Photo: Naweedey / UnsplashKashmir
Jammu and Kashmir, India
Houseboats on Dal Lake, Mughal gardens, and alpine meadows under snow peaks. Srinagar is the base for some of India's most beautiful valleys.
- Backpacker / day
- ₹2,000–3,500
- Mid-range / day
- ₹8,500–15,600
- Best time
- April to June and September to October; December to February for snow
- Ideal length
- 5–7 days
Day by day
6-day itinerary
₹12,000–21,000per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
- 1
Day 1: Srinagar and Dal Lake
Check into a houseboat and take an evening shikara ride on Dal Lake.
- 2
Day 2: Mughal gardens and the old city
Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi, then the old city's Jamia Masjid and Khanqah of Shah-e-Hamadan.
- 3
Day 3: Gulmarg
Day trip to Gulmarg for the gondola, the meadows in summer, or snow in winter.
- 4
Day 4: Pahalgam
Drive to Pahalgam along the Lidder river and stay overnight.
- 5
Day 5: Pahalgam valleys
Aru and Betaab valleys by local taxi or pony, then back to Srinagar.
- 6
Day 6: Sonamarg and fly out
Morning trip to Sonamarg and the Thajiwas glacier if time allows, or a slow last morning on the lake.
When to go
- JanGood
- FebGood
- Mar—
- Apr★ Best
- May★ Best
- Jun★ Best
- Jul—
- Aug—
- Sep★ Best
- Oct★ Best
- Nov—
- DecGood
April to June and September to October; December to February for snow.
Money notes
The Gulmarg gondola is the biggest single activity cost, especially the second phase to Apharwat; book tickets online in peak season. Agree shikara and pony prices before you set off.