A Week in Kashmir: Unravel the Beauty of the Valley
Wednesday, October 25: Arrival in Srinagar
Welcome to Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir! Begin your Kashmir adventure by visiting the iconic Dal Lake in the morning. Take a shikara ride to explore the floating gardens and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Mughal Gardens, including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, known for their stunning architecture and breathtaking views. As the evening sets in, stroll along the Boulevard Road and savor some traditional Kashmiri cuisine.
Dal Lake: Entrance fee - INR 200, Shikara ride - INR 500 (2 hours), Time spent - 3-4 hours
Mughal Gardens (Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh): Entrance fee - INR 20, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Boulevard Road: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Shamyana Cafe, a cozy riverside eatery known for its delicious Kashmiri tea and mouthwatering breads. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
For lunch, try Ahdoos Restaurant, a popular spot serving authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Don't miss their delicious Wazwan platter. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 600 per person.
For dinner, indulge in the flavors of Kashmir at Mughal Darbar, a renowned restaurant offering a wide range of traditional Kashmiri dishes. The ambiance and food make it a must-visit. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
Thursday, October 26: Gulmarg - The Meadow of Flowers
Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, a picturesque hill station renowned for its scenic beauty and adventure sports. In the morning, take a gondola ride (cable car) to Kongdori and enjoy panoramic views of the snow-clad peaks. Spend the afternoon exploring the meadows, indulging in activities like horse riding or golfing. Before heading back to Srinagar, treat yourself to a cup of hot Kahwa and relish the peaceful ambiance of Gulmarg.
For breakfast, head to Cafe de Liberty. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options including omelettes, pancakes, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 200-300 INR per person.
For lunch, visit Alka Salka Restaurant. Located in the heart of Gulmarg, this restaurant serves authentic Kashmiri cuisine such as Rogan Josh and Dum Aloo. The average cost for a meal is about 400-500 INR per person.
For dinner, try Shanawaz Restaurant. Known for its delicious kebabs and biryanis, this restaurant offers a wide range of mouthwatering Mughlai dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 600-800 INR per person.
Friday, October 27: Pahalgam - The Valley of Shepherds
Embark on a scenic drive to Pahalgam, a quaint town nestled in the lap of Himalayas. In the morning, visit the famous Betaab Valley, known for its lush green meadows and crystal-clear streams. Enjoy a leisurely picnic amidst nature's beauty. Head to Aru Valley in the afternoon, a hidden gem offering serene landscapes and opportunities for short hikes. As the day comes to an end, explore the local market and interact with the friendly locals.
Aru Valley: Entrance fee - INR 75, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Exploring Local Market: Cost varies, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A charming breakfast spot in Pahalgam is Café Log Inn, known for its freshly brewed coffee and delectable Kashmiri tea. Average cost for a meal is about 350 INR per person.
For a delightful lunch experience, head to Dana Pani Restaurant, offering a wide range of traditional Kashmiri dishes along with stunning mountain views. Average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
Savor the flavors of Kashmiri cuisine at The Chinar Restaurant for dinner, serving authentic local delicacies like Rogan Josh and Yakhni. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.
Saturday, October 28: Sonamarg - The Meadow of Gold
Embark on another scenic drive to Sonamarg, a beautiful valley surrounded by majestic glaciers and snow-capped mountains. In the morning, visit the Thajiwas Glacier and enjoy the breathtaking views while indulging in activities like sledging. Explore the nearby meadows and have a picnic amidst nature's serenity. In the afternoon, try your hand at angling in the crystal-clear waters of the Sindh River. Wrap up the day with a traditional Kashmiri dinner.
Thajiwas Glacier: Horse ride - INR 600 (round trip), Sledging - INR 300 per person, Time spent - 3-4 hours
Angling in Sindh River: INR 500 per hour (equipment rental), Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Sonamarg is Cafe Snowland, known for its delicious Kashmiri tea and freshly baked pastries. You can enjoy a hearty breakfast here for around ₹200 per person.
If you're looking for a convenient lunch option, head to Dana Pani Restaurant, which offers a variety of local Kashmiri dishes, including kebabs, biryanis, and vegetarian thalis. A satisfying lunch here will cost you around ₹400 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, try Ahdoos Restaurant. This iconic establishment is renowned for its traditional Kashmiri cuisine, featuring delectable dishes like Rogan Josh and Yakhni. A dinner at Ahdoos Restaurant typically costs around ₹800 per person.
Sunday, October 29: Explore Srinagar's Heritage
Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Srinagar. Start your day by visiting the magnificent Hazratbal Shrine, a revered Islamic shrine located on the banks of Dal Lake. In the afternoon, explore the historical marvels of Old Srinagar, including the iconic Jama Masjid and the Shah Hamdan Shrine. Take a leisurely walk through the narrow lanes of the bustling markets, where you can shop for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kashmiri music and dance performance.
Hazratbal Shrine: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Jama Masjid: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Shah Hamdan Shrine: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Shopping for Handicrafts: Cost varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Coffee Day located near Hazratbal Shrine, where you can indulge in a variety of freshly brewed coffee and delicious breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
If you're looking for a lunch spot, try Mughal Darbar, a popular restaurant in Old Srinagar known for its mouthwatering Kashmiri cuisine. Don't miss their famous Rogan Josh and Yakhni Pulao. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Dine at Shamyana Restaurant for a memorable dinner experience. This lakeside restaurant offers a stunning view of Dal Lake while serving delectable North Indian and Kashmiri dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, October 30: Doodhpathri - Valley of Milk
Embark on a day trip to Doodhpathri, a hidden gem known for its lush green meadows and pristine beauty. In the morning, take a scenic drive through picturesque landscapes to reach Doodhpathri. Spend the day exploring the meadows, having a picnic, and soaking in the tranquility of nature. Enjoy a traditional Kashmiri lunch amidst the beautiful surroundings. Return to Srinagar in the evening and relax by the Dal Lake.
Picnic and Lunch: Cost varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Tuesday, October 31: Departure from Srinagar
It's time to bid farewell to the enchanting valley of Kashmir. Before leaving, visit the Shankaracharya Temple situated on the Shankaracharya Hill, offering panoramic views of Srinagar. Reflect on your memorable journey through the valley and depart with a heart full of beautiful memories.
Shankaracharya Temple: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Kashmir, don't miss the opportunity to visit the enchanting Lolab Valley. Tucked away in the remote corner of Kupwara district, this valley is a paradise for nature lovers. With its picturesque landscapes, gushing streams, and quaint villages, Lolab Valley offers a truly off-the-beaten-path experience. Get mesmerized by the beauty of Kalaroos Waterfall and indulge in some local delicacies at the village stalls.
For more information on hotel and flight prices in Kashmir, you can check here.