Is it safe for tourists?

Yes, it is a standard transit route for tourists.

Qazigund has several reliable dhabas for lunch.

Yes, private taxis are available at Awantipora stand.

Awantipora

Banihal

Bus Driving

Awantipora to Banihal

Updated: 22 May 2026

The journey from Awantipora to Banihal covers approximately 85 kilometers along the NH 44 highway. You will pass through the iconic Jawahar Tunnel or the newer Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel. The route is primarily mountainous, requiring careful driving through the Pir Panjal range. Public buses and private cabs are the standard modes of transport. Expect a travel time of roughly 2.5 hours depending on traffic at the tunnel checkpoints.

Total Distance: 85 km driving distance, 60 km straight-line distance.

Fastest Way

Private taxi taking 2.5 hours via the new tunnel.

Cheapest Way

JKSRTC bus service costing approximately 300 INR.

Compare Awantipora to Banihal Routes

	Bus Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	3 hours 30 mins	2 hours 30 mins
Avg Price	300-500 INR	1500-2500 INR
Operator	JKSRTC	Private Taxi Operators
Route	NH 44 via Anantnag and Qazigund.	NH 44 via Pampore, Bijbehara, and Qazigund.
Tip	Buses depart from the main Awantipora bus stand early in the morning.	Check for one-way traffic restrictions on the highway before departing.

Travel Tips

Carry ID
Always keep your Aadhar card handy for security checkpoints.
Start Early
Depart before 8 AM to avoid heavy truck traffic on NH 44.
Weather Check
Monitor local news for highway closures due to landslides.
Layering
Wear layers as temperatures drop significantly near the tunnel.
Cash
Carry sufficient cash as digital payments fail in remote areas.

Safety Tips

Avoid Night Travel
Mountain roads are prone to fog and rockfalls after dark.
Stay Alert
Watch for sudden lane changes by heavy vehicles.
Emergency Numbers
Save local police and highway patrol contact numbers.
Vehicle Check
Ensure your vehicle has good brakes for steep descents.