Srinagar. The easiest base. Dal Lake, Mughal gardens and old city sights, with day trips to the meadows. Reachable by flight, and by train on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, where Vande Bharat services run.
Gulmarg. About 60 km from Srinagar, roughly an hour and a half by car, at about 2,650 m. Known for skiing and the gondola. Best in winter for snow and in summer for meadows. Limited dining and stays compared with Srinagar.
Sonamarg. At about 9,000 ft, with winter temperatures between minus 10 and 2 degrees Celsius. Since the Z-Morh tunnel opened in January 2025, the town has all-year road access, and the winter season has become easier to plan. Many visitors visit as a day trip.
Pahalgam. A river valley with a calm feel. After the April 2025 attack, authorities closed several tourist spots, and Baisaran valley has remained closed to visitors, according to reports from April and October 2026. Many other places have reopened. Check the current list of open places before booking a stay here.
How to choose. For one base, choose Srinagar and take day trips. For snow, add Gulmarg. For a longer trip, add Pahalgam or Sonamarg as your own interest and current status allow.
- Log in to post comments
