🚗 Tourist Transportation in Kashmir
*(Best Modes of Travel for Sightseeing & Inter-City Commute)*
Kashmir offers various transportation options for tourists, from private cabs to scenic Shikara rides. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the valley comfortably.
1️⃣ Local Transport in Srinagar
🛶 Shikara Boats (Dal & Nigeen Lake)
- Best for: Leisure rides, sunset views, staying in houseboats
- Cost: ₹500-₹1500 (1-2 hrs ride)
- Special Options:
- Sunset Shikara with Kahwa Tea
- Floating Market Tour (Early Morning)
🚖 Taxis & Auto-Rickshaws
- Cost: ₹200-₹500 (Short distances)
- Tip: Pre-negotiate fares or use Ola/Uber (limited availability)
🚌 Local Buses (SRTC & Private)
- Routes: Lal Chowk, Hazratbal, Dalgate
- Cost: ₹20-₹50 (Budget-friendly but crowded)
2️⃣ Inter-City Travel (Srinagar ↔ Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg)
🚗 Private Taxis (Most Convenient)
Route | Distance | Travel Time | Approx. Cost (Round Trip) |
---|---|---|---|
Srinagar → Gulmarg | 50 km | 2 hrs | ₹2500-₹3500 |
Srinagar → Pahalgam | 90 km | 3 hrs | ₹3500-₹4500 |
Srinagar → Sonamarg | 80 km | 2.5 hrs | ₹3000-₹4000 |
✔ Pros: Door-to-door service, flexible stops
✔ Book Through: Hotels/tour operators (avoid street touts)
🚍 Shared Sumos & Buses (Budget Option)
- Cost: ₹150-₹300 per person (one way)
- Departure Points:
- Gulmarg: Batwara Bus Stand (Srinagar)
- Pahalgam: TRC Bus Stand
- Cons: Limited luggage space, fixed timings
3️⃣ Adventure & Special Transport
🚡 Gulmarg Gondola (Asia’s Highest Cable Car)
- Phase 1 (Gulmarg → Kongdoori): ₹750 (Round Trip)
- Phase 2 (Kongdoori → Apharwat Peak): ₹950 (Round Trip)
- Timings: 10 AM – 3 PM (Weather-dependent)
- Tip: Book online (https://jkcablecar.com) to skip queues
🐴 Pony Rides (Pahalgam/Sonamarg)
- Cost: ₹500-₹1500 (Short treks like Baisaran/Thajiwas Glacier)
- Negotiate rates before riding
🚤 Motorboat (Dal Lake)
- For faster crossings: ₹200-₹500 per trip
4️⃣ Self-Drive Options
🚙 Car Rentals (With Driver)
- Daily Rate: ₹2500-₹4000 (Including fuel)
- Popular Operators:
- Avis
- Local agencies (e.g., Kashmir Cab Service)
🛵 Scooter/Bike Rentals (Limited in Srinagar)
- Cost: ₹600-₹1000/day
- Caution: Challenging in hilly areas; prefer cabs
5️⃣ Long-Distance Travel (To/From Kashmir)
✈️ Flights
- Srinagar Airport (SXR) – Connects Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore
- Tip: Morning flights less likely to be delayed (weather issues)
🚂 Trains
- Nearest Railhead: Jammu Tawi (260 km from Srinagar)
- Taxi from Jammu to Srinagar: ₹5000-₹7000 (6-7 hrs)
🚍 Buses (Jammu/Srinagar Highway)
- Delhi to Srinagar (Volvo AC): ₹1500-₹2000 (18-20 hrs)
- Jammu to Srinagar (SRTC Bus): ₹500 (8-9 hrs)
🚨 Important Tips for Transport in Kashmir
✔ Pre-book cabs in peak season (May-July, Dec-Jan)
✔ Check weather before traveling to Sonamarg/Gulmarg (road closures in snow)
✔ Avoid night travel on highways (security advisories)
✔ Carry cash (Many drivers don’t accept UPI)
📞 Reliable Transport Providers
- Kashmir Cab Services: +91-XXXXX XXXXX
- J&K SRTC (Govt. Buses): www.jksrtc.co.in
“Travel smart in Kashmir—mix comfort, safety, and local experiences!” 🌟
Need a customized transport package for your itinerary? Ask me! 😊
TOYOTA INNOVA
Passengers : 7
Gear : Manual
Baggage : 4

CHEVROLET TAVERA
Passengers : 6
Gear : Automatic
Baggage : 4

TRAVELLER 3350
Passengers : 14
Gear : Manual
Baggage : 10

Sudan Cars
Passengers : 4
Gear : Manual / Automatic
Baggage : 2
