IRCTC Kashmir Tour Package

I recently came across the IRCTC Kashmir tour package offered by ptw holidays and was very impressed by what it had to offer. The package includes a visit to some of the most stunning and picturesque destinations in Kashmir, including Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The itinerary is well-planned, and the tour is led by expert guides who provide valuable insights into the local culture and history. The tour package also includes comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and transportation to all the destinations. Overall, I think the IRCTC Kashmir tour package offered by ptw holidays is an excellent way to explore the beauty of Kashmir and make unforgettable memories.

Best places to visit in Kashmir

1. Srinagar

Explore Srinagar's mesmerizing allure, where the Silk-sunset, ethereal colours of white, and the aroma of tar on the roadways create an enchanted tapestry. Beyond the oil lamp floating over the lake, the darkness lends a mystical charm. Our Kashmir tour packages offer you to see the ripples in the river, the fog on the mirror, and the lovely Garden of Spring. Discover the enchantment of the Palace of the Fairies and immerse yourself in the themes of poems that come to life in Srinagar. Discover the beautiful views and captivating sites that make Srinagar's tourist attractions genuinely memorable. Srinagar awakens with Fajr (pre-dawn prayers) and zikr, where life sings winter melodies on nine bridges that connect the city that smells like heaven on both sides of the Jhelum River, a river that runs through the city, meanders through the valley, and deepens into the traveller's paradise, Dal Lake.

2. Sonamarg

Sonmarg, located in the heart of Kashmir, is a picturesque town positioned 9,000 feet above sea level on the banks of the rushing Sindh River. This picturesque resort is located in Jammu & Kashmir's Ganderbal region, only 70 kilometres from Srinagar International Airport. As part of our Kashmir vacation packages, Sonmarg acts as a gateway to a breathtaking landscape, linking numerous Himalayan peaks such as Kolhoi Peak, Amarnath Peak, Sirbal Peak, and others. The stunning vistas, covered with a wealth of flowers and alpine trees, add to the town's attractiveness and create an amazing environment in this tiny hideaway. You may enjoy golden meadows, sun-kissed peaks, gorgeous lakes, and towering glaciers all in one spot.

This picturesque Himalayan town is rich in mountain ranges and valleys to discover via trekking. It serves as a base camp for trekkers to Ladakh as well as many hiking routes to Kashmir's various lakes, including Krishnasar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Vishansar Lake, and others. During the winter, the valley is blanketed in snow, allowing tourists to enjoy sledging, skiing, and snow battling. Tourists can also enjoy fishing for trout and other species in Vishansar Lake, Krishnasar Lake, Gangabal Lake, and other locations.

If you prefer water activities, Sonmarg offers the possibility to go whitewater rafting. To see Kashmir's true natural beauty, tourists can visit destinations such as Nilagrad, Kheer Bhawani Temple, Nichnai Pass, Vishansar Lake, Zoji-La Pass, Gadsar Lake, Baltal Valley, and others from Sonmarg. The site is also historically significant. It served as the Silk Road's entrance, connecting Kashmir with China. Except for the winter months (November to February), the climate stays ideal for tourism. April to October is the best season to see flowery meadows, snow-covered summits, frozen glaciers, waterfalls, and pristine lakes. However, if you are interested in snow-related activities such as skiing, ice skating, and sledging on frozen glaciers, winter is the greatest season to visit Sonmarg.

3. Gulmarg

Discover India's closest ski resort in the pine-fringed splendour of Gulmarg. Gulmarg, located at an elevation of 2730 meters above sea level, really justifies the title of Meadow of Flowers. Our Kashmir tour packages offer you to see this gorgeous location, which is decorated by the 1890s Anglican Church of St Mary's, built on a solitary hill. These renowned landmarks, which are accessible via a private road that connects the 1965 neo-colonial design Hotel Highlands Park to the ancient Gulmarg Golf Club, add to Gulmarg's visual charm. However, the major draw of Gulmarg goes beyond its scenic beauty.

Discover the top reasons to visit Gulmarg and enjoy the unique combination of natural beauty and recreational options that make it a must-see location. You must visit Gulmarg to explore the backing stands of magnificent mature pines that lead you to the summit of barren Mt Afarwat. To reach the peak, you can either walk on foot or hire horses for INR 300 per hour. The easiest route out, however, is to take the two-stage gondola cable car to 3747m. The excellent views from the top on a clear day make the ride worthwhile. During this journey, you will see Nanga Parbat, the world's ninth-highest mountain peak located in Pakistan.

4. Pahalgam

Discover Pahalgam, an amazing place in Kashmir, nestled in the tranquil Liddar Valley. This scenic village, known as the Valley of Shepherds, is located in Jammu's Anantnag district and is 2740 meters above sea level. As part of our Kashmir vacation packages, Pahalgam stands out as one of India's most sumptuous sites, making it a must-see on your bucket list when discovering the riches of Jammu and Kashmir. Our customized tour packages will immerse you in Pahalgam's natural beauty and cultural richness. In calm, you will undoubtedly discover many out-of-this-world attractions. Some of the breathtaking lakes, such as Sheshnag Lake, will undoubtedly steal your breath away, while beautiful pine trees will accompany you wherever you go. If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, there's plenty to look forward to on your trip to Pahalgam.

Begin trekking on a hill or ascending the Himalayas from a suitable summit to release all the adrenaline. If you visit this location during the appropriate season, you will also have one of the most memorable skiing experiences. 

5. Betaab Valley

In 1983, this small Kashmiri valley served as the scene for the hit Bollywood film Betaab. The previous Hagan Valley has since been known as 'Betaab' Valley. The splendour of Betaab, with its backdrop of coniferous trees, gushing streams, and meadows, draws to all who seek tranquillity in nature. Despite the absence of established tourist attractions, Betaab remains one of the best places to visit in Kashmir for day picnics or weekend vacations. There are also other trekking trails available here.

6. Vaishno Devi

According to Hindu mythology, Vaishno Devi is one of three Goddesses: Mahalaxmi, Mahasaraswati, and Mahakali. This spiritual attraction spot is one of the most popular destinations to visit while exploring with our Kashmir tour package, attracting millions of devotees from all over the world. The shrine is devoted to Goddess Durga and includes a holy cave where visitors can pay their devotion. It is a popular destination for a religious trek that includes a 13-kilometer uphill climb. The trek can be performed on foot in 6-9 hours or by helicopter/horseback to reach the shrine at the top. Several businesses along the trail provide a range of snacks and refreshments, as well as religious mementoes.

Best time to visit Kashmir

The best time to visit Kashmir is during the summer months of May to September. The weather is pleasant during this time and the scenic beauty of the place is at its peak. The temperature ranges between 10°C to 30°C and the days are longer, allowing visitors to explore the region for longer hours. However, if you are looking for snowfall and winter sports, then the winter months of December to February are ideal for you. The winter season in Kashmir is extremely cold with temperatures dropping to sub-zero levels, but the snow-covered landscapes are a sight to behold.

How To Reach Kashmir

One of the main draws of visiting Jammu & Kashmir is the time spent on the road. High-altitude crossings such as Zojila and Khardungla attract adventurers from all around India. A trip to Leh or Srinagar, on the other hand, provides stunning panoramic vistas of the Himalayan peaks. Jammu and Kashmir are accessible via road, train, and air. Travellers may easily arrange planes, trains, cabs, or buses to go to India's northernmost state. The state is divided into three primary regions: Jammu, Kashmir Valley, and Ladakh.

By Road

The state's seasonal capitals, Jammu and Srinagar, are easily accessible by road throughout the year. Jammu is connected by a network of state and national roadways. If you are wondering how to get to Kashmir Valley by road, take the NH1(A) from Jammu to Srinagar. The highway continues to the east before ending at Leh in the Ladakh area. NH1 is a large and crucial roadway that handles the majority of traffic entering and exiting the region. Buses and taxis operate between Jammu, Srinagar, and Leh, with both government and private companies. The 2.8-kilometre-long Jawahar Tunnel connects Jammu to the Kashmir Valley. The Zoji La mountain pass, which is 3,528 meters high, carries the Srinagar-Leh highway into Ladakh. The 474-kilometer-long Leh-Manali Highway is another key route that serves the Ladakh region. Both the Srinagar-Leh and Leh-Manali highways are vulnerable to weather conditions throughout the winter since snowfall prevents road access.

By Train

Jammu Tawi, the state's winter capital, is Jammu and Kashmir's busiest railway station. It serves as the northern terminus for major trains that connect the city to the rest of India. Regular express trains from Jammu to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Trivandrum operate efficiently. The scenic portion of the Jammu-Baramulla railway line that runs between Banihal and Baramulla passes through various Kashmir Valley cities. It is a fantastic option for individuals who wish to take less-travelled tracks.

By Air

The primary airports in Jammu and Kashmir are Srinagar International Airport (SXR), also known as Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport, and Leh's Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL). The Srinagar airport is connected to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bangalore. The airport in Leh offers direct flights to and from Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar. Both Jammu and Kashmir airports offer taxi rentals and private shuttle services.
Furthermore, Jammu Airport, also known as Jammu Civil Enclave, handles domestic flights from India's major cities.