The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary from Chandigarh to Kashmir: A Self-Drive Adventure

Chandigarh to Kashmir road trip

Summary

Known as the heaven on earth, Srinagar is one of the few places every Indian and even a foreigner wants to visit at least once in their life. If you live in North India, especially in Chandigarh, you are so lucky. In just a week, you can see the most beautiful places in Srinagar and enjoy fully with your family. If this destination has been on your wishlist for a long time, and you were avoiding it just because of the lack of an itinerary. Your wait has ended. Read this article where we will tell you what you will be doing in this 7-day Chandigarh to Kashmir road trip. Let's get started.

The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary From Chandigarh to Kashmir

You have already taken the best decision of your life, a road trip to Kashmir. Now we won’t waste your time by telling the same thing (why to take a road trip to Kashmir), like everybody else on the internet. So let’s straight away see what the stops are in between and what all you will be doing:

Day 1: Arrival at Srinagar

The first day, you will reach Srinagar, also known as the city of lakes, using a self-drive car rental. There you will see the pir panjal range, an unexplored area of the Himalayas. After that, you will go to the hotel or houseboat, whichever you book, as per your convenience. Once you get fresh, in the evening you can enjoy a late evening walk near Dal Lake. If you love shopping, you will love this place. At last, you will go back to the hotel. 

Stay – Hotel (food not included) or houseboat (many packages include food)

Meals – Breakfast, Dinner

Day 2: Pahalgam sightseeing, aru valley, betaab Valley, Chandanwari

After having breakfast, you will move to Pahalgam, which is 90 km away from Srinagar. During the journey, you will see the orchards of apples and walnuts. Situated 12 km from Pahalgram is Aru Valley, where you will paraglide and see picturesque meadows. Then there is Betaab Valley, which is within walking distance of Pahalgam. It got its name from the shooting of the movie Betaab. Lastly, you will go to Chandanwari, which is the starting point of the pilgrimage Shri Amar Nath Yatra. Then you will head back to the hotel. 

Stay – Hotel

Meals – Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Visit Baisaran

Post breakfast, you will get ready for another beautiful place, Baisaran. The primary attraction of this place is rolling meadows and dense pine forests. This day’s trip will be short, after which you will come back to the hotel in Pahalgam for a night’s stay. 

Stay – Hotel

Meals – Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Gulmarg night stay and visit drung waterfall in Tangmarg

Once you are done with breakfast, you will go to Gulmarg, which is at a distance of 140 km from Pahalgam. Here you will reach by afternoon. Along the way, you will see Drung Waterfall at Tangmarg. Gulmarg is made up of 2 words: Gul, meaning ‘Flowers’, and ‘Marg’, meaning ‘Meadows. Once you check into the hotel, you can enjoy an evening walk in the meadows of Pahalgam. Some other visitable places within walking distance are Rani Temple, St Mary Church, and the Golf Club. Finally, you will come back to the hotel for a night’s stay. 

Stay – Hotel

Meals – Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Gulmarg Gondola Ride and back to Srinagar

On the 5th day of your Chandigarh to Kashmir road trip, you will take a Gondola Ride, one of the highest cable cars in the world. It’s the primary attraction in Gulmarg, which takes you to two mountain peaks: Kongdoori and Affarwat. If the day is clear, you will see the stunning view of Nanga Parbat. The Gondola closes by 4 pm, so plan accordingly. At last, you will come back to Srinagar. 

Stay – Hotel

Meals – Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Srinagar to Sonmarg trip

After having breakfast, you will visit Sonmarg, which is at an altitude of 2730m (the altitude of Srinagar is 1585 m). It is situated at a distance of 80 km from Srinagar. That’s a 3-hour journey. You will enjoy the astonishing view of Thajiwas Glacier. By evening, you will return to Srinagar. For the best ending of this Kashmir road trip, choose a night stay in a luxury houseboat. 

Stay – Hotel or Houseboat

Meals – Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Departure Day

Finally, it’s time to say goodbye. You won’t be wanting to, but every good thing comes to an end eventually. After having breakfast, you will leave for your hometown, Chandigarh, which is roughly 566 km away. 

Meals – Breakfast

Bottom Line

That was all about the Chandigarh to Kashmir road trip. We are sure you are lost just imagining how cool this whole trip is going to be. Now, you have the perfect itinerary with you. Feel free to make tweaks as per your convenience and go on to one of the best road trips of your life. To make this journey even special, safer, and comfortable, you should choose a car rental in Chandigarh. Don’t look further, we are here. The car rent company provides a range of vehicles to suit your budget and the duration of the trip. Book your car now. 

Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ's

Got questions? We have the perfect answers for you!

  • 1. How can I go to Kashmir from Chandigarh?

    One of the best ways to go to Kashmir from Chandigarh is by road. This option allows you to see the best scenic views, including stunning mountains. 

  • 2. How much will a 7-day trip to Kashmir cost?

    A week’s trip to Kashmir can cost you between Rs. 20,000 to 30,000 per person. 

  • 3. The distance between Chandigarh and Srinagar is 566 km.

    No single place in Himachal can be tagged as the most beautiful; however, the most popular destinations are Manali, Shimla, Spiti Valley, and Khajjiar. 

  • 4. Can we go to Srinagar in our own car?

    Yes, you can go to Srinagar in your own car, but not in a taxi (yellow number plate). For a taxi,  you need special permits, but not for your own car. 

  • 5. Which hill station is near Chandigarh?

    The nearest hill stations from Chandigarh are Morni Hills, Shimla, Parwanoo, and Kasauli.