It is no wonder why Kashmir is known as the paradise on earth. The lush green valleys, the snow-capped mountains, the serene lakes of Dal and Wular, and the gurgles of River Jhelum and its tributary adds a stunning beauty to this place.

Beauty aside, there are several aspects to Kashmir that requires meticulous planning and knowing what to expect.

I visited Kashmir on a 6 Day Trip with family on a shoe-string budget. From all the effort I put in planning the trip and what I learned from my trip, I have drawn this detailed article of tips, hacks, and useful information in planning a budget family trip to Kashmir.

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Is Kashmir Safe? – Important Information for Tourists

If you are planning a trip to Kashmir and worried about your safety or other concerns, here is a list important information to plan your trip to Kashmir.

Safety in Kashmir

Everything we have ever heard of Kashmir from the media only makes tourists like you and me worry for our safety when planning a trip to Kashmir. But after visiting the country with my husband, preschooler son, and senior citizen parents, I can assure you that Kashmir is safe for tourists and you don’t need to think twice before planning a trip here. Here are reasons why you don’t need to worry about your safety in Kashmir:

In 2023 May, Kashmir was one of the venues for the G20 Summit and if such a grand event could be conducted there with no security incidence, you can be sure of your safety in Kashmir!

Mobile Phones and Sim Cards in Kashmir

Prepaid sim cards from other states of India do not work in Kashmir. This is a security measure for your protection.  However, if your existing sim card is postpaid, it works in Kashmir.

Otherwise, you will need to get a temporary prepaid sim car from Kashmir after you arrive, but keep in mind that it does not work outside Kashmir.

We had no idea this was that case in Kashmir when we visited. We had booked a homestay who arranged a driver for us and at the airport we had no means to contact him. We then contacted him through another driver at the taxi stand. We then got ourselves an Airtel prepaid sim card to stay connected for the rest of the trip.

The best solution for you is to convert your prepaid sim to postpaid before visiting Kashmir.

If you are going to get a prepaid sim at Kashmir, know that BSNL has the widest network and works even in places where other sim cards do not work. The next best option is Airtel as it offers a faster internet service than BSNL and the second widest network in Kashmir.

Money

Having a nonfunctional sim card in Kashmir poses a major handicap in digital and UPI transaction in Kashmir. You can’t do internet banking nor Google Pay.

Once you get here, find out the nearest ATMs near you so that you can withdraw cash whenever required. POS also works so make sure you carry valid debit or credit cards for your use. Smaller shops may not accept cards or UPI, so carrying cash is the best option.

Finally, paying your driver at the end of your trip is a major problem if you do not have a postpaid sim card. We had to go to two different ATMs on the last day of our stay to get the sufficient money to settle the driver’s payment. It was not a pleasant experience!

Amarnath Timing

Amarnath Yatra the pilgrimage to Amarnath in Pahalgam takes place from July 1^st to August 31^st. every year. Unless you are setting on this pilgrimage, it is best to avoid visiting Kashmir during this time as a family. This is because you will have a tough time getting a driver or even an accommodation in some tourist places.

Our taxi drivers also informed us that During the Amarnath season, they would insist tourists to return to Srinagar right after lunch as there will be a lot of check points on the way for additional safety.

But if you are traveling to Kashmir as a couple or solo, or you have your own vehicle, July-August won’t be much of a problem. However, note that security check will be very stringent during the Amarnath season and you will be stopped at every check point for checking.

Airport Procedures in Kashmir

Airport security checks at Srinagar Airport is more elaborate than regular airports. There will be an additional baggage check for departure from Srinagar which could take longer due to the crowd.

Expect to spend 30 minutes more here for security check than other airport and reach the airport well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle.

Visiting Kashmir in Own Car

You can visit Kashmir in your own vehicle, but not a taxi (yellow number plate) from another state of India. You do not need to obtain any additional permits to visit Kashmir in your own vehicle.

However, some tourist spots in Kashmir do not allow private vehicles from other states and you will have to hire a taxi from the designated taxi stand for such trips.

Planning Expenses

Kashmir is quite an expensive place compared to other tourist places in India. This is because of all the unanticipated expenses for activities. In Srinagar, the Shikara ride is at your expense and not covered in any package.

In places like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Doodhpathri, you will need to hire horses to get around and the horsemen quote ridiculously high charges for the same. Additionally, in Gulmarg and Sonamarg you will do snow activities, which are again quite expensive. This topples your travel budget as this is not covered even in packages.

Do not worry. I have got you covered. Read this blog post, where I explain how to deal with these expenses and avoid getting scammed in Kashmir.

Tour package or Self-Planned Trip for Kashmir?

Before we did our trip, we reached out to many friends and family who visited Kashmir. Some had to cancel or alter plans due to bad weather while some felt the package promised something else and delivered something else.

A lot of people pay exorbitant prices to travel agents for a preplanned trips and end up feeling cheated. This is because their expectations were not met or because a lot of the expenses at tourist spots are not covered in the package and they ended up paying way more than they hoped for. Don’t make the mistake!

A budget Kashmir trip with family can be easily self-planned. You just need to book a hotel in Srinagar and ask them to provide you with a driver and vehicle. They will arrange someone for you.

Ask the hotel to provide you the driver’s number well in advance and talk to them before you start for Srinagar and tell him which are the places you wish to visit and have a plan in place. This is what we did and we managed a 6 days Kashmir trip in under Rs. 10000 PAX, including all the horse riding and snow activity charges. This is excluding the flight charges.

Where to Stay in Kashmir with Family on a Budget

You can plan your trip in two ways. Either you can stay in Srinagar for the entire trip and visit the various attractions on day trips from there or you can divide your stay across different places as per your itinerary.

We decided to spend all nights in Srinagar for three reasons. One, it is a lot cheaper. Accommodation and food in Gulmarg and Pahalgam cost much more than in Srinagar. We managed to cut a lot of expenses by staying in Srinagar for the entire trip and going to each place on day trips.

Second, it helped us keep the itinerary flexible. Sometimes, due to reasons like sudden road closure or an unexpected landslide, a route may get blocked and if you have a fixed itinerary, it could cause problems.

While we were there, tourists were not allowed to Sonamarg for the day we had planned as a minister was visiting to inaugurate a bridge. This however did not affect our plan and we instead went to Pahalgam that day.

Third, there is so much to see in Srinagar, in our six-day trip, we decided to spend three days just in Srinagar. This way, instead of spending a lot of time getting from one place to another, we did a really thorough trip of the most culturally vibrant part of Kashmir. Check out the best places to visit in Srinagar as well as a 3-day itinerary.

If you are on a five to seven days trip in Kashmir, I would suggest you stay one night in Pahalgam, and if you plan to visit both Gulmarg and Doodhpathri, then one night in Gulmarg as well. Otherwise, you only need to stay in Srinagar for the entire trip.

Places to Visit in Kashmir with Family

Kashmir has several beautiful places to visit. In this section, I cover the most popular tourist attractions to visit in Kashmir with family in detail and then mention the lesser known or offbeat places in a list.

Srinagar

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is a city that weaves together the enchanting melody of Dal Lake with the vibrant hues of Mughal gardens. Some of the important tourist attractions in Srinagar are Shalimar Garden, Nishat Garden, Badamwari, Chasma Shahi, Pari Mahal, Tulip Garden, Hari Parbat, Hazratbal Shrine, Jamia Masjid, and Shankaracharya Temple.

Pahalgam

Pahalgam, situated in the Anantnag district of Kashmir is a picturesque town that lures travelers with its pristine beauty. The major attractions to cover here are Baisaran Valley, Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and Chandanwaadi. Pahalgam is one of the places where tourist scams are rampant. Read Pahalgam tourist scams to know what they are and how to tackle them.

Pahalgam Places to Visit and Tips to Avoid Getting Scammed

Gulmarg

Gulmarg, known for its winter sports and breathtaking landscapes, is a haven for adventure seekers. The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the world’s highest cable cars, unveils panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. I would suggest you to book the gondola ride at least two weeks in advance to avoid missing out.

Sonamarg

Located about 80 km from Srinagar, Sonamarg is another winter paradise in Kashmir. It os a snow-covered mountainous terrain with a lot of snow activities. Sonamarg is also a gateway to the majestic Zoji La Pass and Thajiwas Glacier.

Doodhpathri

Doodpathri or the “Valley of Milk” got its name from a legend. It is said that the famous saint of Kashmir Sheikh-Ul-Aalaam” when pricked the ground here after his prayers in search of water, instead of water, milk oozed out from the ground. He told the milk that he could not use it and at once the milk transformed into water. The water flowing through the meadow is milky white in color.

Other Places to Visit in Kashmir

Dachigam National Park

Wular Lake

Yusmarg

Things to Do in Kashmir with Family

Kashmir is not just sightseeing but packs a lot of experiences. When in Kashmir, do try these:

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Stay in a Houseboat

Sip Kahwa Tea

Dress up in Kashmiri Attire at Mughal Gardens

Snow Activities

Visit a Cricket Bat-Making Factory

Visit an Apple Orchard

Relish Wazwan

Read: Best Family Restaurants in Srinagar

Visit a Saffron Field

Visit a Mustard Field

How to Reach Kashmir

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to reach Kashmir and embark on an unforgettable adventure.

By Air

The quickest and most convenient way to reach Kashmir is by air. You can reach the Srinagar International Airport by direct flight from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad.

Several domestic airlines operate regular flights to Srinagar, making it easy for travelers from across the country to access the valley’s splendor.

By Train

Although Kashmir doesn’t have a direct railway station, you can still travel by train and then make a road journey to reach the valley.

The nearest major railway station to Srinagar is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is well-connected to various cities in India. From Jammu, you can hire a taxi, take a bus, or travel by the historic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a scenic route that winds its way through the picturesque mountains.

By Road

Kashmir can be accessed by road from various neighboring states. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, also known as NH-44, is the primary road link connecting Jammu to Srinagar.

The journey is an adventure in itself, with winding roads, breathtaking views, and the opportunity to witness the changing landscapes as you ascend to higher altitudes. However, it’s essential to check the road conditions and weather forecasts, especially during the winter months when the highway may experience temporary closures due to snow.

By Bus

Regular bus services operate from major cities in North India to Srinagar and other towns in the valley. Deluxe and semi-deluxe buses run by the Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) and private operators offer comfortable travel options.

The road journey provides a chance to witness the stunning landscapes of the region and is a popular choice for budget travelers.

By Car

You can drive your own car to Kashmir, although taxi-registered vehicles from other states are not allowed in Kashmir.

By Air from International Destinations

For international travelers, reaching Kashmir involves taking a connecting flight from major Indian cities like Delhi or Mumbai. Several international airlines operate flights to these cities, making it convenient to reach India before catching a domestic flight to Srinagar.

How to Get Around in Kashmir on a Budget

Once you’ve arrived in this picturesque paradise, the next step is to explore its many wonders and hidden gems. Navigating Kashmir is relatively easy, offering a variety of transportation options that allow you to immerse yourself in the captivating charm of Kashmir. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get around in this enchanting valley.

Local Transport in Srinagar

Auto-rickshaws: Within the city limits of Srinagar, you can find auto-rickshaws, a popular and cheap mode of transport. Negotiate the fare before getting into the auto-rickshaw to avoid any misunderstandings later.

Local Buses: Srinagar has a network of local buses that connect various parts of the city. While they may not always be the most comfortable option, they are an economical way to get around if you prefer the local experience.

Taxis and Private Cars

Taxis and private cars are readily available for hire in Srinagar and other major towns in Kashmir. You can book them for short trips within the city or for more extended journeys to explore nearby attractions.

Hiring a private car allows you to set your own itinerary and explore the region at your pace. This is the most practical way to get around in Kashmir and how we did it.

Shared Sumos and Buses

For intercity travel in Kashmir, shared sumos (shared jeeps) and buses are commonly used by locals and budget travelers, even families. Shared sumos are a convenient way to travel between towns and villages, offering a cost-effective option while connecting you to various destinations.

Renting Bikes or Scooters

For adventure enthusiasts, renting bikes or scooters is an exciting way to explore the scenic landscapes of Kashmir at your leisure. This option allows you to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems that may not be accessible by larger vehicles.

Private Tour Operators

If you prefer a guided and hassle-free experience, there are many private tour operators in Kashmir that offer customized travel packages. These operators can arrange transportation, accommodation, and sightseeing activities based on your preferences and interests.

Best Time to Visit Kashmir with Family

Whether you seek winter wonderlands, spring blossoms, or summer retreats, here’s a comprehensive guide on the best time to visit Kashmir with family, allowing you to witness the valley’s charm in its full glory.

Spring (March to May)

As winter bids farewell, Kashmir blossoms into a vibrant paradise during spring. The months of March to May witness the valley covered in a kaleidoscope of colors as tulips, daffodils, and cherry blossoms bloom.

The world-famous Tulip Garden in Srinagar, which opens for a limited period during this season, is a sight to behold, with millions of tulips creating a breathtaking spectacle.

This is also the only time Badamwari Garden is opened to tourists in Srinagar. The weather during spring is pleasantly cool, making it an ideal time for sightseeing, leisurely walks in the gardens, and indulging in the region’s delectable cuisine.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Kashmir is a welcome respite from the scorching heat of the plains. The months of June to August offer mild temperatures, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius (68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). The snow in the higher reaches begins to melt, filling the rivers and lakes with crystal-clear waters.

This is the perfect time for trekking, river rafting, and exploring the lush green meadows of places like Pahalgam and Gulmarg. The serene Dal Lake and other water bodies in Srinagar beckon you for leisurely shikara rides, providing a memorable experience amidst nature’s tranquility.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn, also known as the “Golden Season,” paints Kashmir in warm hues as the leaves on the chinar trees turn fiery red and gold. The months of September to November offer a pleasant climate, making it an excellent time for sightseeing and exploring the region’s cultural treasures.

The Dal Lake is adorned with floating gardens, and the Mughal gardens showcase a riot of colors against the backdrop of the majestic Zabarwan Range. The popular Lidder Valley in Pahalgam comes alive with golden landscapes, offering perfect settings for photography enthusiasts.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Kashmir transforms the region into a magical wonderland. The months of December to February witness heavy snowfall, blanketing the valley in a glistening white cloak. This is the best time to experience the enchanting beauty of Gulmarg and other snow-laden regions.

The hill station becomes a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, offering skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing adventures. The frozen Dal Lake and the houseboats adorned with snow create a surreal ambiance.

However, do note that winters can be harsh, and certain areas may be inaccessible due to heavy snow, so it’s essential to check local conditions and plan accordingly.

What to Pack for Kashmir

Whether you’re planning to visit during the vibrant blooms of spring or the snowy wonderlands of winter, packing smartly ensures you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience in this paradise on Earth. Here’s your ultimate packing guide for Kashmir, helping you prepare for the journey of a lifetime.

Warm Layers: Kashmir can get chilly, especially during the evenings and winters. Pack warm layers like sweaters, thermal wear, and fleece jackets to stay cozy and comfortable.

Winter Wear: If you’re visiting during winter, don’t forget to pack heavy winter essentials such as a down jacket, insulated gloves, a beanie or hat, and a good-quality pair of snow boots.

Comfortable Walking Shoes: Kashmir offers opportunities for walking and trekking, so pack sturdy and comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots to explore the beautiful landscapes.

Travel Documents: Carry passport-size photos, a government-issued ID card, passport (if you’re an international traveler), and any necessary permits for specific regions or treks you plan to undertake.

Prescription Medications: If you take any prescription medications, ensure you have an adequate supply for the duration of your trip.

Basic First-Aid Kit: Carry a small first-aid kit with adhesive bandages, antiseptic cream, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.

Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Protect your skin and lips from the harsh sun, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors. Carry a body sunscreen with SPF 50 with you for optimum sun protection.

Moisturizer: Kashmir’s weather can be dry, so pack a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

Personal Hygiene Items: Don’t forget essentials like shampoo, soap, and sanitary products.

Cash: While larger towns have ATMs, it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors and emergency situations.

Daypack or Backpack: A small daypack is useful for carrying essentials during day trips and excursions.

Snacks: Carry some snacks like energy bars, nuts, and fruits to keep you fueled during your explorations.

Umbrella: A compact travel umbrella can come in handy during sudden showers.

Wrapping Up: Budget Kashmir Tr with Family

Kashmir is a must-visit family destination in India. Planning a budget trip to Kashmir with family can help you save a lot of money which you may otherwise lose to travel agents and to tourist scams. The government is taking every measure to keep Kashmir safe for tourists and in the recent years, there have been record influx of tourists to Kashmir.

I hope my Budget Kashmir Trip for Family Guide helped you plan your trip better. If there is anything you need to know, let me know in the comments below. I will respond to you with helpful answers.