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Shumali Kashmir

Srinagar

Srinagar

The Gateway to Kupwara

Distance

~670 KM

from Delhi

Elevation

~5,200 FT

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"Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir and the primary gateway to all of Kupwara's frontier destinations. Home to Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, the city connects travellers from across India and abroad before they embark northward into the wilderness of Gurez, Keran, Tangdhar, Bangus, and Macchal. Srinagar sits at around 5,200 feet on the banks of the Jhelum River, surrounded by the Zabarwan Mountains and Dal Lake. It is the last major city with full urban infrastructure before the mountain roads begin."

Expedition Route

The Path to Srinagar

1

Delhi / Mumbai

Fly directly to Srinagar. Daily flights from Delhi (1.5 hrs), Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and other major cities.

2

Sheikh ul-Alam Airport

Srinagar International Airport. Connected to all major Indian cities. Taxis and cabs available outside the terminal.

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Srinagar City

Base for all Kupwara journeys. Stock up on supplies, arrange permits, and hire local drivers before heading north.

Live GPS Plotting

photo_libraryPoints of Interest

Dal Lake

Dal Lake

The iconic jewel of Srinagar. Stay in a houseboat, take a shikara ride at sunrise, or simply watch the floating gardens drift by. A timeless Kashmiri experience before your frontier journey begins.

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Mughal Gardens

Mughal Gardens

Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi, three grand Mughal-era terraced gardens offering sweeping views of Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Hills.

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Hazratbal Shrine

Hazratbal Shrine

A sacred white-marble mosque on the banks of Dal Lake, believed to house a relic of the Prophet Muhammad. One of the most revered shrines in Kashmir.

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Lal Chowk & Old City

Lal Chowk & Old City

The historic heart of Srinagar. Stock up on Kashmiri handicrafts, papier-mache, pashmina shawls, saffron, and dry fruits before heading towards Kupwara.

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exploreTrip Details

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Best Season

April – October (Spring & Summer). Winter (Dec–Feb) is scenic but cold.

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Activities & Expeditions

Shikara Ride on Dal LakeHouseboat StayMughal Garden WalksOld City & Market ExplorationPermit & Transport Arrangements for Kupwara
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Connectivity

Air: Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar. Flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and more.

Rail: No direct rail to Srinagar city. Nearest railhead: Banihal (via Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, under completion). Road from Jammu: ~8 hours via NH44.

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Official Resources

linkJ&K Tourism Official

Permit & Access

policyNo special permit required for Srinagar. ILP required onward to Kupwara frontier zones.
home_pin4Stays Found
approvalRequest Permit

Accommodations

  • Houseboats on Dal Lakefrom ₹2,500/night
  • The Lalit Grand Palacefrom ₹12,000/night
  • Vivanta Dal Viewfrom ₹8,000/night
  • Hotel Akbar Srinagarfrom ₹2,000/night

eco Local Immersion

  • Houseboat CultureAn unmissable Kashmiri experience. Hundreds of heritage houseboats line Dal and Nagin Lakes. Book directly through J&K Tourism or registered operators.
  • Base for KupwaraMost travellers spend 1–2 nights in Srinagar before continuing to Kupwara. Use this time to arrange Inner Line Permits (ILP) and hire experienced local drivers.

Festivals & Culture

Tulip Garden Festival (March-April, Asia's largest tulip garden)

Tulip Garden Festival (March-April, Asia's largest tulip garden)

Shikara Festival (Dal Lake)

Shikara Festival (Dal Lake)

Ready to witness the beauty of Srinagar?

No bureaucracy. No delays.

Experience the frontier valleys seamlessly by organizing your permits online.

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