You know that feeling when you book a trip and only halfway through realize you have either overpaid or rushed through it? That’s often the result of leaping into travel plans without a clear idea of what you’re getting yourself into. Delhi to Kashmir trip is a particularly long as well as challenging journey of over 854 kilometres along with high altitude zones, unpredictable weather and security restrictions that can pop up at any moment. Planning ahead can save you money on flights and hotels and also avoid those last-minute disappointments when roads are closed or tours are cancelled.
People often overlook seasonal closures on the Jammu to Srinagar highway or fail to pre book those gondola tickets in Gulmarg when everyone else is on holiday. Roadblocks during VIP movements and army convoys aren’t always shared online in real time either. Travelling with a local transport operator like Delhi Tempo Travellers can give you the inside track on timing updates and keep you on schedule.
When to Plan a Trip to Kashmir
Have you decided on your dates or are you still confused about the season? This is one decision that decides the entire look and feel of your trip. In spring, from March to May, you will get tulips across the Indira Gandhi Memorial Garden which is open only in April. In summer, from May to August, you can walk through pine forests in Sonamarg without the risk of snow blocking your path.
In autumn, from September to June, the golden trees around Dal Lake will reflect in the water like a painted glass. Winter, from December to March, is for those who want to experience live snowfall but be prepared for road closures between Pahalgam and Gulmarg.
Also, check the festivals and public holidays. During Eid or Independence Day, the security checks get tighter and some areas go under high alert. These are things you will not find in a guidebook. It operates on local ground rules that change without notice. That’s why your travel plan has to be built around real-time guidance and buffer days.
How to Travel from Delhi to Kashmir – By Air or By Road or By Train
By Air
If you are short on time and want to travel in comfort, flying from Delhi to Srinagar is probably your best option. A direct flight will get you there in about an hour and a half. (Though you should check the weather forecast before you go because foggy winter days can restrict flights.) If you have the time and the inclination, though, the road trip is a real treat. The Delhi to Jammu highway route is about 590 kilometres, and then you’ve got another 270 kilometres to Srinagar. That’s a lot of beautiful scenery to take in along the way. Keep in mind that in winter, the Jawahar Tunnel and the stretch near Banihal often close due to heavy snowfall which delays travel by hours.
By Road
If you are planning a group trip or a family tour, then booking a tempo traveller on rent from our rental services is a smart choice. It gives you the convenience of a personal driver and space for your group to travel together. You can decide your own halts on the way like Chandigarh or Sanasar or Patnitop, depending on your time. Udhampur for a night to enjoy fresh apples and Rajma rice in local dhabas.
By Train
In case you are considering train, then the train only goes till Jammu Tawi. From there, you have to book a car, or cab or a tempo travellerto reach Kashmir. The train journey from Delhi to Jammu takes around ten hours and then the road journey from Jammu to Srinagar adds another eight to ten hours, depending on road conditions.
Best Itinerary for Delhi to Kashmir
Have you seen how tourists rush through places and then come back without any real memory? That happens because they follow a random list copied from the internet without thinking about logistics and travel time. You should not repeat that mistake.
- Start by keeping Srinagar as your base. Plan your entry and exit from here and then organise your travel to nearby places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg accordingly.
- Spend at least two nights in Srinagar so you can explore Dal Lake, the Mughal gardens, Shankaracharya hill, the old city markets and also take rest after your arrival.
- From there, take a one-night trip to Gulmarg. The distance is around 50 kilometres and it takes two hours by road. Gulmarg is famous for its cable car also known as the Gondola ride, that takes you to the snow peaks of Apharwat. If you are going in winter, then you can try skiing as well but only through a registered guide.
- Next, keep two nights for Pahalgam. This town is around 90 kilometres from Srinagar but the road can take up to three hours. Do not leave early morning if you are going with children. In Pahalgam, you can visit Betaab Valley and Aru Valley. If you go in summer, then you can enjoy Lidder River activities like zip lining and light rafting.
- Sonmarg is another one-day visit from Srinagar. You can leave early in the morning and come back by evening. In winter, this route is often closed but in other seasons, you can visit Thajiwas Glacier by pony or ATV. People often get stuck in tourist traps here, so fix your ride prices before starting.
- Avoid planning all three places back-to-back. Keep a break day in Srinagar in between. This allows you to explore local areas like Zaina Kadal and Hazratbal without any rush. If you are booking through delhitempotravellers then you can get a customised itinerary with proper day planning and driver support.
Accommodation Options in Kashmir for Comfort and Safety
How do you select your stay options? Do you just filter by price? That would be a mistake. The problem with hotel hunting online is that most listings look tempting, but they do not always match expectations on arrival. So make sure you check recent reviews and not just ratings.
In Srinagar, you should stay either in the Rajbagh area for hotels or on Dal Lake for a houseboat experience. Houseboats are charming but not ideal for elderly people or those who have trouble walking because you need a small boat ride every time you enter or exit.
In Gulmarg and Pahalgam, try to get a stay near the main market. Some stays are far and require extra walking. This becomes a problem at night or during snowfall. Also, check if the stay has proper heating arrangements because temperature drops even in early October. Do not go by pictures alone. Confirm with the property about electricity backup because in hilly areas, power cuts are frequent.
If you are travelling with your family or a group then choose a guest house or hotel with meals included. This removes the daily stress of searching for food in less developed towns. Delhitempotravellers.com offers curated stay packages that include verified properties in every location with local support in case you face any issues.
What Travel Documents and Permits are Required to Visit Kashmir
Many travellers think they can just show up and explore. But Kashmir is not like other places. You must carry at least two government-issued ID cards per person with photocopies. In some regions, you may be asked for verification by local police, especially during political rallies or events. For the Sonmarg and Baltal area, you might be asked to register in case of a landslide or route changes.
If you are visiting in June or July, you must keep track of the Amarnath Yatra 2025 schedule. Roads get diverted and checkpoints increase due to the movement of Yatris. Always ask your driver in advance about such updates. If you are travelling with us, then your assigned driver keeps you informed about the current routes and possible restrictions.
Photography is another area where you need to be cautious. Do not click photos of army checkposts or bunkers. Always ask permission before clicking locals, especially women or elderly people. Be respectful and maintain distance when visiting mosques or Sufi shrines.
Do you plan to travel to Gurez or Bangus, or Keran? These are offbeat destinations and they require prior permits. You need to apply through local tourism officers in Srinagar and sometimes submit a letter with identity proof.
How Much will the Complete Trip Actually Cost?
Are you trying to set a budget or are you going with an open plan? A Kashmir trip can look budget-friendly at first but the costs build up fast if you do not plan correctly. On average, a six-night and seven-day trip from Delhi to Kashmir costs between ₹18,000 to ₹35,000 per person, depending on your mode of transport, hotel category and season.
Flights from Delhi to Srinagar and back cost around ₹7,000 to ₹13,000 if booked early. Road travel via 20 seater tempo traveller will reduce your overall travelling cost, making it a budget friendly travel mode. A mid-range hotel stay will cost around ₹2,500 per night per room, including meals. Sightseeing charges like gondola tickets cost ₹800 for Phase 1 and ₹1000 for Phase 2 in Gulmarg. Local pony rides in Pahalgam can cost ₹700 to ₹1,500 depending on the distance. Entry tickets, tips, souvenirs and winter gear rentals will add another ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 if you are not careful.
Also, keep ₹2000 as emergency cash in case ATMs do not work in remote areas. The Internet may not work at all times. Carry printed hotel details and contact numbers. Do not rely only on maps. Talk to locals if needed but always cross-check any route advice from your driver.
Some Tips to Follow on Kashmir Trip
- Have you heard of tourists being overcharged for pony rides or taken to the wrong glacier points? This happens a lot in Pahalgam and Sonamarg. The guides will tell you that you need to take a pony to a certain point when the same point is just a short walk away.
- Some shopkeepers near tourist areas will charge double for dry fruits or Pashmina shawls and claim they are handmade when they are factory produced. Stay alert and compare prices before buying anything.
- Don’t book taxis randomly from the market. If someone approaches you with a shortcut route or private show, politely decline and walk away.
- One last thing to remember. Kashmir is peaceful but sensitive. Be respectful to the local culture. Don’t click pictures of army camps or local women without permission. Don’t click pictures in mosques or shrines. Dress modestly in mosques or shrines. Follow timings and don’t move out late in night in isolated areas.