Start your trip by exploring the capital city of Srinagar. In the morning, visit the floating vegetable market on Dal Lake, where local farmers sell fresh produce from their boats. Afterward, head to the old city and indulge in a traditional Kashmiri breakfast at a local eatery. In the afternoon, take a shikara ride on Dal Lake and enjoy the scenic beauty. In the evening, savor a mouthwatering Wazwan feast, a traditional multicourse meal consisting of various Kashmiri delicacies.
Floating Vegetable Market: ₹100-200, 2-3 hours
Old City Breakfast: ₹200-400, 1-2 hours
Shikara Ride on Dal Lake: ₹500-800, 2-3 hours
Wazwan Feast: ₹800-1500, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day in Srinagar, where you can enjoy a range of freshly brewed coffees and delectable pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, visit Ahdoos Restaurant, a popular eatery in Srinagar known for its Mutton Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Shamyana Restaurant, which offers a cozy ambience and serves a variety of Kashmiri and Indian dishes, including Rista and Yakhni. Average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
Saturday, October 21: Gulmarg
Start your day by traveling to Gulmarg, a picturesque hill station renowned for its natural beauty. In the morning, take the Gondola cable car ride to Kongdori and enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. Afterward, have a delightful picnic lunch amidst the stunning meadows. In the afternoon, go for a horse ride in the valleys or try your hand at skiing. In the evening, relax at a cozy cafe and savor some traditional Kashmiri tea and snacks.
Gondola Ride: ₹750-1500, 3-4 hours
Picnic Lunch: ₹300-500, 1-2 hours
Horse Ride or Skiing: ₹500-1000, 2-3 hours
Kashmiri Tea and Snacks: ₹100-300, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Highland Park Restaurant, which offers a wide selection of Kashmiri and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For lunch, visit Shamyana Restaurant and enjoy authentic Kashmiri cuisine like Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in the romantic ambiance of Cloves Restaurant, known for its exquisite Indian and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 1200 INR per person.
Sunday, October 22: Pahalgam
Embark on a journey to Pahalgam, a scenic town nestled in the Himalayas. In the morning, hike to the picturesque Betaab Valley and immerse yourself in the serene surroundings. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Kashmiri lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Aru Valley and indulge in some adventurous activities like river rafting or trekking. In the evening, relish a delicious Kashmiri dinner by a bonfire under the starry sky.
Betaab Valley Hike: ₹500-1000, 4-5 hours
Kashmiri Lunch: ₹300-600, 1-2 hours
Aru Valley Visit: ₹500-1000, 3-4 hours
Adventure Activities: ₹1000-2000, 2-3 hours
Kashmiri Dinner: ₹500-1000, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Café Log Inn, located in Pahalgam. This cozy café offers a variety of freshly baked goods and hearty breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a delightful lunch experience, head to Dana Pani Restaurant. Situated in Pahalgam, this restaurant serves authentic Kashmiri cuisine, including delectable dishes like Rogan Josh and Yakhni. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Pahalgam Paradise Restaurant, situated in the heart of Pahalgam. This restaurant serves a wide range of Kashmiri specialties, such as Dum Aloo and Kashmiri Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, October 23: Sonamarg
Travel to Sonamarg, known as the "Meadow of Gold," and explore its natural wonders. In the morning, embark on a thrilling trek to the enchanting Thajiwas Glacier and enjoy the breathtaking views. Afterward, have a scrumptious packed lunch amidst the beautiful landscapes. In the afternoon, go for a pony ride in the meadows or try fishing in the crystal-clear streams. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kashmiri feast at a local dhaba.
Thajiwas Glacier Trek: ₹500-1000, 4-5 hours
Packed Lunch: ₹300-500, 1-2 hours
Pony Ride or Fishing: ₹500-1000, 2-3 hours
Kashmiri Feast: ₹500-1000, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Sonamarg is Café Meadow View, which offers stunning views of the meadows while you enjoy a hearty Kashmiri breakfast. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, visit Streamside Restaurant located by the crystal-clear streams. Indulge in delicious Kashmiri cuisine with options like Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
In the evening, head to Four Seasons Restaurant for a cozy dinner experience. They serve a variety of dishes including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
Tuesday, October 24: Leh
Fly to the mesmerizing town of Leh, surrounded by stunning landscapes and Buddhist monasteries. In the morning, explore the ancient monasteries of Thiksey and Hemis, immersing yourself in the spiritual ambiance. Afterward, have a traditional Ladakhi lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the vibrant Leh Market, known for its handicrafts and local delicacies. In the evening, enjoy a cultural dance performance and relish a hearty Ladakhi dinner.
Monastery Visits: ₹500-1000, 4-5 hours
Ladakhi Lunch: ₹300-600, 1-2 hours
Leh Market Exploration: ₹100-300, 2-3 hours
Cultural Dance Performance: ₹200-400, 1-2 hours
Ladakhi Dinner: ₹500-1000, 2-3 hours
Wednesday, October 25: Srinagar
Return to Srinagar for your last day in Kashmir. In the morning, visit the famous Hazratbal Shrine and seek blessings. Afterward, indulge in a sumptuous Kashmiri brunch at a cozy restaurant. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the beautifully manicured Mughal Gardens, capturing the essence of Kashmir's architectural brilliance. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing shikara ride on Dal Lake and cherish the memories of your unforgettable Kashmiri foodie adventure.
Hazratbal Shrine Visit: Free, 1-2 hours
Kashmiri Brunch: ₹300-600, 1-2 hours
Mughal Gardens Exploration: ₹100-300, 2-3 hours
Shikara Ride on Dal Lake: ₹500-800, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A perfect spot for breakfast is Café Coffeday, located near Hazratbal Shrine. They offer a variety of delicious Kashmiri dishes like traditional Kashmiri Rogan Josh and Yakhni Pulao. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a great lunch, head to Alka Salka Restaurant, known for their authentic Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine. Try their mouthwatering Rista (meatballs) and Gustaba (meatballs in yogurt gravy) dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, Haze Restaurant is a must-visit. Located near Dal Lake, this restaurant offers a stunning view of the lake along with lip-smacking Kashmiri dishes such as Kashmiri Dum Aloo and Gushtaba. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique culinary experience, venture beyond the popular tourist spots and explore the local street food scene in Srinagar. Visit the bustling lanes of Nawab Bazaar and indulge in mouthwatering street delicacies like kebabs, golgappas, and phirni. Don't miss the chance to try authentic Kashmiri specialties like Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and Kashmiri Pulao at the local dhabas. You can also visit a walnut factory to learn about the region's famous walnut industry and sample different varieties of walnuts and walnut-based products.