How to Plan Kashmir Trip: A Traveler’s Dream

How to Plan Kashmir Trip? There are many factors to consider when planning a trip to Kashmir, such as how to get there, where to stay, and what to do. You will also need to think about how much it will cost, what you should pack, and how to plan your itinerary. If you want a detailed answer, it is impossible to cover all of these topics in one post.

I’ve been to Kashmir several times and written some detailed articles that can help anyone planning a visit. The information is spread across several posts, so it can take some time to find the specifics you are looking for.

The Best Time to Visit Kashmir

What is the best season to visit Kashmir? This question is not easy to answer because the answer will vary depending on your expectations.

If you’re looking for snow, then January and February will be the best times. September is the best month to enjoy lush greenery. April and September are the best months to go on a honeymoon.

You should visit the Tulip Garden in April if you are interested in flowers. You can visit apple orchards in August and September.

A trip after the monsoon will be ideal for photography. Budget travelers will find that August and November are the best times to travel.

Kashmir Trip Price

Kashmir is a good place to go on a budget. It was about five or six years ago, but no longer. The cost of a trip to Kashmir is the same as any other destination within the country.

It will cost you in some cases more. This is not to discourage you, but rather to set a general expectation.

Accommodation, food, travel costs, and personal expenditures can all be divided into four main categories. Here’s how I also break down the estimates that I provide:

Accommodation in Kashmir ( How to Plan Kashmir Trip )

• Srinagar

Srinagar offers the largest selection of hotels in Kashmir. You can also find budget accommodations in the valley. This is the place to stay if you have a limited budget.

You can get a hotel room in the off-season for as little as Rs. 800 to Rs. 1500. Your minimum daily cost during the high tourist season in January, February, and the months of April, May, and June will be between Rs. During the peak tourist season, in January, February, and April/May/June, your minimum daily cost will range between Rs. 2000 and Rs. 2500.

• Gulmarg

Gulmarg may be the most expensive place in Kashmir. Do not be surprised to find out that you will have to pay up to Rs. For very average hotels, expect to pay between Rs. 10000 and Rs. 15000. At a minimum, you will be asked to pay Rs. 5000.

The average rent for a room in Gulmarg during the rest of the calendar year is between Rs. The average room rent in Gulmarg ranges between Rs. 2500 and Rs. 4500. It could be lower in July, August, and November.

• Sonamarg

Sonamarg is closed for the winter. It is possible to reach Sonamarg by car, but finding accommodation will be difficult. After heavy snowfalls in December, most hotels will close for the winter.

During the rest of the year, you will be paying between Rs. 2000 and Rs. 3000 for an average hotel. If you’re on a budget, the main Sonamarg Market area is a good place to start. Rooms are available for as little as Rs. 800 to Rs. 1200.

• Pahalgam

Pahalgam is no different from Gulmarg in that hotels tend to charge more during the winter. The average room rate can reach Rs. 7500 in December, January, early March, and February. Rents range from Rs. 7500 to Rs. 15000.

The average cost of accommodation in Pahalgam is between Rs. The average accommodation cost in Pahalgam will range from Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2500. Luxury hotels will charge more.

• Gurez Valley

Accommodation costs in Gurez Valley range from the average accommodation cost of Rs. 2500 to Rs. 4000. This cost applies to the entire year, from April through November.

JKTDC cottages are available at other tourist destinations like Aharbal Waterfall, Doodhpathri, and Yusmarg. They charge approximately Rs. 2000 per day.

Hotels are available near Drung Waterfall. It will cost Rs. 2000 on average.

Read This Also: Bike Rent in Kashmir

Travel Costs in Kashmir

I will not be discussing the cost of fuel or airline tickets. You can easily calculate it yourself based on the price of the ticket or the cost of Petrol or Diesel during your trip. Fuel costs will also be affected by the mileage of your car.

Let me tell you how much it will cost you to rent a motorcycle or a taxi to explore Kashmir Valley.

Renting A Bike

You can rent a motorbike in Srinagar if a taxi is not an option for you or if you want to make your trip a biking adventure. The bike you choose will determine the price you pay. Below are the latest rates to help you make a decision.

• Royal Enfield Himalayan
  Engine Size: 411CC
  Rental: Rs. 2,000 per day
• Royal Enfield
  Engine Size: 500CC
  Rental: Rs. 1,800 per day
• Royal Enfield
  Engine Size: 350CC
  Rental: Rs. 1,500 per day
• Bajaj Avenger
  Engine Size: 220 CC
  Rental: Rs. 1,300 per day
• Automatic Bike/Scooty/Aprilia
  Rental: Rs. 800 per day
• Other Bikes/Pulsar/XPulse
  Engine Size: 150CC – 200CC
  Rental Price: Rs. 1,400 per day approx.

Public Transport

The public transport system is the most economical way to travel, not only in Kashmir but everywhere. You can save money by using public transport, even if it is a bit of a hassle.

First, you need to know that the public transport system in Kashmir isn’t very organized or regular. You will find it difficult to locate a JKSRTC bus and will need to rely on local mini-buses.

If you cannot find a bus, then the other option is to use shared taxis. Shared cabs are more frequent than buses, but you may have trouble finding a taxi that will take you to your final destination.

The cost of your daily commute by bus and shared taxi will be less than Rs. 300 per person. It will depend on your destination, but this is what you’ll pay, regardless of whether you go to Gulmarg or Pahalgam.

Read This Also: Kashmir Travel Guide

Places To Visit In Kashmir

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular tourist attractions in Kashmir. These are places you simply cannot miss. These destinations will be the highlight of your trip.

1. Srinagar

Srinagar is the first place I would recommend you visit. Srinagar is your base for exploring the beautiful valleys in Kashmir.

Is it just that? No. This is not just an ideal base for exploring Kashmir, but a place worth exploring. It has both natural and artificial beauty.

Shah Jahan called Kashmir the paradise on Earth many years ago. Srinagar was the center of this paradise. It is a picturesque town with its tranquil blue lakes, magnificent gardens, and an arc of majestic Himalayas surrounding it.

2. Gulmarg

Gulmarg is my favorite tourist destination in Kashmir. It is known as the Meadow of Flowers and offers a variety of adventure activities.

This tiny village is so beautiful that people come from all over to visit it. This is one of those places where the tourist season doesn’t end.

Gulmarg is a great destination for families and adventure seekers. Gulmarg is not only a popular weekend getaway for local Kashmiris, but it also attracts tourists from all over the country.

Here is a list that I’ve written about Gulmarg. It is worth reading these articles before you visit this lovely little town.

3. Pahalgam

Pahalgam is a name that needs no introduction. Pahalgam is a popular tourist destination in Kashmir that attracts visitors all year round. Pahalgam must be included in any trip to Kashmir.

Pahalgam, located about 100 km from Srinagar is known for its breathtaking vistas, lush meadows, and dense forests. It also has pristine waters. Pahalgam is known for its annual pilgrimage that begins here in July or August to the shrine of the Amarnath Yatra.

In the articles that follow, I will discuss how to plan a trip, what you should see, where to stay, public transportation, and other helpful tips.

I think that the best time to visit Pahalgam would be in the winter. The natural beauty of Pahalgam is at its peak in the winter. You can see what I mean by watching the video below.

4. Drung Waterfall

Source: thekashmirimages.com

Drung Waterfall is also known as Drang Waterfall and Durung Waterfall. It’s a destination you must include in your itinerary when planning a trip to Kashmir during the winter. The waterfall may not be very large, but its beauty in winter is breathtaking.

The water in this waterfall begins to freeze as the temperature drops. In early January, the entire mountain face from which it descends is covered in a thick layer of ice. Water continues to flow, but it is surrounded by icicles.

The waterfall is about 16 kilometers away from Gulmarg and 42 kilometers away from Srinagar. The waterfall is easily accessible throughout the year and can be included as part of your Gulmarg trip. Drung can be visited at any time, but the best time to see it is during the winter months.

5. Gurez Valley

Gurez Valley, one of Kashmir’s least explored regions, is a destination that deserves to be considered offbeat. This is a place with high scenic beauty, but it does not get the attention it deserves. You will not find the same vistas or natural beauty in other places.

When you think of Kashmir, four places usually come to mind: Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. Srinagar is a good base from which to explore the three other places.

But Kashmir is much more. You will be mesmerized by the other places in Kashmir. Gurez is a destination I would highly recommend you include in your travel plans.

6. Yusmarg

Yusmarg lies in the Badgam District of Kashmir, about 50 km from Srinagar. It is a valley at an altitude of 2,396 meters (7.861 feet) surrounded by mountains with snow and meadows.

Yousmarg is a place that deserves to be admired for its beauty, but it does not receive the attention it deserves. Yousmarg, however, is the perfect place for those who want to be away from crowds and go somewhere offbeat.

7. Doodhpathri

Doodhpathri is a small mountain station in Kashmir. It is located in an alpine bowl valley, surrounded by mountains covered with snow and meadows of pine trees and deodar. The valley is located at 2,730 meters (8,957 feet) above sea level and has heavy snowfall during the winter.

In the peak months of winter, getting to this region can be difficult. Doodhpathri is accessible throughout the year and can be reached in under a half-day.

It isn’t a hill station yet, as the area is still largely undeveloped. Nature in its most raw form is what you will see. You will only see a few shepherds’ houses and no other signs of civilization.

This area is not well-known and has very little tourism. Authorities are making efforts to promote it as a tourism destination. JKTDC also built a resort for tourists to stay overnight.

8. Mughal Road

Few people are aware of the Mughal Road. Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (also known as NH44) is often regarded as the only road that connects the cities of Jammu and Srinagar.

There is no doubt that this is a more convenient, better maintained, wider, and more traveled route between these two locations, but it’s not the only option.

There is indeed another route, which has been around for much longer and offers a more scenic experience. This route also takes you to some parts of Kashmir’s interior. It’s the historic Mughal Road.

This is the alternative route to travel between Jammu & Srinagar and to reach certain internal areas in Kashmir, such as the town of Rajouri. This is a scenic route and one that deserves to be explored.

9. Sinthan top

Source: www.tourmyindia.com

Sinthan Top is also known as Sinthan Pass. It is located in Kashmir’s Breng valley, on the road between Anantnag, in Kashmir, and Kishtwar, in Jammu. The top of the pass, which is located at an altitude of 12,500 feet, is also called the 360-degree view because it provides a panoramic view of surrounding peaks and valleys.

This beautiful mountain pass should be on the itinerary of every tourist heading towards Pahalgam. Sinthan Top is easily accessible from Pahalgam, thanks to its proximity. It is a scenic drive through the Daksum Valley from Srinagar, which also allows you to see other places like Achabal Gardens and Kokernag.

10. Chatpal valley

Source: sandeepachetan.com

Chatpal is also known as Chattabal. It’s not a name many tourists are familiar with. Chatpal is a small valley near Pahalgam, but whereas Pahalgam attracts thousands of tourists each year, few people go in that direction. This is one of the places in Kashmir that are yet to be explored and find their place on a tourist map.

Most of the people you’ll see in Chatpal are locals, either from Anantnag or nearby villages. They may be out for a picnic with their families or just a day trip. They visit Chattabal on Sundays, usually at the weekend. You will not see many people there during the rest of the week.

Read This Also: Famous Tourist Places in Kashmir

Try these Foods in Kashmir

First, I’ll give you a list of the best foods to eat in Kashmir. Then, I’ll tell you where to go eat. This will be very easy and simple to do.

You will find many articles about local Kashmiri cuisine on travel portals. These articles are mostly written by people who have never been to Kashmir.

Even items that are difficult to pronounce will be listed. Even if you ask the locals for this food in Kashmir, they will look at you with surprise because even they would not know.

My idea is to simplify things and provide a list of food items you can easily find in Kashmir.

Kashmiri Non-Vegetarian Dishes

We will start by looking at the best non-vegetarian foods that you can try. You will be in for a real treat if you’re a non-vegetarian while in Kashmir.

• Wazwan

Wazwan, the Kashmiri term for a Thali (or platter), is used in Kashmiri. When you order Wazwan you are ordering a Thali, which is a collection of food. The only difference is that Kashmiri Thali can be a bit too much food for one person.

Each copper plate can accommodate up to four people. Every Wazwan is different but in general, a Thali includes Tabaqmaaz (rice), Rista, Gushtaba (ghee), Roghan Josh, and Rice, followed by a dessert.

• Goshtaba / Gushtaba

Goshtaba, a traditional Kashmiri delicacy, is minced mutton in a flavorful yogurt sauce with spices. This dish is a delicious and royal meal that will make you want to eat more. This dish is a favorite of the aristocracy.

• Rista

Rista is a famous and mouth-watering dish from Kashmiri Wazwan. It’s similar to Gushtaba. Rista is also meatballs, but prepared with red curry in a special way using red chili powder. This is a culinary delight that comes with a generous amount of gravy.

• Roghan Joshua

Rogan Josh, a lamb curry that is served with rice or naan. The soft, succulent meat of the lamb is marinated first in yogurt. It is then cooked with spices and browned onions, with Kashmiri red chilies adding a dramatic finish.

Rogan Josh’s fiery red color is due to the liberal use of local chilies. Rogan Josh, contrary to popular belief, is low-fat and easy to digest. The base of this dish is yogurt, which balances out the heat from the spices.

• Tabak Maaz

Tabak Mazz consists of lamb ribs deep-fried with Desi Ghee, chilies, spices, and salt. It is not something I like at all. It’s almost disgusting. It is very popular among locals, and my friends also love it.

• Yakhni

Kashmir’s comfort food is unmatched. The lamb is cooked in a gravy of onion and yogurt and seasoned with dry mint and aromatic fennel.

Mawal flowers are the star ingredient, as they impart a distinct taste. You’ll never forget the combination of Yakhni and fragrant Kashmiri rice!

• Kashmiri Pulao

The classic Chicken Pulao is available in every region of India, but the Kashmiri version is unique. The fragrant rice is infused with rich spices, and the chicken chunks are seasoned with Kashmir chilies and ghee for a perfect balance.

It is called Kashmiri Pulao in the local dialect. The three different versions of this dish I’ve tried were all delicious.

The first was the non-vegetarian Chicken pulao. The second was the vegetarian version. The third was a sweet version with lots of dried fruits.

• Aab Gosht

Mutton is a staple in most Kashmiri kitchens. Some of the best Kashmiri dishes are based on mutton. Aab Gosht is one of them.

Despite its Persian origins, there are nearly 30 different local variations. Kashmiri lamb is cooked with milk, spices, and black pepper, and finished off with cardamom and black pepper.

• Harisa

This is minced beef cooked overnight and served as breakfast. This is similar to the Haleem that is served in other parts of our country, but it is a Kashmiri variation.

Harisa can only be found in the winter. It is only available in the winter season, as it is a dish that is served for breakfast.

• Barbeque

When I refer to barbecue, I mean two dishes: Kabab and Tikka. You can find this food all over Srinagar.

Vegetarian food to eat in Kashmir

Let me give you some information about vegetarian Kashmiri food.

• Dum Aloo

Do you think that Kashmiri dishes are only about meat? You’re wrong! Dum Aloo is one of Kashmir’s best-known food exports.

Simple yet satisfying. Fried potatoes are cooked in yogurt after they have been fried. To make a spicy curry, fennel, ginger, and Kashmiri chilies are added. This curry is served with rice, roti, or naan.

• Malai kofta

Malai Kofta is a dish that we are all familiar with. It’s one of the most popular vegetarian dishes in northern India, but did you also know that this dish is Kashmiri?

The Malai Kofta you find in other parts of our country will be slightly different from the Kashmiri version. You will fall in love with the original Kashmiri version and the Kashmiri you taste.

• Kashmiri Saag

It’s a popular Kashmiri vegetarian dish that’s easy to make. In the valley, this dish is a staple of winter food. It’s made with mustard oil and red chilies.

• Paneer

Paneer may not be native to Kashmir, but there are some Kashmiri versions. One version is made by cooking it in milk and then adding spices until it becomes light brown.

Tomato Paneer is another version that is made with tomatoes and Kashmiri spices.

• Vegetarian Kashmiri Pulao

In Kashmir, there are two versions of vegetarian pulao. The first version is rice with lots of vegetables. The second is rice that has been cooked with dry fruits and is sweet.

The sweet version of pulao may be called Modhur Pulao or Meetha Pulao.

• Nadroo Yakhni

The main ingredient in this dish is crunchy, fresh lotus leaves. The lotus stems are cooked in yogurt with bay leaves, ginger, and cardamom. The dish is mild but has a tangy undertone.

• Kashmiri cake

This is available in every teashop and restaurant in Kashmir. It’s a fruitcake, but it is baked in Kashmiri style. It tastes delicious and different.

Kashmiris enjoy this cake as much as you do with your tea. It was so good that I always ordered a few slices with my tea.

• Kashmiri Roti

The Kashmiris don’t eat a lot of roti. They prefer rice. You’ll be surprised to learn that they have roti and tea.

The Rumali Roti, which is eaten by the northern Indians, looks similar to Kashmiri Roti. In Kashmir, however, the main dish is served with tea. You can order it for lunch or dinner.

• Chutney

Kashmiris are very fond of chutneys, as you can see from the photo above. They have many different varieties. These chutneys are usually served with barbecue items such as Kababs and Tikkas.

• Kashmiri Chai

First, let me say that this tea isn’t for everyone. The Kashmiri tea is salted. There is no sugar at all. The tea is made from some local herbs with a pinch of salt.

It was not for me. It was a total flop with my friends. You may want to try a small amount first to see if it is something you enjoy.

• Kahwah

This green tea, also known as “Kahwah” in towns and “Mughal Chai” in villages, is made with saffron, saffron powder, nuts, spices, and almonds.

Kahwah is served at religious and secular events, festivals, and occasions. There are more than 20 ways to make Kahwah, which means that each cup will be unique!

Mobile Networks and Data Connectivity

Airtel has better network quality than BSNL in Kashmir. Jio is a decent service, but Vodafone and Idea’s services aren’t that good.

You should be aware that only postpaid services work in the valley. If you have a prepaid phone, it will stop working as soon as you enter Kashmir.

If you have a postpaid mobile, then there will be good data connectivity and reception in tourist destinations such as Srinagar and Sonamarg. If you go a bit off-beat, it may or may not be possible to use your phone depending on the provider.

Conclusion

When we finish our guide on How to Plan a Kashmir Trip, remember that it is not only about planning things but also about creating wonderful memories in this incredible place. Consider ‘How to Plan a Kashmir Trip,’ your guide to creating moments that will stay with you – as if they were snapshots in your memory.

Choose whether you want to travel alone or with a group of friends, and then match your preferences with the options available in Kashmir. Each season in Kashmir has its charm, whether you visit during the winter or spring. Try the local cuisine, visit the popular spots, and add each experience to your story about Kashmir.

As you prepare for your Kashmir trip, remember that it’s not only about the destination but also about the memories, smiles, and stories you will bring back. Enjoy your trip and let’s create our own Kashmir experience one moment at a time.