Where to go in Kashmir

Most Kashmir trips centre on Srinagar, with its houseboats, shikaras and Mughal gardens, and add the mountain resorts of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, each about two to three hours away. Katra, base for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, is now about three hours from Srinagar by train. Pick a place to see things to do, stay areas by budget, food and transfers.

Srinagar · Dal Lake, Mughal gardens, Doodhpathri

• Srinagar: Houseboats and shikaras on Dal Lake, Mughal gardens and the old city (2–4 nights)
• Doodhpathri: Rolling meadows and a milky river in the Pir Panjal foothills (Day trip or 1 night)

Mountain resorts · Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg

• Sonamarg: Meadow of gold below the Thajiwas glacier, on the road to Zojila (1–2 nights)
• Gulmarg: Gondola rides, ski slopes and alpine meadows on Apharwat (2–3 nights)
• Pahalgam: The Lidder valley's pine forests, rivers and side valleys (2–3 nights)

Jammu & Katra · Vaishno Devi, Patnitop

• Katra (Vaishno Devi): Base town for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, now linked by rail to Srinagar (1–2 nights)