Hi,
If you're planning to ride from Amritsar to Srinagar by motorcycle, you're in for a beautiful but fairly long journey. While it's possible to complete the ride in one day, I’d personally recommend breaking it up over two days—especially if you want to enjoy the ride and not just get from point A to point B.
Road Route: Amritsar to Srinagar (Approx 470 km)
The most convenient and commonly taken route is:
Amritsar → Pathankot → Jammu → Udhampur → Patnitop → Ramban → Banihal → Qazigund → Anantnag → Srinagar
This route offers a good mix of plains, rolling hills, and then gradually turns into a scenic mountain drive as you approach Srinagar.
Time and Feasibility
Total distance: Around 470 km
Estimated travel time: 12 to 14 hours (non-stop)
Technically, you can do it in one day if you start really early and don’t take long breaks—but this means riding through mountainous terrain after sunset, which isn’t ideal. So unless you're an experienced long-distance rider and okay with fatigue, I’d suggest doing it over two days.
Recommended Itinerary
Day 1: Amritsar to Patnitop (~300 km)
This lets you enjoy the journey without rushing. You’ll reach Patnitop by late afternoon or evening and can relax at one of the hillside hotels.
Day 2: Patnitop to Srinagar (~170 km)
The next day is a shorter ride, and this stretch is absolutely beautiful. You’ll cross the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, Jawahar Tunnel, and ride into the heart of Kashmir.
Places Worth Stopping At
Pathankot: Mainly a pass-through town, but good for a quick chai or fuel break.
Jammu City: Optional detour if you want to visit Raghunath Temple or take a short break.
Patnitop: Surrounded by pine forests, it’s a calm and scenic place to halt.
Nashri-Chenani Tunnel: One of the longest road tunnels in India—smooth and time-saving.
Banihal & Jawahar Tunnel: You’ll feel the terrain and the weather change as you ride through here.
Qazigund to Srinagar: This final stretch opens up into the Kashmir valley—green fields, apple orchards, and lovely mountain views.
Good Food Stops Along the Way
Day 1:
Moti Mahal Delux, Pathankot – Great for a hearty Punjabi veg meal.
Pehelwan Dhaba, Udhampur – Classic highway-style food with simple, clean vegetarian options.
Forest View Hotel, Patnitop – Perfect for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2:
Ramban dhabas – Great for tea and quick snacks during your ride.
Qazigund local eateries – You’ll find smaller places serving basic Kashmiri meals with vegetarian options.
Krishna Vaishno Dhaba, Anantnag – Simple but delicious vegetarian food.
A Few Practical Tips
Top up your fuel tank at Amritsar or Pathankot—you won’t find great petrol stations after Udhampur until Srinagar.
Carry a small spare fuel can, especially for mountain stretches.
Bring rain gear and something warm, as the temperature can drop near Patnitop and Banihal.
Keep a basic tool kit for the bike, along with puncture repair gear.
Download offline maps in case you lose mobile signal, which can happen in patches after Jammu.
Additional Reads for Inspiration and Guidance
If you're interested in reading real experiences of bikers who’ve done similar routes, check out these Tripoto articles:
Solo Trip from Delhi to Manali, Leh, Srinagar, Amritsar on Bike
A detailed travelogue of a solo biker covering all key northern circuit destinations including Amritsar and Srinagar.-https://www.tripoto.com/india/trips/solo-trip-to-leh-srinagar-amritsar-on-bike-56c9f8a2be34a
An Affair With the Mighty Brown Beast | A Complete Leh Circuit
An extensive itinerary with notes on terrain, routes, experiences, and key lessons for bikers planning mountain routes. https://www.tripoto.com/india/trips/an-affair-with-the-mighty-brown-beast-a-complete-leh-circuit-5857d416795b1
Road Trip: Srinagar-Leh-Manali Circuit (13 Days)
Especially helpful if you’re planning to extend your ride from Srinagar to Leh or beyond. https://www.tripoto.com/india/trips/detailed-itinerary-for-srinagar-leh-manali-circuit-13-days-5bd2be5e53606
The best and most convenient road map from Amritsar to Srinagar for a motorcycle trip typically takes you via NH 44, covering approximately 450 kilometers. While it is possible to complete this journey in a single day, it can be quite tiring, so starting early is advisable.
En route, you can visit some interesting places:
Jammu: Stop by to explore the Raghunath Temple and enjoy some local cuisine.
Vaishno Devi: If time permits, a quick visit to the Vaishno Devi Temple is worthwhile.
Patnitop: A beautiful hill station where you can take a short break and enjoy the scenic views.
For dining, consider stopping at local dhabas for authentic North Indian meals. Sagar Ratna in Jammu is a popular spot for South Indian dishes, while Amritsari Kulcha at various roadside eateries can be a delightful treat.
Enjoy your ride and the stunning landscapes along the way!
To Know More:
Have A Look: https://wanderon.in/blogs/places-to-visit-in-amritsar