Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam 5-Day Itinerary - July 2023

1. Day 1: Srinagar
   20 minutes (8.5 miles) from Srinagar Airport

   Spend the morning exploring the beautiful Mughal Gardens, including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. In the afternoon, take a Shikara boat ride on Dal Lake and visit the floating vegetable market. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kashmiri dinner at a local restaurant.

2. Day 2: Gulmarg
   1 hour 50 minutes (34 miles) from Srinagar

   Start your day with a visit to Gulmarg Gondola, the highest cable car in the world, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. Explore the Gulmarg Golf Course and enjoy a picnic amidst the stunning meadows. In the evening, try your hand at skiing or indulge in a leisurely walk in the picturesque town.

3. Day 3: Pahalgam
   2 hours 30 minutes (68 miles) from Gulmarg

   Embark on a scenic drive to Pahalgam, known as the "Valley of Shepherds." Visit the Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood movie "Betaab" that was shot there. Take a leisurely horse ride to the picturesque Aru Valley and enjoy the tranquility of nature. In the evening, explore the local market and try some traditional Kashmiri cuisine.

4. Day 4: Srinagar
   2 hours 20 minutes (60 miles) from Pahalgam

   Return to Srinagar and visit the iconic Hazratbal Shrine, a revered Muslim shrine situated on the banks of Dal Lake. Explore the Old City and its bustling markets, filled with handicrafts, spices, and traditional Kashmiri attire. In the evening, take a relaxing shikara ride on Nagin Lake and enjoy the mesmerizing sunset.

5. Day 5: Srinagar
   30 minutes (12 miles) from Srinagar city center

   Visit the enchanting Nigeen Lake and take a Shikara ride to explore its serene beauty. Explore the Shankaracharya Temple, perched on top of a hill, offering panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, visit the famous Jamia Masjid and experience the rich culture and architecture. End your day with a delicious Kashmiri Wazwan feast at a local restaurant.

Recommendations

While visiting Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, consider exploring the following attractions:

• Char Chinar: A group of four Chinar trees situated on an island in Dal Lake.
• Dachigam National Park: A wildlife sanctuary known for its population of endangered Kashmiri stag.
• Sonamarg: A breathtaking hill station known as the "Meadow of Gold," offering stunning views and adventure activities.
• Wular Lake: The largest freshwater lake in India, perfect for birdwatching and boating.

For day trips, you can consider visiting Sonamarg or taking a scenic drive to the picturesque village of Yusmarg.

To maximize your fun, make sure to try local Kashmiri cuisine, participate in cultural events, and engage in adventure activities like skiing, horse riding, and trekking.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mughal Gardens (2-3 hours, entry fee included)
• Shikara Boat Ride (1-2 hours, price varies)
• Gulmarg Gondola (2-3 hours, ticket price varies)
• Picnic at Gulmarg Golf Course (2-3 hours, no additional cost)
• Betaab Valley (2-3 hours, entry fee included)
• Aru Valley Horse Ride (2-3 hours, price varies)
• Hazratbal Shrine (1-2 hours, no additional cost)
• Exploring Old City Markets (2-3 hours, shopping costs vary)
• Shikara Ride on Nagin Lake (1-2 hours, price varies)
• Shankaracharya Temple (1-2 hours, no additional cost)
• Visit to Jamia Masjid (1-2 hours, no additional cost)
• Kashmiri Wazwan Feast (1-2 hours, price varies)
• Total Estimated Costs: Check hotel and flight prices