Welcome to the breathtaking city of Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. On your first day, explore the famous Dal Lake in the morning by taking a relaxing shikara (wooden boat) ride. In the afternoon, visit the Mughal Gardens, such as Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, known for their stunning landscapes and vibrant flowerbeds. End your day with a visit to the Hazratbal Shrine overlooking the Dal Lake for a peaceful evening.
Dal Lake Shikara Ride: Approximately ₹500 per person, 2 hours
Mughal Gardens: Entrance fee of around ₹50 per person, 2-3 hours
Hazratbal Shrine: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day near Dal Lake. This cozy café offers a variety of hot and cold beverages along with a range of breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, visit Mughal Darbar Restaurant located near Nishat Bagh. Indulge in authentic Kashmiri cuisine including Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Create lasting memories with a memorable dinner at Shamyana Restaurant in the heart of Srinagar. Enjoy their extensive menu which includes Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, August 14: Exploring Sonamarg
Embark on a day trip to Sonamarg, a picturesque hill station known as the "Meadow of Gold." Start your morning with a drive through the breathtaking Himalayan landscape, and upon arrival, take a pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier. Enjoy a picnic amidst the scenic beauty of the mountains. Return to Srinagar in the evening.
Sonamarg Day Trip: Approximately ₹3,000 per person, including transportation, pony ride, and picnic, 8-10 hours
Restaurants
A perfect place to start your day in Srinagar, Café Mombay serves a delicious breakfast with a wide variety of options. From classic omelettes and fluffy pancakes to local specialties like Kashmiri chai and authentic samosas. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Ahdoos, a well-known Srinagar restaurant. Known for its delicious Kashmiri cuisine, Ahdoos offers a wide range of dishes including Rogan josh, Gushtaba and Kashmiri Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Experience the flavors of Kashmir at Shamyana Restaurant for a memorable dinner. Specializing in Wazwan, a traditional multi-course Kashmiri meal, this restaurant offers a cultural dining experience. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
Tuesday, August 15: Gulmarg Adventure
Head to Gulmarg, a popular hill station renowned for its stunning skiing slopes and scenic beauty. Spend the morning at the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable car rides in the world, offering panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks. In the afternoon, indulge in adventure activities such as horse riding, golfing, or simply strolling through the picturesque meadows. Return to Srinagar in the evening.
Gulmarg Gondola: Approximately ₹700 per person (for both phases), 4-5 hours
Adventure activities: Costs vary depending on the chosen activity
Restaurants
For breakfast, visit Cafe De Linz, a cozy cafe known for its delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at Nedous Dining Room, a popular restaurant offering a wide range of Kashmiri and Indian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Ahdoos Restaurant, a renowned eatery famous for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Wednesday, August 16: Pahalgam Delight
Embark on a day trip to Pahalgam, a scenic town located on the banks of the Lidder River. Begin your day with a visit to Betaab Valley, known for its lush greenery and beautiful landscapes. Enjoy a pony ride or a leisurely walk through the valley. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque Aru Valley, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pine forests. Return to Srinagar in the evening.
Betaab Valley: Approximately ₹150 per person (entry fee and pony ride), 3-4 hours
Aru Valley: Approximately ₹200 per person (entry fee and pony ride), 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day in Pahalgam, a popular chain known for its fresh coffee and delicious pastries. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, try Dana Pani in Pahalgam, a cozy restaurant offering a variety of Indian and Kashmiri dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
For dinner, visit Ahdoos in Srinagar, a renowned restaurant serving authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Try their delectable Rogan Josh and Wazwan specialties. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Thursday, August 17: Historical Srinagar
Explore the historical sites of Srinagar on this day. Start your morning with a visit to the iconic Shankaracharya Temple, located on a hilltop, offering a panoramic view of the city. In the afternoon, discover the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir by visiting the fascinating Pari Mahal and the 14th-century Jamia Masjid. Spend the evening exploring the local markets and tasting traditional Kashmiri cuisine.
Shankaracharya Temple: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Pari Mahal: Approximately ₹20 per person, 1-2 hours
Jamia Masjid: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Arabica which offers a cozy atmosphere and a wide range of breakfast options including omelettes, pancakes, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal here is about $10 per person.
For lunch, try the popular restaurant Mughal Darbar known for its delicious Kashmiri cuisine, especially the famous Kashmiri Wazwan. The average cost for a meal here is about $15 per person.
For dinner, dine at the highly recommended Ahdoos Restaurant which serves authentic Kashmiri cuisine in an elegant setting. Don't miss their signature dish, Rogan Josh. The average cost for a meal here is about $20 per person.
Friday, August 18: Dachigam National Park
Experience the wildlife of Kashmir by visiting Dachigam National Park. In the morning, embark on a thrilling safari within the park, where you might spot endangered species like the Kashmir stag and the Himalayan black bear. Afterward, enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature's serenity. Return to Srinagar in the evening and spend some time exploring the local markets for souvenirs.
Dachigam National Park: Approximately ₹400 per person (safari fee), 4-5 hours
Picnic expenses: Varies
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Shamyana Restaurant, known for its delicious Kashmiri cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Mughal Darbar Restaurant and indulge in their mouthwatering kebabs and biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Ahdoos Restaurant, where you can savor authentic Kashmiri dishes like Rogan Josh and Yakhni. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Saturday, August 19: Adieu to Kashmir
On your last day, bid farewell to the enchanting land of Kashmir. Take some time to revisit your favorite spots, indulge in some last-minute shopping, or simply relax by the Dal Lake. Depart from Srinagar with cherished memories of the mesmerizing beauty and warm hospitality of Kashmir.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the enchanting Lolab Valley, tucked away in the Kupwara district of Kashmir. This picturesque valley offers stunning landscapes, pristine lakes, and a serene ambiance perfect for a family outing. Another local favorite is the Nigeen Lake, less crowded than Dal Lake but equally captivating. Rent a houseboat and spend a peaceful day exploring the lake's beauty and tranquility.