Morning: Depart early from Chandigarh in your personal vehicle and enjoy the scenic drive through the Shivalik hills, covering about 550 km to Jammu. Stop at a dhaba for a hearty Punjabi breakfast and stretch your legs at the historic Ranjit Sagar Dam.
Afternoon: Arrive in Jammu, check into a budget guesthouse, and have a relaxing lunch featuring local Dogra cuisine. Visit the iconic Raghunath Temple and explore the bustling Old City Bazaar for handicrafts and Kashmiri shawls.
Evening: Stroll along the serene Bahu Fort overlooking the Tawi River and enjoy a sunset view. Dine at a family‑run restaurant, sampling dishes like rajma‑chawal and Kashmiri kebabs before resting for the next day’s journey.
Book a HotelMorning: After breakfast, embark on the 290 km drive to Srinagar, crossing the Pir Panjal Pass (Muzzaffarabad). The snow‑capped mountains create a breathtaking backdrop, perfect for photo stops.
Afternoon: Check into a modest houseboat or hotel on the famous Dal Lake. Enjoy a traditional Kashmiri lunch of rogan josh and haak, then take a leisurely Shikara ride around the lake’s floating gardens and market islands.
Evening: Wander through the historic Shankaracharya Temple perched on a hill for panoramic city views. End the day with a cup of Kahwa at a lakeside café while the houseboat gently rocks on the water.
Book a HotelMorning: Visit the magnificent Nishat Bagh, a terraced Mughal garden offering spectacular reflections in its water channels. Continue to the nearby Shalimar Bagh to admire its symmetrical layout and fragrant roses.
Afternoon: Explore the bustling Old Srinagar Market (Lal Chowk), where you can shop for pashmina shawls, paper‑mâché items, and traditional spices. Enjoy a light lunch of street‑style kebabs and kebab rolls.
Evening: Return to your accommodation for a short rest, then attend a cultural evening at the Alhambra Theatre featuring Kashmiri folk music and dance performances.
Book a HotelMorning: Drive 50 km to the alpine resort town of Gulmarg. Ride the famous Gulmarg Gondola (Phase 2), one of the world’s highest cable cars, up to Khilanmarg for stunning vistas of the Himalayas.
Afternoon: Engage in winter activities such as snow‑shoeing, sledding, or a gentle ski session (equipment rentals available). Warm up with a hot soup and momos at a local café.
Evening: Descend back to Srinagar, enjoying a scenic drive through pine‑laden valleys. Relax with a traditional Kashmiri dinner of gushtaba and steamed rice at your stay.
Book a HotelMorning: Depart early for Pahalgam, a 90 km journey through winding mountain roads. Upon arrival, explore the picturesque Betaab Valley and the lush Aru Valley, ideal for short hikes and photo ops.
Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely picnic by the Lidder River, tasting local snacks like sundal and kahwa. Begin the return drive to Chandigarh, making a brief stop at the historic Patnitop viewpoint for a final mountain panorama.
Evening: Arrive back in Chandigarh after a full day of travel. Conclude the trip with a relaxed dinner at home, reminiscing about the winter wonders of Kashmir.
Book a HotelTo extend the trip, add a full day in Gulmarg for advanced skiing or a day in Sonamarg for a glacier trek. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the Pahalgam leg and return directly to Chandigarh after Gulmarg, reducing travel time while still experiencing Kashmir’s highlights.