7-Day Kashmir Itinerary in October 2023

1. Day 1: Srinagar
   30 minutes (12 km) from Srinagar International Airport

   Begin your trip in Srinagar with a Shikara ride on Dal Lake in the morning. In the afternoon, visit the Mughal Gardens. In the evening, explore the local markets at Lal Chowk.

2. Day 2: Pahalgam
   2 hours 30 minutes (93 km) from Srinagar

   Head to Pahalgam and visit the Betaab Valley in the morning. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque Aru Valley. In the evening, relax by the Lidder River.

3. Day 3: Gulmarg
   3 hours (59 km) from Pahalgam

   Start your day with a Gondola ride in Gulmarg. In the afternoon, go skiing, snowboarding, or sledging. In the evening, visit the St. Mary's Church.

4. Day 4: Sonamarg
   4 hours (108 km) from Gulmarg

   Visit the Thajiwas Glacier in Sonamarg in the morning. In the afternoon, trek to the Zojila Pass. In the evening, relax by the Sindh River.

5. Day 5: Kargil
   3 hours 50 minutes (130 km) from Sonamarg

   Visit the Drass War Memorial in the morning. In the afternoon, stop by the Kargil Museum. In the evening, take a walk around the local bazaar.

6. Day 6: Leh
   6 hours 30 minutes (220 km) from Kargil

   Visit the Magnetic Hill in the morning. In the afternoon, explore the Leh Palace. In the evening, watch the sunset at Shanti Stupa.

7. Day 7: Nubra Valley
   4 hours 30 minutes (120 km) from Leh

   Visit the Hunder Sand Dunes and ride a double-humped Bactrian camel in the morning. In the afternoon, stop by the Diskit Monastery. In the evening, return to Leh.

Recommendations

Consider taking a side trip to the Hemis National Park for a chance to see the elusive snow leopard. For a unique experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the Zanskar Range. Be sure to try the local cuisine, especially the Rogan Josh and Yakhni.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Dal Lake Shikara ride (2 hours, INR 500)
• Mughal Gardens (2 hours, INR 50)
• Betaab Valley (2 hours, INR 100)
• Aru Valley (2 hours, INR 50)
• Gondola ride (2 hours, INR 700)
• Skiing, snowboarding, or sledging (3 hours, INR 1000)
• Thajiwas Glacier (2 hours, INR 200)
• Trek to Zojila Pass (4 hours, INR 500)
• Drass War Memorial (1 hour, Free)
• Kargil Museum (2 hours, INR 100)
• Leh Palace (2 hours, INR 250)
• Shanti Stupa (1 hour, Free)
• Hunder Sand Dunes (2 hours, INR 100)
• Diskit Monastery (2 hours, INR 50)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 3550

Check out this link to book your flights and hotels for this itinerary.