Kashmir! Kashmir of dreams, the heaven of Kashmir. One of the dream destinations of every traveler. A few years ago, the number of tourists traveling to Kashmir from Bangladesh was very less. But now that number has increased manifold.
Three years ago I wrote a comprehensive post on budget travel to Kashmir in Samu. Many people from time to time ask for information to travel to Kashmir on their own by road from Dhaka.
Today's article is for them. This post is meant for those who are visiting Kashmir from Bangladesh and will be on a budget tour, where there is no all-time transport booking.
There are two common routes to Kashmir from Dhaka via Calcutta by road. You can go to Kashmir by road either Kolkata-Delhi-Jammu-Srinagar or Kolkata-Jammu-Srinagar.
But if you have time, the Dhaka-Kolkata-Jammu-Srinagar route is the best option for traveling to Kashmir by road at a low cost. Let's see how much it will cost you if you are a budget traveler for this route.
Dhaka-Kolkata:
You can reach Kolkata from Dhaka in various ways, in which case the cost will be from a minimum of 600 takas to a maximum of 2,000 takas. From Dhaka to Benapole and after immigration from Benapole to Kolkata by non-AC bus on this common route, you will reach Kolkata from Dhaka fairly comfortably at a cost of Tk 1,000-1,200.
Kolkata-Jammu:
You will get two trains from Howrah on this route. A JAMMU TAWI EXP (Train: JAMMU TAWI EXP, No: 13151), operates seven days a week, leaves Howrah at 11:45 am, reaching Jammu at 09:35 am on the third day after a journey of about 45 hours. Fare: (Approx) Sleeper Class Rs.800, Three-AC Rs.2,000, Two-AC Rs.3,000. Another train is HIMGIRI EXPRESS (Train: HIMGIRI EXPRESS, No: 12331), leaving Howrah three days a week, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday; The departure time was 11:55 PM and after a journey of about thirty-seven hours, it reached Jammu at 12:35 PM on the third day. Fare: (approx) Sleeper Class Rs.850, Three-AC Rs.2,100, Two-AC Rs.3,200 and First Class AC Rs.5,500. (Ticket prices are rounded figures including GST and Agent Service Charges along with Indian Railways prescribed fares).
Kolkata-Delhi-Jammu:
Kolkata to Delhi by Rajdhani Express, then Delhi to Jammu. It takes less time and trouble. Several trains run from Kolkata to Delhi, the best being the Rajdhani Express. Apart from this, there are three other trains including Prabha Express and Yuva Express. If we use this route we will do Rajdhani Express, otherwise above Calcutta-Jammu route is better. Rajdhani Express from Sealdah station runs seven days a week, and Rajdhani Express from Howrah runs six days except for Sundays. Both capitals leave Kolkata at 4:50-4:55 PM and reach Delhi between 10:00-10:30 AM the next day. (Train: SDAH RAJDHANIEX , No: 12313), runs seven days a week, (Train: KOLKATA RAJDHANI, No: 12301), runs six days a week (Sunday closed), Fares: (Approx.) Three-AC Rs.3,000, Two-AC Rs.4 ,400 Rs and First Class AC Rs 5,500. Then there are about 14 trains from Delhi to Jammu, the best being Rajdhani Express, operating seven days a week, leaving Delhi at 08:40 PM, and reaching Jammu at 05:45 AM the next day. Rent: Rent: (Approx) Three-AC Rs 1,700, Two-AC Rs 2,500 and First Class AC Rs 3,000. In addition, there are Shalimar Express and Srishakti Express in the afternoon; Jhelum Express, and Tata Tawai Express will also be available at night. (Train: JAMMU RAJDHANI, No: 12425)
Jammu-Srinagar:
Direct buses from Jammu to Srinagar leave between 6:30 am and 7:00 am, and fare between 300-500 rupees. Apart from this, if it is broken, Jammu and Kashmir State Transport Authority buses run on this route from Jammu to Anantnag and from there to Srinagar. The rent will be like 230 rupees in all. Also, you can hire a taxi or private car/jeep from here to Srinagar, starting from 2,000 rupees depending on the type of vehicle. A chart is given at the end of this note, from which you can get an approximate idea about the reserved car fare.
Different Districts from Srinagar:
Usually, the areas that we tourists visit from Srinagar are: Pahelgaon, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Yusmarg. Various types of vehicles ply these routes, including tourist buses of the Jammu and Kashmir State Transport Authority. The first chart below shows the current rates of the Jammu and Kashmir State Transport Authority and the next chart shows the rates of private companies.
Sightseeing places in Kashmir
The entire city of Kashmir is like a paradise state, the horizon is a play of white snow between pairs of tall mountains. There are many places to visit inside the state. And another beauty is waiting for a little outside the city. Still, some notable places are mentioned below for the convenience of tourists:
Srinagar:
In Srinagar, the first thing you will see is the white snowflakes on the hilltop. There are Mughal Gardens, Tulip Gardens, Hazrat Bal Mosque, Dal Lake and Nagin Lake. It would be nice to see the city of Srinagar for the whole day by renting a car. The floating city of Ardal Lake is also worth a visit.
Gulmarg:
Just 52 km from Srinagar, Gulmarg is a sprawling green grass that is covered with snow throughout the year. Here you can see Gondola, Golf Course, Baba Rishi Shrine, Afarwat Peak, St. Mary's Church. Apart from the cable car, you can enjoy paragliding in Gulmarg.
Pahalgam:
97 km from Srinagar you can go to Pehelgam by taxi. If you go between July and October, you will see the apple orchard on the other side of the road. There is so much to see. If you take some time to travel around you can see everything like the Lidar River, Betab Valley, Chanderwari, Aru Valley, Dhabian, Kashmir Valley Point, and Kanimarg. Enjoy a horse ride to Pegelham View Point. Don't forget to visit Baisaran, known as mini Switzerland here.
Sonamarg:
42 km away from Srinagar, beautiful valleys and springs can be seen in Sonamarg. Here is the Tajian Glacier. Indus river will also be seen. There are opportunities for sledding, snow biking, and horseback riding. Also, there are some places in Kashmir that are a little far from the city, maybe unknown to many, but worth a visit. For example - Martanda Mandir is a Hindu temple built in a different architecture 64 km away from Srinagar. A famous song from the movie "Haider" was shot here. Kokernag, a small town, has fishing facilities. Chhatpal has a collection of nut and apple orchards. You can also visit places like Nubra Upatakya and Dudhpatri.
When will you go to Kashmir?
Kashmir is a favorite place for travelers anytime. But at some special times, the beauty of Kashmir is especially caught in everyone's eyes.
Bangladesh's summer is from April to May of the English year, which is said to be the best time to visit Kashmir. During this time the surroundings are full of flowers, especially tulips. In autumn in Bangladesh, there is less snow during the period of September to October.
However, various types of fruits are available at this time. Especially apples and Chinese almonds will be seen this time. And as for winter, from December to February, all around Kashmir is snow and ice, with snowfall. And so, if you go to Kashmir this time, you will see a strange and beautiful scene around.
However, extra caution is required when traveling in winter.
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