola via one-of-a-kind cable car transportation systems. The mountain ride takes passengers to a height where they can see frozen mountain tops. The region offers great green scenery between the summer seasons. The attraction transforms into a top destination for winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding during winter.
4. Walk Through the Mughal Gardens: Mughal Gardens in Srinagar have three major sites viz. Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. The gardens have green grass areas and fountains accompanied by multicolored flower displays. These gardens still exist as Mughal monarchs built them during their dynasty and have good walking grounds for individuals who desire peace.
5. Try White Water Rafting in Pahalgam: The Lidder River in Pahalgam offers a chance for white water rafting, which offers an adventure to all the individuals who love this sport. The river water flows quickly because it gives an exciting rafting experience. Individuals who travel to Kashmir have the chance to see its natural beauty by carrying out rafting activities in Kashmir, which is surrounded by mountains and trees.
6. Visit the Amarnath Cave: The Amarnath Cave is reverently worshiped by Hindu worshipers as the site contains a natural ice idol of the Hindu god Shiva named Shivling. The Shivling made from natural ice serves as a significant point of tourism at this place of worship. The route of accessing the cave goes to long and challenging lengths while providing gorgeous sights of mountains. Thousands of devout pilgrims pay yearly pilgrimages to seek blessings.
7. Taste Delicious Kashmiri Food: Kashmir is famous for offering great food that excels with delectable tastes. Enjoy succulent dishes by trying spicy Rogan Josh of lamb and Dum Aloo potatoes. Kahwa is a Kashmiri tea that uses saffron along with almonds due to its distinctive taste. Visit local restaurants and savor traditional Kashmiri cuisine.
8. Trek to Thajiwas Glacier in Sonamarg: While touring Sonamarg you should surely experience the mind-blowing Thajiwas Glacier trek. You have the choice to travel to this destination either by trekking or riding a pony. In the summertime, snow blankets the glacier. Guests should experience this place because of its stunning views and cool surroundings.
9. Enjoy Snow Activities in Gulmarg: Snow sports enthusiasts should aim for their holiday in Gulmarg since it offers the best snow experience. In the winter season, Gulmarg has three primary snow sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. The snow-drenched scenery in these mountains attracts many world travelers every year. Being in snow landscapes is entertaining irrespective of your skiing skills since walking in snow is always fun.
10. Shop for Kashmiri Handicrafts: The local market features an extensive variety of Kashmiri Handicrafts which are famous globally for their artistry. The market offers a perfect chance to buy Pashmina shawls along with woolen carpets and paper-mâché ornaments as well as wood carvings. The shopping malls of Kashmir’s Lal Chowk and Polo View Market of Srinagar offer great opportunities to buy gifts and holiday souvenirs.
A Kashmir road trip is full of adventure, nature, and culture. Whether you love peace, excitement, or food, these things to do during Kashmir road trip will make your journey amazing!
Affordable places to stay during Kashmir road trip
While a Kashmir road trip offers amazing views and exciting adventures, finding affordable places to stay during Kashmir road trip ensures you can enjoy the journey without overspending. Here are the top 5 budget-friendly stays to consider:
1. Houseboats on Dal Lake: One of the most iconic stays in Kashmir is a houseboat. These floating accommodations offer a unique experience and are surprisingly affordable. You can enjoy stunning views of Dal Lake and even explore the floating markets and houseboats. Staying on a houseboat in Kashmir provides a special touch to your Kashmir trip by road, and it’s a memorable experience that fits well within a budget.
2. Guesthouses in Srinagar: Srinagar has several guesthouses that offer affordable yet comfortable stays. These places often provide cozy rooms with scenic views of Dal Lake or the surrounding mountains. You can enjoy a local, home-like experience at a lower cost than luxury hotels. The guesthouses also provide home-cooked meals, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
3. Budget Hotels in Pahalgam: Pahalgam is a popular stop on a Kashmir road trip, and there are many budget hotels to choose from. These hotels in Kashmir offer basic amenities such as clean rooms, hot water, and Wi-Fi, and are much cheaper than the high-end resorts. With its scenic beauty, including the Lidder River and Betaab Valley, Pahalgam is a great destination for affordable stays.
4. Cottages in Gulmarg: Cottages in Gulmarg are a great budget option for travelers seeking a more private and peaceful stay. These charming cottages offer beautiful views of the snow-capped mountains and are typically cheaper than luxury resorts. Whether in summer or winter, staying in a cottage in Gulmarg offers an affordable way to experience this popular tourist destination.
5. Homestays in Yusmarg: For a truly local experience, homestays in Yusmarg are an affordable and authentic option. Staying in a local family’s home lets you enjoy Kashmiri hospitality while paying much less than in hotels. You’ll also have the chance to savor home-cooked meals. Yusmarg’s scenic meadows and peaceful surroundings make it a perfect place for a budget-friendly stay during your Kashmir road trip.
These affordable places to stay during Kashmir road trip ensure you can enjoy all that Kashmir has to offer without breaking the bank. Whether you choose a houseboat, guesthouse, hotel, cottage, or homestay, there’s something for every budget in this beautiful region.
Road Conditions in Kashmir
The Road Conditions in Kashmir vary depending on what region and season it is. Here damages take place due to snowfall and heavy rain along with landslides during winter months though these main routes are largely in good condition.
Tourists going to Sonamarg or Gulmarg have to be careful because of the rough and untarred roads at high altitudes. Road improvement through ongoing construction is done currently. Before initiating your Kashmir road trip verify the most up-to-date information regarding road conditions to reduce possible travel interruptions.
In summer seasons, the Road Conditions in Kashmir become better, which improves travel, and routes remain problematic in monsoon months. Your car needs to be checked for functional fitness because you will require it to tackle bad roads while driving Kashmir.
Travel Tips for Kashmir Road Trip
1. Check about the climatic conditions before going ahead of time as Kashmir witnesses swift climatic shifts. Kashmir weather has the propensity to change promptly in winter or monsoon seasons.
2. There are a few points of interest where special permits are demanded so it's nice to have vehicle records with driver's license and identification ready.
3. Kashmir generally preserves the coldness through the entire duration of the summers, especially at spots with high altitudes.
4. Vehicle Check: Give top priority to checking your vehicle to ensure it is ready for use. Tire checks should be done regularly along with fuel and brake checks since mountain roads tend to be challenging.
5. Remote locations would appreciate your stored water and snacks since they do not have enough food stops.
6. You must respect the locals' customs whenever you go there. Dress conservatively and be courteous.
7. Verify road conditions since weather conditions along with landslides may cause delays.
8. Visiting underdeveloped areas demands that visitors carry necessary emergency supplies and first aid kits along.
By following these tips, your Kashmir road trip will be smooth and enjoyable.
A Kashmir road trip is a journey of a lifetime. With beautiful drives and adventures, tasty cuisine, and warm hosts, each second in this paradise is memorable. Plan carefully, travel safely, and experience the beauty of Kashmir like never before!
