Dal Lake is a serene body of water surrounded by the Himalayas. Board a shikara or houseboat to experience the calmness of the lake while enjoying the views of the Mughal gardens and markets. The lake is also referred to as the "Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir".
Gulmarg Ski Resort is one of the world's highest and Asia's largest ski resorts. Here, you can enjoy snow activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling or just a ride on the Gondola. Even if not a winter guest, the colourful flower fields and meadows in summers are equally pleasing.
Pahalgam Valley is a serene and peaceful place, located on the eastern bank of River Lidder. This valley is known for its picturesque beauty and scenic landscapes. It offers numerous things to do like trekking, fishing, rafting, and rappelling.
Sonamarg Hill Station is located on the bank of the Nallah Sindh river, surrounded by lush forests and glaciers. The place offers many activities like trekking, camping, trout fishing, and rafting. It is also known as the "Meadow of Gold".
The Mughal Gardens is a group of gardens built by the Mughals in Persian style of architecture. These gardens are renowned for their symmetry, greenery, fountains and water channels. The gardens are spread over acres of land surrounded by the foothills of the Himalayas making for a pleasant and relaxing end to your trip.
Given the short distances between the locations, the optimal way of transportation is road travel by a hired taxi. Another alternative is to hire a motorcycle or scooter if you prefer solo riding. The cost for road transportation in a hired taxi would come out to be around INR 3000-5000 per day, which could also be factored into day-wise budget calculations.
If you have extra time, you can visit the Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, which are among the historic Mughal Gardens known for their beauty and picturesque views. Additionally, a visit to the Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar offers the essence of Hindu religion and a panoramic view of Srinagar.
If you have less time, it is recommended to cover Gulmarg and Pahalgam locations over two days and skip Sonamarg Hill Station, which can be quite a distance away from the other locations.
The main airport in Kashmir is the Srinagar International Airport (SXR) located in Srinagar city, which hosts domestic flights and lies about 30 minutes (10.3 km) from Dal Lake.