Ultimate Kashmir (India) Travel Guide

Last Updated on July 26, 2022 by Roslin Dwivedi

Add Kashmir to your bucket list:

Kashmir is a stunning state in India. I know you must have been to the beautiful places in Europe. But Kashmir is India’s Switzerland in the context of its snowy mountains and mindblowing weather. Come to Kashmir to get acquainted with the Kashmiri people, their lifestyle and the incredible culture. 

You will love the scenic drives on the winding roads, infinite nature landscape, and photography opportunities. And various excursions that define Kashmir differently every time you do it.

To help you plan your trip, I am putting together the complete guide to Kashmir, including all you need to know before finding out.

Where to stay and where not to. How to get around, what to do in Kashmir, When is the best time to visit, What to wear, what to eat etc.

You will fall in love with this small state before you know it. 

Where is Kashmir in India?

Kashmir is a small part of a state called Jammu and Kashmir. It is in the northern part of India. Lies on the higher grounds, where sports like hiking or camping are likeable. It is a 1-hour flight from Delhi, the capital of India.

How To Reach To Kashmir 

Fly from your; country or state to Delhi, the capital of India. Or, in case you are from India or in India, you can hire a car-bike or bus to Kashmir’s Srinagar.

Srinagar is the capital of Kashmir. Thus, reaching Srinagar to start your journey in Kashmir would be best. Within India, you can reach Srinagar via car, bus, or bike if coming from Leh- Ladakh or Manali.

Best time to visit Kashmir

You can enjoy Kashmir year-round. Still, keep in mind that the temperature in Kashmir is usually a few degrees cooler than in the rest of India’s states. 

March to June are the so-called hot months. The temperature is mainly 25 – 30 degrees Celcius from March to June. According to locals, Kashmir gets many visitors during these months as it is the most popular time for tourists to visit. Since the season is not very cold, it makes it easy for tourists to explore Kashmir. But still, before making your bookings check for the weather forecast as we lost one full day to the rain. If you like to see snow in Kashmir, plan your visit from December to February. It is the coldest during these months. 

Also, from October to December, you will get freezing weather. But most gardens like Tulip, Kesar, Apple or Lavender etc., would be open for visitors. One more benefit during this time is the prices of hotels would be lower.

Also, summers would be the best time to go hiking or camping in Kashmir. 

How to get around

Kashmir has a few adorable villages. To visit these places, you may hire a Taxi and then explore these places on foot. However, Kashmir’s capital Srinagar is a place that has some of the most attractions, which can be seen via hiring a day taxi or bike. I do not suggest public transport over here as we never took one during our two visits.

Plus, locals also prefer to use their vehicles.

If you come from nearby states, you save a lot on hiring a car. But let’s hope you have a good sense of driving on the mountain’s zig-zag roads.

A day trip car can cost – 2500 TO 3000 RS FOR A DAY depends on the car you are hiring.

Taxi to go to point A to B – UPTO 500

Best and cheap way to explore Kashmir –

Staying close to most attractions or at least 2-3 attractions close by so you can walk and cover these areas.

TAXI – Brochure available at the hotel or the stand

How long you should vacation in Kashmir –

Most people visit Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar (The capital city). To cover attractions in these four places, you minimum need 2 days stay per city/ village. So, you require 7 or 10 days depending on the places you desire for a holiday. All these prominent places are a few km away from each other. Like that you get a good overview of the most important attractions if you visit for a week or 5 days. 

Moreover, your number of the day varies on the type of holiday you are on. Hiking or camping are some holiday types where you need to stay in different places on the go. 

Where you should or should not stay –

Choose from big or known resorts or hotels to make this topic simple and precise. Most of the hotels put excellent pictures online. But those places are not even close to what you saw in the photos. Specially Airbnb and small hotels. So be careful what you book online—especially when booking last-minute. 

Hotels lined on the Pahalgam market road and hotels lined opposite Dal Lake in Srinagar can be a scam. They are expensive, but their room maintenance, service and convenience are not up to the mark.

Solution: 

1. First and foremost, book in advance as Kashmir gets sold out pretty quickly in the peak season.
2. Book from a trusted site. Like Airbnb.com, Booking.com or Tripadvisor after checking the reviews.
3. Ask for more photos from the owner if booking Airbnb. 
4. Check whether the hotel or Airbnb provides room service and bathroom amenities.
5. If staying on the Houseboat, please check with the crew if you get hot water all day, food and a bed warmer. 

What to do and see in Kashmir, India –

Srinagar – Stay in Dal lake on a Houseboat

                 Shikara ride on Dal lake

                 Nigeen Lake

                 Mughal Gardens like Nishat bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Tulip Garden, and Chasham shahi garden.

                 Hari Parbat Fort

                 Lal Chowk

              Souvenir shopping on Boulevard road Srinagar

Pahalgam – River rafting

                    Aru Valley

                    Betab Valley

                    Chandanwadi

                    Parks in Pahalgam all are close to each other, within walking distance.

                   Zoo in Pahalgam

Gulmarg – Gulmarg city tour

                  Gondola Ride (Phase 1 and Phase 2)

                  Skiing school

                  Ski adventure 

Sonamarg – Thajiwas Park

                     Market of Sonamarg

                     Nature and landscape views of Sonamarg

More trips from Kashmir –

You may extend your trip from Kashmir and go on some more incredible views by travelling to a few more beautiful places close to Kashmir. 

• Leh-Ladakh 
• Manali
• Dharamshala 

Food to try in Kashmir –

Kashmiri Wazwan: It is a kind of Kashmiri culture where you are served on high mattresses with a few bolsters around all types of lamb food.

Sheermal – A huge round naan found in the Dhabas on the way to Pahalgam.

Rogan Josh

Kahwa 

Kashmiri Biryani

Kashmiri Pulao

What to wear in Kashmir –

Located in northern India, Kashmir becomes pretty cold in all seasons. It is wise to keep the below: 

1. Jackets and sweaters one of each if travelling in Summer.
2. More numbers of jackets and sweaters when travelling in Winter.
3. Without fail, keep gloves for everyone in the family and masks or mufflers to cover your nose. That will keep you from breathing a cold breeze, catching a cold and fever.
4. Keep a good pair of thick pants.
5. Keep a pair of sports or closed leather casual shoes\boots. You may find rain during your vacation in spring or summer.
6. If staying on the Houseboat, please, please keep more jackets. During winter or from October to December, staying at Dal Lake is very chilling.

How much does a trip to Kashmir cost –

1. A mid-range hotel room may cost you on average 3000 rs per night.
2. Per meal for one may cost you 300-500 rs keeping an average not-so-fancy restaurant in mind.
3. For example, from Srinagar to Pahalgam, a taxi for one way may cost you 3000rs depending on the car and the number of people you are.