How to Reach Verinag from Srinagar
A practical guide to navigating the southern roads of Kashmir.
Planning your trip to the Mughal spring? Here is how to reach Verinag from Srinagar by road, including travel times and transport tips.
The road to the south winds through orchards and open fields.Photo: McKay Savage from London, UK · CC BY 2.0
The journey from Srinagar to Verinag takes you through the industrial heart of the valley, passing the famed saffron fields of Pampore before the landscape turns into a patchwork of orchards. While it is not the longest drive in the region, the traffic can be unpredictable.
Understanding how to reach Verinag from Srinagar requires knowing which roads to prioritize. Whether you are driving yourself or hiring a local driver, here is the breakdown of the 80-kilometre route.
Road Routes from Srinagar
The most common route follows the NH44 highway heading south towards Anantnag. The road is well-paved but can be congested near Awantipora and Bijbehara. Once you reach Anantnag, you turn towards the foothills.
As you get closer to the destination, the roads become narrower and more scenic. Expect to slow down significantly after you leave the main highway as you enter the more rural stretches near the spring.
Hiring a Private Taxi for the Day
For most of our clients, hiring a private taxi for the day is the standard. It provides the flexibility to stop in places like Achabal or Kokernag along the way. You can expect to pay anywhere from 3,000 to 4,500 rupees for a full-day round trip, depending on the vehicle and the season.
Ensure you agree on the 'all-inclusive' price with your driver beforehand, specifically covering fuel and tolls, to avoid any confusion at the end of the day.
Public Transport and Shared Options
Public transport is available but challenging for those with limited time. You can catch a shared sumo or bus from the Pantha Chowk bus stand in Srinagar to Anantnag. From there, you will need to take another local transport to reach Verinag.
This is significantly cheaper, costing only a few hundred rupees, but it involves multiple transfers and can be crowded. If you have luggage, I strongly recommend avoiding this option.
Estimated Travel Times
The distance between Srinagar and Verinag is roughly 80 to 90 kilometres. In good traffic, the drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. However, road construction or local festival traffic can easily push this to 4 hours.
If you are planning to visit during the summer months, account for extra time in the mornings as the highway is quite busy with locals commuting to the city.
Tips for a Smooth Road Trip in Kashmir
Always start your journey by 7:30 or 8:00 AM. This gives you a clear run through the main traffic zones and allows you to reach the spring while the light is still soft.
Keep a physical map or an offline copy of your route. Mobile data can be intermittent in the more remote mountainous stretches leading into the southern districts.
Before you book
The road to Verinag is part of the experience, offering a gradual transition from the urban energy of Srinagar into the quiet heritage of the south. With the right vehicle, it is a comfortable and scenic drive.
If you need help arranging a reliable car or local advice for your specific dates, feel free to reach out to our team.
Planning your route?
We can help arrange a private car for your trip to Verinag. Just send us a message.
Contact UsWritten by
Kashmir, Jammu & Ladakh specialists
We plan and run trips across Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh every week of the year. Everything here comes from routes we drive, stays we inspect and questions our travellers actually ask.
Quick answers
Questions we get asked
Can I reach Verinag by train?
No. The nearest major railway station is in Anantnag, but you will still need to hire a taxi for the final 30-kilometre stretch to reach the spring.
Are the roads to Verinag safe?
Yes, the main roads are generally well-maintained and safe for travel. Always use a professional driver who is experienced with the winding roads of the southern districts.
Photography credits
- Photo: McKay Savage from London, UK · CC BY 2.0
- Photo: Shaurya · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo: Biswarup Bhattacharjee · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: UnpetitproleX · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: TheAutumnal · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: UnpetitproleX · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Akshey25 · CC BY-SA 3.0
