Delhi to
Kashmir
Road Trip Plan 2026
Dal Lake houseboats, Gulmarg gondola rides, Pahalgam meadows, Sonmarg glaciers. Experience Paradise on Earth by road.
Day-by-Day Kashmir Plan
Delhi to Jammu
Delhi → Ludhiana → Pathankot → Jammu
- Early start (4-5 AM) from Delhi
- Breakfast at Murthal or Karnal
- Drive via NH44 through Punjab
- Reach Jammu by evening
- Optional: Visit Vaishno Devi Bhawan from Katra (separate day needed)
Jammu to Srinagar
Jammu → Udhampur → Ramban → Banihal Tunnel → Srinagar
- Start early (6 AM) — mountain road ahead
- Drive through Patnitop viewpoint
- Pass through Jawahar Tunnel/Banihal Tunnel
- Enter Kashmir Valley — stunning views await
- Arrive Srinagar, check into houseboat on Dal Lake
- Evening shikara ride on Dal Lake
Srinagar Local Sightseeing
Srinagar city
- Mughal Gardens — Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Chashme Shahi
- Shankaracharya Temple (panoramic city views)
- Floating market on Dal Lake
- Hazratbal Shrine
- Evening shikara ride and Kashmiri wazwan dinner
Srinagar to Gulmarg
Srinagar → Tangmarg → Gulmarg
- Drive to Gulmarg — "Meadow of Flowers"
- Gondola ride (Phase 1 & 2) — Asia's highest cable car
- Pony ride or walk through the meadows
- Golf at world's highest green golf course
- Snow activities (in season): skiing, snowboarding
- Return to Srinagar or stay in Gulmarg
Srinagar to Pahalgam
Srinagar → Anantnag → Pahalgam
- Drive along Lidder River valley
- Stop at Saffron fields (Pampore)
- Aru Valley excursion (11 km from Pahalgam)
- Betaab Valley (Bollywood filming location)
- Pony ride to Baisaran meadow
- Lidder River rafting (seasonal)
Pahalgam to Srinagar via Sonmarg
Pahalgam → Srinagar → Sonmarg → Srinagar
- Drive to Sonmarg via Srinagar (93 km from Srinagar)
- Sonmarg — "Meadow of Gold" at 2,800m
- Thajiwas Glacier trek (beginner-friendly, 3 km)
- Pony ride to Baltal
- Return to Srinagar for final night
Srinagar to Jammu
Srinagar → Banihal → Ramban → Jammu
- Last-minute shopping at Lal Chowk
- Buy Kashmiri shawls, saffron, dry fruits, walnut wood crafts
- Depart for Jammu by 7 AM
- Scenic drive back through the mountains
- Reach Jammu by evening
Jammu to Delhi
Jammu → Pathankot → Ludhiana → Delhi
- Depart early (5-6 AM)
- Highway drive back to Delhi
- Lunch stop at Amritsar (optional Golden Temple visit adds 2-3 hrs)
- Arrive Delhi by late evening (7-8 PM)
Important Kashmir Road Trip Information
Road Conditions
Delhi-Jammu is 4-lane highway (excellent). Jammu-Srinagar has stretches of mountain road with some rough patches. The new Banihal Tunnel has cut travel time. Our SUVs are recommended for the Jammu-Srinagar stretch.
Permits & Documents
Indian citizens need valid ID (Aadhar preferred). Foreign nationals require an Inner Line Permit for areas beyond Srinagar. Vehicle registration papers are checked at multiple points. We handle all documentation.
What to Pack
Warm clothing (even in summer, nights are cold). Rain gear, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and medicines for altitude. Power bank essential as charging can be limited in some areas.
Safety & Security
Kashmir is safe for tourists. Army checkpoints are routine — cooperate and carry ID. Our drivers know the local protocols. We provide 24/7 support and monitor security advisories daily.
More Road Trip Ideas
Travel Guides & Resources
Helpful guides for planning your Kashmir road trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to drive from Delhi to Kashmir?
Yes, the Delhi-Jammu route (NH44) is a well-maintained national highway. The Jammu-Srinagar highway has some mountain stretches but our experienced drivers handle it daily. We monitor road conditions and security advisories before every trip.
What permits are needed for Kashmir?
Indian citizens do not need any special permits for Kashmir. Foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit for some areas beyond Srinagar. We assist with all documentation. Keep a valid ID (Aadhar/Passport) with you at all times.
What is the total cost of a Delhi to Kashmir road trip?
Sedan costs approximately ₹45,000, SUV (Innova) costs ₹65,000 for 8 days. This covers vehicle, fuel, driver allowance, tolls, and parking. Houseboat stays cost ₹3,000-8,000/night, hotels ₹1,500-5,000/night.
What is the best time to visit Kashmir by car?
April-June for tulip gardens and pleasant weather. July-August for Amarnath Yatra season. September-October for autumn colors (Chinar trees). December-February for snow lovers. Avoid November (off-season) and March (unpredictable weather).
Can I drive my own car to Kashmir?
While you can, we strongly recommend hiring a car with driver. Mountain roads require experienced drivers, you can relax and enjoy the views, and our drivers know the Kashmir routes, road conditions, and best local stops.
Is the Jammu-Srinagar highway open year-round?
The highway occasionally closes for a few hours due to landslides (monsoon) or snow (winter). The new Banihal Tunnel has improved reliability significantly. We always have contingency plans and monitor conditions in real-time.
Your Paradise Awaits
Sedan from ₹45,000 | SUV from ₹65,000 | 8 days of paradise