Overview
A Kashmir Backpacking trip is the closest you’d ever get to witnessing paradise on earth.
The valley of Kashmir has always been synonymous with heavenly beauty and it’s only when you witness the snow-covered slopes, traverse the verdant forests of pine trees, hear the rustling of the golden chinar trees and take a Shikara ride in the tranquil waters of Dal Lake, do you realize just how short words fall when it comes to describing the ethereal beauty of Kashmir. This is why we’ve curated the perfect Kashmir itinerary where travelers can experience the best of Kashmir firsthand in a matter of few days. The Kashmir backpacking trip commences from Srinagar, the summer capital of the state nestled peacefully on the banks of Jhelum, renowned for being the abode to multitudes of houseboats that can be found floating on the turquoise waters that surround it. Residing in a houseboat is just one of the many authentic Kashmiri experiences you’ll be checking off of your bucket list followed by a sightseeing tour of Srinagar visiting the pristine Mughal Gardens. Nishat Bagh, which is one of the most prominent Mughal gardens of Srinagar, owing to its location being in close proximity to the Dal Lake, with the Pir Panjal mountains in the backdrop will leave you awestruck. On the other hand, Shalimar Bagh is yet another shoreline garden often referred to as the crown of Srinagar. It is believed that the garden was built by Shah Jahan for his wife Nur Jahan as the king wanted to please his queen.
In this summer Kashmir trip, you’ll also be indulging in a Shikara ride which is hands down the most surreal experience that the valley has to offer. Floating on the quiet waters of the Dal Lake under the blue skies will provide you with the kind of serenity that we bet you won’t be able to feel anywhere else.
In this backpacking trip to Kashmir, we slowly unravel all the different shades of the valley which is why we’d be visiting the pearl of Kashmir, Gulmarg, a hill station renowned for its ivory-clad mountains and ski slopes.
Gulmarg essentially translates to meadows of flowers and the vast tapestry of greenery in the summers adorned by blooming flowers makes the town live up to its name. The best part about Gulmarg is that it offers travelers an opportunity to be a part of the iconic Gondola ride which is the second-highest cable car in the world and leads you to Kongdoori Mountain. Travelers can also indulge in various other activities such as ATV rides and pony rides in the meadows. The next destination in the Kashmir Backpacking trip is Pahalgam which attracts tourists from all over the world due to its blooming meadows and pristine rivers. The picturesque beauty of Pahalgam has given it the title of being the crowned jewel of Lidder Valley. Pahalgam also has spiritual significance because of its association with the annual pilgrimage to Amarnath. The town has many gems in its embrace and we explore them on our Pahalgam Sightseeing tour in this Kashmir trip itinerary starting with Aru Valley. Aru is a quaint village with an abundance of peace and beauty overflowing in every corner. Nestled on the bank of the Aru river, the meadows of Aru have a different kind of beauty altogether, and with more than 20 alpine lakes and peaks in its cradle, the valley has something to offer at every step that you take.
On the other hand, Betaab Valley which was originally called Hajan Valley, is a popular destination that gained pop culture significance after being featured in the movie Betaab, hence the name. Nestled at the center of two Himalayan ranges, Pir Panjal and Zanskar respectively, the vast tapestry of the meadows in contrast with the majestic mountains make for a breathtaking view.
Lastly, Chandanwadi holds extreme spiritual significance due to being the starting point of the Shri Amarnath Yatra. Apart from that, Chandanwadi is an offbeat tourist destination with the Lidder River flowing by as magnificent mountains overlook the region. It is one of those places that often get overlooked by travelers but deserves its spot in a Kashmir trip itinerary because of its picturesque beauty and tranquility. A backpacking trip to Kashmir is incomplete without a visit to Sonamarg aka the meadow of gold. The hill station is adorned with spring flowers, coniferous forests, and meadows that spread like a tapestry beneath your feet making Sonmarg unparalleled in beauty. The breathtaking views, opportunities for hikers to explore offbeat trails, and serene environment make Sonamarg a must-visit. The Kashmir backpacking trip comes to an end by tracing our footsteps in Srinagar and departing with fond memories of the trip. Kashmir offers different color palettes in every season, ranging from ivory white to auburn gold, and in summer, you get to see a shade of Kashmir that is perhaps the most underrated, the jade green with colors of rainbows sprinkled at every distance which is why the best time to visit Kashmir in summer season is from the months of May to August. During these months, a trip to Kashmir will offer you summer tide and autumn feels and you won’t be able to decide which one you love more.