Division in India
Kashmir is a division in Jammu and Kashmir union territory of India.
Kashmir division is bordered by the Pakistan to the west, north and northeast, Ladakh to the southeast, Jammu division to the south.
Kashmir divided into 10 districts - Anantnag, Shopian, Budgam, Srinagar, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Kupwara, Pulwama. Srinagar is the capital of Kashmir division. So we will start from Srinagar.
How to Reach Kashmir
You can easily go to Srinagar by air from any airport in India.Buy cheap air tickets with your credit card from the comfort of your home from the app below, or find out the ticket price in Indian Rupee. Or check airfares in other currencies - USD, Canadian Dollar, Euro, Russian Ruble, Bangladeshi Taka.
Type your destination "Srinagar" and select it from drop down menu. Enter your Depart date and Return date. If one-way then cross the Return date. If more than 1 passenger, enter. If you want business class click on "Business class" and click on search.
By road, you have to come to Srinagar only via Jammu. First come to Jammu. Stay at night in Jammu. On the next day morning starts for Srinagar by bus. Fare for Jammu to Srinagar is 445 Rupee for MCV, 392 Rupee for Hi-Tech, 321 Rupee for Deluxe, 230 Rupee for Semi Deluxe and 213 Rupee for an Ordinary bus.
Another way by road, you can come to Srinagar from Leh via Manali. But this route is open only from mid June to mid of September/ October.
Hotels in Kashmir
There are many hotels in Srinagar but There is another option to stay in the boat house of Dal Lake. Isn't it nice? Different from other tourist area.Book your hotel online now and pay at the hotel later.
Write "Srinagar" in box and select Srinagar, India from drop down menu. Enter your Check in and Check out date and click on Search.
Tourist Places in Kashmir
Maximum all tourist spots in Srinagar is around the Dal Lake. So according to your hotel place, start to visit clock wise or anti clock wise around the Dal Lake.
I have described 144 Best Places to Visit in Srinagar. Those are Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Srinagar. Among them some are Must-Visit Attractions in Srinagar. Also described The Best Things to Do in Srinagar and Fun Things to Do in Srinagar.
So that you can able to know the Famous Srinagar Tourist sights and Attractions and make your itinerary for Srinagar Attractions & Sightseeing.
You need approximately US$ 192 to visit all the places listed below. With that amount of money, you have to add Food cost, Transport cost, Hotel rent and air fare to travel in Srinagar.
Day-1: Srinagar
Zero Bridge
Wooden Bridge
This is an wooden arch bridge over the Jhelum river, originally constructed in the late 1950s.
How to go: It is located at about 350 meters from TRC bus stand towards south.
Shri Pratap Singh (SPS) Museum
Museum
Museum of history and traditions of Kashmir.
Visiting Time: 9 AM to 5 PM (March – November) and 10 AM to 4:30 PM (December – February). Wednesday remains close.
Entry Fee: 10 Rupee for local and 50 Rupee for foreigner.
How to go: It is located about 1.8 km from south end of Zero Bridge towards west at 3R87+P6C Lal Mandi.
Chinar Park
Park
How to go: It is located about 700 meters from north side of Zero bridge towards northeast.
Shankaracharya Temple
Hindu Temple
Also known as the Zyesteshwara temple or Sulaiman Thong. It is on top of the Shankaracharya Hill on the Zabarwan Mountain at 1100 feet height. You can also enjoy the Srinagar city as well as Dal Lake.
Visiting Time: 8 AM to 8 PM. The entry of cars is not permitted after 5 PM. You cannot take mobile, camera inside the temple. So you should leave that in your cab, then you can enter the main gate.
How to go: You have to go by taxi from opposite Ghat 17 of Dal Lake, next to a police station to up on the hill main gate of the temple then by stairway. Taxi fare around 250 Rupee for return trip. They may demand more, just bargain.
Shikara Ride
Boat Travel
Shikara is one kind of long boat on Dal Lake. You can take a boat journey on Dal Lake hour basis. 1 hour cost for boat is around 400 Rupee for four person. You can bargain 200-250 Rupee during off peak season.
Char Chinar Dal lake
Island
The island in the middle of the Dal lake with a beautiful view of the mountains in the back. There is nothing to see except the four old chinar trees. So you need not to visit there, just watch the beauty at the time shikara ride of Dal lake.
Day-2: Srinagar
Zeashta Devi Shrine, Zaethyar
Hindu Temple
How to go: It is located about 1 km from The LaLiT Grand Palace Srinagar and 9-Hole Golf Cours towards south up hill..
Chashme Shahi
Garden
Chashme Shahi is beautiful garden park was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 AD.
Visiting Time: 9 AM to 7 PM.
Entry Fee: 10 Rupee.
How to go: It is located about 2 km from The LaLiT Grand Palace Srinagar and 9-Hole Golf Cours towards east.
Pari Mahal
Historical Architecture
The Pari Mahal was built by Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh in the 1640.
Visiting Time: 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM Everyday
Entry Fee: 10 Rupee for adult and 5 Rupee for children.
How to go: It is located about 1.75 km up hill from Chasmeshahi Garden.
Nehru Botanical Garden
Garden
Visiting Time: 9 AM to 7 PM.
Entry Fee: 10 Rupee for adult and 5 Rupee for child age below 12 years.
How to go: It is located about 500 meters north from Chashme Shahi Garden.
Gandhi Tulip Garden
Tulip Garden
Visiting Time: March to April, 7 AM to 7 PM, Everyday.
Entry Fee: 50 Rupee for adult and 25 Rupee for child age below 12 years.
How to go: It is located north of Botanical Garden.
Nishat Bagh
Mughal Garden
Visiting Time: 9 AM to 7 PM Except Friday.
Entry Fee: 10 Rupee for adult and 5 Rupee for child age below 12 years.
How to go: It is located about 3.5 km from Tulip Garden towards north.
Shalimar Bagh
Garden
Visiting Time: 9 AM to 7 PM.
Entry Fee: 10 Rupee for adult and 5 Rupee for child age below 12 years.
How to go: It is located about 2.5 km from Nishat Bagh towards north.
Harwan Gardens
Garden
Visiting Time: 9 AM to 7 PM.
Entry Fee: 10 Rupee for adult and 5 Rupee for child age below 12 years.
How to go: It is located about 3 km north from Shalimar Bagh.
Day-3: Srinagar
Hazratbal Mosque
Mosque
The Hazratbal Mosque is a beautiful structure of white marble. Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah started the construction in 1968. The construction took about eleven years and the mosque was completed in 1979. It is the only domed mosque in Srinagar.
It is widely believed that the mosque contains the hair (in Hindi - Bal) of the Islamic prophet Hazrat Muhammad.
The hair is said to have been first brought to Kashmir by Syed Abdullah Madani, an alleged descendant of Muhammad who left Medina and settled in the southern Indian city of Bijapur in 1635. After Abdullah's death, his son Syed Hameed inherited the hair. He gave it to Khwaja Nur-ud-Din Asiya, a wealthy Kashmiri businessman.
The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb became aware of the hair, sent it to the shrine of Mu'in al-Din Chishti in Ajmer, and imprisoned Eshai in Delhi. Nine days later, Aurangzeb had a dream in which Muhammad ordered him to return his hair to Kashmir. Aurangzeb then returned the sacred relic to Eshai and allowed him to be taken to Kashmir. However, Eshai died while imprisoned. The hair had been transported to Kashmir, along with the dead body of Eshai to Inayat Begum, the daughter of Eshai. She had established the Hazratbal Shrine.
It was reported to have gone missing from the shrine on 27 December 1963. The relic was recovered by Indian authorities on 4 January 1964.
How to go: It is located about 660 meters from Naseem Bagh (garden) towards south.
Nagin Lake
Lake
This is another Lake in Srinagar. Smaller than Dal Lake but much calm and quiet than Dal Lake. You can stay at house boat and also can take Shikara ride here.
How to go: It is located about 1.4 km from Hazratbal Mosque towards west.
Badamwari Garden
Garden
How to go: It is located southwest end of Nagin Lake.
Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara
Center of Sikh Religion
The shrine was built by an Afghan governor many centuries ago. It is said that the sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind, occasionally stopped preaching when he visited this part of Kashmir. It is believed that a well was built on the order of Guru. Chati Padshahi also has accommodation facilities and a langar is provided daily.
How to go: It is located about 630 meters from Badamwari Garden towards south through Kathi Darwaza road.
Kathi Darwaza
Gate
Kathi Darwaza is one of the two gates of the Hari Parbat Fort. The second gate is known as 'Sangin Darwaza' or 'Kathi Darwaza' is the main entrance to the fort.
How to go: It is located near the Hari Parbat.
Makdhoom Shahib Cable Car Station
Cable Car
It is connected to Shrine of Makdhoom Shahib on Hari Parbat. You can go to 541 meters distance road withing 3 minutes. Cost 100 Rupee.
How to go: The base station is located about 130 meters from Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara towards south through Kathi Darwaza road.
Makhdoom Sahib Shrine
Shrine
Hamza Makhdoom was born in the village of Tujjar near Sopore in Baramulla district. His father was called Baba Usman and he came from the Chandravanshi Rajput family. Hamza Makhdum studied at Shamsi Chowk Monastery for one year and later studied law, tradition, philosophy, logic, ethics and mysticism at a madrasa founded by Ismail Kubrawi.
How to go: It is located on the southern slope of Hari Parbat Hill.
Hari Parbat Fort
Ruined Fort
Also known as Durrani Fort. The site was first constructed by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1590. He built the outer wall for the fort, and planned a new capital to be built inside the wall called Nager Nagor. But it was never completed. During the reign of Shuja Shah Durrani, the fort was built in 1808 inside the wall.
It has Sharika Devi Temple on its western slope and the Muslim shrine of Makhdoom Sahib and Akhund Mullah Shah on southern side. On the southern side, there is a Gurudwara outer of the fort boundary.
How to go: Approach the fort from the northeast, not from the south side. Taxi will take you to the checkpoint, then 10 minutes walk, then 15 minutes walk up steps to the fort. Auto Rickshaws can reach the second check-post.
Chakreshwari Temple
Hindu Temple
How to go: It is located about 200 meters from Hari Parbat Fort towards north on the Hari Parbat.
Day-4:
Jamia Masjid
Mosque
Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Sikandar in 1394 CE and completed in 1402 CE.
The mosque was damaged by fire in 1479, Sultan Hasan Shah reconstructed it. The task done after his death by Ibrahim Magre, the Commander-in-Chief of Kashmir forces and completed in 1503. It was repaired several times.
How to go: It is located about 1 km from Makdhoom Shahib Cable Car Station towards west at Nowhatta.
Tomb of Zain ul Abidin’s Mother
Historical Architecture
The structure was built by Zain-Ul-Abidin in 1465.
How to go: It is 460 meters from Jamia Mosque towards southwest on the bank of river Jhelum.
Pathar Masjid
Stone Mosque
It was built by Noor Jahan, the wife of Mughal emperor Jehangir in 1623.
How to go: Cross the Jhelum River from Tomb of Zain ul Abidin’s Mother. It is 380 meters from tomb towards west.
Shah e hamdan mosque
Mosque
It was first built in 1395 by Sultan Sikandar Butshikan.
How to go: Just opposite bank of the river of Pathar Masjid. It is about 480 meters from Pathar Masjid by road.
Pir Dastgir Shahib
Shrine
It was constructed in 1806 and expanded in 1877 by Khwaja Sanaullah.
How to go: It is 1.2 km from Hamdan Mosque at Khaniyar.
Chinar Bagh
Garden
How to go: It is 1.4 km from Pir Dastagir towards south at Bishembar Nagar. You can come to Bishembar Nagar bus stop from Khanyar Bus stop by bus.
Day-5:
Apple Orchards
If your traveling month is August or September, then must visit any apple orchards in Kashmir. There are many Apple Gardens in Kashmir. Which provides 80% of apples for the apple market in India.
Few Gardens and locations are -
Mirgund Apple Orchards: It is located at Mirgund village, Singhpora in Baramulla district. It is 17 km from Srinagar towards northwest.
Apple Garden Tardujh Hilal: It is located about 22 km from Mirgund Apple Orchards towards northwest at Chander Hama village in Pattan Tehsil of Baramulla district.
Hanglun Apple Garden: It is located near Apple Garden Tardujh Hilal at Chander Hama village in Pattan Tehsil of Baramulla district.
Frasthar Apple Orchards: It is located about 7 km from Apple Garden Tardujh Hilal towards southwest at Kreeri tehsil in Baramulla District.
Note that, we will visit 3 more villages such as Sonamarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam, which are connected from Srinagar with 3 different routes. So if you go one from Srinagar, you must come back to Srinagar.
How to Reach Gulmarg
The nearest airport of Gulmarg is in Srinagar airport which is 56 km away.Srinagar to Gulmarg bus fare 146 Rupee - 213 Rupee. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach. Bus starts at 7 AM from Srinagar. Confirm your ticket on previous day of your journey.
In winter, the buses operate up to Tangmarg which is 11 km from Gulmarg, then you have to go by private or shared chained wheels vehicle. Shared chained wheels take 50 Rupee from Tangmarg to Gulmarg.
Hotels in Gulmarg
There are available hotels in Gulmarg, but rate is high. below 2000 Rupee hotels are hardly to found during peak seasons. In that case budget traveler can stay at Tangmarg which is 11 km from Gulmarg. There you may get hotels in 1000 Rupee.You can book hotel from the below search engine, which compare Booking.com and other all hotel related website and show the different prices of the same room. So, you can book at the lowest price.
Write your city name "Gulmarg". Select your check-in and check-out date and click on search.
Tourist Places in Gulmarg
As soon as you reach at Gulmarg, don't waste your time. Start visiting. And before start, take foods with you for the whole day, cause cost of foods at these areas are almost double price.Day-6: Gulmarg
Apharwat Lake
Frozen LakeApharwat lake is a small lake at a height of 4,390 meters. It is also called “Frozen Lake”. Because, in January and February the lake freezes completely. You can easily walk over it.
How to go: There are three ways to reach Apharwat lake - trekking, cable car and road. But road is not allowed for civilians, used for only Indian Army vehicles. So you have left trekking and cable car. Apharwat Lake is 13 km away from town Gulmarg. It is one the toughest trek which takes about 14 hours up and down. So start early at 5 AM. Night stay or camping is not allowed at Apharwat Lake.
You can take guide with you, but it will cost about 1200 Rupee depends bargaining. You can take pony ride for going up but it is also costly, even more than cable car.
The best way is by cable car which is also called Gondola. Cable car ticket price 1690 Rupee return for per person and below 3 years free. It takes about 10 minutes from Gondola station to Kongdori then takes about 12 minutes from Kongdori to Apharwat lake.
Gulmarg Gondola
Cable CarGondola station is 1 km away from Gulmarg town. There is also a parking area at gondola station. You can go by taxi also. After reaching the parking area, you may see horse riders are offering you to take you boarding counter or somewhere else. It is waste of money to go to the counter by horse, you can easily walk to there. Buy ticket from counter.
There are two types of ticket at staton. Phase 1 and Phase 2
Phase-1: Gulmarg to Kongdori (about 10 minutes).
Return Ticket price from Age 3 to Adult 740 Rupee. and below 3 year is free
Phase-2: Kongdori to Apharwat Lake (about 12 minutes).
Return Ticket price from Age 3 to Adult 950 Rupee. and below 3 year is free.
You can buy any part of ticket.
Each car has two rows, one facing front and another is back. 3 person in each row. Try to sit on the front facing row.
There is another type cable car which is Chair Lift. It is from Kongdori to Marry Shoulder.
Ticket price is 270 Rupee and age below 10 are not allowed.
Kongdori
Skiing PlaceKongdori altitude is 3050 meters, is a snow covered area from month of November to early April. There are many thing to do such as skiing and Chair lift from Kongdori to Marry Shoulder and many more.
Khilanmarg
Beautiful LandscapeHow to go: Khilanmarg is about 1.35 km away from Gulmarg market towards southwest.
Day-7: Gulmarg
Strawberry Valley
If your traveling month is in between March to July then you can visit Strawberry Valley. If not then omit this place. There is nothing to see in this place.How to go: It is about 4 km from Gulmarg bus stop. Walk straight through Mandi Road. Cross Maharani Temple, Golf Course and Children's Park. Walk 390 meters from children's park. You will find two ways. Walk to the right hand way and walk about 800 meters, you can find strawberry field. If you go out of time, you can only view green field.
Note that, On the back you may visit Children' Park. Golf Course. But there nothing to see. So you can omit these places. Direct go to Maharaja Palace.
Maharaja Palace
Royal PalaceEntry Fee: 30 Rupee.
How to go: It is 1.7 km from Gulmarg bus stop.
Maharani Temple
Hindu TempleHow to go: 610 meters from Gulmarg bus stop.
St. Mary Church
ChurchNote that, you may heard many places such as Baba Reshi, Ningli Nalla, Drang. But nothing to see more in these places. So you can omit and back to Srinagar by bus.
Druroo Apple Orchards
If your traveling month is August or September, may visit this apple orchards. It is located at Druroo village in Tangmarg Block in Baramulla District.How to Reach Sonamarg
The nearest airport of Sonamarg is Srinagar Aiport.Srinagar to Sonamarg bus fare 250 Rupee. Bus Service starts from mid of April to mid of November. Confirm your ticket on previous day of your journey. Bus starts at 7.30 AM from TRC bus stand (Srinagar to Leh route), and stopped at Sonamarg at 11.00 AM.
If you are not traveling in this period or you missed the bus, you can take alternate way, if the Sonamarg road is not blocked for heavy snowfall. You can take private taxi, which may take 1500 Rupee or less, depends on your bargaining skill.
Those who are budget traveler can go by shared taxi if available. On the other hand you have to go this way: Dalgate to Soura to Kangan to Sonamarg. Go to Saura, which is 10 km away from Dal lake by local bus. From Saura, go to Kangan by shared taxi fare 80 Rupee. It takes 1 to 1.5 hour to reach. Then from Kangan, go to Sonamarg by shared taxi fare 80 Rupee. It takes 1.5 hour to reach.
Hotels in Sonamarg
There are available hotels in Sonamarg. Rate depends on seasons. Peak season may take 2000 Rupee and off peak season you may get only at 700 Rupee.You can book hotel from the below search engine, which compare Booking.com and other all hotel related website and show the different prices of the same room. So, you can book at the lowest price.
Write your city name "Sonamarg". Select your check-in and check-out date and click on search.
Tourist Places in Sonamarg
Day-8: SonamargThajiwas Glacier
Glacier
Thajiwas Glacier is one of the common visiting place in Sonamarg. It is one of the highest peaks in Kashmir, but easiest to reach at the tourist point. 3 km walk, it will take only 2 hours to reach through a beautiful scenery. If you don't want to walk, you can take pony ride. It cost 700-1500 Rupee ($9.22-19.76) during peak season and 600-800 during off season. But believe me, walking is better than pony ride.
If it is rainy season, must take rain coat. You will get rain coat and Plastic boots within 100 Rupee ($1.32) from Sonamarg stall.
Sonamarg to Thajiwas Glacier viewpoint is about 3 km. You can continue beyond that, you have to trek for another 7-8 km and exit at Sarbal village, on the other side of Sonamarg.
How to go: From Sonamarg Bus Stop, walk about 2.5 km towars Srinagar (northwest) till Hotel Sonamarg Glacie or Office of The Sonamarg Development Authority on the right side of the road. Then turn left (south) and walk to Thajiwas Glacier.
* Remember, There are 3 lakes Durinar-1, Durinar-2 (Nilnag), Durinar-3 (Barafsar) from Sarbal Village (Sarbal village is about 6 km from Sonamarg bus stand towards east through Ladakh road). Sarbal Village is also known as the last village of Kashmir. For this trip, You have to stay one night at any one lake side. So it is better to go by tour operator. The cost around 10,000 Rupee ($131.72). It is tough for budget traveler.
Sarbal Village to Durinar1 - 5 hours. Durinar1 to Durinar2 - 1 hour. Duinar2 to Durinar3 (15091 ft) - 2.30 hours. Total about 8.5 hours walk one way. From the top of the peak one can have view of whole Thajiwas valley on one side and Mount Kolahoi and Satlanjan valley on other side.
* Remember, there are a few more beautiful lakes with mind blowing scenes. You can say, this scene is one of the best in Kashmir. But there are a few things you need to think about to get the job done.
It takes 7 days 6 nights from Sonamarg to Naranag (a village near Kangan). You need to take a package, which cost around 12,000 Rupee ($158.07) per person. So it is a problem for budget traveler. You should have the ability to walk about 12 km per day.
if you have money and no problem to walk a lot, then this is the best journey for you.
The Lakes are - Vishansar Lake, Krishnasar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Sastar Lake, Gangabal Lake, Nandkol Lake.
But budget travelers, if there's a team going there, you can do it with them. Rent a tent to stay and buy enough food and water for 7 days with you. There are many army camps on the hill. If available, set up your tent to spend the night near them. Just take a few Google Snapshots and all information.
Track details:
Start early the next day, go 3 km from Sonamarg towards Srinagar Road. There is a stall where you will find dry food and water. This is the last place of civilization and shop. Start your trek now.
Sonamarg to Nichnai via Shekdur - 9 km, 6 hours
Nichnai to Vashansar Lake - 12 km, 6 Hours
Vishansar to Gadsar - 10 km 5 hours
Gadsar to Satsar - 12 km, 6 hours
Satsar to Gangarbal & Nandkol (Twin lake) - 9 km, 6 hours
Gangarbal to Naranag village - 11 km, 6 hours
From Naranag, go to Sonamarg by shared taxi.
* Those who are not trekking these lakes, make your plans for tomorrow. For next destinations, it is better to stay overnight in Baltal. 15 km from Sonamarg towards Leh Road after Sarbal village at an altitude of about 9000 feet. Shared taxi cost 100 Rupee ($1.32).
There are staying facilities in Baltal. Hut cost 375 Rupee ($4.94), Tent (floor accommodation with mattress) - 530 and Tent (cot accommodation) - 700 Rupee ($9.22). Sometimes, meals will be provided free of cost in langar (pron: Longor. Meal will serve to all people there at a time) for cave travelers.
Day-9: Baltal
Zojila Pass
High Altitude Pass
Zojila Pass is a high Altitude road pass an elevation of approximately 11,575 feet on the way from Sonamarg to Leh. The activities you can do at Zojila pass is skiing.
Visiting Time: The road is closed during snow time. It opens from April to October.
How to go: About 9.4 km from Baltal on the way of Leh. From Baltal it will take 2000 to 3000 Rupee ($39.52) for private taxi up and down. There is no shared taxi.
* Zero-point is actually located a few km from Zojila top, towards Kargil.
* Note That, If you've already been to Kongdori, Gulmarg, I would say skip the Zojila Pass. Almost the same. This will save you time and money. Otherwise if you go from Srinagar to Ladakh, your transport will go this way.
Amarnath Cave
Hindu Cave Temple
The Shiva Lingam is a stalagmite formation (A stalagmite is a type of rock formation) located at the Amarnath Cave. The stalagmite is formed due to the freezing of water drops that fall from the roof of the cave onto the floor. There are different types of stalagmites. Parvati and Ganesha are also present here as two smaller stalagmites.
According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where Shiva explained the mystery of life and eternity to his divine consort Parvati. From 1st July to 15th August during the Hindu Holy month of Savan, believers are come from different places.
Amarnath cave is situated at an altitude of 12,756 ft. 14 km away from Baltal (8,960 ft above sea level), Sonamarg. First of all it is required for all to get permission from Sonamarg. They just want to know you are capable to reach there. That's why you have to provide a physical certificate. If you want to know the procedure of registration then click here. There is a police check post after 1 km from Baltal at Domail. Entry Time into gate open from 5 AM to 11 AM. You cam out any time. If you can manage them for entry without permission form, it's your capability.
Visiting Time: 6 AM 7 PM. Best to visit from 1st July to 15th August during yatra time.
How to go: There are many ways to reach at Amarnath Cave. You can reach Amarnath cave both from Baltal, Sonamarg or from Pahalgam. I'm describing here from Sonamarg.
From Sonamarg you can reach at Amarnath temple different ways. Route is Baltal Camp, Between Baltal & Domel, Domail, Railpathri, Brarimarg, Sangam, Holy Cave.
1) By Helicopter: There is a Helipad at Neelgrath. From there Helicopter will take you up on the hill to another Helipad at Panjtarni. One way fare 1,804 Rupee ($23.76) (inclusive of all taxes) per person. It will take about 7 minutes. From there Amarnath Cave is 6 km away. Now you can walk or take a Palki ride (Wooden wheel-less vehicle. carry by people). It may costs 5000 Rupee ($65.86) return during peak season (depends on your bargaining skill). Even you may get only at 500 Rupee ($6.79) during off peak. Or you can take pony ride which may take 1500 Rupee ($19.76) return.
2) From Baltal: Baltal is about 14.4 km from Sonamarg towards Leh road. Go to Baltal by shared cab fare 100 Rupee ($1.32) from Sonamarg. From Baltal, if you want to return on that day you have to start early on the morning, So you have to stay night at Baltal. There are staying facilities in Baltal. Hut cost 375 Rupee ($4.94), Tent (floor accommodation with mattress) - 530 and Tent (cot accommodation) - 700 Rupee ($9.22). During Yatra times, meals will be provided free of cost in langar (pron: Longor. Meal will serve to all people there at a time). Next day early in the morning you can walk or take pony ride 1700 Rupee ($22.39) per person one way. Show horse man that you are not interested. It will work. They may offer you even only 300 Rupee ($3.95) one way. The route is Baltal – Domali – Barari Marg – Sangam – Cave Temple. It takes 5-6 hours to reach. Various NGOs/Societies etc. offer free food, water and refreshment to the Yatris en route to Holy Cave. Langars shall be set up at various locations during Yatra period. And security here and there.
* If you want to go back on the same way, go back to Baltal and go to Srinagar the next morning, and don’t waste your time in Srinagar, take a shared taxi from Dalgate, Srinagar to Anantnag and then from Anantnag to Pahalgam. So you can save 1 night stay in Srinagar.
* Remember, make your journey a little twisty and memorable. There is a way from Pahelgam to Amarnath temple, you can go from Amarnath temple to Palalgam. There should be 1 night in Panchtarni and 1 night in sheshnag. It has an advantage that you no longer have to climb the hill from Pahalgam.
From Temple to Pahalgam:
The route is Cave, Panjtarni, Kelnar, Poshpathri, Wavbal, Sheshnag, Nagakoti, Zojibal, Pissutop, Chandanwari, Nunwan. There you can go by two ways.
1) By Helicopter: There is a Helipad at Panchtarni which go to Pahalgam. One way fare 3104 Rupee ($40.89) (inclusive of all taxes) per person. It will take about 10 minutes.
2) Go to Panchtarni, about 6 km from the cave. It may take 3 hours. Stay at night You will get hut here cost 375 Rupee ($4.94). Tent (floor accommodation with mattress) - 500 and Tent (cot accommodation) - 550 Rupee ($7.24). Here you may face skin crack problem due to cold. Keep cold cream or vaseline. Stay at night. Day 10th - early morning start for Sheshnag. About 11 km trek may take 6 hours. Visit Sheshnag Lake. You can stay at sheshnag. Hut cost - 375 Rupee ($4.94), Tent (floor accommodation with mattress) - 400 and Tent (cot accommodation) - 450 Rupee ($5.93). Day-11: Go more 12 km journey to Chandanwari. You will get Tent (floor accommodation with mattress) - 275 Rupee ($3.62) and Tent (cot accommodation) - 450 Rupee ($5.93). Next day start for Betab Valley. Or you can go to Pahalgam by public transport.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam is tourist town in Anantnag District. It is located at 88 km from Srinagar and 45 km from Anantnag town on the banks of Lidder River at an altitude of 7,200 feet.How to Reach Pahalgam
Nearest airport is Srinagar Airport.Srinagar to Pahalgam bus everyday once at 8 AM and fare 210 Rupee. It takes 3 hours to reach Pahalgam.
If you missed the bus or you reach at noon at Srinagar and don't waste your time at Srinagar then take a shared taxi from Dalgate, Srinagar to Anantnag and then by another shared taxi from Anantnag to Pahalgam. So that you can save 1 night stay at Srinagar.
Hotels in Pahalgam
There are many hotels at Pahalgam. You may also find camp at Pahalgram and Chandanwari at very low cost. Below 500 Rupee.You can book hotel from the below search engine, which compare Booking.com and other all hotel related website and show the different prices of the same room. So, you can book at the lowest price.
Write your city name "Pahalgam". Select your check-in and check-out date and click on search.
Tourist Places in Pahalgam
If you not visit Amarnath Cave from Sonamarg, you can visit it from Pahalgam.
Day-9-12:
Amarnath Cave
The Shiva Lingam is a stalagmite formation (A stalagmite is a type of rock formation) located at the Amarnath Cave. The stalagmite is formed due to the freezing of water drops that fall from the roof of the cave onto the floor. There are different types of stalagmites. Parvati and Ganesha are also present here as two smaller stalagmites.
According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where Shiva explained the mystery of life and eternity to his divine consort Parvati. From 1st July to 15th August during the Hindu Holy month of Savan, believers are come from different places.
Amarnath cave is situated at an altitude of 12,756 ft. 14 km away from Baltal (8,960 ft above sea level), Sonamarg. First of all it is required for all to get permission from Sonamarg. They just want to know you are capable to reach there. That's why you have to provide a physical certificate. If you want to know the procedure of registration then click here. There is a police check post after 1 km from Baltal at Domail. Entry Time into gate open from 5 AM to 11 AM. You cam out any time. If you can manage them for entry without permission form, it's your capability.
Visiting Time: 6 AM 7 PM. Best to visit from 1st July to 15th August during yatra time.
How to go: There are many ways to reach at Amarnath Cave. You can reach Amarnath cave both from Baltal, Sonamarg or from Pahalgam. I'm describing here from Pahalgam.
Pahalgam to Cave:
You can reach a
1) By Helicopter: There is a Helipad from Pahalgam to up on the hill at Panchtarni (6 km far away from the cave). One way fare 3104 Rupee ($40.89) (inclusive of all taxes) per person. It will take about 10 minutes.
2) By Trekking: Early morning by public transport, go to Chandanwari. You will get Tent (floor accommodation with mattress) - 275 Rupee ($3.62) and Tent (cot accommodation) - 450 Rupee ($5.93). But don't stay. Start hiking. Chandanwari Access Control Gate open 6 AM to 11 AM. Hike 12 km away to You can stay at sheshnag. Stay at night, Hut cost - 375 Rupee ($4.94), Tent (floor accommodation with mattress) - 400 and Tent (cot accommodation) - 450 Rupee ($5.93). Visit Sheshnag Lake. Day-10: Sheshnag entry gate open from 6 AM to 2 PM. Early morning start for Panchtarni, about 11 km trek may take 6 hours. Stay at night You will get hut here cost 375 Rupee ($4.94). Tent (floor accommodation with mattress) - 500 Rupee ($6.59) and Tent (cot accommodation) - 550 Rupee ($7.24). Here you may face skin crack problem due to cold. Keep cold cream or vaseline. Stay at night. Day-11: Panjtarni gate open from 5 AM to 3 PM. Early morning go to cave, about 6 km away. It may take 3 hours. Return on the Same day after visiting cave to Panchtarni and stay.
Day-13: Pahalgam
Betaab Valley
Natural Landmarks
Betaab Valley is nice place and a picnic spot with scenic view. A Bollywood movie 'Betaab' was shot here and released in 1983. After then this place name is Betaab Valley.
Entry Fee: 100 Rupee.
How to go: It is located at middle of the Pahalgam to Chandanwari road. Go there by local bus.
Baisaran Valley
Natural Landmarks
Baisaran valley is a green field surrounded by mountains. Natural scenic view only. About 5 km away from Pahalgram.
Entry Fee: 30 Rupee.
How to go: From Pahalgam after about 20 minutes of hike, take the trail through the pine forest. After about 1 hour of walk, you will reach at Baisaran Valley.
Note that, if you don't want to visit Tulian Lake then go back to Pahalgam. If yes then continue your journey from Baisaran which is gradual uphill trail. continue your trek til Gujjar huts on the way. people are very good there, may offer you tea. Talk to them and stay at Gujjars hut.
Day-14: Pahalgam
Tulian Lake
Lake
It is about 11 km from Baisarn Valley at an altitude of 12,087 feet.
How to go: From Baisaran Valley trek up hill. cross Gujjars hut and Kanimarg, walk for about half an hour, you will enter the dense forest. After end of the forest, you may see few gypsy huts. This is another beautiful view of the Tulian Valley. You will not hike towards the valley, trek on your left towards the Tulian Lake. At the last stage you have to climb mountain rock. This is little tough of the journey. Take your time. A beautiful lake is waiting behind this.
After visit Tulian Lake direct come back to Pahalgam and stay at night.
Day-15: Aru Valley
Aru is a tourist spot in the Anantnag District. It is located around 12 km from Pahalgam towards north. it is a base camp for trekking to the Kolhoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake, Katrinag valley and Lidderwat village.
Start early in the morning for Aru Valley from Pahalgram (altitude 7,200 feet) about 12 km away at an altitude 7,958 feet.
There are a few homestays and guest houses and JKTDC Tourist bungalow, a few small eateries and a few shops.
How to go: You can take a shared taxi from Pahalgam to Aru Valley. It takes about 45-50 minutes to reach. The taxi will start only after it gets filled up.
Trekker tourist mainly target to trek and visit mainly three lakes up on the hill. These are Tarsar Lake, Sundersar Lake, Marsar Lake.
Many tourists go with package company. But you have to think few things.
* It takes 6 days 5 nights from Aru valley to visit these lakes and by same road come back again Aru Valley.
* You need to take a package, which cost around 11,500 Rupee per person. So it is a problem for budget traveler.
* You should have the ability to walk about 6-12 km uphill per day.
If you have problem with any, you just can omit this tour and go next what else is waiting for you. If you have that much time, if you have money and no problem to trek, then you can go for it.
But the budget group traveler, you can do it yourself. Those who are solo try to find a group are going up hill and just tie with them. Just need tent to stay and buy adequate food and water for 6 days with you. There are many Gypsy huts up on the hill. If found, set your tent to stay at night near them.
If you visit or not, now trek to Lidderwat village. 10 km away from Aru valley at an altitude of 9,131 feet.
Day-16:
Lidderwat Village
Village
Aru to Lidderwat is about 10 km distance at height 9,131 ft. Lidderwat has a PWD Resthouse, and a couple of makeshift tea shops available.
How to go: From Aru Valley, walk through broad pathway that is frequented by gypsies. After 15 minutes trek up enter the pine forest. Forest ends after 45 minutes of walking and you will see a meadow and a lot of gypsy huts. After 40 minutes you will find Lidder River. Walk 10 minutes, you will see a small log bridge and gypsy huts. Do not cross the bridge. Walk more 15 minutes, you will find a small tea stall. Then walk more 20 minutes along the river and you will see a bridge. Cross the bridge, you can see Lidderwat Government guest house. There are two routes from Lidderwat. The one on the right goes towards the Kohalai glacier and another straight up the hill towards Shekwass and Tarsar Lake.
If you decide not to trek to Lake Tarsar, head back to Aru Valley then to Pahalgam. And those who are going to visit Tarsar Lake without any package, get up very early. Check if any groups are going, just tie up with them.
Day-17: Tarsar Lake
Tarsar Lake
Lake
Tarsar Lake is about 16 km from Lidderwat at the altitude of 12,449 feet.
How to go: The trek to Tarsar starts to climb right behind the guest house. Go up on the hill through the bank of the water flow coming. On the way you may find gypsy hut. You can talk to gypsies and rest but don't wait too much time and follow the river path. Walk through the river and cross it. Be careful, stones are very slippery. after crossing the river, now river on your right side. follow the river about 1 hour. There are few Gypsy huts here. You can stop for tea. Talk to them few minutes.
Then walk up straight with the stream on your right. Within 1 hour You will reach Shekhwas (at height 11,039 ft). Total 5.6 km from Lidderwat. It takes 5.6 hours to reach. Many Gypsy huts. Talk to them and you can stay here. Tarsar lake is about 5 km from here and take about 2/3 hours.
Note that you can stay in any gypsy hut at a nominal cost, but if you feel that staying is a problem, go back to Leaderwatt as soon as possible. And if you think there is no problem, go further for Marsar and Sundarsar Lake the next morning.
Day-18:
Start for Surndarsar Lake camping Area about 10 km from Tarsar Lake.
climb up to the Sundarsar Lake from the camping area is a 1 km steep hike through boulders.
Then Visit Marsar Lake. and come back to camping area. for night stay.
Day-19:
Back to Lidderwat Village.
Day-20:
* There is a trek from Lidderwat village to Dudhsar Lake (12600 feet) – Kolahoi Glacier Viewpoint towards northeast.
Dudhsar Lake lake is located around 8 km from Lidderwat valley.
The first checkpoint is Susrin from where the Susrin Nala flows to merge with the Dudhsar Nala. After a short walk, you will reach a crossing point. you have to cross the Nala and head towards Satlunjan, only about a km from Susrin. This is a beautiful place with river tributaries flowing along. Then after a flat trail, there is a gradual ascent towards the Kolahoi Basecamp. Here the terrain is full of boulders and you have to walk beside the Dushsar Nala.
Kolahoi Base Camp is at an altitude of 10450 feet. From the Kolahoi Basecamp, there is a trail that goes up to the valley. Take that trail and continue towards the meadows. From there, it is an easy hike to the Dudhsar Lake.
* If you are not going to Dudhsar Lake then early in the morning from Lidderwat, go to Aru Valley then Pahalgam Then Srinagar, then to your home.
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