Start your journey in the mood of tranquility and moored houseboats at beautiful Dal lake. After experiencing shikara ride, visit the Mughal Gardens- Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh & Chashme Shahi. Admire the intricate work on wooden & papier-mache furniture at the Indo-Kashmiri Arts Emporium. Finally, explore the grandeur of the 14th-century Jamia Masjid before grabbing some Kashmiri Wazwan at one of the nearby restaurants.
Next up is Gulmarg, a heaven for adventure enthusiasts. Experience the beauty of Himalayas with the Gondola ride, the highest cable car in the world. After treating yourself with mesmerizing views of Hills, go for horseback riding and trekking if weather and terrain permits. Finish your dawn with skiing and snowboarding if it is the winter season. Dine at a local restaurant for North Indian cuisine.
Next, visit the Meadow of Gold- Sonamarg. A stunning and peaceful place, it is best known for trekking on the snow-capped paths of Thajiwas Glacier, Trout fishing in the Sindh River, and exploring the Thajiwas wildlife sanctuary. Make sure to visit the holy Amarnath cave if visiting in July. End the day with local street food along with a stunning sunset.
On your final day, visit Pahalgam, a quaint town of the Himalayan foothills, blessed with natural beauty. Take a guided walk to the enchanting Betaab valley, named after the Bollywood movie shot here or visit Aru Valley for a peaceful trekking and camping experience. Take some time out to visit the Martand Sun Temple for its beautiful architecture. You can also go for adventure tours like rappelling and rock climbing in Ahrabal. End your day with a delicious Wazwan meal.
For those who are on a tight schedule, reduce day two to a half-day trip to Gulmarg or skip Sonamarg/Pahalgam and include an evening visit to Hazratbal Mosque on Day 1. If your time is extended, just relax and enjoy moments in the valleys of Jammu and Kashmir for more peace.