Travelling from Delhi to Srinagar by Tempo Traveller is the preferred choice for large groups — college trips, family groups, corporate teams, or groups of 10–17 people travelling together. The road distance is approximately 820–880 km via Jammu, and the journey is typically split over 2 days with a night halt at Jammu or Udhampur. This guide covers the exact route, costs, timings, and what to expect on the road.
Delhi to Srinagar Route — Two-Day Breakdown
| Leg | Route | Distance | Drive Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 Morning | Delhi → Jammu (via Ambala, Pathankot) | ~580 km | 10–12 hrs | Depart Delhi early morning (4–5 am). Overnight halt at Jammu or Udhampur. |
| Day 2 Morning | Jammu → Srinagar (via Banihal Tunnel) | ~270 km | 5–6 hrs | Depart early. Banihal Tunnel (2.5 km) bypasses mountain pass. Arrive Srinagar by afternoon. |
Important Stops on the Route
| Stop | Distance from Delhi | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Ambala | 250 km | Breakfast stop. Highway dhabas available. Good refuelling point. |
| Jalandhar | 370 km | Fuel stop. Quick lunch. |
| Pathankot | 480 km | Last major city before J&K. Stock up on snacks, medicines. |
| Jammu | 580 km | Night halt. Good hotels ₹1,200–3,500/room. Famous for Dogri cuisine. |
| Udhampur | 636 km | Alternative night halt. Closer to Banihal route. Quieter than Jammu. |
| Banihal Tunnel Entry | 750 km | 2.5 km tunnel, toll applicable (₹180–300 per vehicle). Bypass for Banihal Pass. |
| Qazigund | 790 km | First town in Kashmir Valley. Chai stop, fresh air, beautiful valley view opens up. |
| Anantnag / Awantipora | 840 km | Optional stop at Avantipora ruins (8th century). 20 min detour. |
Tempo Traveller Hire Cost — Delhi to Srinagar
| Vehicle | Capacity | One-Way Delhi → Srinagar | Return (Delhi → Srinagar → Delhi) | Per Person (12 pax) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-Seater Tempo Traveller | 10–12 pax | ₹28,000–35,000 | ₹50,000–62,000 | ₹2,300–3,000 |
| 17-Seater Tempo Traveller | 14–17 pax | ₹35,000–45,000 | ₹62,000–80,000 | ₹2,100–2,700 (at 16 pax) |
| Luxury Tempo Traveller (AC, push-back seats) | 10–14 pax | ₹40,000–55,000 | ₹72,000–95,000 | ₹3,300–4,600 |
Tempo Traveller vs Other Options — Delhi to Srinagar
| Mode | Cost (per person) | Journey Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tempo Traveller (group of 12) | ₹2,300–3,750 one-way | 2 days | Groups of 10–17 people, scenic route lovers |
| Flight (Delhi → Srinagar) | ₹2,500–7,000 one-way | 1.5 hours | Time-sensitive trips, couples, families |
| Train + local cab | ₹700–1,500 + ₹200–400 | 14–16 hrs total | Budget solo / couple travellers |
| Volvo Bus (Delhi → Srinagar) | ₹1,200–1,800 one-way | 14–16 hrs | Budget, solo, or small groups |
| Private SUV (Innova, group of 6) | ₹1,800–2,500 per person | 2 days | Small groups of 4–6 people |
Full Kashmir Package from Delhi by Tempo Traveller
Many groups from Delhi book a complete Tempo Traveller package — Delhi to Srinagar and back, with the vehicle covering all Kashmir destinations in between. A typical 9-night/10-day package (Delhi → Kashmir destinations → Delhi) costs:
| Package | Duration | Vehicle Cost (Total) | Per Person (12 pax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi – Srinagar – Gulmarg – Pahalgam – Delhi | 9N/10D | ₹75,000–95,000 | ₹6,250–7,900 |
| Delhi – Kashmir – Leh – Delhi (via both routes) | 14N/15D | ₹1,20,000–1,50,000 | ₹10,000–12,500 |
Road Conditions & Best Season
Best season for this road trip: April–October. NH-44 (Delhi–Jammu section) is a 4-lane expressway in excellent condition. Jammu–Srinagar section (NH-44) via Banihal Tunnel is generally good but has stretches under improvement at Ramban and Cafeteria Morh — expect occasional 30–60 minute delays.
Winter (Nov–March): The Jammu–Srinagar highway occasionally closes for 24–48 hours after heavy snowfall between Ramban and Banihal. The Banihal Tunnel itself stays open. If traveling in winter, build buffer days into your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days does Delhi to Srinagar by road take?
Minimum 2 days by Tempo Traveller. Day 1: Delhi to Jammu/Udhampur (~580 km, 10–12 hrs). Day 2: Jammu to Srinagar (~270 km, 5–6 hrs). Some groups push it in 1 long day (depart 3 am, arrive Srinagar by midnight) but it’s exhausting and not recommended.
Can we drive Delhi to Srinagar in winter by Tempo Traveller?
Yes — but with precautions. The main highway stays open through winter (Banihal Tunnel keeps it accessible). However, heavy snowfall at Ramban can cause 1–2 day closures. Our drivers carry snow chains. We recommend building 1 extra buffer day in winter itineraries.
What is the per-person cost for a Delhi to Srinagar Tempo Traveller trip?
For a 12-seater with 12 passengers: ₹2,300–3,000 per person one-way. Add one night accommodation at Jammu (₹800–1,500/room, 2 persons per room = ₹400–750/person). Total per person for the Delhi–Srinagar leg: ₹2,700–3,750.