Kashmir Destinations

Srinagar is where a Kashmir trip begins and ends: the airport and the railway station are here, and so are Dal Lake, the houseboats and the Mughal gardens. In winter the lake goes quiet and the Zabarwan hills above it turn white. On the coldest January days, parts of Dal Lake freeze.

Gulmarg sits at 2,650 m in the Pir Panjal range, 56 km from Srinagar. In winter it's Kashmir's snow town: ski slopes for beginners and experts, the Gulmarg Gondola climbing towards Mount Apharwat, and a wide meadow under deep snow. In summer the same bowl turns green, with a golf course and walks to Alpather Lake.

Pahalgam is a mountain town on the Lidder river, about 95 km and three hours from Srinagar. In winter it's quieter than Gulmarg: snow on the pines, the river running between white banks, and local taxis out to Betaab Valley and Aru, which usually stay open.

Sonamarg lies at 2,730 m in the Sindh valley, about 80 km from Srinagar. Since the Z-Morh tunnel opened in January 2025, the road stays open through winter, so Sonamarg is now a snow day trip or a quiet night away as well as a summer base for treks and the drive to Zoji La.

Doodhpathri is a wide meadow in Budgam district, 2,730 m up and 42 km from Srinagar. The Shaliganga stream runs over white stones through it, between pine forests. Most visitors come on a day trip between May and October; in winter it's a snow day trip when the road is clear.

Gurez is a remote valley on the Kishanganga river, about 150 km from Srinagar over the 3,556 m Razdan Pass. Snow closes the pass for much of the winter, so we plan Gurez trips from May to October. The wooden villages around Dawar, the Tulail valley and the Habba Khatoon peak make the long drive worth it.