Srinagar Itinerary for July 2023

1. Day 1: Shalimar Bagh
   23 minutes (10.6 km) from Srinagar Airport

   Visit the historic Mughal garden in the morning, which is located on the eastern bank of Dal Lake. The garden is home to beautiful terraced lawns, fountains and flowerbeds.

2. Day 2: Dal Lake
   16 minutes (6.2 km) from Shalimar Bagh

   Head to the lake in the morning to experience the scenic beauty of the floating gardens, houseboats, and shikaras. In the afternoon, visit the Hazratbal Shrine, a revered Muslim shrine located on the banks of Dal Lake. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kashmiri dinner on a houseboat.

3. Day 3: Shankaracharya Hill and Pari Mahal
   23 minutes (7.5 km) from Dal Lake

   Start the day early by hiking to Shankaracharya Hill, which offers breathtaking views of the valley. In the afternoon, visit Pari Mahal, an ancient Buddhist monastery that was later converted into a school of astrology. Enjoy the sunset from the top of the hill.

4. Day 4: Nishat Bagh
   15 minutes (5.2 km) from Pari Mahal

   Visit Nishat Bagh, another beautiful Mughal garden located on the eastern bank of Dal Lake. The garden is famed for its stunning views of the Zabarwan Range. Afterward, stop by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, which boasts of over a million tulips in various colors.

5. Day 5: Yusmarg
   2 hours 15 minutes (47.6 km) from Nishat Bagh

   Take a day trip to Yusmarg, a small hill station located in the Pir Panjal range. The place is known for its meadows, forests, and mountains. Enjoy a picnic lunch and try horseback riding. Return to Srinagar in the evening.

6. Day 6: Wular Lake
   1 hour 30 minutes (56.3 km) from Yusmarg

   Head to Wular Lake, the largest freshwater lake in India, and a bird watcher's paradise. Take a shikara ride and spot a variety of migratory birds, including the Himalayan Monal and the Western Tragopan. In the evening, return to Srinagar and explore the local markets.

7. Day 7: Shikara Ride
   20 minutes (3.5 km) from Downtown Srinagar

   End your trip with a relaxing shikara ride on Dal Lake. Pass through floating gardens and view the local life on the lake. Stop at the Char Chinar Island and the Nehru Park. In the evening, visit the Jamia Masjid for the evening prayers and enjoy a farewell dinner.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Dachigam National Park, which is home to the endangered Kashmiri stag, or taking a day trip to the nearby town of Gulmarg, which offers skiing and snowboarding opportunities. To maximize your fun, try the local cuisine, including the famous Kashmiri Wazwan, a multi-course meal that includes meat dishes.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Shalimar Bagh (2 hours, INR 50)
• Dal Lake (4 hours, INR 250)
• Hazratbal Shrine (1 hour, Free)
• Shankaracharya Hill (3 hours, Free)
• Pari Mahal (2 hours, INR 100)
• Nishat Bagh (2 hours, INR 50)
• Yusmarg (8 hours, INR 1500)
• Wular Lake (6 hours, INR 1200)
• Shikara Ride (2 hours, INR 500)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 3650

Check here for hotel and flight prices.