Every corner of the valley has its own character: lakes and gardens in Srinagar, snowfields in Gulmarg, river valleys in Pahalgam and glaciers in Sonamarg. Here are the best places to visit in Kashmir, with how far each is from Srinagar, when to go and the packages that include it. Most first-time visitors see Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg; Doodhpathri is the quiet bonus.
Srinagar is the best base for a Kashmir holiday. Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam are all within about three hours, so you can unpack once and see the whole valley on easy day trips.
Gulmarg is Kashmir's snow destination, about 50 km (1.5–2 hours) from Srinagar. Most visitors see it on a day trip, ride the Gulmarg Gondola and return to Srinagar the same evening.
Pahalgam is Kashmir's greenest valley, about 95 km (2.5–3 hours) from Srinagar. Stay one night if you can: it's the easiest way to see Aru, Betaab and Chandanwari without rushing.
Sonamarg is Kashmir's glacier valley, about 80 km (2.5–3 hours) from Srinagar. It's an easy day trip, and the highlight is a pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier.
Doodhpathri is a quiet meadow about 42 km (1.5 hours) from Srinagar. It's perfect if you want open grassland and pine forest without the crowds of Gulmarg.
