Start at Khanqah-e-Moula, on the Jhelum’s southern bank in Old Srinagar. Give yourself about an hour to admire its carved wooden façade and riverside setting; access to the interior can depend on prayer times and local arrangements, so dress modestly and check at the entrance. Continue by taxi or auto-rickshaw to Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta—allow roughly 15–25 minutes, depending on Old City traffic. Its broad courtyard and forest of wooden pillars are especially peaceful late in the morning. Shoes must be removed, and visitors should avoid prayer times if sightseeing.
Head to Ahdoos Restaurant on Residency Road for Kashmiri specialties and wazwan; budget around ₹500–1,000 per person and allow 1–1.5 hours. A taxi from Nowhatta usually takes about 20–30 minutes, though narrow streets and traffic can stretch that. If you have a dish in mind, ask what’s available that day—wazwan preparations and portions can vary.
Spend the rest of the afternoon around Lal Chowk, a short taxi ride from Residency Road. Browse the market streets for papier-mâché, textiles and other Kashmiri crafts, and take your time comparing prices before buying. Shops generally get going through the morning and stay open into the evening, but individual hours vary; keep some small cash handy and agree on an auto-rickshaw fare before setting off.
Start with a Shikara Ride on Dal Lake, boarding at Dal Gate or along Boulevard Road. A relaxed 1.5-hour circuit is a lovely way to see the houseboats and floating gardens before the lake gets busier; agree the route, duration and total fare with the boatman before setting off, as prices vary. Afterward, take a taxi or auto-rickshaw toward the Zabarwan foothills for Chashme Shahi. Allow about 45 minutes for its compact terraces and spring. The gardens generally open in daylight hours; check the entrance for that day’s timings and ticket price.
Continue by taxi to Nishat Bagh, on Dal Lake’s eastern shore. Give yourself about an hour to wander the broad Mughal terraces and enjoy the lake views; the paths are stepped, so comfortable shoes help. Then head along the lakeside to Shamyana Restaurant on Boulevard Road for lunch. Kashmiri and Indian dishes are a good pause between gardens; budget roughly ₹500–1,000 per person and allow an hour or more, especially if you’re eating at a leisurely pace.
Finish the garden circuit at Shalimar Bagh, on Dal Lake’s northeast shore. Its shaded walkways make for an unhurried 1–1.5-hour visit; opening hours and entry fees can change, so confirm at the gate. Taxis are the simplest way to link the gardens, and it’s worth agreeing the fare before each ride or asking your hotel to arrange a driver for the circuit. You’ll be ready to head back toward your hotel in Srinagar by late afternoon, with time to rest before dinner.
After breakfast in Srinagar, take the road via Tangmarg to Gulmarg; allow about 2–2.5 hours, with extra time for traffic. Arrange a registered taxi through your hotel, and ask the driver to drop you near the main gondola area, where parking can be busy. Head straight to the Gulmarg Gondola for the ride to Kongdori. Allow 2–3 hours, including queues, and check that it’s operating before setting out—weather and wind can affect service. Tickets are typically a few thousand rupees for the stages, so check current rates and book through the official channel if available.
Back on the meadow, take an easy walk to St. Mary’s Church, a striking stone building in a quiet, open setting; give it around 45 minutes. Continue to Maharani Temple, perched on a small hill with lovely views across the meadow. The climb is short but can feel steep at altitude, so take it slowly and allow another 45 minutes. Keep a warm layer handy: even when Srinagar feels mild, Gulmarg can turn cool and breezy.
Settle in for dinner at Nedous Dining Room inside Nedous Hotel, a historic, atmospheric choice after a day outdoors. Allow 1–1.5 hours and budget roughly ₹800–1,500 per person; confirm opening hours and whether they’re serving before walking over, especially outside peak season.
Leave Gulmarg after breakfast, aiming to arrive in Pahalgam around lunchtime; keep a meal and comfort stop in the schedule, and ask your driver to confirm road conditions before setting off. After checking in and freshening up, arrange a local taxi to Betaab Valley, about 15 kilometres from town. Spend 1.5–2 hours on the easy paths beside the river and meadows; entry is ticketed, so carry some cash and check the day’s fee at the gate.
Return to Pahalgam and take a gentle 45-minute stroll beside the Lidder River before evening. Stick to established paths and take care near the water, where the current can be strong. If you’re tired after the drive, keep this unhurried—there’s no need to turn the walk into a long outing.
Settle in for dinner at Dana Pani, a casual Indian restaurant in Pahalgam. Allow 1–1.5 hours and budget roughly ₹400–800 per person; after a long day, a hearty meal and an early night are a good call.
Leave Pahalgam around 7–8am and allow 2.5–3 hours to reach Srinagar, with a little buffer for traffic or road delays. After arrival, head to Shankaracharya Temple on Shankaracharya Hill; allow about 1.5 hours for the security checks and climb of roughly 240 steps, plus time to take in the sweeping views over the city and lake. Check access conditions locally before setting out, as security arrangements can change; wear shoes you can remove easily at the shrine.
Take a taxi to Mughal Darbar for a relaxed Kashmiri lunch. Its Residency Road branch is a convenient central stop; allow 1–1.5 hours and budget about ₹500–1,000 per person. Try a local specialty, and ask the staff what’s available that day.
From the restaurant, take a taxi toward the Zabarwan foothills for Pari Mahal—allow roughly 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. Spend about an hour strolling its historic terraces and enjoying the quieter views across Srinagar. It’s best in late afternoon; check the day’s closing time before you go, and bring water, as the garden has steps and uneven paths.
No packing list attached yet.