Srinagar Travel Guide 2026: Must-Visit Places, Food, Safety Tips & Practical Info
Shrinagar Travel Guide: Complete Kashmir Trip Planning for First-Time Visitors
If you want to see heaven on earth, then this article is for you. In this complete shrinagar travel guide, we share everything you need to know about planning a trip to Kashmir. From the best time to visit, how to reach Kashmir, travel expenses, hotels, and food costs—this article works as a practical guide whenever you plan your Kashmir journey. So make sure you read it till the end.
Kashmir is often called Paradise on Earth because of its unmatched natural beauty. Snow-covered mountains, lush valleys, and sparkling lakes make this place truly magical. The charm of Kashmir is something you experience not just with your eyes, but with your heart.
Why Kashmir Is Called Heaven on Earth
Kashmir is known for its breathtaking landscapes, fresh air, and peaceful environment. From white snow peaks to crystal-clear lakes, every view feels straight out of a postcard. This is why shrinagar travel is on almost every traveler’s bucket list.
How to Reach Kashmir (Shrinagar Travel Routes)
Reaching Kashmir is easy as it is well-connected by bus, train, and flight.
By Bus
If you want to travel by bus, you can start from Jammu. Buses to Srinagar are easily available at a cost of around ₹500 to ₹550. This is one of the most budget-friendly options for shrinagar travel.
By Train
You can first reach Jammu Railway Station by train. From Jammu, you can continue your journey to Srinagar by bus, shared taxi, or tempo traveler.
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Shared taxis and tempo travelers are available near B.C. Road, Jammu, close to the Indian Oil petrol pump.
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Tempo traveler fare is around ₹700, while shared taxi charges are slightly lower.
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The journey from Jammu to Srinagar takes approximately 5 to 6 hours.
For the return journey, the same shared transport options are available from T.R.C Taxi Stand, Srinagar.
If you are coming after Vaishno Devi Yatra, you will easily find shared taxis and tempo travelers outside Katra Railway Station.
Similarly, shared transport is available from Udhampur Railway Station, now officially known as Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan Railway Station.
Distance details:
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Udhampur to Srinagar: 180 km
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Jammu to Srinagar: 247 km
By Flight
For a faster and more comfortable journey, you can travel by air. Srinagar has an international airport, and regular flights operate from major Indian cities. Flying is the most convenient option for shrinagar travel, especially if you are short on time.
Best Time to Visit Kashmir
When it comes to the best time to visit, the good news is that Kashmir can be visited in every season. Each season offers a different experience—snow in winters, blooming gardens in spring, cool weather in summer, and golden landscapes in autumn.
Different Valleys, Different Colors of Kashmir
One of the best parts of shrinagar travel is that you get to see different colors in different valleys. If you want to experience snowfall, then November to April is the best time to visit Kashmir for snow. During the rest of the months, you’ll witness lush green landscapes, gardens, and valleys at their best.
Where to Stay in Srinagar (Hotels & Budget)
Once you reach Srinagar, you can easily find hotels in multiple areas such as Dal Lake, Downtown, or Rajbagh.
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Hotels near Dal Lake usually range between ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 per night
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In nearby local areas, you can find decent budget hotels between ₹1,000 to ₹1,500
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Srinagar is the capital of Jammu & Kashmir and also a large city, so accommodation options are available for every budget.
Places to Visit in Srinagar (Day 1 Plan)
Srinagar is famous for its beautiful lakes, gardens, and local markets. Some of the most popular attractions include:
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Dal Lake
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Shalimar Bagh
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Nishat Bagh
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Local markets of Srinagar
You can easily explore Srinagar on Day 1 of your Kashmir trip.
Dal Lake Experience: Shikara & Houseboat
Your Srinagar exploration should start with Dal Lake. To visit Dal Lake, you need to reach Dal Gate, which is the main starting point. From here, you can take either a Shikara or a Houseboat.
Houseboat Stay
If you want to stay in a houseboat, the cost usually ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per night, depending on comfort and season.
Houseboats can be booked both online and offline.
Shikara Ride & Sightseeing
You can also explore Dal Lake through a Shikara ride. Inside the lake, there are several sightseeing points such as:
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Lotus Garden
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Floating Garden
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Other scenic lake spots
Each sightseeing point has different charges, but overall, you can cover these attractions within ₹200 to ₹700.
Shikara Ride Options on Dal Lake
During your shrinagar travel, the Shikara ride on Dal Lake is a must-do experience. There are different ride options available based on your time and interest.
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₹200 Shikara Ride
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Covers 4 to 5 sightseeing points
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Duration is around 1 hour
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Up to 3 people can sit in one Shikara
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₹700 Shikara Ride
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Covers around 12 sightseeing points
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Duration is approximately 3 hours
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So, you can choose the Shikara ride according to your budget and interest.
Visit Shalimar Bagh (Mughal Garden)
Next, you can visit Shalimar Bagh, one of the most beautiful Mughal gardens in Srinagar. It is a large, well-maintained park and perfect for a peaceful walk.
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Timing: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
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Entry Fee: ₹10
Explore Nishat Bagh
After that, head to Nishat Bagh, where you can enjoy fountains, flowers, and lush greenery with stunning views.
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Timing: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
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Entry Fee: ₹10
Tulip Garden Visit (Seasonal Highlight)
Next on your shrinagar travel itinerary is the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden. Here, you can see different varieties of tulips that look absolutely beautiful.
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Best Time to Visit: March to May (Tulip blooming season only)
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Timing: 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM
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Entry Fee: ₹50
If you plan to visit outside this season, tulips won’t be in bloom.
Day Trip to Gulmarg (Day 2 Plan)
On the next day, you can plan a trip to Gulmarg. The distance from Srinagar to Gulmarg is around 51 km.
How to Reach Gulmarg
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By Bus:
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Take a bus from Srinagar to Tangmarg
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Bus fare is around ₹50 to ₹60
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From Tangmarg, Gulmarg is 13 km, which you can cover by taxi
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By Taxi:
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Direct taxi from Srinagar to Gulmarg costs around ₹3,000 to ₹3,500
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Stay Options in Gulmarg
You can either:
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Do a day trip to Gulmarg and return to Srinagar, or
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Stay one night in Gulmarg
Hotels in Gulmarg are slightly more expensive than Srinagar, so you can decide based on your budget and comfort.
Gulmarg Stay, Snow & Adventure Activities
During your shrinagar travel, if you plan to stay in Gulmarg, hotel prices generally range between ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per night. These rates vary by season, especially during peak winter months when snowfall attracts more tourists.
For snow lovers, Gulmarg is an excellent destination. In winter, you’ll find plenty of snow, making it one of the best snow destinations in Kashmir.
Gulmarg Ropeway (Gondola Ride Experience)
One of the biggest attractions in Gulmarg is the Gulmarg Gondola which is among the highest ropeways in Asia and offers a truly unforgettable experience.
The ropeway is divided into two phases:
Phase 1 (Gulmarg to Kongdoori):
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Fare: around ₹750
Phase 2 (Kongdoori to Top View Point):
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Fare: around ₹950
Combined Ticket (Phase 1 + Phase 2):
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Cost: around ₹1,700
The entire ropeway experience takes approximately 2 hours, and the views from the top are absolutely stunning, especially during snowfall.
Adventure Activities in Gulmarg
Apart from the ropeway ride, Gulmarg is also known for its adventure activities. You can enjoy:
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Snow scooter rides
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Skiing
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Snowboarding
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Horse riding
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Trekking at different points
You can choose these activities according to your interest and comfort level.
Sonmarg Day Trip (Next Day Plan)
On the next day of your shrinagar travel itinerary, you can visit Sonmarg. The distance from Srinagar to Sonmarg is approximately 80 km.
How to Reach Sonmarg
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Direct buses are available from Srinagar to Sonmarg
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Bus fare ranges between ₹80 to ₹100
Sonmarg is a very beautiful destination located at an altitude of around 9,000 feet. During winters, the entire area gets covered in snow, creating a magical landscape.
Places to Explore in Sonmarg
In Sonmarg, you can explore several scenic and spiritual places, including:
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Trek to Thajiwas Glacier
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Gangabal Lake
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Nichnai Pass
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Zoji La Pass
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Baltal Valley
Pahalgam Day Trip (Next Day Plan)
On the next day of your shrinagar travel itinerary, you can visit Pahalgam. The distance from Srinagar to Pahalgam is around 90 km.
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By bus, you can reach Pahalgam for ₹100 to ₹120
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Shared and private taxis are also easily available
Pahalgam is a beautifully developed hill town, where you can explore valleys, lakes, scenic mountains, and pure natural landscapes.
Places to Visit in Pahalgam
While exploring Pahalgam, you can enjoy several popular attractions such as:
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Betaab Valley
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Mamleshwar Temple
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Aru Valley
You can also enjoy trekking and camping in and around Pahalgam, depending on your interest and time.
Food Options in Kashmir
When it comes to food during your shrinagar travel, you’ll easily find both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options across Kashmir.
However, non-vegetarian food options are more common.
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Average cost of one meal: ₹200 to ₹300 per person
Local Kashmiri dishes are flavorful and filling, making food both affordable and satisfying.
Minimum Days Required for Kashmir Trip
To explore Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam comfortably, you need at least 4 days for a Kashmir trip.
Approximate Budget Breakdown (Per Person – 4 Days)
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Hotel: ₹6,000
(Assuming 2 people sharing a ₹1,500/night hotel) -
Food: ₹4,000
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Sightseeing: ₹5,000
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Transportation (Bus): ₹2,000
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Other Expenses: ₹2,000
👉 Total Estimated Cost: ₹16,000 to ₹18,000 per person
You can add travel costs from your city (train/flight) to this budget and plan your Kashmir trip accordingly.
Final Note on Shrinagar Travel
With proper planning, shrinagar travel can be both budget-friendly and unforgettable. From scenic valleys and snow destinations to peaceful temples and local food, Kashmir offers a complete travel experience in just a few days.
