How Many Days Are Enough for Kashmir Tour
Kashmir, the Crown of India, has long and centuries perfumed in the hearts of tourists. Sandwiched between snow-clad Himalayas, this lovely valley boasts breathtaking landscapes, serene lakes, lush meadows, and a highly evolved cultural heritage. It’s something that awaits everyone-be it lazy break or an adventure-filled getaway.
Perhaps the most common question posed by any traveler while planning a visit to Kashmir, “How many days are enough to explore Kashmir? Of course, the number of days would vary because it depends on what one wishes to see and experience and also depends on what season it is being visited. This bulky blog guides you on how many days to plan for your Kashmir trip and what you could do in each of those days to enjoy the best possible experience during your visit.
Why Kashmir is a must-visit destination?
Now, as far as the number of days which would form a perfect trip to Kashmir, let’s not talk much about it at this juncture. Rather, let’s get a little more familiarized with what makes this place so very special. A land of unparalleled natural beauty, Kashmir has been termed “Paradise on Earth.” Kashmir has almost dream-like qualities, with breathtakingly beautiful snow-covered mountains, beautiful meadows, pristine lakes, and dense forests.
Here’s why Kashmir has to find a space in your travels:
- Nature Beauty: It is actually one of the world’s most glittering destinations with its wonderful landscape comprising the famous Dal Lake, beautiful Mughal Gardens and majestic mountains around.
- Rich Culture and History: Steeped in history, the ancient temples, mosques and forts speak to this region’s diverse cultural heritage.
- Outdoor: Kashmir provides excellent trekking and skiing scenarios. Golfing and fishing are also done on grounds.
- Food: This multi-course meal, Wazwan refers to as many as thirty dishes for which it is the culmination, symbols of the richness of this region’s catering traditions.
Knowing why Kashmir is such an attractive destination, let us see how many days are enough to explore this paradise.
Knowing Your Kashmir Itinerary
The length of a visit to Kashmir depends on what you would like to experience. Do you just want to pay a visit, spend the weekend there, just relax, or visit the valley in its entirety? Well, here is a breakdown, depending on the category of the traveler, for the number of days to spend in
1. Short Escapade (3-4 Days) - Ideal for First-Timers
If you have little time but do not want to miss the best of Kashmir, then you might just be one for the 3-4 day tour. This shall let you breeze past the major tourist attractions and get a glimpse of the famous landscapes of the place.
Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar
You travel from Srinagar which incidentally happens to be the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar is famous for its clean Dal Lake. Most of the attractive sites of this area are here.
- Dal Lake: The famous Dal Lake is a must. Take a Shikara ride, a traditional wooden boat that illustrates the floating markets where fresh flowers, vegetables, and spices are bought in plenty.
- Mughal Gardens: The best Mughal gardens in India are in Srinagar. The most prominent ones are Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. It flaunts impeccably manicured grasslands, besides waterfalls with terraced levels.
- Shankaracharya Temple: It is one of the oldest temples that have been constructed on a mountain, offering some of the most breathtaking views of the city of Srinagar as well as Dal Lake.
Day 2: Visit Gulmarg
Gulmarg is 51 kms from Srinagar, one of the most loved hill stations and ski resorts. Even if skiing doesn’t sound up to your liking, there’s everything else that will keep you busy.
- Gulmarg Gondola: One of the world’s highest cable cars, where the snow crowned peaks peep through the Gulmarg Gondola
- Outdoor: Skiiing and snowboarding in winters; hiking and trek in summers or even golf
Day 3: Pahalgam
Pahalgam is one place that lies about 95 kilometers from Srinagar. Thick green meadows and rivers leave one feeling overpoweringly beautiful and gives one an air of austerity. Pahalgam could be heaven for nature enthusiasts .
- Betaab Valley: Truly named after super-hit Bollywood movie “Betaab,” this is a glorious valley surrounded by snow white mountains and one of the most beautiful places for photographers and nature walks.
- Lidder River: Waterfalls line the Lidder River, and crystal-clear waters make it a wonderful place for angling and rafting or to just sit back and enjoy the scenery there.
- Baisaran: There’s a pony ride up Baisaran hill and gives fine view of Pahalgam and the glancing valley
Day 4: Srinagar Excursion and Departure
Local easy day around the markets of Srinagar; Walking around Lal Chowk, full of all original Kashmiri handicrafts: Pashmina shawls, carpets, intricately embroidered textiles. All of that culminate in visiting Hazratbal Shrine or gentle amble at the shores of Dal Lake, which depends on flights leaving then back to.
2. Immersion Exploration (5-7 days) Deepened Kashmir Experience
If you have five to seven days for your hand, you can discover, beyond the major tourist attractions in Kashmir, such lesser-known-yet-equal-to-in-beauty places within the valley .
Day 1: Arrival at Srinagar
Begin your Kashmir tour by visiting Dal Lake and Mughal Gardens as mentioned in the short break .
Day 2: Gulmarg
Explore Gulmarg and enjoy the snow, skiing, or trek.
Day 3: Excursion to Pahalgam
Vistas of the grand high meadows. Betaab Valley can be visited or angling can be done along the Lidder River.
Day 4: Sonamarg
Sonamarg can be done as a day excursion from Srinagar covering about 80 kilometers. Popularly known by the name “Meadow of Gold,” Sonamarg is more so due to its vistas of snow capped peaks and glaciers.
- Thajiwas Glacier: Tour to Thajiwas Glacier is one of the most visited attractions in Sonamarg. A feast to eyes, the ice blue colors of the glacier are simply breathtaking .
- Trekking and Nature Walks: Sonamarg can be termed as a trekker’s paradise and a nature walk haven. It offers the chance to observe the meadows, the golden plains and the ranges of mountain surrounding it.
Day 5: Yusmarg or Doodhpathri
Yusmarg: This is a secluded beauty far-off in the distance, about 50 km from Srinagar. Peaceful and quiet, it is just right for those who would love to live in isolation.
- Extensive meadows fringed with covered snow mountains make it a great place to be in for picnics and nature walks .
- Doodhpathri is a far-off tourist spot offering clean and greenish wetlands and fresh streams.
Day 6: Aru Valley
The place is about 12 km from Pahalgam. Destination Aru Valley is famous for its serene, photogenic ambience. It shall turn out to be a most apt day for trekking or nature walk to this destination.
The dream destination for all the trekking enthusiasts proved to be the Aru Valley. Alpine meadows surrounded the valley, and the breathtaking views of the snow-clad mountains provided a perfect scenario for panoramic photography.
Day 7: Departure
Use your last day in Srinagar to do some window shopping for souvenirs and other sightseeing that you would otherwise not do on this trip. Or even use the last day of your Shikara ride on Dal Lake or on the way out go to the Hazratbal Shrine .
3. Long Honeymoon (8-10 Days)- for the entire Kashmir Tour
If you have some time of around 8 to 10 days for the Kashmir tour then you can explore the whole valley from one corner to the other and find out its distant villages and secret spots.
Days 1-2: Srinagar
Cover some of the prominent destinations of Srinagar along with the beauty of Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Shankaracharya Temple, and local markets etc.
Days 3-4: Gulmarg
You can go skiing, snowboarding, or trudge through the meadows of Gulmarg for two days. You can take a sight of the famous Apharwat Peak and have a wide-angled panoramic view of the entire region .
Day 5-6: Pahalgam
You can take an observance of Pahalgam, Betaab Valley, and Baisaran. You can go for fishing or rafting in Lidder River. If you want, enjoy horse riding.
Day 7: Sonamarg
Viewing the untouched scenery, glaciers, treks of this country; the entire day to be spent at Sonamarg nature-it needs to be done with such sceneries.
Day 8: Doodhpathri/Yusmarg
Offbeat destination-one of the above destinations is apt for Doodhpathri or Yusmarg; a day excursion for leisurely walks, picnics and nature walks.
Day 9: Local Villages and Heritage Sites
Of course, the most unsophisticated villages, least visited ones and hence giving the distinct culture may be availed. Some of them can be seen at Kokernag and its monuments like ancient temples and shrines that are spread all over the valley.
Day 10: Departure
Spend the last day relaxing but do some shopping for souvenirs and reflect upon the great memories created in Kashmir
Best Time to Visit Kashmir
Best time to visit Kashmir largely depends on the experiences one would like to have:
- Summer (March to June): Is good for site seeing, trekking, and for gazing the gardens and lakes.
- Autumn (September to November): Good time for photography also, as foliage of the valley is at its colorful best and it is always crisp.
- Winter (December to February): For the sport lovers-skis, snowboard, and also us snowshoeing. Really it is a winter wonderland here in Kashmir.
- Spring (February to April): Tulip festival was highly discussed in the spring seasons when Kashmir was at its best.
When to Visit Gulmarg for the Snow Festival
It would be a good time to see the Gulmarg Snow Festival in late January up to early February. Such festivals usually bring heavy falls, and thus winter sportsman has ideal conditions during the season. Laughter of jubilant people can be heard everywhere.
If you are going there to celebrate the festival, pack layers, as it really gets extremely cold. That would make a thermal suit and raincoat quite necessary since even the boots would be trekked through snow.
Don’t forget to pack personal stuffs too, including sunblock and lip balm, for the sun comes out bright, too, when it’s freezing.
You can prepare a list of what you might do within the festival days to enjoy as much of the event as possible. You can browse through the schedule of the event and mark all interesting activities or performances that might take place. Proper management of time between winter sports and cultural experiences will enable you to become fully immersed in the festival atmosphere.
Practical Travel Tips for Kashmir
- Weather Preparedness: Weather in Kashmir is extremely unpredictable. The person must carry-on layers and warm clothes during winters.
- Local Etiquette: Be aware of local customs specific to your dressing. It is a good attire to be conservative, the more so in villages .
- Safety: Keep reading about the local condition; take heed of the travel advisory in a town, primarily while visiting places in villages.
- Money is Queen: At small towns and villages ATM cards may not be very handy. Sufficient amount of cash should be carried
- Hygiene Caution: Only bottled water should be consumed and some basic first aid box should also accompany
Conclusion
Kashmir is one of the stunning places on the globe, offering an excellent mix of adventure, serenity, culture, and pure nature splendor. As for you, it’s either that one experience of 3-4 days or stretch the time and go deeper into the actual experience. Whether it is one of the more sought after ones like Srinagar, Gulmarg, or Pahalgam or even a more off-the-beaten-track one like Yusmarg or Sonamarg-your chances of coming back with memories that last forever are pretty much well-guaranteed.
How to book Kashmir tour?
Contact a travel agency that specializes in Kashmir tours. You can reach out to the following for assistance:
- Phone:
- +91 7889 655596
- +91 7006 891267
- Email:
Inquire about tour packages, itineraries, and pricing, and confirm your booking for a memorable winter experience!
People Also Ask
How many days are ideal for a Kashmir tour?
For a leisurely and fulfilling Kashmir tour, 6 to 7 days are ideal. This allows you to visit the major tourist spots like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg without feeling rushed.
Can I visit Kashmir in 3 days?
Yes, a 3-day trip to Kashmir is possible, but it would only allow you to cover the basics, such as Srinagar’s Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, and maybe a day trip to Gulmarg or Pahalgam. You’ll need to focus on key attractions to make the most of limited time.
What are the must-visit places in Kashmir in a 5-day tour?
In a 5-day tour, you can visit:
Day 1-2: Srinagar (Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Shankaracharya Temple)
Day 3: Gulmarg (Gondola Ride, skiing in winter)
Day 4: Pahalgam (Aru Valley, Betaab Valley)
Day 5: Sonamarg or Yusmarg (Day trips)
Is 7 days enough to explore Kashmir thoroughly?
Yes, 7 days is enough for a more comprehensive tour. It allows you to explore Srinagar in-depth, visit nearby hill stations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg, and enjoy local experiences like a shikara ride or visiting historical temples and monasteries.
How many days should I spend in Srinagar?
Spend at least 2-3 days in Srinagar to explore the city’s key attractions, including Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens (Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh), the old city, Hazratbal Shrine, and the local markets. This gives you a good balance of sightseeing and relaxation.
How many days are required for a trip to Gulmarg?
For Gulmarg, 2-3 days are ideal. You can explore the meadows, take the Gulmarg Gondola to the Apharwat Peak, enjoy skiing (winter), or simply relax amidst nature.
How many days should I spend in Pahalgam?
Spend 2-3 days in Pahalgam to explore its beautiful landscapes. You can visit Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and take a short trek or ride a pony to Baisaran Valley. A trip to the Amarnath Cave (during the pilgrimage season) can also be done from Pahalgam.
How many days are required for a Sonamarg tour?
Sonamarg can be explored in 1-2 days. The scenic drive to Sonamarg and the beauty of Thajiwas Glacier are highlights. It’s perfect for a day trip from Srinagar or an overnight stay.
What can I cover in a 4-day Kashmir itinerary?
In a 4-day itinerary, you can cover:
Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar, Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens
Day 2: Day trip to Gulmarg (Gondola Ride)
Day 3: Day trip to Pahalgam (Betaab Valley, Aru Valley)
Day 4: Day trip to Sonamarg or shopping in Srinagar
Can I visit Kashmir in 10 days?
Yes, 10 days gives you enough time to explore Kashmir in greater detail, including popular spots like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and perhaps even lesser-known gems like Yusmarg or the beautiful meadows of Gurez Valley.
How long does it take to travel from Srinagar to Gulmarg?
The distance from Srinagar to Gulmarg is about 50 km, which takes approximately 2 to 3 hours by road, depending on the weather and road conditions.
Can I do a Kashmir tour in the winter season?
Yes, winter is an excellent time to visit Kashmir, especially for snow lovers and those interested in skiing. The winter season typically lasts from December to February, and destinations like Gulmarg are popular for snow sports. A 5-6 day trip is ideal in winter to enjoy snow and winter sports.
Is it possible to visit Kashmir in 2 days?
In 2 days, you can visit Srinagar’s main attractions, such as Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, and the Shankaracharya Temple. However, you’ll have very limited time to explore other destinations like Gulmarg or Pahalgam.
What is the best duration for a family tour to Kashmir?
For a family tour, 6-7 days are perfect, as this allows you to visit popular family-friendly destinations like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, with enough time for relaxation and leisure activities.
How much time do I need for a trekking trip in Kashmir?
For trekking enthusiasts, Kashmir offers several trails like the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, which takes 8-9 days. Shorter treks, such as the Lidder River trek, can be completed in 2-3 days.
How many days should I spend shopping in Srinagar?
You can spend 1-2 days shopping in Srinagar’s famous markets, like Lal Chowk, where you can buy Kashmiri handicrafts, pashmina shawls, carpets, and dry fruits.
What are the best things to do in Kashmir in 5 days?
Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar, enjoy a shikara ride on Dal Lake, visit Mughal Gardens.
Day 2: Day trip to Gulmarg (Gondola Ride, skiing).
Day 3: Visit Pahalgam (Betaab Valley, Aru Valley).
Day 4: Explore Sonamarg or Yusmarg for a day trip.
Day 5: Visit local markets and relax.
What are the best experiences to have in Kashmir in 6 days?
Day 1-2: Explore Srinagar’s Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, and Shankaracharya Temple.
Day 3: Visit Gulmarg (skiing, gondola ride).
Day 4: Visit Pahalgam (Betaab Valley, Aru Valley).
Day 5: Sonamarg or Yusmarg day trip.
Day 6: Explore local markets, shop for handicrafts, and relax.
Can I do the Kashmir tour in 8 days?
Yes, 8 days is ideal for exploring all major attractions of Kashmir at a leisurely pace. It gives you time to visit Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and possibly even a few offbeat locations.
How long should I spend at Dal Lake?
Spend 1-2 days at Dal Lake to enjoy a shikara ride, explore floating markets, and relax at a houseboat. This experience is one of the most iconic aspects of Kashmir.
How much time do I need to explore Mughal Gardens?
You can explore the Mughal Gardens (Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi) in about 4-5 hours, or plan a half-day trip to see them all.
How many days are needed for a pilgrimage tour in Kashmir?
If you’re visiting religious sites, such as the Amarnath Cave (during the yatra season), a pilgrimage tour will take at least 4-5 days, depending on your route and stops along the way.
How long does it take to travel from Srinagar to Pahalgam?
Srinagar to Pahalgam is about 90 km, and the journey takes around 2-3 hours by car. Pahalgam is a popular base for treks and a serene place to relax.
What is the best itinerary for a 6-day Kashmir tour?
Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar, explore Dal Lake and Mughal Gardens.
Day 2: Full day trip to Gulmarg.
Day 3: Full day trip to Pahalgam.
Day 4: Day trip to Sonamarg or Yusmarg.
Day 5: Explore more of Srinagar (shopping, temples, etc.).
Day 6: Relax or explore nearby villages before departure.
Is it possible to visit Kashmir for just a weekend?
Yes, if you’re short on time, a weekend trip (2-3 days) will allow you to explore Srinagar’s major attractions, such as Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, and enjoy a shikara ride.
Recommended for you
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From the moment I arrived, Golden Wheels took care of every detail. We explored Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg, with enough time to appreciate the natural beauty of each place. The 7-day itinerary was ideal, allowing us to experience the iconic Dal Lake Shikara ride, visit the breathtaking Gulmarg Meadows, and even take in the serene landscapes of Pahalgam. The travel times were well-balanced, so we never felt rushed and had plenty of time to relax and take in the scenery.
The team at Golden Wheels ensured our comfort every step of the way. The hotels were carefully selected—offering beautiful views, excellent service, and top-notch facilities. We had a seamless experience with their guidance, from the comfortable transport to the knowledgeable local guides who shared fascinating insights about the region’s history and culture.
Thanks to Golden Wheels, my Kashmir trip was smooth, hassle-free, and filled with amazing memories. If you’re planning a Kashmir tour, I highly recommend booking with them and spending 7-8 days to fully experience the magic of Kashmir!
I had an incredible time in Kashmir, and Golden Wheels Tour & Travels made it all the more memorable! A 7-day tour was the perfect amount of time to experience the highlights of Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. From the tranquil Dal Lake to the majestic Gulmarg meadows, everything was well-paced. Golden Wheels handled everything, from transportation to hotel bookings, and ensured that we had a seamless, stress-free experience. I highly recommend 7-8 days to fully experience the natural beauty and culture of Kashmir!
Our Kashmir tour with Golden Wheels Tour & Travels was absolutely flawless. We opted for an 8-day itinerary, which gave us enough time to enjoy the breathtaking sights of Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam without feeling rushed. The team at Golden Wheels took care of everything—comfortable accommodations, timely transportation, and insightful tours that allowed us to experience Kashmir at its best. 7-8 days is the perfect amount of time for anyone who wants to enjoy the best of Kashmir in a relaxed and well-organized manner.
I recently visited Kashmir with Golden Wheels Tour & Travels, and it was an unforgettable experience. We spent 8 days exploring the best spots, from the enchanting Dal Lake to the scenic beauty of Gulmarg and Pahalgam. The itinerary was well-balanced, with ample time for sightseeing and relaxation. Golden Wheels made sure everything was arranged perfectly—comfortable hotels, knowledgeable guides, and smooth transfers. If you’re planning a trip to Kashmir, I highly recommend a 7-8 day tour to truly experience the region’s natural wonders.
Our Kashmir trip with Golden Wheels Tour & Travels was seamless and unforgettable! We spent 8 days exploring Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Gulmarg, and Golden Wheels made sure we didn’t miss a thing. Every detail was taken care of, from luxury hotel stays to comfortable transport and expert guides. The region is so beautiful, and 7-8 days is the ideal duration to explore at a relaxed pace, taking in the breathtaking views and cultural experiences. I highly recommend booking with Golden Wheels for a hassle-free Kashmir experience!
My Kashmir experience was truly incredible, thanks to Golden Wheels Tour & Travels. We opted for a 7-day itinerary, which was the perfect length to take in the stunning sights without feeling rushed. The serene beauty of Srinagar, the adventure in Gulmarg, and the peace of Pahalgam were just a few of the highlights. The tour was well-organized, and everything was taken care of—accommodation, transport, and tours. I recommend 7-8 days for anyone wanting to experience the best of Kashmir in comfort and style!
I had an incredible experience exploring Kashmir with Golden Wheels Tour & Travels. The 7-day itinerary was perfect for seeing the highlights, including Dal Lake, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. Each day was well-planned, with just the right balance of sightseeing and relaxation. The service was exceptional, from the transportation to the accommodations and the wonderful guides. If you’re looking to experience Kashmir’s stunning beauty, I highly recommend Golden Wheels and a 7-8 day tour for the best experience!