Table of Contents

Overview

It is called Paradise on Earth, thanks to such a fantastic combination of outstanding natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and peaceful atmosphere. From the pristine waters of Dal Lake to the lush green meadows of Gulmarg, a 3-day taxi tour of Kashmir would prove a great window to see the best of this breathtaking region. It does not matter whether one belongs to nature and history, the outdoors person- Kashmir beauty definitely will call their senses.

A detailed overview that will take you through a complete 3-day taxi tour guide of Kashmir has been included so that you learn about each and every day during the tour and get some precious travel tips essential for visiting any place. Sighting, Food, Accommodations, all the practical, must-know travel guidance will be delivered to make the journey through this heaven on Earth one of its kind.

sonamarg kashmir brown chinar kashmir
sonamarg kashmir brown chinar kashmir
sonamarg brown chinar kashmir

Day 1: Arrive at Srinagar – The Heart of Kashmir

The first day of your Kashmir taxi tour would focus on Srinagar city, which is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. This city has gained popularity for its wonderful lakes, Mughal gardens, busy bazaars, and old-world ambiance. Let’s break down the itinerary for your first day.

Morning: Arrival at Srinagar Airport

You will embark from the Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar to your respective departure city. The moment you step out of the airport, you will feel the cool and crisp air and breathtaking views of mountains surrounding it. A taxi driver will be waiting for you at the airport to embark on your adventure.

The drive to your hotel takes you through very scenic roads giving you a glimpse of the picturesque landscape with vast plains, rivers, and villages all along. The ride introduces you to the beauty of the region and quickly explains why Kashmir is referred to as “Paradise on Earth.”

Afternoon: Dal Lake and Shikara Ride

Dal Lake is one of the most iconic places in Srinagar and must be visited on your first day. Fondly called the “Jewel of Kashmir,” Dal Lake is famous for its crystal clear waters, houseboats, and shikaras. A ride through the lake will give you time to relax within the serene surroundings as you enjoy scenic views of snow-capped peaks, floating gardens, and lily pads.

Witness during a boat ride, traditional life and times of people staying on houseboats; selling flowers, handicrafts, and other produce right from the boats. An enchanting and unique experience through which one views Srinagar, leaving it in serenity to prepare the mind for your Kashmir journey.

Visit the famous floating market on Dal Lake, after a ride on your shikara. The colors of the flowers surely bring smiles on your face, and delightful banter with vendors makes this trip just incredible.

Evening: Visit Mughal Gardens

Kashmir’s Mughal Gardens are some of the finest examples of Mughal architecture and horticultural design in India. On your first day, you’ll explore three of the most famous Mughal Gardens: Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi.

1. Nishat Bagh: Nishat Bagh is the largest Mughal gardens in Kashmir located on Dal Lake’s eastern shores. The sight is great, with terraced layouts, colorful flowers, and cascading fountains, which is enhanced with the imposing Himalayan peaks as its backdrop.

2. Shalimar Bagh: It is the oldest of all of them, developed by Emperor Jahangir, for his beautiful wife, Nur Jahan. The garden includes several levels comprising fountains and reflecting pools amidst intricate floral designs typical of the Mughals.

3. Chashme Shahi: Chashme Shahi is located at the foot of the Zabarwan Range. This is one of the natural springs and is believed to be medicinally helpful. The place looks serene because of the terraced garden and the flowing water.

Just wander in these gardens to enjoy the day, and retire back to your hotel for an easy dinner, ending the night with authentic flavours like Rogan Josh, Yakhni or Dum Aloo- traditional Kashmiri dishes.

Day 2: Sonamarg- The Meadow of Gold

Sonamarg is an exquisite valley. It is around 80 kilometers from Srinagar. The place is excellent to get away into nature. Famous for lush meadows, glistening rivers, and towering snow-covered peaks, Sonamarg offers a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. This is what your second day would be like.

Morning: Scenic Drive to Sonamarg

Your day would start early at Srinagar, with the drive to Sonamarg. The long winding road went through dense forest, with great visions of the River Sindh as well as the encircling ranges. The far-off view starts to emerge where the landscape stretches into alpine terrain and stretches out before the eyes.

Sonamarg, or the “Meadow of Gold” in Kashmiri, aptly seems to earn the name through the meadowful of blooms seen in summers across its wildflower meads. You would pass through many villages during your journey and catch glimpses of Kashmiri folk, still busy cultivating their farms, or whose flocks spread out over hillside meads.

Afternoon: Thajiwas Glacier trek

Once you reach Sonamarg, you could see the white-capped mountain ranges, crystal rivers, and rich green meadow. The glacier of Thajiwas is considered one of the most popular places for trekking in the whole region and can be reached at a distance of a few kilometres from Sonamarg. However, you would either have to trek a bit or hire a pony to visit the glacier.

The trek takes you through dense forests, alpine meadows, and rocky. Once you reach the glacier, the beautiful views of ice-covered peaks and valleys would be waiting for you. It is an ideal opportunity for photography and direct nature experience.

If you want more, Sonamarg has the adventure of fishing, camping, and the walk in the nature. You can spend the whole afternoon to soak up the beauty of this heavenly valley.

Evening: Return to Srinagar

Spend the rest of the day in Sonamarg then return to Srinagar late afternoon or early evening. Your return journey will be a beautiful experience as you will have the time to take in all of the beautiful landscapes that you would have seen on your journey.

Once you are back in Srinagar, relax at your hotel and have a quiet evening. For dinner, you might want to try Gushtaba (a meatball curry), which is a favorite among locals, or opt for some fresh Kashmiri Kahwa (spiced green tea) for a warm, comforting drink.

Day 3: Gulmarg – A Winter Wonderland

On the final day of your 3-day Kashmir taxi tour, you will be taken to Gulmarg, one of India’s premier ski resorts, which is known for its scenic beauty and winter sports activities. This is not just a destination for winter sports enthusiasts but natural beauty and adventure all through the year.

Morning: Leave for Gulmarg

After breakfast, you will be driven from Srinagar to Gulmarg, 50 kilometers away from the city. The drive once again is very picturesque with rolling meadows and dense forests all around and also views of the Pir Panjal range.

It takes two hours to reach Gulmarg. Coming close to this area, one will see these types of fields transform into white-spread snow-fields in the winters. The pines are tall tree forms and the alpine meadows leave behind an extraordinary look and photography turns out to be quite natural.

Afternoon: Gondola Ride and Skiing

From here, go by gondola to the highest points in this region, that is, Apharwat Peak. The Gulmarg Gondola is the second-highest cable car in the world. You can view the very beautiful mountains and valleys through it from the top. Thus, you can view the entire town of Gulmarg surrounded by white-heaped peaks.

The skiing in winter is world-class in Gulmarg. One can visit the place during winters and enjoy all the snow games in the slopes, including skiing and snowboarding. Classes to the beginners are available by the expert instructors, while the challenging descents for the advanced skiers are also available.

For the non-skier, the meadows are the ideal spot for an easy stroll through which one may catch a glimpse of the heavy forests and mountains rising way into the sky.

Evening: Leaving or exploring the Meadows in the Evening

The beautiful meadows of Gulmarg are extremely pretty in the evening-once during the season they are also strewn with colorful wildflowers. It is a scenery of serenity, an apt conclusion to a thrilling day out.

Do some cafe/restaurant hopping before you leave, so you can experience some of the other Kashmiri delicacies, such as Kashmiri Pulao or Kahwa. Food here is rich and aromatic, so it will be a great way to wrap up your 3-day tour.

Late evening, get back to Srinagar with your taxi, where you will spend your last night in the valley.

Why Taxi Tour in Kashmir?

A taxi tour through Kashmir has many advantages over all other means of traveling. This is the core reason why, in the interests of exploration in the region, one should decide to go by taxi:

  1. Custom itinerary: A taxi tour provides freedom to customize your own travel plan, whether you prefer to spend additional time at some place or, based on preference, change some part of the schedule. That can be accepted by your driver.
  2. Local Knowledge: The local taxi driver is well-versed about the place and can share his knowledge with you on the culture, history, and lesser-known places of Kashmir. Moreover, they also have an idea about the right paths to avoid all hassles while traveling.
  3. Convenience: You have enough time to take a nap or just relax as you will not be worried about any of the logistic matters or a parking spot. Plus, the longer drive would become manageable as the vehicle would be comfortable. 
  4. Safety: The terrain can be a problem in Kashmir especially in the hilly regions. In such cases you can hire local drivers who are adapted to driving over mountainous roads and can deliver you safely at your destination.

 Do's and Don'ts While on Your Kashmir Tour  

  • Best Time for Visit: If you want the best time of sightseeing in pleasant weather between March to October. If one wants to view snowfall and winter sports go between December to February.
  • Clothing: Carry light and breathable clothes for summer visits and warm layers for winter. Don’t forget gloves, hats, and sturdy footwear for trekking or outdoor activities.
  • Currency: Srinagar has ATMs; however, do carry sufficient cash to the remote regions. Ensure to have small notes for local buying.
  • Some General Information on local manners: The people of Kashmir are friendly and warm; their traditions should not be taken lightly. In all religious places, dress modestly and ask before clicking pictures.

Conclusion

3-day taxi trip through Kashmir, a perfect mixture of nature, adventure and culture. From serene Dal Lake in Srinagar to the snowy Gulmarg, each day is going to be full of memories. The convenience of a taxi tour lets you explore Kashmir in comfort with the flexibility to customize your itinerary and enjoy personalized service. Whether it is your first visit or a repeat visit, Kashmir’s timeless beauty will forever be etched in your heart.

So pack your bags, book your taxi and take off into a magnificent journey through this place that is, as it goes, breathtakingly beautiful called Kashmir-a visit seared in the memory for the rest of one’s life.

How to book Taxi Tour online?

Contact Brown Chinar at +91 6005039532/+91 9906188874 or Email us at brownchinartourtravels@gmail.com

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best time to visit Kashmir for a taxi tour?

The best time to visit Kashmir is between March and October when the weather is pleasant and the landscape is lush and green. However, if you want to experience snow and winter sports like skiing, the winter months of December to February are ideal.

2. How many days are enough for a Kashmir taxi tour?

A 3-day taxi tour in Kashmir is ideal to explore the top attractions like Srinagar, Sonamarg, and Gulmarg. However, if you have more time, extending your trip to explore more remote areas like Pahalgam or Yusmarg is recommended.

3. What are the must-see places in Kashmir?

Some must-see places in Kashmir include Dal Lake in Srinagar, Mughal Gardens, Sonamarg Valley, Thajiwas Glacier, Gulmarg for skiing, and Pahalgam for its serene beauty.

4. Is it safe to travel to Kashmir by taxi?

Yes, traveling to Kashmir by taxi is generally safe. Local taxi drivers are experienced and familiar with the region’s terrain. Always check the latest travel advisories and ensure your taxi is from a reputable company.

5. How much does a taxi tour in Kashmir cost?

The cost of a taxi tour in Kashmir varies depending on the duration of the tour, the type of vehicle, and the destinations included. On average, a 3-day taxi tour can cost between ₹15,000 and ₹30,000, excluding accommodations and meals.

6. Can I hire a taxi in Srinagar for local sightseeing?

Yes, you can easily hire a taxi for local sightseeing in Srinagar. Most hotels and travel agencies offer taxi services, and you can book a taxi for a day or a half-day to explore popular spots like Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, and local markets.

7. Is a shikara ride included in a taxi tour in Srinagar?

While a shikara ride on Dal Lake is not typically included in the basic taxi tour package, many taxi drivers offer this as an add-on service. It’s a unique experience worth considering during your time in Srinagar.

8. What should I wear while traveling in Kashmir?

Dress in layers for comfort, especially if you’re visiting in winter. For the summer months, light, breathable clothing is ideal, along with a jacket for the evenings. In winter, bring warm clothes, including thermal wear, gloves, and a hat.

9. What is the distance between Srinagar and Gulmarg?

The distance between Srinagar and Gulmarg is approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles), and the drive takes around 2 hours, depending on the weather and road conditions.

10. Can I visit Sonamarg in a day from Srinagar?

Yes, Sonamarg can be visited as a day trip from Srinagar. The distance is about 80 kilometers, and the journey takes around 2-3 hours each way. Make sure to leave early in the morning to make the most of your time there.

11. What activities can I do in Gulmarg?

In Gulmarg, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports in the winter. During the summer, hiking, nature walks, and a gondola ride to Apharwat Peak are popular activities. The meadows also offer great opportunities for photography.

12. Do I need a permit to visit Kashmir?

Generally, no special permit is required for tourists visiting Kashmir. However, if you are traveling to sensitive areas or near the border, you might need an Inner Line Permit. Always check the latest regulations before traveling.

13. Can I visit Kashmir during the winter months?

Yes, Kashmir is a popular winter destination, especially for snow sports. Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg are great places to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and the winter beauty of snow-covered landscapes.

14. Are there any good hotels in Srinagar for a comfortable stay?

Yes, Srinagar offers a range of accommodations, from luxurious houseboats on Dal Lake to budget hotels and guesthouses. Some popular options include the Kashmir Mahal, Houseboat Nazir, and Vivanta by Taj.

15. How do I book a taxi for a Kashmir tour?

You can book a taxi for your Kashmir tour through local travel agencies, online travel platforms, or directly from your hotel. Make sure to inquire about the type of vehicle, driver experience, and the total cost of the tour.

16. Is it necessary to book a taxi in advance for a Kashmir tour?

While you can book a taxi on arrival, it’s recommended to book in advance to secure a good deal and ensure availability, especially during peak tourist seasons (summer and winter holidays).

17. What kind of vehicle is used for a taxi tour in Kashmir?

Common vehicles for a Kashmir taxi tour include SUVs such as Toyota Innova, Mahindra Scorpio, or Tempo Traveller for larger groups. The vehicle choice depends on the number of passengers and the level of comfort you desire.

18. Can I explore Pahalgam as part of a taxi tour?

Yes, Pahalgam is a great addition to your Kashmir taxi tour. It is a 90-minute drive from Srinagar and offers stunning views, trekking opportunities, and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for nature lovers.

19. What is the best route for a 3-day Kashmir taxi tour?

A well-rounded 3-day itinerary typically includes Day 1: Srinagar sightseeing (Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens), Day 2: Sonamarg and Thajiwas Glacier, Day 3: Gulmarg (Skiing, gondola ride).

20. What type of food can I try during my Kashmir taxi tour?

Kashmir is famous for its rich and flavorful cuisine. Be sure to try Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, Kashmiri Pulao, Dum Aloo, and Kahwa (spiced green tea). Local markets also offer fresh saffron and dry fruits.

21. Is it safe to eat street food in Kashmir?

While street food in Kashmir is generally safe, it’s advisable to eat at well-known eateries or restaurants with good hygiene standards. Opt for freshly cooked food and drink bottled water to avoid any health issues.

22. How far is Sonamarg from Srinagar?

Sonamarg is located about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Srinagar, and the journey typically takes 2-3 hours by taxi, depending on road conditions.

23. Can I do shopping during my Kashmir taxi tour?

Yes, Srinagar is a great place for shopping. You can visit Lal Chowk and the Old City for handicrafts like Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri carpets, and paper-mâché items. Don’t forget to shop for the famous Kashmiri saffron.

24. Is it possible to visit Kashmir on a budget?

Yes, a Kashmir tour can be done on a budget. Opt for budget hotels, use local taxis, and enjoy simple meals at local eateries. Traveling during the off-season (spring or autumn) can also help reduce costs.

25. What precautions should I take while traveling to Kashmir?

Always check for the latest travel advisories and follow local guidelines. Carry warm clothing, even in summer, as temperatures can dip in the evenings. Avoid trekking alone and ensure your taxi is well-maintained for mountain routes. Stay informed about safety in the region.

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