Dreaming of a heavenly escape without breaking the bank? A budget friendly Kashmir tour from Delhi is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. From snow-covered mountains and serene lakes to spiritual shrines and blooming gardens, Kashmir offers a magical mix of adventure, romance, and relaxation—all within a pocket-friendly plan.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to plan an affordable Kashmir trip from Delhi, including transport options, must-visit places, ideal itinerary, timings, best travel seasons, and nearby spots that enrich your journey.
Why Choose a Budget Friendly Kashmir Tour from Delhi?
Many travelers assume that a Kashmir trip requires a hefty budget. But with the right planning and local support, a Delhi to Kashmir tour can be surprisingly economical.
Benefits:
- Direct trains, buses, and budget flights from Delhi
- Affordable stays in houseboats, guesthouses, and 3-star hotels
- Low-cost yet enriching experiences like shikara rides, nature walks, and local markets
- Customized itineraries from trusted operators like Kashmir Tour Package
Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, student, or family, this budget-friendly tour gives you access to India’s most breathtaking destination—without the stress of overspending.
How to Reach Kashmir from Delhi on a Budget
1. By Train (Most Affordable)
- Route: Delhi → Jammu (Train), then Jammu → Srinagar (Bus or Taxi)
- Train Fare: ₹400–₹1,200 (Sleeper to AC 3-Tier)
- Bus/Shared Taxi from Jammu to Srinagar: ₹500–₹1,000
2. By Bus
- Direct buses from Delhi to Jammu (₹800–₹1,300)
- Continue to Srinagar by road via Banihal Pass
3. By Flight
- Cheapest Option: Book 2–3 months in advance
- Fare Range: ₹2,500–₹4,000 (Low-cost carriers)
- Fly from Delhi to Srinagar (1.5 hours)
Travel Tip: For a balanced trip, fly one way and take a train or road journey back.
Ideal Budget Kashmir Itinerary From Delhi – 6 Days / 5 Nights
This itinerary ensures you visit the top destinations without spending on luxury travel or accommodations.
Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar
- Budget flight/train+road from Delhi
- Stay in a budget houseboat or guesthouse
- Evening Shikara ride on Dal Lake
Day 2: Srinagar Sightseeing
- Visit Mughal Gardens: Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh (Free or nominal entry)
- Hazratbal Shrine, local shopping at Lal Chowk
- Optional: Evening boat stay at Nigeen Lake
3: Gulmarg Day Trip
- Local cab sharing available
- Gondola ride (₹740 for Phase 1, ₹950 for Phase 2)
- Snow activities (rentals available)
- Return to Srinagar
4: Pahalgam Excursion
- Visit Betaab Valley and Aru Valley (Shared taxis or mini-buses)
- Short hikes, riverside picnic
- Return to Srinagar or overnight at budget guesthouse in Pahalgam
5: Sonamarg or Yusmarg
- Offbeat and beautiful
- Local bus or shared cab available
- Enjoy glacier view, riverfront, and light trekking
- Return to Srinagar
6: Return to Delh
- Shop for saffron, dry fruits, or handicrafts at government emporiums
- Head back by flight or road/train
Budget-Friendly Hotels and Houseboats
| Location | Type | Price/Night |
| Srinagar | Guesthouses | ₹800–₹1,500 |
| Gulmarg | Budget hotels | ₹1,200–₹2,000 |
| Pahalgam | Homestays | ₹700–₹1,200 |
| Houseboats | Dal/Nigeen Lakes | ₹1,000–₹1,800 |
Tip: Booking in off-season (March or late September) helps save more.
Must-Visit Places During a Budget Kashmir Tour From Delhi
1. Dal Lake, Srinagar
- Timings: Open all day
- Activity: ₹500 for 1-hour shikara ride (negotiable)
2. Nishat & Shalimar Bagh
- Entry Fee: ₹20
- Nearby: Pari Mahal, Chashme Shahi
3. Gulmarg Gondola
- Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Tickets: ₹740–₹950
- Activities: Sledding, skiing, snowboarding (extra charge)
4. Pahalgam & Betaab Valley
- Entry Fee: ₹100 approx.
- Ideal for: Couples, photography, nature walks
5. Sonamarg or Yusmarg
- Low-crowd options with minimal entry
- Activities: Horse riding, snowfields, picnic
Perfect Time to Take a Budget Friendly Kashmir Tour from Delhi
| Season | Why It’s Budget Friendly | Travel Tip |
| March–May | Spring blooms, pre-peak pricing | Book early for better hotel rates |
| July–September | Lush greenery, monsoon discounts | Carry rain gear and enjoy crowd-free Kashmir |
| October–November | Autumn colors, low crowd, cheaper rates | Great for photography |
| December–February | Snow season – Budget stays available, fewer crowds | Gulmarg fills quickly—book in advance |
Local Food on a Budget
- Wazwan Meals: Try mini-thalis (₹150–₹300)
- Kashmiri Kahwa: ₹30–₹50 per cup
- Bakeries: Try Sheermal, Kulcha, Bakarkhani in Srinagar old city
- Street Food: Seekh kebabs, rogan josh, and haak saag in local dhabas
Tips to Make Your Kashmir Tour More Budget-Friendly
- Travel Off-Season: Avoid peak tourist months (June, December).
- Use Public Transport: Buses, shared taxis, and local mini-vans save money.
- Bundle Packages: Opt for group tours from agencies like Kashmir Tour Package.
- Eat Local: Avoid fancy restaurants; enjoy authentic Kashmiri food at dhabas.
- Choose Affordable Stays: Homestays, 2-star hotels, or guesthouses are cheap and clean.
Conclusion
A budget friendly Kashmir tour from Delhi is not only possible, but it also allows you to experience the raw, real beauty of Kashmir without the commercial rush. Whether you’re floating through Dal Lake, hiking in Pahalgam, or sipping kahwa by the fire, Kashmir welcomes you with open arms—and within your budget.
So, if you’ve been putting off that dream trip thinking it’s too expensive, now is the time. Let Kashmir Tour Package plan your affordable Kashmir getaway with expert local knowledge, personalized options, and transparent pricing.
FAQs Budget Friendly Kashmir Tour From Delhi
- What is the cheapest way to travel from Delhi to Kashmir?
Taking a train to Jammu and then a shared taxi or bus to Srinagar is the most budget-friendly option. - Can I plan a 5-day Kashmir trip on a tight budget?
Yes, with smart planning and local transport, you can cover Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam in 5 days. - Are budget accommodations safe in Kashmir?
Absolutely. Choose verified guesthouses or homestays through a trusted travel agency. - What is the cost of a shikara ride on Dal Lake?
Approx. ₹500 per hour. Always negotiate and fix the rate before the ride. - Is it safe to travel to Kashmir now?
Yes, major tourist areas like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam are safe and heavily visited. - Can I get snowfall experience in a budget tour?
Yes! Visit Gulmarg or Sonamarg between December and February. - How much does a budget tour package to Kashmir cost from Delhi?
A 5N/6D budget package starts from ₹8,000–₹12,000 per person, excluding travel to Srinagar. - Which month is cheapest for Kashmir travel?
March, July, and October offer the best rates on stays and less crowd. - Is food expensive in Kashmir?
Not at all. You can enjoy authentic meals for ₹100–₹300 per person per meal. - Can I customize a low-cost Kashmir tour?
Yes, Kashmir Tour Package offers fully customizable tours for every budget.