Kashmir Tour Packages

In the northmost part of India there is a place of stunning landscapes, culture and history which is known as Kashmir. This place is usually called “Heaven on Earth”. Kashmir is a destination that will leave you spellbound with its snow clad mountains, valleys and lakes. Beyond its looks Kashmir has a deep cultural experience in its art, architecture and daily life. A Kashmir tour has nature, adventure and culture in equal measure making it a must visit for all kinds of travellers.

Places to Visit in Kashmir

Wherever you go in Kashmir, it is a place to visit, there are numerous breathtaking spots that attract tourists from all over the world. Below is the list of some places that will give you a feeling of paradise on earth.

Gulmarg

Gulmarg means “Meadow of Flowers” and is one of the most popular places in Kashmir. At 2,650 meters Gulmarg has world class ski resorts. In fact it’s one of the top 5 ski destinations in Asia. The Gulmarg Gondola, the highest cable car in the world takes you up to the Apharwat Peak which is at 4,200 meters.

The views from the top are stunning and give panoramic views of snow capped mountains and green valleys below. In summer Gulmarg becomes a paradise for trekkers and nature lovers. The meadows are carpeted with wild flowers and the air is filled with the scent of pine and cedar trees.

Srinagar

Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and is a city that has beauty of nature and heritage. Dal Lake is often called the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” and is one of the main attractions of Srinagar. The lake is dotted with traditional wooden houseboats and shikaras (wooden boats) where you can explore the lake.

Mughal Gardens of Srinagar like Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi are the epitome of Mughal horticulture with terraced lawns, cascading fountains and vibrant flowerbeds. Srinagar is also known for its rich cultural heritage which is visible in the old city where you can find centuries old mosques, shrines and bazaars.

Pahalgam

Pahalgam is situated at the confluence of Lidder River and Sheshnag Lake and is another must visit place in Kashmir. Known for its peaceful environment and stunning views Pahalgam is a base for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.

It’s also the starting point of the annual Amarnath Yatra a major pilgrimage for Hindus. Betaab Valley is named after the Bollywood movie “Betaab” and is a beautiful valley surrounded by snow capped mountains and dense pine forests. Aru Valley which is 12 kilometers from Pahalgam is another beautiful spot where you can trek, camp and fish.

Sonamarg

Sonamarg means “Meadow of Gold” and is a beautiful place at 2,800 meters. The region is famous for its glaciers like Thajiwas Glacier which remains snow capped throughout the year. Sonamarg is also the gateway to the famous Zojila Pass which connects Kashmir to Ladakh.

For adventure seekers Sonamarg has several trekking routes like trek to Vishansar Lake and Krishansar Lake both of which are famous for their crystal clear water and scenic surroundings. In winter the entire region is covered with snow and is a popular destination for snow sports like snowboarding and sledding.

Best Time to Visit Kashmir

The best time for visiting Kashmir depends on what type of experience you are looking for. If you are looking for a snow activities then you can go in winter time and you want to see greenery then monsoon is best.

• Summer (March to June): This is the peak season to visit Kashmir, especially for those who want to see the natural beauty of the region. The temperature during this period ranges from 15°C to 30°C, perfect for outdoor activities.

The valleys are green, gardens are in full bloom and rivers are calm. This is the best time to take a shikara ride on Dal Lake or visit the Mughal Gardens. Summer is the peak tourist season so it’s better to book your Kashmir tour packages from Delhi in advance.

• Monsoon (July to September): Kashmir doesn’t get heavy rainfall like other parts of India but the monsoon brings a change to the landscape. The valleys become greener, rivers swell with water and the air is filled with the smell of earth.

This is a good time if you want to avoid the summer crowds and have a peaceful holiday. But please check the weather forecast as landslides can occur in some areas and may affect road travel.

• Winter (October to February): Winter is the best time to visit Kashmir if you love snow because it gets converted into a white paradise. The temperature can drop to -10°C in some areas especially in Gulmarg. This is the best time to experience the famous Kashmir snow and activities like skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.

The Kashmir luxury tour packages during this time include stays in cozy houseboats or heritage hotels where you can enjoy the warmth of a traditional Kashmiri fireplace called a ‘kangri’. The snow clad landscapes, frozen lakes and quiet environment make winter in Kashmir a magical experience.

How to Reach Kashmir from Delhi

If you are travelling to Kashmir from Delhi then you get multiple options. You can choose from them depending on the time, comfort and budget

By Air

The quickest route to Kashmir is via air. With various flights flying in and out of it daily, Srinagar International Airport has been well connected with Delhi. It just takes 1.5 to 2 hours when you are coming from Delhi. After landing at the airport, there are Taxi Rental Services and public transport available so as to reach several destinations within Kashmir.

By Train

There is no direct train to Srinagar, but you can travel from Delhi to Jammu Tawi, the nearest railway station. The train journey takes around 10 to 12 hours. From Jammu, it’s a 244km journey to Srinagar which takes about 7 hours.

By Road

A road trip from Delhi to Kashmir is a beautiful option that covers a distance of 723 km. The journey takes around 15 to 16 hours via NH44, you can see mountains, rivers and valleys. Many Delhi to Kashmir tour packages include road travel so you can stop and explore on the way.

Things to Do in Kashmir

You can find a plethora of activities to do in Kashmir. Whether you are a nature lover, adventure activity person or someone who is interested in exploring culture and historical sites.

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

One of the most popular things to do in Kashmir is a Shikara ride on Dal Lake in Srinagar. The lake is surrounded by Himalayas and has houseboats and floating gardens all around.

A Shikara ride lets you explore the lake’s waterways, float through the markets and even visit the famous Char Chinar Island. It’s not just about the views but the peacefulness of it all, so must do on your Kashmir itinerary.

Houseboat Stay

Staying in a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake or Nigeen Lake is a one of a kind experience you can only find in Kashmir. These houseboats are made of wood and are beautifully carved with intricate designs, showcasing the local craftsmanship.

Each houseboat is equipped with modern amenities but still has that old world charm. Many Kashmir luxury packages include a houseboat stay so you can enjoy the peace, sunrise and the sound of water lapping against the boat.

Trekking and Adventure Sports

For adventure lovers, Kashmir is a heaven. The region has numerous trekking routes that take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Himalayas. Great Lakes Trek is one of the most popular treks in Kashmir, with views of high altitude lakes, meadows and snow capped peaks.

Kolahoi Glacier trek, the source of Lidder River is another tough trek even for experienced trekkers. In winters Gulmarg becomes a hub for skiing and snowboarding and attracts tourists from all over the world.

Shopping in Local Markets

No trip to Kashmir is complete without visiting local markets. Srinagar has several bustling bazaars where you can buy traditional Kashmiri products like Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri carpets, saffron and walnut wood handicrafts.

Lal Chowk, Polo View Market and Residency Road are the best places to shop in Srinagar. These markets give you a glimpse of local culture and an opportunity to take some of Kashmir’s best back home.

Explore Mughal Gardens

Mughal Gardens of Srinagar are a reflection of the grandeur of Mughal Empire. These gardens were built by Mughal emperors in 16th and 17th century and are known for their tiered lawns, fountains and flowerbeds.

Shalimar Bagh built by Emperor Jahangir for his wife Noor Jahan is the largest of these gardens and is famous for its layout and architecture. Nishat Bagh located on the banks of Dal Lake has magnificent views of Zabarwan Range and the lake. A visit to these gardens is a journey back in time and gives you a glimpse of the Mughal lifestyle.

Places to Visit Near Kashmir

There are also so many places to visit in Kashmir but you have some extra time to explore then these places mentioned below is worth visiting:

Vaishno Devi

Located in Katra town 250 km from Srinagar, Vaishno Devi is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi and is situated at 5200 feet on Trikuta Mountains.

The trek is 13 km from Katra base camp and takes around 6-8 hours depending on your pace. The journey is spiritual, devotees chant hymns and songs throughout the trek. For those who can’t walk, there are ponies, palanquins and helicopter services available. You can also plan Kashmir and Vaishno Devi Tour all together for both spiritual and mesmerizing experience.

Leh-Ladakh

Leh-Ladakh is located in the north east of Kashmir and is known for its rugged beauty, barren landscapes and ancient monasteries. It’s a paradise for adventure seekers, where you can trek, raft and bike. Explore Ladakh with Himachal Trip for an unforgettable hilly terrain experience.

Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley and Tso Moriri are the must visit places in Leh-Ladakh. The region is also famous for its Buddhist culture, with monasteries like Hemis, Thiksey and Diskit giving a glimpse into the local life.

Jammu

Jammu is the winter capital of J&K and is famous for its ancient temples, forts and scenic beauty. Raghunath Temple dedicated to Lord Rama is one of the largest temple complexes in North India and is a major pilgrimage site.

Bahu Fort situated on the banks of Tawi River offers a panoramic view of the city and has a temple of Goddess Kali inside. Mansar Lake 60 km from Jammu is another attraction, where you can enjoy boating and have a peaceful picnic.

Patnitop

Patnitop is a hill station 110 km from Jammu and is a perfect destination for a peaceful getaway. Situated at 2024 meters above sea level, Patnitop offers breathtaking view of Pir Panjal Range and is surrounded by dense forests of pine and cedar.

The region has many trekking trails, the most popular one being the trek to Nathatop which offers a panoramic view of the mountains. In winter Patnitop turns into a snow wonderland and is a popular destination for snow sports.