Kashmir Itinerary: Gurez Valley, Drung Waterfall and Alpathar Lake

1. Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar
   From Srinagar International Airport to Hotel in Srinagar (12.9 km, 30 minutes)

   After you arrive, take a short break and enjoy a Shikara boat ride in Dal Lake. Later in the afternoon, visit the famous Mughal Gardens of Srinagar. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kashmiri dinner.

2. Day 2: Gurez Valley
   From Srinagar to Gurez Valley (124 km, 4 hours)

   Start the day early for a scenic drive to Gurez Valley. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Kishenganga River and the snow-capped mountains. Visit Habba Khatoon, a famous local poet's shrine. Afternoon hike to Gangbal Lake.

3. Day 3: Drung Waterfall
   From Gurez Valley to Drung Waterfall (144.3 km, 4h 45min)

   Visit the beautiful Drung waterfall and take a dip in the refreshing water. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the waterfall. Afternoon visit to the Kheer Bhawani Temple, an important Hindu pilgrimage site.

4. Day 4: Sonamarg
   From Drung Waterfall to Sonamarg (25.5 km, 1 hour)

   Visit Sonamarg, the 'Meadow of Gold', for a day of trekking, horse riding, and exploring the Thajiwas Glacier. Enjoy a warm cup of kahwa, a traditional Kashmiri tea, along with some local snacks in the afternoon.

5. Day 5: Alpathar Lake
   From Sonamarg to Alpathar Lake (13.5 km, 1 hour)

   Take a scenic drive to Alpathar Lake, a beautiful glacial lake surrounded by lush green meadows. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake and take a leisurely walk around. In the afternoon, visit the Baltal Valley, the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage.

6. Day 6: Pahalgam
   From Alpathar Lake to Pahalgam (109.5 km, 3h 30min)

   Visit Pahalgam, the 'Valley of Shepherds', for a day of hiking, fishing, and rafting. Visit the beautiful Aru Valley and Betaab Valley. In the evening, enjoy a bonfire and a delicious Kashmiri dinner.

7. Day 7: Departure from Srinagar
   From Hotel in Pahalgam to Srinagar International Airport (91.5 km, 2h 45min)

   Before leaving, visit the famous Shankaracharya Temple for a breathtaking view of Srinagar. On the way to the airport, visit the Pari Mahal, a beautiful garden with historical significance. Departure to Kolkata.

Recommendations

You can also consider visiting the Hazratbal Shrine, the Jama Masjid Mosque, and the Yusmarg Hill Station. Day trips to Gulmarg and Doodhpathri are also recommended. To maximize your fun, try the local cuisine, shop for souvenirs in the floating markets and visit the local handicraft shops.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Dal Lake Shikara Boat Ride (2 hours, INR 500)
• Mughal Gardens (2-3 hours, INR 50)
• Gurez Valley (full day, INR 2000 for taxi)
• Habba Khatoon Shrine (1-2 hours, free entry)
• Gangbal Lake Hike (full day, INR 1000 for guide)
• Drung Waterfall (half day, INR 500 for taxi)
• Kheer Bhawani Temple (1-2 hours, free entry)
• Sonamarg (full day, INR 1500 for taxi)
• Thajiwas Glacier (2-3 hours, INR 1000 for pony ride)
• Alpathar Lake (full day, INR 2000 for taxi)
• Baltal Valley (1-2 hours, free entry)
• Pahalgam (full day, INR 2000 for taxi)
• Aru Valley (2-3 hours, INR 500 for taxi)
• Betaab Valley (2-3 hours, INR 500 for taxi)
• Shankaracharya Temple (2-3 hours, INR 500 for taxi)
• Pari Mahal (1-2 hours, INR 100 entry fee)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 10,750

Check the link for hotel and flight prices.