Budget Travel Itinerary for Kashmir: Complete Low-Budget Kashmir Trip Guide (2026)
Are you planning a trip to Kashmir but worried about high costs? Don’t be. My budget travel itinerary with the right planning, Kashmir can be explored on a low budget without compromising on experiences. This budget travel itinerary for Kashmir will help you plan a cheap Kashmir trip, covering accommodation, transport and sightseeing expenses. Whether you are a solo traveler, couple or family, this complete Kashmir travel guide on budget will show you how to visit Paradise on earth without overspending.
Is Kashmir Expensive? (Truth About Kashmir Trip Cost)
Most of the people believe that Kashmir is costly, which is true but in reality, Kashmir trip cost can be very affordable if you avoid luxury packages and plan locally. A well-planned low budget Kashmir tour can cost as little as ₹3000 – ₹4000 per day per person (excluding flights). This makes Kashmir one of the best budget hill destinations in India. Choose homestays in Srinagar for cheaper stays.
Best Budget Accommodation in Kashmir: Recommended options are Homestays & Guesthouses.
So if you want to visit Kashmir, there are two ways to do it.
First is to book a package from any travel agency and another is to come alone and do it by yourself. Honestly, it is highly recommended to come by any travel agency and avoid coming alone. There are a lot of difficulties a person can face especially in terms of accommodation, transportation and sightseeing if the concern is budget. It will be way too expensive and time consuming for a person coming by his own to Kashmir. He will definitely end up paying more for the services and ultimately end up wasting a lot of his time.
I recently visited Kashmir on my own and was here for 6 days. I travelled locally and I faced a lot of problems in that even though I had researched properly yet I faced a lot of difficulties and wasted a lot of time.
One incident which i remember is that i went from srinagar to gulmarg through public transport. It was cheap but I had to change the cabs at three places and when I finally reached Gulmarg, it was already late although I had started from srinagar very early at around 7:30 am. After I was done with the gulmarg sightseeing, i started finding the cab for srinagar in gulmarg. To my surprise i was not able to get any local transport towards srinagar from gulmarg. In this process I wasted another hour in finding the cab. After I was done, I had to book the hotel there in Gulmarg itself which cost me too much, like around 5k for the night stay.
Cheap Food Options in Kashmir: Local Kashmiri food is affordable and delicious.
Must-try budget dishes: Rajma Chawal, Dum Aloo, Nadru Yakhni, Kashmiri Kahwa, Local bakery breads.
Final Verdict: Is Kashmir Worth Visiting on a Budget?
Without a doubt — YES. With smart planning and budget accommodation, Kashmir becomes a dream destination even for budget travelers.
This budget travel itinerary for Kashmir proves that you don’t need expensive tour packages to experience breathtaking landscapes, culture and hospitality.
Itinerary and Cost for 5 Nights 6 Days.
Day 1: Arrival at Stinagar Airport
- Arrive at Srinagar Airport, meet our driver.
- Visit the famous Mughal Gardens, Shankaracharya Temple followed by Shikara Ride in Dal Lake in the evening.
- You can also try some local cuisines at the local restaurants like The Lazeez, Streem and Ahdoos restaurant, Return to the Guest House for dinner & overnight stay
Day 2 : Srinagar to Sonmarg excursion
- After breakfast at the Guest House, leave for Sonmarg
- Sonmarg – Meadow of Gold, is an offbeat destination famous for its green meadows and majestic mountains
- You will get a full day at Sonmarg for photoshoot and self exploration – you can take a poney ride to Thajivas Glacier as well
- Head back to Guest House for overnight stay
Day 3 : Srinagar to Gulmarg Excursion
- Enjoy your breakfast, then get ready for an exciting drive to Gulmarg
- Enjoy the Gondola ride which is Asia’s Highest Cable Car ride amongst the lush green forests covered with snow
- You can also visit the Affarwat Peak which is 13,500 ft. above the sea level and enjoy the scenic views.
- Return back for overnight stay at the Guest House.
Day 4 : Srinagar to Pahalgam
- Once breakfast is concluded, depart for Pahalgam.
- Reach Pahalgam also known as the valley of Shepherds. Check-in to the Hotel.
- Explore the local market, You can also take the Poney Ride to Baisaran (on your own expenses).
- Enjoy a hearty dinner at the end of the day at our hotel in Pahalgam.
- Overnight stay at Pahalgam 3* Hotel.
Day 5 : Aru & Betaab Valley
- After breakfast at the hotel leave for day excursion to Aru Valley & Betaab Valley sightseeing.
- Aru Valley is noted for its scenic meadows lakes and mountains, it is base camp for trekking to the Kolhai Glacier and Tarsar Marsar Lake.
- Betaab Valley falls between Pahalgam and Chandanwadi and is on route to Amarnath Temple.
- Overnight stay at the Guest House.
Day 6 : Departure
• Conclude your journey with everlasting memories
Total Package Cost
INR 11,000 /- Per Person for Triple Sharing
INR 13,000 /- Per Person for Double Sharing
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FAQs
Is Kashmir Safe for Budget Travelers?
Yes, Kashmir is safe for tourists. Locals are friendly and helpful. Just stay updated with local travel conditions and avoid unnecessary night travel.
What is the cheapest way to visit Kashmir?
Travel in off-season, stay in homestays and use shared taxis. Here i highly recommend one really cozy guesthouse under budget, even you don’t need sharing taxi for that matter. The guesthouse owner will arrange that for you with the minimal budget. The guest house is named Omi’s Guest House
How much does a 6-day Kashmir budget trip cost?
₹11,000–₹14,000 per person (excluding flights).
Which month is best for a low-budget Kashmir trip?
June, July and August. But if you contact Travovac, irrespective of wheather you visit Kashmir in off-season or for that matter in season, You can get the best price and under budget.
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