Want to have Kashmir but afraid of the price? You’re not alone! You do not have to drain your wallet to enjoy the “Heaven on Earth”. You can go snow-capped valley, a glistening lake, warm hospitality in Kashmir, and on a budget, with some local hacks, with a bit of planning and smart travelling. Here’s how.
Choose the Right Time to Visit Kashmir
The time can save you a lot in your travelling expenses. February to April and September to November are the cheapest months to visit Kashmir. In these low seasons, you will get low fares, hotel deals, and fewer people.
The holiday season from December to January and the tourist season from May and June make prices explode, so avoid the holiday rush and tourist season. And in case you are fond of an airy, foggy feel, you should organise your trip immediately after winter.
Travel Smart – Cheap and Easy Options Are Always Available
Getting to Kashmir doesn’t have to be expensive.
- By Train: If you are planning to visit Kashmir by train, then take a train to Jammu Tawi, then a shared cab or bus to Srinagar. The train will cost somewhere around ₹600-₹800.
- By Flight: If you are planning to visit Kashmir by flight, we suggest you to book as early as possible. Also, look out for the Off-season fares from Delhi to Srinagar.
- By Bus: There are various overnight Volvo buses from Delhi to Jammu, starting from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000.
Pro tip: You can also use apps like Skyscanner or ixigo to compare prices, and fly midweek for better deals.
You Can Stay Cozy Without Overspending
When staying in Kashmir, you do not need luxury hotels or resorts; rather, go for the local ones. Here are some options that will provide you with the authentic look of Kashmir.
- Houseboat stays: ₹1,200-₹1,800 per night
- Guesthouses in Gulmarg: ₹1,000-₹1,500
- Budget hotels in Pahalgam: ₹1,000-₹1,400
The best part about these stays is that most of them also provide the local Kashmiri meals.
Eat Local – Delicious and Cheap
Kashmiri food is rich, tasty, and surprisingly affordable. Avoid upscale restaurants and go where people live.
Eat Rajma Chawal, Rogan Josh, Noon Chai at small dhabas at less than ₹200. Don’t skip the pink tea (Noon Chai) and Lavasa bread, a combination to be had during winter!
Getting Around Kashmir Affordably
We advise you to use public transport. It works perfectly for budget travellers. Here are some options that you can try in Kashmir.
- You can use shared taxis and buses connecting Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg.
- If you want to roam around on your own, then rent a scooty in Srinagar. It will cost you somewhere around ₹800-₹1,000 per day.
- For groups, hire a cab and split the cost, much cheaper than solo rides.
Tip: Book local drivers directly; avoid overcharging tour operators.
5-Day Budget Itinerary
We have created a small 5-day itinerary of Kashmir for you. Please have a look.
- Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar and go for a Shikara ride on Dal Lake.
- Day 2: Visit Gulmarg and enjoy the Cable car, snow play, local café there.
- Day 3: When visiting Pahalgam must go to Aru Valley and Betaab Valley.
- Day 4: When in Sonmarg, do not miss Thajiwas Glacier and, market walk.
- Day 5: While you are in Srinagar, go Shopping, and have Kahwa tea before departure.
Approx total budget as per this small itinerary is of ₹10,000-₹14,000 per person (Delhi to Kashmir and back).
Bonus Tips to Save More
Here are some bonus tips we offer that will certainly help you to save more.
- Book trains and flights at least 30 days in advance.
- Carry refillable bottles and snacks.
- Compare hotel prices before booking; sometimes, offline deals are cheaper.
- Always check Google Reviews before finalizing your stay.
Final Thoughts
Kashmir isn’t just for luxury travellers, it’s for anyone who loves mountains, warmth, and nature’s magic. If you plan wisely, even a modest budget can bring you unforgettable views of Dal Lake sunsets, snowy peaks, and the heartwarming hospitality of the locals.
So, pack light, travel smart, and let Kashmir’s beauty surprise you, without burning a hole in your pocket.
Hello I am Jyoti, I have been a constant travel writer for Trip Trek Tales. I love travelling and therefore, I wanted to contribute in this field. Travelling, writing and reading are the things that I love the most and this is the main reason why I started my career in writing.
At Trip Trek Tales, I am sharing the best information related to the field of travelling. All the information in the articles are after thorough research, personal experiences and knowledge. Hope you love my writings. Thank you. Have a happy travel!
