How to reach South Kashmir: Srinagar to Kokernag is ~80 km, about 2–2.5 h; Srinagar to Aharbal is ~70–75 km, about 2–2.5 h; Srinagar to Pahalgam is ~95 km, about 2.5–3 h. Tour cab for the full day; short walks inside gardens.
Routes
Getting around
Tour cab for the full day; short walks inside gardens.
Srinagar to Kokernag
Srinagar to Kokernag is about 80 km: down the highway to Anantnag, then about 25 km along the Daksum road. It's usually done as a springs loop with Achabal (8 km from Anantnag) and Verinag (26 km from Anantnag). Start by 8 am and you'll be back in Srinagar by evening.
Srinagar to Aharbal
Srinagar to Aharbal is about 70–75 km via Pulwama and the apple town of Shopian, roughly 2–2.5 hours. The waterfall on the Veshaw river sits in pine forest; the area near it is fenced for safety. It's a separate day from the springs loop, best from late spring to autumn.
Srinagar to Pahalgam
Srinagar to Pahalgam is about 95 km via Pampore, Awantipora and Anantnag, usually 2.5–3 hours. It's an easy drive with good stops: Pampore's saffron fields, the Awantipora ruins and the Lidder valley. In Amarnath Yatra weeks (3 July–28 August in 2026), convoys can add 1–2 hours, so leave early.
Arriving by train (Vande Bharat) & station pickup
Vande Bharat to Kashmir. Since June 2025 trains run into the valley on the Udhampur–Srinagar line. The direct Jammu Tawi–Srinagar Vande Bharat takes about 4 h 50 min; trains also run from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. Timings change — check IRCTC/NTES (139) before booking. Tatkal for AC classes opens one day before at 10 am.
Nearest station: Anantnag (ANT) and Awantipora by local train; Srinagar (SINA) by Vande Bharat.
Station pickup: Local trains stop at Anantnag and Awantipora; Vande Bharat guests come via Srinagar. Pickup from any of these stations.
FAQ
Srinagar (SXR)
Rail reaches Katra and Srinagar; see the routes above.
Open year-round
Yes. Local trains stop at Anantnag and Awantipora; Vande Bharat guests come via Srinagar. Pickup from any of these stations.
