After the long drive, settle in with a gentle stroll through Boulevard Road along Dal Lake to stretch your legs and take in the Himalayan foothill light; stop for a warming cup of kahwa at a lakeside cafe. Then head to Lal Mandi to browse fragrant spice stalls and Kashmiri walnut crafts, and finish the morning with a short shikara-free walk to the nearby Hazratbal Shrine for serene views across the water before lunch and an afternoon orientation.
After lunch, wander the quaint lanes of Nawakadal and pause at a riverside tea stall to watch local life along the Jhelum; then visit the elegant wooden Shah Hamdan Mosque for its intricate carvings and peaceful courtyard. Finish the afternoon with a short visit to Chinar Bagh (Chinar Gardens) to enjoy the winter light under ancient chinar trees and sample hot gustaba or kahwa at a nearby tearoom before returning to your houseboat to freshen up for evening plans.
As dusk settles, take a gentle shikara ride (or lakeside walk if the water is frozen) to enjoy the sunset glow on Dal Lake from a different angle, then step ashore to stroll the timbered alleys of Kathi Darwaza for evening lights and local snacks like hot Keema Matsch from a street vendor. Finish with a cozy dinner at a houseboat or nearby restaurant featuring Kashmiri specialties and live Sufi or folk music at Nagina Bagh (or an intimate local venue), letting the melodies and warm kahwa round out your first night in Kashmir.
Begin with a crisp morning walk through Shalimar Bagh to admire espaliered terraces and frozen fountains, then take a short stroll to the nearby Chashme Shahi to sip hot kahwa beside its mossy spring and ornamental pavilions. From there, head to the lively Lal Chowk area for a late-morning visit to the Jama Masjid (old city) and browse nearby artisan stalls selling pashmina shawls and papier-mâché boxes before pausing at a lane-side café for steaming noon snacks, setting you up to continue into the afternoon's Dal Lake experiences.
After a morning among the Mughal gardens and old city, spend the afternoon drifting on a peaceful shikara across Nagin Lake to admire frozen reed beds and shoreline houses, then step ashore to stroll the waterside paths of Nawakadal Bazar for warm street snacks and saffron-scented chai. Continue with a visit to the carved-wood royal house Chinar Mahal (or a similar heritage house-museum) to see traditional Kashmiri interiors, and finish with a slow walk along Boulevard Road toward the Pari Mahal viewpoint to catch late winter light and wide lake panoramas before returning to your houseboat.
As twilight deepens, take a calming stroll along Boulevard Road's lakeside promenade toward the quieter stretch near Nigeen Club, pausing to watch skaters on frozen shallows or local fishermen packing up for the night. Continue to Kathi Darwaza's adjoining lanes to sample warm tabak maaz or street-style kebabs at a roadside stall, then finish with a relaxed tea and live Kashmiri folk tunes at the intimate Ahdoos (or a similar old-city café), soaking in the city's evening atmosphere before returning to your houseboat.
Leave Srinagar early for a scenic drive into the Pir Panjal and begin your Gulmarg morning with a crisp walk through the snow-clad meadows toward Gulmarg Golf Course's winter expanse, pausing for chai and roasted corn at a roadside stall. Then board the famous Gulmarg Gondola to Phase 2 for breathtaking views and a short guided snowshoe or gentle ski lesson on the beginner slopes near Apharwat Peak before descending for a warming lunch at a cozy cafe by the meadow.
After a cozy lunch, explore the quieter slopes by heading to Kongdori for easy snow trekking and panoramic views of the Pir Panjal, stopping to try a short guided snowman-building contest or selfie session with the ridgeline behind you. Continue to St. Mary's Church (Gulmarg Church) to admire its simple timber interior and then warm up with hot chocolate at a nearby café before taking a late-afternoon stroll across the frozen fairways of Gulmarg Golf Course toward the meadow edge as the light softens.
As dusk falls, wander up the quiet lane toward Gulmarg Market to browse local stalls for woollen karwans and warm Kashmiri breads, then step into Kashmir Cuisine Café (or a similar cosy eatery) for a steaming bowl of Rogan Josh and saffron tea. Finish the night with a short, lantern-lit walk to The Vintage Gondola Base viewpoint to watch the valley lights flicker below, share stories over hot kahwa, and return to your lodge for an early night-ready for tomorrow's drive back toward Srinagar.
Set off early from Srinagar and pause at the roadside village of Sonamarg Viewpoint for sweeping morning light on the Sindh River before continuing through the dramatic Zojila approaches; stretch your legs with a brisk walk to the small but photogenic Thajiwas Glacier outlook for ice-sculpted ridges and a hot cup of tea from a local stall. Later, stop at the tranquil roadside hamlet of Drass Valley to visit a roadside café, sample simple Ladakhi-style breakfast breads, and pay respects at the poignant Drass War Memorial viewpoint that introduces you to the high-altitude landscapes you'll explore deeper into Kargil.
After a riverside lunch, pause at the high-altitude hamlet of Gurez Bend for tea and wide views of the snow-lined river terraces, then continue to the roadside settlement of Minamarg to walk among frost-rimmed willow groves and meet local shepherds warming themselves by small hearths. As the afternoon light softens, stop at the historic roadside Mulbekh - Kargil Viewpoint to read the landscape, snap photos of distant peaks and prepare for the final drive into Kargil town, where you'll check into your guesthouse and enjoy a hearty Ladakhi dinner.
As daylight fades, settle into Kargil with a warming walk around Kargil Bazaar, sampling hot local momos and thukpa at a bustling tea stall while watching evening commerce along the main street. Later, visit the quietly illuminated Kargil War Memorial Museum for reflective exhibits and panoramic night views of the town, then enjoy a communal dinner of hearty Ladakhi stews at Hotel Dzo Jongo (or a nearby family-run dhaba) to share stories from the day's drives and plan tomorrow's high-valley explorations.
Start the day with a reflective visit to the Kargil War Memorial (Tiger Hill viewpoint) to watch dawn light sweep the rugged ridgelines and read the names etched on the memorial plaques, then walk down to the nearby Kargil War Museum for personal stories, maps and battlefield exhibits that deepen your appreciation for the region's history. Afterward, warm up with a steaming bowl of thukpa at a local tea-house before strolling through Garkon Bazaar to meet shopkeepers, sample homemade apricot jam and pick up woven woollen caps from a family-run stall, tying this morning's solemn history to lively town life as you prepare for the afternoon drive into the Suru Valley.
After lunch, drive upstream to the quiet village of Mulbekh Monastery to view its towering Maitreya rock statue and explore the small gompa courtyard while chatting with resident monks about local traditions; linger for chai and apricot biscuits at a nearby teashop. Continue to the scenic hamlet of Batalik Overlook for wide river-valley panoramas and a short walk along frozen terraces, then visit a family-run homestay in Sankoo village to sample homemade apricot preserve and watch villagers prepare yak-wool crafts as dusk approaches.
As twilight deepens, take a relaxed stroll toward Kargil Old Fort ruins to watch the valley lights emerge from a low rocky vantage and hear local stories from vendors selling toasted apricot kernels. Afterwards, head to Main Bazaar's rooftop tea stalls for steaming butter tea and spicy momos while listening to roadside musicians, then finish with a cozy group meal at Riverfront Dhaba where you can swap photos from today and plan the drive into the Suru Valley tomorrow.
Depart Kargil at first light and drive along the frozen Indus tributaries toward the Suru Valley, stopping at the roadside hamlet of Parkachik to admire dramatic glacier-carved cliffs and take a short walk to the ice-polished moraine for close-up glacier views. Continue into the valley with a warming break at Panikhar village, where you can meet local shepherds, sip butter tea in a family home and stroll among apricot orchards dusted with snow before reaching your Suru Valley guesthouse in time for a hearty lunch.
After lunch, follow the valley road deeper and stop at Sankoo Bazaar to stroll frozen streets, sample warm apricot halwa from a roadside stall and chat with locals about winter life; from there take a short detour to the hilltop Nun Kun Viewpoint for sweeping glacier-fed valley panoramas and memorable group photos. Later visit the quiet gompa at Khaltse to meet monks, sip chai in the monastery courtyard, and end the afternoon with a gentle walk along the iced Suru Riverbanks, listening to the muffled river under crusted snow as you near your evening homestay.
As dusk falls, stroll through the lantern-lit lanes of Panikhar Bazaar to sample warm apricot halva and freshly fried khameer from a family stall, then stop at Suru Riverside Promenade to watch the valley lights reflect on thin river ice while sharing hot butter tea. Finish the night with a cozy gathering at Your Homestay's Courtyard, where hosts often lay out a communal meal of local thenthuk and apricot chutney and tell stories of high-valley winters around a wood-fired hearth.
Rise early for a crisp drive up-valley to the rustic hamlet of Panikhar Gompa Viewpoint, where morning light paints the snow rims and you can greet local shepherds tending yaks before a warming cup of butter tea in a family courtyard. Continue to the riverside settlement of Shang Phu to wander frozen apricot orchards, learn traditional yak-wool weaving from village artisans, and photograph the valley's serrated ridges before setting off after brunch toward the high passes en route to Diskit and Turtuk.
After brunch, drive toward the higher reaches and pause at Patsio Viewpoint for sweeping vistas of the frozen Suru gorge, then head to Gondik Valley hamlet to meet local families and watch a traditional apricot-drying demonstration while sampling freshly pressed apricot oil. Continue with a short guided walk to the remote Chiktan Fort ruins to explore ice-crusted ruins and ridge-top views, finishing the afternoon with tea at a roadside homestay where you can learn basic Balti phrases and hear stories about the route ahead to Diskit and Turtuk.
As dusk settles, wander the quiet lanes of Nimoo Bazaar to sample piping-hot apricot tea and freshly fried khameer from local stalls, then head to the riverside Suru Bridge Viewpoint to watch twilight color the valley and spot distant shepherds herding yaks home. Finish with a cozy group meal at Agham Homestay, where hosts serve a warming bowl of thenthuk and recount Balti folk tales by the hearth, helping you bond with locals and steady for the early mountain roads toward Diskit and Turtuk tomorrow.
Wake to crisp valley light and wander the stone lanes of Turtuk Village, visiting a local homestead to learn how Balti families press apricot oil and sample freshly baked khameer with hot butter tea. Then hike a short trail to the hamlet viewpoint above Turtuk Fort ruins for sweeping views across the Shyok gorge, followed by a guided walk through terraced orchards where you can pick sun-dried apricots and meet elders who share stories of cross-border trade and village life.
After a homely lunch, walk the sunlit orchard trails toward the riverside hamlet of Hunar Bridge Outlook to watch the braided Shyok River and spot distant mountain ledges used by local shepherds; nearby, visit the family-run Apricot Press Workshop to see traditional cold-pressing methods and taste warm apricot oil on fresh khameer. Finish the afternoon with a guided visit to the small community Cultural Exchange Centre, where elders share Balti stories and you can try your hand at basic apricot-drying and yak-wool braiding-an intimate way to connect with village life before the evening return to your homestay.
As dusk falls, take a short walk to the riverside Shyok Riverbank Promenade to watch the orange light catch the braided channels while local kids skip stones and elders mend nets; pause at the rustic Riverside Tea Stall for steaming kahwa and conversation with fishermen. Finish the night with a guided storytelling circle at the Village Cultural Courtyard, where hosts serve a communal apricot-based stew and share Balti folk songs and border stories around a wood-fired brazier.
Leave Turtuk at first light and follow the high-desert route toward Leh, stopping for breakfast and a stretch at Hunder Sand Dunes viewpoint (a winter hush version) to watch pale morning light on the rippled sands and distant peaks. Continue with a brief cultural stop at Diskit Monastery's lesser courtyard to greet resident monks, sip butter tea, and take in quiet ridge views before resuming the drive toward Leh for an easy afternoon of rest and gentle acclimatization.
After a leisurely lunch en route, follow the winding road into the Indus Valley and stop at Hall of Fame (Indus River viewpoint) to stretch, read the informative exhibits about the region and enjoy panoramic river-carved scenery. Continue to Magnetic Hill Overlook for a short photo stop and the quirky gravity-defying illusion, then arrive in Leh for a gentle acclimatization walk through Leh Market to browse local bakeries and pick up light snacks while soaking in the town's rhythm before an early, restful evening.
After arriving in Leh, take a gentle sunset stroll up to Shanti Stupa for sweeping golden views over the town and the Indus valley while the light softens; linger to watch prayer flags flutter as local pilgrims offer quiet prayers. Later, head to The Tibetan Market Lane for relaxed browsing of prayer wheels, pashmina stalls and street-food snacks like hot momos, then finish with a warming communal dinner at Mamal Restaurant (or a similar cosy Ladakhi eatery) where you can compare notes, sip butter tea and plan a measured acclimatization walk for tomorrow.
Wake to clear high-altitude light and drive a short distance to Shey Palace & Museum to explore ancient murals and the impressive seated copper Buddha before strolling the quiet orchard paths for panoramic views of the Indus valley. Next visit Spituk Monastery to watch monks chant in the courtyard, browse hand-painted thankas in the gompa shop, and finish with a warming cup of butter tea and fresh local bread at the monastery tea stall while planning your afternoon at the larger hilltop temples.
After lunch, drive a short distance to Thiksey Monastery to tour its multi-level chapels and courtyard, watch novice monks in prayer and enjoy panoramic views of the Indus plain from the terrace while sampling sweet butter tea at the monastery stall. Continue to the quieter Shey Palace ruins' nearby picnic area for a gentle walk among ancient orchard terraces and then visit the atmospheric Hemis Gompa Museum to see traditional masks and ritual costumes before returning toward town through saffron-drying stalls and roadside tea cups.
As dusk deepens, wander the terraced lanes toward Namgyal Tsemo Gompa to catch golden light on its cliffside chorten and watch pilgrims circling prayer wheels while the valley cools. Continue with a relaxed riverside stroll along the Indus River Promenade, pause at a local tea stall for buttery kahwa and steamed momos, then finish the night with rooftop views and conversation at Skyview Café overlooking Leh town, sharing photos and planning tomorrow's optional excursions.
If weather and roads permit, head out early toward the high-altitude lakes route and stop first at Chang La Viewpoint to watch morning light hit the barren ridges, then continue to the shimmering shores of Pangong Tso for a brisk lakeside walk and photos of the blue-ice reflections; warm up with hot tea from a lakeside stall while scanning for migratory birds. Alternatively, choose the northerly option and drive through the dramatic high desert to the Khardung La Outlook for sweeping valley panoramas, then descend into Diskit to visit its riverside cafés and a local bakery for fresh buns before a gentle acclimatizing stroll through nearby orchard paths.
If roads to the high lakes are open, drive toward Changthang Plateau and stop at the lesser-known frozen inlet of Maan Village Bay for a brisk walk among wind-sculpted ice and a tea break with nomadic herders; continue to the quiet shoreline of Tso Kar Pochan for birdwatching and saline-flat panoramas before returning. Alternatively, head north into the Ladakhi desert to visit the remote roadside hamlet of Diskit Lower Orchards for a late-afternoon stroll through sun-pruned apricot trees, then climb to the peaceful terrace above Panamik Hot Springs (if accessible) to soak tired legs and watch the valley light soften over the Shyok River.
If you've chosen the Pangong/Tso Moriri route, spend the evening at Spangmik Sunset Point watching the lake's blue-ice hues shift while sipping hot kahwa from a lakeside stall, then warm up with a lakeside barbecue at Camp Tso Evening Deck where guides share high-altitude folklore. If you're in the Nubra direction, enjoy a twilight stroll through the frozen dunes at Hunder Sand Dunes Outpost, followed by a relaxed dinner in a stone courtyard at Diskit Riverside Homestay, where locals serve apricot chutney and recount road tales under clear star fields.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Boulevard Road (Dal Lake) stroll | Free |
| Kahwa at lakeside cafe | ₹100 |
| Lal Mandi (spice & craft browsing) | Free |
| Hazratbal Shrine | Free |
| Shikara ride on Dal Lake (short ride) | ₹300 |
| Nawakadal lanes & riverside tea stall | ₹80 |
| Shah Hamdan Mosque visit | Free |
| Chinar Bagh (Chinar Gardens) visit | Free |
| Houseboat dinner with live music (per person) | ₹800 |
| Shalimar Bagh entrance | ₹20 |
| Chashme Shahi entrance | ₹10 |
| Jama Masjid (Old City) visit | Free |
| Shikara on Nagin Lake | ₹300 |
| Heritage house/museum (Chinar Mahal-style) | ₹50 |
| Pari Mahal viewpoint visit | Free |
| Ahdoos (or similar) tea/snack | ₹250 |
| Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1+2 (per person) | ₹700 |
| Beginner ski lesson / guided snowshoe (group, per person) | ₹1500 |
| Gulmarg Golf Course (meadow stroll) | Free |
| Kongdori snow trekking (local guide, per person) | ₹500 |
| St. Mary's Church (Gulmarg) | Free |
| Gulmarg cafe lunch (per person) | ₹400 |
| Gulmarg market shopping (typical per person) | ₹300 |
| Sonamarg viewpoint stop | Free |
| Thajiwas Glacier outlook (tea/snack) | ₹100 |
| Drass War Memorial visit | Free |
| Kargil War Memorial Museum | Free |
| Kargil guesthouse dinner (per person) | ₹400 |
| Kargil Bazaar snacks (momos/thukpa) | ₹150 |
| Mulbekh Monastery (Maitreya statue) | Free |
| Batalik Overlook visit | Free |
| Kargil War Museum (indoor exhibits) | Free |
| Suru Valley Parkachik stop (tea/snack) | ₹100 |
| Homestay lunch/dinner in Suru Valley (per person) | ₹350 |
| Nun Kun Viewpoint stop | Free |
| Khaltse gompa visit | Free |
| Apricot halwa / khameer stall snack | ₹80 |
| Panikhar homestay communal meal | ₹350 |
| Chiktan Fort ruins visit | Free |
| Apricot-press workshop visit (Turtuk) | Free |
| Turtuk homestay lunch (per person) | ₹300 |
| Guided village cultural centre session (Turtuk) | ₹200 |
| Hunder Sand Dunes viewpoint stop | Free |
| Diskit Monastery visit | Free |
| Hall of Fame (Indus River viewpoint) entrance | Free |
| Magnetic Hill photo stop | Free |
| Shanti Stupa visit | Free |
| Shey Palace & Museum entrance | ₹20 |
| Spituk Monastery visit | Free |
| Thiksey Monastery visit | Free |
| Hemis Gompa Museum entrance | ₹50 |
| Namgyal Tsemo Gompa visit | Free |
| Skyview Café dinner/snacks (per person) | ₹500 |
| Pangong Tso day visit (tea/snack at stall) | ₹200 |
| Khardung La viewpoint stop | Free |
| Diskit Riverside homestay dinner (per person) | ₹350 |
| Panamik Hot Springs access (if open, per person) | ₹200 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | ₹9300 |