Explore the tranquil waters of the lake with a shikara ride, visit floating gardens and indulge in local cuisine.
Day 2: Mughal Gardens
20 minutes (10 km) from Dal Lake
Visit iconic gardens of Srinagar including Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi to witness the grandeur of Mughal architecture.
Day 3: Pahalgam
1 hour 45 minutes (90 km) from Srinagar
A scenic drive through the valley of Kashmir takes you to Pahalgam, a beautiful hill station, home to numerous wildlife, and a base camp for the Amarnath Yatra.
Day 4: Sonmarg
2 hours 40 minutes (93 km) from Pahalgam
Known as the meadow of gold, this beautiful valley nestled in the Himalayas offers picturesque views, trekking, and river rafting to visitors.
Day 5: Gulmarg
3 hours 30 minutes (135 km) from Sonmarg
Popular ski resort, Gulmarg offers visitors cable car rides, skiing, and snowboarding opportunities in winters and scenic views of the Himalayas in summers.
Day 6: Betaab Valley
2 hours 30 minutes (102 km) from Gulmarg
A must-see location for Bollywood fans and nature lovers, Betaab valley offers awe-inspiring views of snow-capped peaks and a serene river flowing through it.
Day 7: Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary
45 minutes (22 km) from Srinagar
Home to endangered species like the Hangul deer and Himalayan brown bear, this sanctuary is a must-visit for animal lovers.
Time and Costs Estimates
Dal Lake (2-3 hours, ₹2000 for Shikara ride)
Mughal Gardens (2-3 hours, ₹10 entrance fee)
Pahalgam (Full day, ₹2000 for a taxi ride or public transport options)
Sonamarg (Full day, ₹3000 for a taxi ride)
Gulmarg (Full day, ₹2000 for a taxi ride or public transport options)
If you have additional time, some attractions worth considering are:
Aru Valley
Tulian Lake
Burzahom archaeological site
If you have less time, consider skipping some of the day trips to explore Srinagar's food and craft markets or take a day trip to the Manasbal Lake or the stunning Wular Lake.