Kashmir, known as the “Paradise on Earth,” is a stunningly beautiful region located in the northernmost part of India. With its snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, and colorful gardens, Kashmir attracts thousands of tourists every year. If you’re an avid backpacker looking for an affordable way to explore Kashmir, you can do it by public transport. Here is a detailed itinerary for backpacking Kashmir by public transport, along with the expenses you can expect to incur.
Day 1: Srinagar
Start your journey in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Take a flight from Delhi to Srinagar or take a train to Jammu and then a bus to Srinagar. Once you arrive in Srinagar, take a shared taxi or an auto-rickshaw to your hotel or guesthouse. Spend the day exploring the city’s famous Dal Lake, take a shikara ride, and visit the Mughal Gardens, Nishat Bagh, and Shalimar Bagh.
Expenses:
Flight from Delhi to Srinagar: INR 4,500-6,000
Shared taxi or auto-rickshaw from the airport to the hotel: INR 200-300
Hotel or guesthouse: INR 500-1,000 per night
Shikara ride on Dal Lake: INR 500-1,000
Entrance fee to Mughal Gardens: INR 20 per person
Day 2: Srinagar to Gulmarg
Take a shared taxi or bus to Gulmarg, a popular skiing destination, and enjoy the scenic views along the way. Once you arrive in Gulmarg, check into a hotel or guesthouse, and spend the rest of the day exploring the town’s snow-clad mountains and skiing slopes.
Expenses:
Shared taxi or bus from Srinagar to Gulmarg: INR 150-200
Hotel or guesthouse: INR 500-1,000 per night
Skiing in Gulmarg: INR 1,000-2,000 per person per day
Day 3: Gulmarg
Spend the day skiing in Gulmarg or taking a cable car ride to the top of the mountain to enjoy the panoramic views of the valley.
Expenses:
Skiing in Gulmarg: INR 1,000-2,000 per person per day
Cable car ride: INR 700-1,500 per person
Day 4: Gulmarg to Pahalgam
Take a shared taxi or bus from Gulmarg to Pahalgam, a scenic town located in the Anantnag district. Check into a hotel or guesthouse, and spend the day exploring the town’s natural beauty, including the Lidder River and Betaab Valley.
Expenses:
Shared taxi or bus from Gulmarg to Pahalgam: INR 300-400
Hotel or guesthouse: INR 500-1,000 per night
Entrance fee to Betaab Valley: INR 50 per person
Day 5: Pahalgam
Spend the day trekking in Pahalgam’s scenic mountains or horse riding through the town’s meadows.
Expenses:
Trekking or horse riding: INR 500-1,000 per person
Day 6: Pahalgam to Sonamarg
Take a shared taxi or bus from Pahalgam to Sonamarg, a town located on the banks of the Nallah Sindh river. Check into a hotel or guesthouse, and spend the day exploring the scenic landscapes of Sonamarg, which is known for its snow-clad mountains, glaciers, and lakes.
Expenses:
Shared taxi or bus from Pahalgam to Sonamarg: INR 400-500
Hotel or guesthouse: INR 500-1,000 per night
Entrance fee to Thajiwas Glacier: INR 50 per person
Day 7: Sonamarg
Spend the day exploring Sonamarg’s natural beauty, including Thajiwas Glacier, Gadsar Lake, and Krishnasar Lake.
Expenses:
Entrance fee to Thajiwas Glacier: INR 50 per person
Trekking or horse riding to Gadsar Lake and Krishnasar Lake: INR 500-1,000 per person
Day 8: Sonamarg to Srinagar
Take a shared taxi or bus from Sonamarg to Srinagar, and spend the day exploring the city’s local markets, such as the famous Lal Chowk and Residency Road.
Expenses:
Shared taxi or bus from Sonamarg to Srinagar: INR 300-400
Hotel or guesthouse in Srinagar: INR 500-1,000 per night
Day 9: Srinagar to Delhi
Take a flight or train from Srinagar to Delhi, and end your backpacking trip to Kashmir.
Expenses:
Flight from Srinagar to Delhi: INR 4,500-6,000
Train from Srinagar to Delhi: INR 1,000-2,000
Total Expenses:
Transportation: INR 2,800-3,800
Accommodation: INR 4,500-9,000
Activities and Entrance fees: INR 1,620-3,100
Total Expenses for 9 days: INR 8,920-15,900 (approximately $120-215 USD)
Note: The above expenses are just an estimate and may vary based on your travel preferences and budget. Also, it is advisable to carry some extra cash in case of any emergency.
