Kashmiri cottage with mountain views, Ganderbal
Jammu And Kashmir· 4.8 · 277 stays
The home is a good starting point for exploring the Kashmir Valley. Sonamarg, the 'meadow of gold', is a short drive away. It's the gateway to the Zoji La pass, and from here you can take a short trek or a pony ride to the Thajiwas glacier.
Srinagar is the region's hub. Spend a day on Dal Lake, taking a *shikara* ride through the floating markets and past the houseboats. The city is also home to the Mughal gardens - Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi - which are especially beautiful in the spring and autumn.
For high-altitude views, the Gulmarg Gondola is about a two-hour drive away. It’s a two-stage cable car that climbs to nearly 4,000 metres, with views of the surrounding peaks. In winter, Gulmarg is the centre of Kashmir's ski scene. Further afield, the valleys of Pahalgam, like Aru and Betaab, are famous for their meadows and as the starting point for the Amarnath yatra.
By Air: The nearest airport is Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar (SXR), with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Jammu Airport (IXJ) is the alternate, about 290km from Srinagar, used when weather affects flights to SXR.
By Rail: The closest major railhead is in Banihal, 110km from Srinagar. The line is part of the ongoing Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla project. From Banihal, you can hire a taxi to reach the home.
By Road: The home is in Ganderbal, on the main route from Srinagar towards Sonamarg. Srinagar is the central road hub, connecting to Pahalgam (95km), Gulmarg (50km), and Sonamarg (87km). We recommend hiring a local car for your stay.
Kashmir has distinct seasons, each with its own character. April through June is spring, when the tulip gardens are in full bloom and the valleys are covered in blossoms. The weather is pleasant and clear.
September and October bring autumn. The leaves of the chinar trees turn gold and red, and the air is crisp. It’s an ideal time for sightseeing before the winter cold sets in.
For snow, visit between December and February. While the home itself may not always have heavy snow, nearby Gulmarg and Pahalgam are transformed into winter landscapes, perfect for skiing and snow-related activities.
