Kullu to Kashmir: 2026 Tour Package Guide

Kullu is known as the valley of gods, apple orchards, river rafting on the Beas, and a temple culture woven into daily life. Kashmir has its own version of that valley-and-orchard identity, saffron fields near Pampore instead of apple orchards, and Dal Lake instead of the Beas, similar in shape but different enough in substance to be worth the trip.

How to reach Kashmir from Kullu

Bhuntar Airport, also called Kullu-Manali Airport, is right in Kullu district itself, about 10 minutes from Kullu town, with limited scheduled flights mostly to Delhi. From Delhi, take a connecting flight to Srinagar (SXR). Total flying time across the connecting legs from Delhi runs roughly 3.5 to 4 hours.

Most Kashmir packages, including everything ViaKashmir arranges, include an airport pickup at Srinagar in a private vehicle, so you are not left arranging a last-minute taxi after a long day of connecting flights. It is worth confirming this in writing before you fly, since Srinagar airport taxi rates for walk-up passengers run noticeably higher than a pre-booked transfer.

Kashmir package pricing from Kullu

Kashmir package pricing for Kullu travellers matches the standard bands:

• ✓For a no-frills 5N/6D trip in double-sharing standard hotels, budget ₹9,999 to ₹18,000 per person.
• ✓Most families land in the ₹18,000 to ₹35,000 per person mid-range band - a houseboat night, 3-star+ hotels.
• ✓At the top end, + per person buys a luxury houseboat, 4-5 star hotels, and a private cab for the whole trip.

Prices vary by season, hotel category and how far ahead you book, but these bands hold across the year for the standard Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg circuit.

A sample itinerary

A 5 night, 6 day itinerary built around the valley-and-orchard parallel:

1. Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar, transfer to a Dal Lake houseboat, evening shikara ride.
2. Day 2: Srinagar sightseeing, Mughal gardens, Shankaracharya Temple, local bazaar in the evening.
3. Day 3: Full day in Gulmarg, gondola ride toward Apharwat, meadow walk if the weather holds.
4. Day 4: Drive to Pahalgam, Betaab Valley and Aru Valley visits.
5. Day 5: Sonamarg day trip or a slower morning in Pahalgam before returning to Srinagar.
6. Day 6: Departure transfer to Srinagar airport.

Getting around once you land in Kashmir

Srinagar to Gulmarg is about 50 to 55 kilometres, roughly a 2 hour drive on hill roads. Srinagar to Pahalgam runs closer to 90 kilometres, around 2.5 hours, and Srinagar to Sonamarg is about 80 kilometres, roughly 2 to 2.5 hours. Most travellers cover all three as day trips from a Srinagar base, or move accommodation to Gulmarg or Pahalgam for a night if the pace suits them better. A private cab, included in mid-range and premium packages, is the easiest way to manage this without relying on shared transport.

Best time to visit

April to June shows off Kashmir's tulip gardens and green meadows, a strong match for travellers used to Kullu's own spring bloom. September and October bring saffron harvest season near Pampore along with chinar-red autumn colour, worth timing your trip around if agriculture and craft interest you.

FAQs

Does Kullu have flights to Srinagar?

Bhuntar Airport near Kullu has limited scheduled flights, mostly to Delhi, from where you take a connecting flight to Srinagar. There is no direct Kullu-Srinagar route.

How does Kashmir compare to Kullu for a valley trip?

Both are river-and-orchard valleys with strong local culture, but Kashmir adds Dal Lake, Mughal gardens and saffron fields, a distinct experience beyond what Kullu offers.

What does a Kashmir package cost from Kullu?

Standard pricing applies, Rs 9,999 to Rs 18,000 for budget, up to Rs 35,000 for mid-range, and Rs 40,000 plus for premium.

Is mobile network and internet reliable in Kashmir?

Postpaid connections from most Indian telecom operators work across the main tourist circuit, Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam, though prepaid SIMs from outside Jammu and Kashmir often need local verification or simply do not connect. Carrying a postpaid number or checking with your operator in advance saves trouble on the ground.

ViaKashmir can plan a Kullu to Kashmir trip around saffron season or spring bloom, whichever suits your travel window, reach out to our Srinagar team.

Kashmir Pulse Editorial

Travel Desk

Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons.