Kashmir - Paradise on Earth
Mughal emperor Jahangir discovered the striking beauty of the Kashmir valley in the 17th century, and said, “Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin asto.” i.e., “if there is a paradise anywhere on the earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.”A valley between the Great Himalayan range and the Pir Panjal mountain range, Kashmir is a place of beautiful simplicity and pristine natural beauty. Kashmir is painted with a unique culture that keeps you intrigued throughout your journey, from Srinagar to Sonamarg and Gulmarg till Pahalgam.

Connectivity
Nearest Airport : Srinagar Airport
By Road :  Srinagar is connected by road with Leh and Jammu.
By Train : Jammu, Udhampur and Katra in Jammu Division are connected to the Indian Railways. From Udhampur  travel by car or bus to Banihal. There is a 'hanging' railway in Kashmir Valley from Banihal to Baramulla, serving the cities of Anantnag and Srinagar en-route. The link from Banihal to Katra is expected to be complete in the next few years, which will connect the valley to the rest of the Indian rail network.

Best Time to visit and climate:
The best time to visit Kashmir is September - November, March - May.  Monsoon prevails from July to September & the winter months are very cold but popular for skiing at Gulmarg.

Itinerary Suggestions 
Short Trip    : https://www.monkfoot.com/tours/srinagar
Longer Trip  :  

Places to visit in Kashmir
Srinagar, the exotic summer capital of Kashmir is also the city famous for its magnificent Mughal gardens that bear testimony to the Mughal eye for detail & panache for symmetry. Located in close vicinity of Dal Lake the gardens comprise amazing terraced lawns, lovely fountains, numerous flowerbeds, wonderful Chinar trees and shrubs, surrounded by a peaceful environment.
Gulmarg : An breathakingly picturesque drive takes travellers from Srinagar to Gulmarg.  Gulmarg is located in Afarwat hills which are a part of the Pir Panjal range in the Himalayas. Amply blessed with verdant green slopes and conifers, during winters; these slopes turn white, forming powder bowls which are ideal for world class skiing. .
Sonamarg : Panoramic views of the Harmukh range dominate the horizon. The drive to Sonamarg is through the SindhValley which presents yet another spectacular facet of countryside in Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of 2730 m, Sonamarg (‘The meadow of gold’) has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh River that meanders through the valley abounds with trout. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier, which is a major local attraction during the summer months.
Pahalgam: Situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder river, Pahalgam   was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer .
Aru Valley is a small yet self-sufficient scenic village located 12 km ahead of  Pahalgam  ( 86 Km from Srinagar) . The Aru valley is noted for its scenic meadowsl. The location of the village among the grasslands, make this place a tourist delight. It is reachable by walking along a mountain path. The village also serves as the start point for trekking to Kolahoi glacier. Another long trek for the serious trekker is to Sonmarg, which can be covered in 3 days! Besides, the valley is also known to be a good site for camping.Here, you can have a glimpse of Kolohoi Peak, 5370 mtrs. Another trek from Lidderwat leads to the most desired twin Lakes, Tarsar 3794mtrs & Marsar 3788 mtrs (2-3 days trek).
Yusmarg :A two hour drive from Srinagar will take you to acres upon acres of grassy meadow ringed by forests of pine, and towering beyond them, awesome and majestic snow clad mountains. This is Yusmarg - close enough to Srinagar for a picnic, idyllic enough to make you want to stay for a few days. Here are walks of every sort - a leisurely amble along flower-strewn meadows or away to where a mighty river froths and crashes its way over rocks, its mild white foam earning it the name of Dudh Ganga. Further down, a captivating lake, Nilnag, is cradled by hills. Nearby are several peaks-Tatta Kutti and Sang Safed to name a couple of them. About 13 kms from Yusmarg, a short detour away from the Srinagar road, is Charari- Sharief, the Shrine of Kashmir’s patron saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din or Nund Reshi.
Daksum :
Past Mughals gardens of Achabal with their tinkling fountains , thorugh the breathtaking splendour of the springs at Kokernag, lies Daksum. Quite away from it all , tucked away in a densely forested gorge, Daksum would be completely silent but for the Bringhi river which gushes though it.
Daksum is a walker's paradise. Up the hills which are swathed in coniferous trees, past gurgling brooks. For in the hills surrounding Daksum, suddenly you will find yourself in grassy meadows where sheep are taken to pasture.
Daksum is a walker's paradise. Up the hills which are swathed in coniferous trees, past gurgling brooks. For in the hills surrounding Daksum, suddenly you will find yourself in grassy meadows where sheep are taken to pasture.
Aharbal : Gradually, the distant rumble becomes a roar as one approach the waterfall of Aharbal, which crashes down a narrow gorge. Aharbal is more than just a waterfall. There are several places to picnic in the surrounding areas, as well as delightful walks of varying lengths all over the hillsides. Interesting treks-one of them to the high altitude lake of Kounsernag at 13,500 ft above sea level-takes off from Aharbal.