Budget Trip to Valley of Kashmir, India

If you are thinking to visit India first time, I would suggest this Budget trip to the valley of Kashmir, India. Kashmir is called “The Paradise on Earth” and believe me it is truly a heaven.

About Kashmir:

Kashmir is a sixth largest state of India, where you can witness nature at her best. Mountains, lakes and lush green or milky white in winter valleys are amongst some of them.

For more details (Nearest Airport, Place to stay, Place to eat, Shopping etc.) before visiting Kashmir, Please read: http://www.travelthroughmyeye.com/things-to-consider-before-travelling-to-srinagar/

Visa Requirement:

If you are travelling from following countries, the VISA is not required-

1. Bhutan
2. Maldives (Up to 90 days stay)
3. Nepal

Note: If you are coming from mainland China, the entry will not be Visa Free!

Visa on arrival to India-

India has plans to grant visa on arrival to 180 countries. As of now, India grants visa on arrival to the citizens of the following nations, provided they are not of Bangladeshi or Pakistani origin:

1. Cambodia
2. Finland
3. Indonesia
4. Japan
5. Laos
6. Luxembourg
7. Myanmar
8. New Zealand
9. Philippines
10. Singapore
11. South Korea
12. Vietnam

For more details please visit: http://www.immigrationworld.com/india/list-of-countries-exempted-from-visa-obligations-to-visit-india/

If you have any doubt related to the safety of Tourist in Kashmir, please read- http://www.travelthroughmyeye.com/safety-of-tourist-in-kashmir/

Budget for Visiting:

Other than your ticket & Visa fees, the budget for the total Stay will be very less.

Per Day Stay: Rs.2000-3000 INR /$40-$50 for very good accommodation

Per Day meal (3meals): Rs. 1000 -1500 INR /Max $30

For cab/day: Rs.2000-3000 INR/ $50-$60

Miscellaneous Cost- $10

So the total per day cost for staying will be less than $150. You can even reduce it to $120 if you visit in a group of 3-4 persons.

Places to See: All the places are very beautiful, here are the places which you should not miss.

Srinagar:

Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. In Srinagar you can see-

1. Dal Lake
2. Pari Mahal
3. Cheshm-e-Shahi
4. The Shankaracharya Temple
5. Nishat Bagh

For details of each Place, you can read –http://www.travelthroughmyeye.com/top-5-places-to-see-in-srinagar-kashmir/

Gulmarg:

Situated at 2650 m, Gulmarg is 51 Km away from Srinagar. The Road is good enough to take you in 1.5 hours. The most popular activity in Gulmarg is Gondola Ride (throughout the year) and Skiing (option available in December- March).

Gondola Ride is a cable car (one of the highest and largest ropeways in Asia having a total aerial distance of 5 Kms), which will take you to 14000 ft. in two steps. First halt is at Kangdoor 10000 ft. and second halt is at Aparwath (approx. 14000 ft.).

The ride will cost Rs.1500 (INR)/ $25. You will feel crossing the cloud while going towards the top. For further details of booking and price you can visit: http://gulmarggondola.com/index.php

Sonmarg:

Situated at 2800m, Sonmarg is approx. 80 Km from Srinagar. Here you can witnessed Himalayan glaciers of Kashmir Valley namely Kolhoi Glacier and Machoi Glacier with some peaks of above 5000 meters: Sirbal Peak, Kolhoi Peak, Amarnath Peak and Machoi Peak. 

One of the highest motorable road Zozilla Pass connects Sonmarg with Ladakh. Zozilla Pass is open only during August- November.  It is also very important Place for Indian Army.

Pahalgam:

Situated at elevation of 2740 m, Pahalgaon is 88 Km from Srinagar. It is recommended to stay at least 2 days here to visit all the nearby places. Most attractive places are Betaab Valley, Shesnag Lake, Tulian Lake, Aru Village, Baisaran Hills, and Amarnath Cave etc.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pahalgam is the starting point of the annual pilgrimage of Amarnath Yatra. Tourists from every corner of the world come during the months of June/July/August to be a part of the epic journey and offer prayers to the holy shrine of Shiva inside the caves in Amarnath.