Kashmir Tour Packages From Pune
Overview
Pune city, located in Maharashtra state and Srinagar city of Kashmir valley are apart by a long distance of more than 2000 kilometers.
While Pune is famous for its beaches, Kashmir is more of a mountainous region. If you are a resident of Pune and wish to explore the Upper Himalayas, Kashmir is the ideal destination to start with.
With a number of valleys, rivers, lakes against the backdrop of towering mountains, it welcomes tourists from not only Pune but the entire country and even abroad. Although the journey from Pune to Kashmir is a bit long, it is completely worth it.
In summer, you can visit the valley for sightseeing at different local attractions. Winters are specifically convenient for snow sports like skiing in Gulmarg.
Kashmir Tour Packages from Pune, offered by Cliffhangers India, are the perfect option for a hustle-free journey. With a number of inclusions, we make it completely safe and easy for you. Here’s a blog on the same. Have a glance!
Popular Kashmir Tours
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Weather In Kashmir
Starting with the peak season, summer, the weather is pleasant and balmy. The temperature remains moderate, ranging between 15°C -25°C. It feels warm and comfortable both during daytime and at night. In July and August, pre monsoon showers are experienced but it doesn’t rain heavily in the valley.
The autumn or fall season is quite short lived and lasts from October to November only. The temperature remains the same as summer during daytime. However, late evenings and early mornings are cold, especially in November. Winter season in Kashmir is from December to February.
The temperature ranges between 0°C to -10°C and it snows heavily. White and powdery snow covers the entire valley. Both nights and days are chilly and extremely cold.
The spring season makes the valley green and lush again. The temperature starts to rise, hovering around 10°C. Flowers in the gardens start to bloom and frozen lakes melt off too. You can choose the appropriate time according to you and visit the valley via Kashmir tour packages from Pune.
Places To Visit On Kashmir Packages From Pune
Srinagar
Srinagar is the first city that tourists explore on the Kashmir tour packages from Pune.
The city is known for its vibrant lakes, Mughal Gardens and local markets.
The popular local attractions for sightseeing in Srinagar at Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Chashme Shahi, Pari Mahal, Tulip Garden, Nigeen Lake, Shankaracharya Temple.
In Srinagar, Shikara rides and houseboat stays are the most exciting activities to do.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam is another beautiful town of Kashmir.
It has gained popularity for accommodating a number of lush valleys like Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, Baisaran Valley and Chandanwari.
At these valleys, you can enjoy short hikes and pony rides.
Visit the Lidder river in Pahalgam for water rafting and boating. Pahalgam is about 90 kilometers from Srinagar.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is in the Baramulla district of Kashmir valley. The place can be visited in any season.
For sightseeing in Khilanmarg, St. Mary’s Church, Gulmarg Golf course, Maharani Temple, visit in summer.
Winter is the suitable time to visit Gulmarg in Kashmir for skiing and snowboarding.
Gondola rides are a quintessential part of your tour. It is at a distance of only 50 kilometers from Srinagar.
Sonmarg
The Meadows of Golden Light or Sonmarg is located in an alpine region of Kashmir. The place offers treks to Thajiwas Glacier, Vishansar Lake, Gangabal lake, etc.
A beautiful valley to visit in Sonmarg is Baltal Valley. Its lush green vistas are a visual treat. The popular Kashmir great lakes trek starts from Sonmarg itself, from the Shitkadi village.
Tourists also visit Sonmarg in winter for skiing and snowboarding. It is 80 kilometers away from Srinagar.
Doodhpathri
Doodhpathri is an offbeat attraction of Kashmir. If you are looking for a serene experience, this is the place to be.
The perfect scenery of Shaliganga river flowing with mountains in the backdrop and horses grazing nearby comes true here.
Visit Mujh Pathri, Pal Maidan and waterfall point in Doodhpathri. Some tourists even come here in winter for snow activities like sledding and snowboarding.
It is only 45 kilometers from Srinagar.
Yusmarg
Yusmarg is located in the Budgam district of Kashmir valley, at a distance of about 47 kilometers from Srinagar.
When in the meadows of Jesus, do visit Nilnag lake and Doodh Ganga river. You can go fishing and angling at these water bodies.
It is one of the best places for photographic opportunities. The scenic sights here are stunning.
Things to do During Kashmir Trip From Pune
Shikara Ride
Start your Kashmir trip with Shikara rides at Dal Lake. With the wooden boat ride, you can visit Char Chinar, Floating vegetable market, floating handicrafts market and floating gardens.
The ride is not only available at Dal lake but some more lakes too like Nigeen Lake and Manasbal Lake.
It costs you around INR 800-1000 per head. It is available throughout the year.
Skiing
Skiing in Gulmarg should be on your bucket list as you travel from Kashmir to Pune.
As winter season commences in the valley, it is filled with skiers of all skill levels. From beginners trying out their hand at skiing for the first time to seasoned skiers, scaling every inch of slopes on their skis.
Apart from Gulmarg, you can visit Sonmarg, Pahalgam, Doodhpathri for skiing as well.
Try Local Cuisine
Apart from a world famous tourist destination, one more thing that sets it apart is its rich cuisine.
The Kashmiri cuisine which is mostly meat based is delicious. The lip smacking dishes taste heavenly.
From Kashmiri Pulao to Rogan Josh to Gushtaba, there’s so much to try.
For vegetarians, there is Aloo Dum, Nadur curry, Kahwa, fritters, etc.
Trekking
Kashmir is a trekking paradise. From longer treks to shorter hikes, you can pick accordingly.
Some of the most sought after treks of Kashmir are Kashmir Great Lakes trek, Warwan Valley trek, Tarsar Marsar Trek, etc.
You can also undertake hikes like Shankaracharya Temple hike, Thajiwas Glacier hike, etc.
These treks are best done in summer when the trails are clear.
Gondola Ride
The Gulmarg Gondola is the highest cable car ride in the world. Gondola rides are one of the most exciting things to do in Kashmir.
Starting from the base town, the ride takes you to places like Kongdoori and Apharwat peak.
It is operational throughout the year. The tickets are priced at around 1800 INR for both phases. They are available online.
Houseboat Stay
As you are in Kashmir, spend at least a night on wooden houseboats. They are available on lakes like Dal, Nigeen and Manasbal.
The houseboats are designed in such a way that it feels like a real home. They have big spacious rooms with balconies and kitchens.
The experience of spending a night in the middle of a Lake is exciting and once in a lifetime.
Shopping
As you are done sightseeing and outdoor activities, explore the local markets of Kashmir in the evening.
The markets in Old Srinagar and at Lal Chowk area are worth visiting.
There are a number of shops selling Kashmiri architecture like Pashmina Shawl, phirans ,carpets, jewellery, local spices, etc.
Cities like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg have their own local markets as well that you can explore.
Best Time to Visit Kashmir From Pune
The best time to go for a Kashmir trip from Pune is generally considered to be summer. During the comfortable weather, you can plan extensive sightseeing tours to different towns like Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Yusmarg, Doodhpathri, etc.
Even the routes and roads leading to different cities are open and accessible. Last December and the start of January are considered the peak season in Kashmir. It is the holiday season in the country and various tourists come to Kashmir.
From December to February, the winter season lasts in the valley. While some towns remain closed due to heavy snowfall, others receive a huge influx of visitors. Hill stations like Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam are filled with adventure enthusiasts, trying out activities like skiing, snowboarding and sledding.
If you are someone who is into photography and wish to explore more of Kashmir through your lenses, autumn is the perfect time. Cultivation season is in autumn as well.
To attend the world renowned Tulip Festival at Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, come to Kashmir in spring, from March to April.
How To Reach Kashmir From Pune
- By Air: To reach Kashmir from Pune via plane, you need to book a flight in advance, available on different airlines. There aren’t any direct flights that fly from Pune to Srinagar. You can pick the ones with layovers at Lucknow or Delhi. It takes approximately 8-12 hours to reach. From the Srinagar airport, reach the main city, which is 15 kilometers away.
- By Road: You can surely plan a road trip to Kashmir. However, Pune is quite far and it takes a lot of time. You can reach Delhi by flight and then plan a road journey ahead.
- By Train: There’s only one train that runs from Pune to Kashmir directly. The Jhelum Express takes about 40 hours to reach Jammu Tawi Railway Station from Pune junction.