Overview

Kashmir is not a destination, it’s an experience drowning people in serenity and beauty. The region is famous for:

i. Breath-taking Landscape

From snow-capped peaks to lush green meadows, Kashmir is a visual treat on every corner. Dal Lake framed between mountains and the scenic valleys of Gulmarg and Pahalgam are worth the visit.

ii. Rich Cultural Heritage

Kashmir is thousands of years old with influences from various civilizations and has been well reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.

iii. Warm Hospitality

Generally, locals are always welcoming and have made innumerable people feel at home. Houseboats or staying with the locals in homestays can give one more in-depth insights into the culture.

How to Go from Chandigarh to Kashmir

All these options available today make travel from Chandigarh to Kashmir quite convenient, accommodating different preferences and budgets.

i. By Air

The easiest way is flying to Kashmir. Daily flights are available from Chandigarh International Airport to Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar with various airlines. The air trip takes one and half hours during which you get an aerial panoramic view of the Himalayas. Advance booking is advisable in this way, as you will be sure to get the best of fares and the optimum schedules. There are enough taxis available while you reach Srinagar for getting to your destination.

ii. By Train

Railway Station, Srinagar: It is located around 15 kilometers from city center. You can opt for a taxi or public transport to reach your final destination.
You can take a train from Chandigarh to Jammu Tawi. From Jammu, Srinagar is also an important railway junction. The journey takes approximately 6-8 hours. Taxis and buses are plentiful for Srinagar, 270 km away. A lovely drive from Jammu to Srinagar passes through scenic landscape and pretty villages.

iii. By Road

If you like a road trip, then this Chandigarh to Srinagar drive can become exciting because the distance is nearly 350 km, whereas otherwise, the driving time typically takes between 8 to 10 hours, if the road condition is great and less traffic. It will take you through some of the most wonderful valley and mountainous land to behold breath-taking scenery. In addition to that, there are many bus services from Chandigarh to Srinagar which offer easy access routes to those who wish to go to Srinagar.

What to See in Kashmir

Kashmir offers ample choices for various categories of people with interests including the attractions, landmarks as well as adventure and thrill. Included in these are the attractions:

i. Cultural Diversity

Kashmir has ever been a potpourri of cultures and traditions emerging off the influences of loads of civilizations that return with times going by. Sure enough, one is definitely going to see remnants of this rich heritage from:

a. Architecture: Beautiful mosques, temples, and palaces are scattered throughout the region. Each of them is an architecture in its class, unique to its design style. No doubt one should see the Jamia Masjid at Srinagar, of the Indo-Saracenic architectural style and Shankaracharya Temple dating thousands of years back.
b. Food: The things prepared here are rich in fragrances and flavors. Along with Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Wazwan feast, local sweets such as Bakarkhani and Phirni to the region specialty of these people will not be forgotten so soon.
c. Festivals: Some festivals performed in Kashmir are Eid, Baisakhi, and Lohri. It will be a great way to experience the culture of locals in the festival.

ii. Natural Beauty

The landscapes of Kashmir are simply breathtaking. Be it the tranquil Dal Lake or the majestic Himalayan mountain peaks, nature enthusiasts would find heaven. The main natural attractions are:

a. Dal Lake: It is a pretty lake which houses a lot of houseboats. Shikara rides across the lake are a wonder. Exploring the floating gardens and enjoying a sunset on the lake is one of the unforgettable experiences.
b. Gulmarg: This hill station has gained popularity for the name “Meadow of Flowers”. It is one such haven for skiing during winters and scopes of trekking and golfing with fantastic views on the Gulmarg Gondola in summer.
c. Pahalgam: It is often called the “Valley of Shepherds” because of its magnificent landscapes and silent rivers. More than this, it has become the departure point for the pilgrimage Amarnath Yatra that sees thousands of devotees every year.

iii. Adventure in Kashmir

It is every adventure enthusiast’s dream destination. Be it trekking, skiing, or river rafting, there’s something in it for everyone.

a. Trekking: The place is very rich in trekking trails with hundreds of easy to serious hiking trails. Famous ones include Kolahoi Glacier trek, Tarsar Marsar trek and many more guided treks for those who need help on the trails, like me.
b. Skiing and Snowboarding: Gulmarg is one of the great skiing destinations in India for which winter sports enthusiasts haggle all over from the world. It has groomed slopes and panoramic sceneries that make sensation rides for skiers and snow-boarders.
c. River Rafting: Lidder river of Pahalgam provides some of the most adrenaline-packed river rafting action. The thrill of traveling rapids goes accompanied with beauty around.

When To Visit Kashmir

The best time to visit Kashmir depends on the kind of experience you are looking for. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons:

i. Summer (March to June)

The peak tourist season in Kashmir falls during the summer months. Summer is the time the weather is nice, and flowers blossom in Kashmir. Temperatures fall between 15°C to 30°C, making it ideal for various outdoor activities. Outdoor activities during summer include:

a. Sightseeing: Explore the beautifully planned Mughal gardens, like Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagg-all to be used as displays of colorful flowers.
b. Trekking: Trek is one of the best things one can do during the monsoons. Check out this Kashmir Great Lakes trek providing panoramic views of alpine meadows and pristine lakes.
c. Local Markets: Have a visit to the colorfully local markets of Srinagar for Pashmina shawls, handicrafts, and soaked local spices.

ii. Monsoon (July to September)

Monsoon season will see Kashmir through heavy showers bringing forth beautiful luscious greens and stunning landscape views. Traveling around at this time may be difficult due to landslides and block roads that occur; in some instances, it also offers the time for isolation and silence. If one adores the view of rain-kissed landscapes without the noises by certain disturbances, then one has a great time to explore within this time.

iii. Winter (October to February)

During winter, this beautiful state transforms into the wonderland of whites thereby attracting tourists. Major tourist attractions to visit the place are as follows:

a. Skiing: Gulmarg is known for skiing as well as snowboarding, which includes other ice sports as well. The slopes as well as the vistas are managed in such a way so that this destination turns heaven for winter sport lovers.
b. Snow Fun: If you want to enjoy snowshoeing, sliding down, and ice skating, then you need to visit Kashmir. You will get landscapes in snow that add a magic touch to Kashmir.
c. Winter Fairs: Visit regional winter fairs and enjoy the culture that adds another flavor to your tour.

Where to Stay in Kashmir

The kind of accommodation people opt for makes the trip more memorable. Here are a few fine options available in Kashmir:

i. Houseboats in Srinagar

Houseboat on Dal Lake: This would give you a taste of the living culture of the locals. The delightfully decorated wooden boats will house you in cozy rooms having views of the lake. Sit in your floating house and relax while enjoying the silence of the lake. Even in most houseboats, one can enjoy typical Kashmiri delicacies.

ii. Luxury Hotels

There are lots of five-star hotels in Kashmir and to mention some are as follows:
Lalit Grand Palace: It is a good-quality hotel which lies on Dal Lake’s side. There is more charm about their heritage structure.
Hotel Hilltop: Skiers don’t need much hassle getting access as it is directly situated in Gulmarg, which is comfortably accommodating the tourist.
There in the city is the Hotel Kashmir Oberoi which exemplifies exemplary service and wonderful backdrop. For one arriving as luxury, this stands as an excellent choice.

iii. Homestays

Authenticity: A guesthouse can be a choice for living. The culture can be informative in a living situation with locals. It can also provide insight into the practice of the culture. Since every house is set near pleasant venues, it provides a quite serene environment as well, thus proving an insight in respect of life in the place.

Nearby Attractions

These are nearby attractions where you can visit to make the trip worthwhile.

i. Mughal Gardens

There exist numerous magnificent Mughal gardens in Kashmir, featuring breathtaking views, beautiful patterns, and vibrant flowers. These include,
a. Shalimar Bagh: It was built by the Emperor Jahangir in honor of his wife, Nur Jahan. Its lawn is ornamented by fountains.
b. Nishat Bagh: The scenic beauty of the Zabarwan Mountains is well known and extremely beautiful flower beds and fountains.
c. Chashme Shahi: For some peace and scenery, this natural spring may offer some tranquility as a perfect place to chill out.

ii. Yusmarg

Indeed, Yusmarg is the treasure house of peace and beauty. It has a place amidst dense forests and rolling meadows offering trekking, picnic, or just rest in serene landscapes. That makes Yusmarg the ideal getaway with perfect backdrops of snow-capped mountains.

iii. Shankaracharya Temple

This ancient temple on the Shankaracharya Hill top of Lord Shiva, commands a panoramic view of the city of Srinagar and the valleys all around. The historical value, along with architectural significance of this temple, would always appeal to the lovers of spirit and culture. It takes one a bit of an arduous climb but what is seen in turn would be worth that strain and pain.

iv. Betaab Valley

Betaab Valley, known for lush greens and sceneries, is named after the Bollywood film “Betaab”, shot directly on location. It makes for a perfect site for a picnic, trekking, and photo sessions among breathtaking landscapes. With serene rivers and lovely meadows, it is heaven to relax and find an affinity with nature.

Activities to Enjoy in Kashmir

Some of the activities you may enjoy in Kashmir are:

i. Trekking

The treks are from easy to quite challenging. Some of the most popular trekking routes include the following:

Kolahoi Glacier Trek: It is a moderately challenging trek and provides some really great views of the Kolahoi Glacier and surrounding peaks. You go through beautiful meadows and valleys, making this trek the favorite of those who love nature.
Tarsar Marsar Trek: The trek is very beautiful; it takes you through lush meadows and pristine lakes, ideal for people who would love to stay in touch with the best of Kashmir’s beauty. This is an excellent place for camping and photography.
Gulmarg to Ningle Nallah: The adventure and some amazing views of the Himalayas make this trek a fascinating one. The place becomes a lush green land in summer and a path covered with snow in the winter, which makes this trek different from the others, which change their faces in different seasons.
There are also guided treks available for those in need of expert assistance to ensure their safety while getting more information about the surrounding region.

ii. Skiing and Snowboarding

Gulmarg is one of the best places to ski in India. It boasts beautiful pristine snow and well-maintained slopes that attract skiers as well as snowboarders of all experience levels. The experience of skiing here during winter months is offered at higher slopes provided by Gulmarg Gondola for adventure-seekers. For the beginners, there are rentals of the equipment and lessons available.

iii. Shikara Ride

A ride on a shikara along Dal Lake is, without a doubt, very typical Kashmiri. Glimpse by slowly across the tranquil waters to get some glimpse of amazing views all around. Shikara can take you round floating gardens and you get a chance to enjoy life that flows at the sides of Dal Lake. Sunset trips are totally fabulous when the paintwork is orange, pink hues in the sky. Shikara operators conduct tourist guiding tours on local cultures and customs.

iv. Shopping

Kashmir boasts of its artifacts of excellent handicrafts, handwoven Pashmina shawls, handcrafted carpets, woodwork, and many more. Even local markets are teeming with places where a buyer could indulge in buying within Srinagar. Bargaining is the way of achieving best bargains; and good to make a purchase of genuine Pashmina products as souvenirs. Others are the saffron, dry fruits, and the customary jewelry.

v. Food Experience

Kashmiri food is the delectable flavor of the place and influences. One must try these to get authentic Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and Dum Aloo. To get knowledge of the preparation methods giving real taste, one can join any local cooking class. One should not miss local street foods like Kebabs and Kulchas.

Best Time to Book Kashmir Tour Packages from Chandigarh:

Always book a Kashmir tour package well in advance. Special packages for Kashmir tours with flexible itineraries are found during peak seasons. Here, one must plan an early Kashmir trip to ensure all good accommodation, flight bookings, and activities.Travel agencies also save you the costs by offering seasonal discounts and deals. Do not forget to read any travel advisory or guideline that may be essential before you visit the place.

How to make your Kashmir experience Memorable?

i. Pack accordingly: Depending upon the season, the right attires would be needed. Layers are advisable if it is winter. Waterproof jacket will come handy if one visits during monsoon.
ii. Hydrate: High altitude may dehydrate you. Keep a water bottle with you and hydrate more during outdoor activities.
iii. Respect Local Customs: The place is a land of rich culture. Respect local customs. Respect local customs if you are visiting religious sites. Dress modestly and always ask for permission before you click pictures of people.
iv. Try local food: Different delectable cuisines are to be tried in Kashmir. One can be adventuresome about trying street foods as well as traditional ones.
v. Take Pictures: Kashmir is a very fantastic location to take pictures. You can click pictures of such great lands and culture with the help of a camera. You may even take photography workshops here to hone your skills

Conclusion

Kashmir is that treasure trove of experiences- majestic mountains, serene lakes, and a thousand stories waiting to be unraveled. But what would be a great way to do it than under an expertly planned tour package from Chandigarh? Actually, the state of no hassles making the most of your trip by taking in the beauty and culture of Kashmir.

Whether you are traveling with friends or your family, Kashmir gives one a lifetime adventure. With breathtaking vistas and rich heritage, not to forget the warm hospitality offered, your journey to Kashmir would be etched in memory forever. Plan your trip today and get ready to discover the enchanting beauty of Kashmir!

How to book Kashmir tour online?

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

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