South Kashmir Tours: Kokernag, Verinag & Daksum: Springs, Mughal gardens and pine forest
The springs of Verinag and Kokernag, the Mughal garden at Achabal, the ruined Martand Sun Temple and the forests of Daksum. The quiet south of the valley, a couple of hours from Srinagar.
Best time
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
Ideal length
1 to 2 nights, or as part of a Pahalgam trip
Price
from ₹15,500 per person
Altitude
About 1,600–2,400 m
The honest version
South Kashmir, around Anantnag, is where the valley’s springs rise. Verinag is the traditional source of the Jhelum, an octagonal spring tank enclosed by the Mughal emperor Jahangir. Kokernag has gardens around its springs and is known for trout. Achabal is a Mughal garden laid out around another spring, associated with Nur Jahan.
On the way, the ruins of the eighth-century Martand Sun Temple stand on a plateau above Mattan, the most striking ancient monument in the valley. Further on, Daksum is a forest of pine and fir along a river, a cool and quiet place to stop for the night.
The south pairs naturally with Pahalgam, which shares the same road from Srinagar. We use it to give a Kashmir trip a day or two away from the busier circuit.
Where you'll go
5 places worth the drive.
Verinag
The Jhelum’s traditional source, in a Mughal spring tank
Kokernag
Spring gardens and trout
Achabal
A Mughal garden built around a spring
Martand Sun Temple
Eighth-century ruins above Mattan
Daksum
Pine and fir forest along the river
Signature experiences
What we build every South Kashmir trip around.
Best months to travel: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Fly into Srinagar International Airport (SXR), about 30–45 minutes from the city; most sites are 2–3 hours by road.
- The Mughal spring at Verinag
- The ruins of Martand on their plateau
- A quiet night in the Daksum forest
- An easy pairing with Pahalgam
Plan your time in South Kashmir
Frequently asked
South Kashmir questions we hear every week.
Something not covered here? Ask us directly — we answer within a few hours.
Can South Kashmir be done from Pahalgam?
Yes. Achabal, Kokernag and Verinag are on the way between Pahalgam and Daksum, so they fit neatly into a Pahalgam trip.
Is it worth it on a first trip?
If you have six nights or more, yes. On a four-night trip, Gulmarg and Pahalgam come first.
Plan your South Kashmir trip
Same-day quote. Same team for the whole trip.
Tell us your dates, group size and rough idea. We come back with a custom itinerary and honest pricing within a few hours — no obligation, no follow-up spam.