Getting around Jammu and Kashmir is a mix of comfortable highways and dramatic mountain roads, depending on where you are headed.
In the Kashmir Valley, shared taxis and government buses connect Srinagar to Gulmarg (55 km), Pahalgam (96 km), and other destinations. Hiring a private taxi for the day is the most flexible option and reasonably affordable when split between a group. Within Srinagar, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and shared Sumos (jeeps) handle local travel. The iconic shikara is for the lakes, not road travel.
In Ladakh, the distances are vast and the roads pass through extreme altitude. From Leh, jeep taxis are the standard way to reach monasteries and villages. Public buses operate to Kargil and major villages but run infrequently. Hiring a jeep with driver is the practical choice for visiting the more remote valleys. Motorcycling on the Leh–Manali or Leh–Srinagar routes is popular, but requires proper preparation for altitude and road conditions.
In the Jammu region, regular buses and shared taxis connect Jammu to Patnitop, Katra (for Vaishno Devi), and other hill towns. Roads are generally good.
Be aware that many roads close in winter due to snowfall, and the Srinagar–Leh highway typically closes from November to May. Always check current conditions before travel.