Himachal PradeshHimachal Pradesh
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Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir Tour Packages
Houseboats on Dal Lake, snow at Gulmarg, river valleys in Pahalgam and the walk to Vaishno Devi.
- Srinagar & Dal Lake
- Gulmarg Gondola
- Pahalgam & Betaab Valley
- Sonamarg
- Vaishno Devi, Katra
Travel guide
Planning a Jammu & Kashmir trip
Kashmir has been called paradise on earth for centuries, and the first shikara ride across Dal Lake usually explains why. The valley is ringed by snow peaks, filled with chinar trees, Mughal gardens and saffron fields, and its three famous meadows (Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg) each have a completely different feel. To the south, Jammu is the gateway to the Vaishno Devi shrine above Katra, one of the most visited pilgrimages in India.
Most Kashmir trips are built around Srinagar. Spend a night or two on a houseboat, then take day trips or short stays in the meadows: Gulmarg is about two hours away for the Gondola and snow, Pahalgam around three hours for the Lidder river and its valleys, and Sonamarg about the same for the Thajiwas glacier. Moving hotels too often eats into your time, so we usually suggest Srinagar plus one or two other bases.
We plan Jammu & Kashmir trips around the season and what you want from it, whether that's tulips in April, cool summer meadows, red chinar leaves in autumn or deep snow in Gulmarg in January. We book local drivers who know the roads, choose houseboats and hotels we're happy to recommend, and keep an eye on weather, road conditions and official travel advisories, so your plan can change if it needs to.
Many families combine Kashmir with a darshan at Vaishno Devi, starting or ending the trip in Jammu or Katra. Tell us your dates, starting city and who's travelling on WhatsApp, and we'll suggest a route that fits.
Where to go
Top places to visit in Jammu & Kashmir
- 01
Srinagar & Dal Lake
Stay on a carved wooden houseboat, take a shikara ride at sunset and visit the early-morning floating vegetable market. The Mughal gardens of Nishat, Shalimar and Chashme Shahi line the lake, and the Tulip Garden blooms from late March into April.
- 02
Gulmarg
A wide meadow surrounded by pine forest, and the snow capital of Kashmir in winter. The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, climbs in two stages towards Apharwat peak at nearly 4,000 metres.
- 03
Pahalgam
A riverside town on the Lidder, with day trips to Betaab Valley, Aru Valley and Chandanwari. Pony rides, riverside walks and pine-covered hills make it a favourite for families and honeymooners.
- 04
Sonamarg
The “meadow of gold” on the road towards Ladakh, with the Sindh river below and the Thajiwas glacier a pony ride or short hike away. Snow lingers here well into early summer.
- 05
Vaishno Devi, Katra
The cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in the Trikuta hills. The walk from Katra is about 12–13 km each way, with ponies, palkis, a battery car on part of the route and a helicopter service for those who need it.
- 06
Jammu & Patnitop
Jammu's Raghunath Temple and Bahu Fort make a good first or last day, and Patnitop, a pine-forested hill stop on the way to Srinagar, is an easy place to break the drive.
- 07
Doodhpathri & Yusmarg
Quieter meadows within day-trip distance of Srinagar, with streams, pine forest and far fewer crowds than the famous spots. Ideal if you've visited Kashmir before.
When to go
Best time to visit Jammu & Kashmir
April to June is the most popular time, with tulips, green meadows and pleasant days. September to November brings clear skies and red chinar leaves, and December to February is the season for snow in Gulmarg. Vaishno Devi is open all year.
- Best time
Spring
March – May
Almond and tulip blossom, snow still on the peaks and the Tulip Garden in full bloom around April. A lovely time for first-time visitors.
Summer
June – August
Cool, green and the busiest season, when the plains are hottest. Book houseboats and Gulmarg hotels early. Jammu and the highway can get heavy rain in July and August.
- Best time
Autumn
September – November
Crisp air, clear views and chinar trees turning red and gold from late October. Fewer crowds and some of the best light for photos.
Winter
December – February
Snow in Gulmarg, Pahalgam and often Srinagar itself, plus skiing on Apharwat. Very cold, and snowfall can close roads for a day or two, so we keep a buffer day.
How long to stay
Suggested Jammu & Kashmir trip durations
Sample routes to start from. We tailor every itinerary to your dates, pace and budget.
- 5–6 days
Srinagar, Gulmarg & Pahalgam
Srinagar → Gulmarg → Pahalgam
The classic first Kashmir trip, with a houseboat night on Dal Lake.
- 7–8 days
Kashmir Valley in full
Srinagar → Sonamarg → Gulmarg → Pahalgam
All three famous meadows at a relaxed pace, with time for the gardens.
- 9–10 days
Vaishno Devi & Kashmir
Katra → Patnitop → Srinagar → Gulmarg → Pahalgam
Darshan at Vaishno Devi first, then the best of the Kashmir valley.
Jammu & Kashmir travel FAQs
Is Kashmir safe for tourists?
Large numbers of Indian and foreign travellers visit Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg every year. We follow official advisories and local news before and during your trip, use experienced local drivers, and will suggest changes or a new date if conditions aren't right.
How do I reach Kashmir?
Srinagar airport has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities. By train, you can reach Jammu or Katra, and the new rail line now continues on to Srinagar. By road, Jammu to Srinagar is roughly 8–10 hours depending on traffic and weather.
Will my mobile SIM work in Jammu & Kashmir?
Postpaid connections from other states work in Jammu & Kashmir, but prepaid SIMs from outside J&K usually don't. If you're on prepaid, make sure someone in your group has a postpaid number, and share your hotel details with family before you go.
How do I plan a Vaishno Devi yatra?
Every pilgrim needs a yatra registration card, which you can get online or at the counters in Katra. Most people start the walk early in the morning or in the evening. We can arrange your stay in Katra and help with helicopter, pony or palki bookings if you need them.
Can I add Ladakh to a Kashmir trip?
Yes. The road from Sonamarg over the Zoji La pass leads to Kargil and Leh, usually open from around May to October. Leh is high altitude, so you'll need acclimatisation days and a longer trip. Ask us and we'll plan it properly.
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Plan your Jammu & Kashmir trip
Share your dates and who’s travelling. We’ll send a day-by-day Jammu & Kashmir plan on WhatsApp.