What Budget is Required to Visit the Kashmir Trip?

When planning a trip—whether it’s to Kashmir, or any trip—the first thing that comes to mind is the budget. How much are we going to spend? How much do we need to plan the trip? Naturally, we turn to the internet for answers.

And you’re here for the same reason, right? Of course you are!

Well, you’ve come to the right place.

I lived in Kashmir for four years and explored every corner of this beautiful region. So I can give you a clear idea of how much budget is required for the Kashmir trip.

The most significant factor in deciding your budget is your preferences—how you want to travel, where you want to stay, your vacation theme, the duration of your trip, and the number of people travelling with you.

Read this article thoroughly, and by the end, you’ll be able to determine the budget for your Kashmir trip based on your preferences.

Suggested read: Why Explore Kashmir with a Tour Package?

What Are the Main Expenses in a Kashmir Trip Budget?

1. Transportation Costs

The first major factor affecting any trip’s cost is transportation—how you’re getting to the destination, whether by flight, train, road, or a combination of these.

If you’re coming from Delhi by flight, the transportation cost can be around ₹10,000 to ₹12,000.

Currently, there’s no direct train service to Kashmir. To get here by train, you’ll first need to reach Jammu and then take a taxi to Srinagar. However, if you have motion sickness, be prepared—it might be challenging due to the winding roads, which can cause vomiting and headaches.

In the coming months, direct train service to Srinagar may become available. This will be a fantastic option for budget travellers or nature lovers. The train will pass through tunnels and breathtaking landscapes, making the journey itself a memorable experience.

Flight Cost: ₹10,000 to ₹12,000

Train Cost: ₹2,000 to ₹10,000

Local Transport: Private Cabs, local taxis, and shared vehicles are available.

Cost: ₹ 500 to ₹1000

2. Accommodation Costs

Next, let’s talk about one of the most important factors—your accommodation. Where will you stay? A houseboat, a mid-range hotel, or a luxury hotel?

Kashmir offers a variety of stay options, but my personal favourite is a houseboat. If you are visiting Kashmir for the first time, make sure to stay at least one night on a houseboat. It’s a unique experience you shouldn’t miss!

Here’s a cost breakdown for each type:

Houseboat:

• Mid-range houseboat: ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 per night (includes basic amenities and meals).
• Luxury houseboat: ₹8,000 to ₹15,000+ per night (includes premium amenities, spacious rooms, and gourmet meals).

Mid-range Hotel:

• Budget to mid-range hotels: ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 per night
• 3-star hotels: ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 per night

Luxury Hotel:

• 4-star and 5-star hotels: ₹8,000 to ₹20,000+ per night

Related Post: How to Plan Kashmir Tour in May

3. Food Expenses

The Valley offers a variety of food choices, whether it’s street food, high-end restaurants, or mid-range eateries. You’ll find plenty of options to suit your taste. Most restaurants here serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

If you’re specifically looking for vegetarian-only restaurants, they are limited but available. My personal favorite is Krishna Dhaba.

Cost:

• Normal restaurant: ₹1,000 for two
• High-end restaurant: ₹2,000 for two

4. Sightseeing and Activities

The cost of entry fees for attractions and activities differs from season to season. During the peak season, you may have to pay a higher amount for activities.

My favourite activity here is the Shikara ride on Dal Lake, which you should enjoy with your partner or family. The typical cost for a one-hour Shikara ride is around ₹500 for 2 to 3 people.

Another favourite activity is the Gondola ride in Gulmarg, which costs approximately ₹800 for a two-way ride between Gulmarg and Kongdori per person.

Here are some famous attractions and their entry fees that you can check:

• Mughal Garden – Rs 20
• Pari Mahal – Rs 10
• Shankaracharya Temple – Free
• Betaab Valley – Rs 100

5. Shopping

When we visit any destination, we can’t come back without shopping because we want to take home something that reminds us of the trip. Souvenirs are a great way to cherish those memories.

It’s hard to predict how much you’ll spend on shopping. If you’re a shopaholic, you might spend more than ₹10,000 here. You’ll be tempted by beautiful Pashmina shawls, dry fruits, and saffron, which are must-buys.

So, it’s important to set a budget for shopping. Without one, you might overspend.

Read here: Things to Carry for Kashmir Trip

How much does a 7-day Kashmir trip cost?

Let’s take an example of a 6 nights 7 days Kashmir trip to figure out how much budget is required:

Now that you have an understanding of how much of your budget is required for your Kashmir trip, whether you’re planning a budget trip, a mid-range trip, or a luxury trip.

Check out the Planning a Trip to Kashmir

If you still need help determining your exact trip budget, you can contact Indian Holiday’s travel experts. Tell them your preferences, and they will provide you with the exact cost for your Kashmir trip.

So, don’t wait—contact us now and plan your journey.

Happy journey!

Arendra Rajput

Weaving tales and exploring the world through a keyboard. Passionate about travel, culture, and the art of storytelling. Find me chasing inspiration in coffee shops and hidden corners.