Kashmir – “paradise on earth” – is a valley of lakes, meadows and snow peaks. Srinagar with its houseboats is the base for day trips to Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg; Jammu and Katra lead to Mata Vaishno Devi and Patnitop.
Use this guide with our separate guides for Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Katra.
Jammu & Kashmir – Quick Facts
Union Territory
Jammu & Kashmir
Altitude
Srinagar 1,585 m; Gulmarg 2,650 m
Airports
Srinagar, Jammu
Railways
Jammu Tawi, Katra and the Vande Bharat to Srinagar
Best time
April – June, September – November; December – March for snow
Ideal stay
5 – 7 days
Places to Visit in Jammu & Kashmir
Srinagar Dal lake, houseboats and Mughal gardens.
Gulmarg Meadow and the Gondola to Apharwat.
Pahalgam Lidder valley, Betaab and Aru.
Sonamarg Meadow of gold and the Thajiwas glacier.
Yusmarg 47 km – quiet meadow with pine forest and the Doodh Ganga.
Doodhpathri 42 km – meadow with milky streams.
Patnitop Hill station on the Jammu – Srinagar highway at 2,024 m.
Katra – Vaishno Devi Base of the Vaishno Devi yatra.
Best Time to Visit Jammu & Kashmir
April – June: tulips and meadows – peak season
July – August: green valleys, Amarnath Yatra
September – November: chinar autumn
December – March: snow in Gulmarg and Pahalgam
How to Reach Jammu & Kashmir
By air: Srinagar and Jammu airports.
By train: Katra and the Vande Bharat to Srinagar.
By road: Jammu – Srinagar 260 km on NH-44 via the Banihal tunnel.
Jammu & Kashmir Distance Chart
Route
Distance
Drive time
Jammu – Srinagar
260 km
7 hrs
Jammu – Katra
45 km
1.5 hrs
Jammu – Patnitop
110 km
3 hrs
Srinagar – Gulmarg
50 km
1.5 hrs
Srinagar – Pahalgam
95 km
2.5 hrs
Srinagar – Sonamarg
85 km
2.5 hrs
Srinagar – Yusmarg
47 km
1.5 hrs
Srinagar – Leh
420 km
2 days
Approximate road distances and times – mountain roads can take longer in snow or rain.
Jammu & Kashmir Map
Jammu – Srinagar route map (NH 44 via Udhampur, Banihal / Navyug Tunnel) (tap to enlarge)Srinagar city map (tap to enlarge)
Jammu & Kashmir Travel Tips
Prepaid SIMs from other states do not work – carry postpaid.
Local sightseeing in Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg is by union taxis.
Entrance & Permit Fees in Jammu & Kashmir 2026
Permits
No permit for the main tourist areas. Gurez, Keran and other border valleys need an ID check / permit – we help you.
Amarnath Yatra needs Shrine Board registration (₹150) and a health certificate.
🎟️ Entrance fees (per person, paid at the gate or online)
Gulmarg Gondolaper person · Phase 1 + 2 ₹2,400 – add it in the price calculator
₹1,200 / phase
₹1,200 / phase
Betaab ValleyPahalgam union cab
Union rate
Union rate
Thajiwas Glacierpony / union vehicle at fixed rates
Free
Free
Doodhpathripony extra
Free
Free
Patnitop
Free
Free
Vaishno Devi Templeyatra RFID card free · pony, palki, helicopter extra
Free
Free
Awantipora RuinsASI monument
approx. ₹25
approx. ₹300
Fees as published for 2026 and can be revised by the authorities; "approx." rates are local / private and may differ. Children are usually free or half rate. Camera fees extra at some places.
Jammu & Kashmir Tour Packages 2026
Packages by Travel Himalayas that stay in Jammu & Kashmir – hotels and a private cab, with the complete price for your date on each page.
Yes, tourist areas are busy and well guarded; we keep you updated on any advisory.
What is the best time to visit Jammu & Kashmir?
April – June: tulips and meadows – peak season. July – August: green valleys, Amarnath Yatra. September – November: chinar autumn. December – March: snow in Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
How to reach Jammu & Kashmir?
By air – Srinagar and Jammu airports. By train – Katra and the Vande Bharat to Srinagar. By road – Jammu – Srinagar 260 km on NH-44 via the Banihal tunnel.
How much does a Jammu & Kashmir tour cost?
Our Jammu & Kashmir packages start from about ₹12,200 per person (2 sharing) with hotels and a private cab – open a package for the complete price on your date.
