5-Day Kashmir Itinerary in July 2023

1. Day 1: Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden
   50 minutes (13.3 miles) from Srinagar International Airport

   Surrounded by the Zabarwan Mountains, the Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden is a must-visit attraction during the blooming season from March to May. Spend the morning admiring the tulips and taking pictures at the garden. After lunch, head to the nearby Nishat Bagh Mughal Garden for a peaceful walk among the fountains and terraces. In the evening, take a shikara boat ride on Dal Lake to enjoy the stunning sunset views.

2. Day 2: Sonamarg
   2 hours 30 minutes (71.9 miles) from Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden

   Take a day trip to the scenic town of Sonamarg, located at an elevation of 2,800 meters. Start the day with a pony ride to the Thajiwas Glacier, where you can witness the beauty of the Himalayas up close. In the afternoon, visit the Zojila Pass, which connects Kashmir with Ladakh. On the way back, stop at the Gadsar Lake for a picnic and some fishing.

3. Day 3: Pahalgam
   2 hours 30 minutes (84.6 miles) from Sonamarg

   Pahalgam is a picturesque valley that is famous for its lush green meadows, pristine streams, and snow-capped mountains. In the morning, visit the Aru Valley and betaab Valley, where many Bollywood movies have been shot. After lunch, go for a horseback ride to the Baisaran Valley, which is also known as Mini Switzerland. In the evening, witness the beauty of the pine forests and Lidder River on a nature walk.

4. Day 4: Gulmarg
   2 hours 10 minutes (53.2 miles) from Pahalgam

   Gulmarg is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts, offering skiing, snowboarding, and cable car rides. In the morning, take the gondola ride to the Kongdoori Mountain, which is the highest ski run in the world. After lunch, try your hand at skiing or snowboarding on the slopes. In the evening, take a stroll in the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, which is home to several rare species of animals and birds.

5. Day 5: Shankaracharya Temple
   30 minutes (5.1 miles) from Gulmarg

   The Shankaracharya Temple is a sacred Hindu shrine that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located on top of a hill, the temple offers breathtaking views of Srinagar and the surrounding mountains. In the morning, climb the 243 steps to reach the temple and seek blessings. After lunch, visit the Hazratbal Shrine, which is one of the holiest Muslim shrines in the world. In the evening, go shopping for souvenirs and handicrafts at the local markets.

Recommendations

Be sure to visit the Wular Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in Asia and is a birdwatcher's paradise. If you have extra time, take a side trip to the picturesque town of Kokernag, which is known for its hot springs and botanical gardens. To maximize your fun, try the local cuisine, which includes Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao, and attend a cultural show to experience the vibrant music and dance of Kashmir.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden (2 hours, ₹500)
• Nishat Bagh Mughal Garden (1.5 hours, ₹300)
• Dal Lake Shikara Boat Ride (2 hours, ₹800)
• Sonamarg Pony Ride to Thajiwas Glacier (5 hours, ₹1,500)
• Zojila Pass Visit (1.5 hours, ₹400)
• Gadsar Lake Picnic and Fishing (3 hours, ₹1,000)
• Pahalgam Horseback Ride to Baisaran Valley (4 hours, ₹1,200)
• Gulmarg Gondola Ride to Kongdoori Mountain (3 hours, ₹1,000)
• Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve (2 hours, ₹500)
• Shankaracharya Temple Visit (2 hours, ₹200)
• Hazratbal Shrine Visit (1 hour, ₹100)
• Shopping for Souvenirs and Handicrafts (2 hours, ₹500)
• Total Estimated Costs: ₹7,800

To check hotel and flight prices, click here.