Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

6-Day Winter Itinerary: Srinagar Base with Gulmarg, Pahalgam & Sonamarg (Last Week of December 2025)

Viewed by 166 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Lake

Srinagar, India on December 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast on the houseboat

Traditional Kashmiri breakfast served on your Dal Lake houseboat — try kahwa (green tea with nuts) and local breads; it's convenient and warming after travel.
INR0, 45m

10:00am

Shikara ride on Dal Lake

One‑hour guided shikara tour through Dal Lake's floating gardens and markets — perfect introduction to Srinagar and great photo opportunities.
INR600, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shamyana Restaurant (Boulevard)

Popular lakeside restaurant with a varied menu — good place to try local dishes like rogan josh and goshtaba in a warm indoor setting.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shankaracharya Hill & Old City walk

Short drive then uphill walk to the Shankaracharya viewpoint for panoramic views of Srinagar followed by a stroll through the Old City bazaars (carpets, spices). Check footwear for icy patches.
INR0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax on the houseboat / tea

Return to your houseboat to warm up, enjoy evening light on the lake and prepare for dinner — many houseboats serve evening tea and snacks.
INR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ahdoos (Lal Chowk)

Historic, well‑known restaurant in Srinagar serving authentic Kashmiri cuisine — great place to try a traditional wazwan dish in winter.
INR900, 1h30m

Day 2: Gulmarg Snow Day

Gulmarg (day trip from Srinagar), India on December 27, 2025

7:00am

Depart Srinagar for Gulmarg

Drive ~1.5–2 hours west to Gulmarg; road may be snowy — a winter drive with scenic views. Leave early to maximise daylight at higher altitude.
INR0, 1h45m

9:00am

Gondola (Phase 1 & 2) to Apharwat Peak

Ride one of the highest cable cars in the world for snow vistas and access to beginner skiing areas. Check current operating status and timings in winter (commonly ~9:00am–4:00pm but subject to weather).
INR2700, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Khyber or hotel restaurant in Gulmarg

Warm up in a hotel restaurant near the meadow; many hotels serve hot thalis and Kashmiri dishes — convenient and hearty after snow activities.
INR900, 1h0m

2:00pm

Snow activities: skiing/snow walk

Hire skis, a sled or take a guided short lesson, or simply walk and play in the snow on the meadows near the gondola terminal. Rental availability varies; book in advance if you need ski gear.
INR1200, 2h0m

4:30pm

Return drive to Srinagar

Drive back to Srinagar before dark; roads can be slower due to winter conditions so allow extra time.
INR0, 1h45m

8:00pm

Dinner at Mughal Darbar (Srinagar)

Popular local restaurant with a range of kebabs and local specialities — good choice after a cold day outdoors.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 3: Pahalgam Valleys

Pahalgam (day trip from Srinagar), India on December 28, 2025

7:00am

Depart Srinagar for Pahalgam

Drive ~2.5–3 hours southeast to Pahalgam; enjoy valley vistas en route. Winter roads usually open but can be affected by snow — check local road status.
INR0, 2h45m

10:00am

Betaab Valley / Chandanwari visit

Explore Betaab Valley (or nearby Chandanwari) — scenic snow‑scaped meadows and river views that are quieter in winter and very photogenic.
INR0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Dana Pani Restaurant (Pahalgam)

Local favourite for simple, hot meals — perfect to refuel with a warming dal, rice and meat or vegetarian options.
INR600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Aru Valley short visit / riverside walk

If road conditions allow, continue to Aru Valley for quieter landscapes and easy walks beside the Lidder River; in deep snow some parts might be inaccessible.
INR0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Drive back to Srinagar

Return to Srinagar and warm up at your houseboat or hotel; expect ~3 hours drive time including stops.
INR0, 2h45m

8:00pm

Dinner at Krishna Vaishno Dhaba (Lal Chowk)

Reputed vegetarian spot for a cosy, budget‑friendly dinner if you prefer a meat‑free option; otherwise try a meat dish elsewhere in the Old City.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 4: Sonamarg & Glacier

Sonamarg (day trip from Srinagar), India on December 29, 2025

7:00am

Depart Srinagar for Sonamarg

Drive ~2–2.5 hours east to Sonamarg; the route along the Jhelum is scenic but can be slow in winter — check weather and road updates.
INR0, 2h15m

9:30am

Thajiwas Glacier walk

Short guided walk or pony‑assisted trek to the Thajiwas Glacier for incredible snow vistas; the glacier is accessible year‑round but conditions vary — wear winter boots.
INR500, 2h0m

12:30pm

Packed lunch or local café

Dining options in Sonamarg are limited in winter; either bring a packed hot lunch or eat at a local roadside café. Hot soup and momos are good winter choices.
INR400, 45m

2:00pm

River viewpoints & short walks

Walk along the Sindh River banks and scenic viewpoints close to Sonamarg town — easy, restorative afternoon before heading back.
INR0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Srinagar

Drive back to Srinagar, arriving in the evening; roads may be slower with winter traffic.
INR0, 2h15m

8:00pm

Dinner on the houseboat or Shamyana

Choose a quiet houseboat dinner to enjoy the view or visit Shamyana again for a warm meal after a long day.
INR700, 1h15m

Day 5: Markets & Monuments

Srinagar, India on December 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Krishna Vaishno Dhaba or houseboat

A simple, hearty breakfast either on your houseboat or at the famous Krishna Vaishno Dhaba in Lal Chowk — good for early starts before markets open.
INR300, 45m

9:30am

Mughal Gardens (Nishat / Shalimar) — check seasonal access

Stroll through the Mughal gardens if accessible — note many gardens have limited access in deep winter; check opening times locally (often reduced Nov–Mar).
INR0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ahdoos (if you didn't visit earlier)

Try classic Kashmiri dishes or a light rice‑and‑meat meal in a warm setting in the Old City.
INR850, 1h0m

2:30pm

Hazratbal Shrine & Boulevard shopping

Visit the Hazratbal mosque for its serene lakeside setting, then walk Boulevard to shop for pashmina shawls, saffron and handicrafts — haggle politely and ask for authenticity certificates for high‑value purchases.
INR0, 2h0m

5:30pm

Optional: houseboat sundowners

Return to the houseboat to enjoy sunset reflections on Dal Lake and pack for departure the next day.
INR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Mughal Darbar or another favourite

Final evening meal in Srinagar — revisit a favourite restaurant to sample remaining dishes you wanted to try.
INR900, 1h30m

Day 6: Pack & Depart

Srinagar, India on December 31, 2025

8:00am

Leisurely breakfast at houseboat or Shamyana

Enjoy a relaxed final breakfast on the lake; houseboat staff can pack tea/khawa to go if you have an early departure.
INR0, 45m

9:30am

Last‑minute shopping or quick Old City revisit

Buy last souvenirs, confirm paperwork for purchased pashminas, or take a final short walk near Dal Lake if time allows.
INR0, 1h0m

11:00am

Check out and transfer to Srinagar Airport

Allow generous time for winter traffic and airport security; plan to leave your accommodation at least 2–3 hours before domestic flight departure.
INR0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch en route / at airport

Have a light meal before your flight — airport options are limited so eat in the city if you prefer a greater selection.
INR400, 45m

3:00pm

Departure

Board your onward flight from Sheikh ul-Alam (Srinagar) Airport. If you have evening plans, confirm any extra transport in advance — winter schedules can change with weather.
INR0, 0h0m
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version