Nature Lover's 7-Day Itinerary for Kashmir in October 2023

1. Day 1: Srinagar
   12 minutes (4km) from Srinagar International Airport

   Start your trip by taking a shikara boat ride on Dal Lake in the morning. Visit the Mughal Gardens in the afternoon for a peaceful stroll. In the evening, head to the Hazratbal Shrine.

2. Day 2: Gulmarg
   2 hours 37 minutes (55.7km) from Srinagar

   In the morning, take a gondola ride up to the top of the Apharwat Peak for stunning views. Enjoy a horse ride in the afternoon and try skiing in the evening.

3. Day 3: Sonamarg
   2 hours 36 minutes (80.3km) from Gulmarg

   In the morning, take a guided trek to the Thajiwas Glacier. Visit the Zojila Pass in the afternoon and enjoy a picnic lunch. Take a stroll in the evening to explore the town.

4. Day 4: Pahalgam
   3 hours 32 minutes (91.7km) from Sonamarg

   Start your day by visiting the Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood movie, Betaab. In the afternoon, visit the Aru Valley for a peaceful walk. In the evening, head to the Mamaleshwar Temple.

5. Day 5: Kokernag
   1 hour 10 minutes (35.1km) from Pahalgam

   In the morning, visit the Kokernag Spring for a rejuvenating experience. Take a stroll in the botanical gardens in the afternoon. In the evening, check out the Koker Nag Temple.

6. Day 6: Verinag
   1 hour 10 minutes (35.6km) from Kokernag

   Start your day by visiting the Verinag Spring and explore the Mughal Pavilion. Visit the Martand Sun Temple in the afternoon. In the evening, take a stroll to the nearby village.

7. Day 7: Dachigam National Park
   1 hour 3 minutes (22.1km) from Verinag

   End your trip with a visit to the Dachigam National Park, a natural habitat for the Kashmir stag. Take a guided trek in the morning, have a picnic lunch and go bird watching in the afternoon. In the evening, head back to Srinagar.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Aharbal Waterfall and the Lolab Valley as day trips from Pahalgam. To maximize fun, try adventure sports like paragliding in Pahalgam and trekking in Sonamarg.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Dal Lake Shikara Boat Ride (2 hours, INR 600)
• Mughal Gardens (2 hours, INR 50)
• Hazratbal Shrine (2 hours, free)
• Gondola Ride in Gulmarg (3 hours, INR 740)
• Horse Riding in Gulmarg (2 hours, INR 800)
• Skiing in Gulmarg (2 hours, INR 2000)
• Thajiwas Glacier Trek in Sonamarg (6 hours, INR 2000)
• Zojila Pass (2 hours, free)
• Betaab Valley (2 hours, INR 300)
• Aru Valley (2 hours, INR 500)
• Mamaleshwar Temple (1 hour, free)
• Kokernag Spring (2 hours, INR 50)
• Botanical Gardens (2 hours, INR 20)
• Koker Nag Temple (1 hour, free)
• Verinag Spring (2 hours, INR 25)
• Martand Sun Temple (2 hours, INR 250)
• Dachigam National Park (8 hours, INR 200)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 6705

Check hotel and flight prices to plan your trip.