Start your trip by immersing yourself in the serene beauty of Dal Lake. In the morning, take a shikara ride, a traditional wooden boat, to explore the floating gardens and charming houseboats. In the afternoon, visit the Mughal Gardens, including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, known for their stunning landscapes and intricate architecture. As the evening sets in, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the boulevard surrounding the lake, savoring the breathtaking views of the mountains and the shimmering waters.
Dal Lake Shikara Ride: INR 500, 2 hours
Mughal Gardens: INR 200, 3 hours
Boulevard Walk: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
The Chinar Restaurant: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Chinar Restaurant, located near Dal Lake. This cozy eatery offers a variety of breakfast options, including traditional Kashmiri cuisine such as kebabs and saffron-infused tea. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Pergola Restaurant: For lunch, head to Pergola Restaurant, known for its beautiful lakeside views and mouthwatering Mughlai dishes. Enjoy delectable dum biryani or butter chicken while taking in the stunning surroundings. The average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
Sakoon Restaurant: End your day with a memorable dinner at Sakoon Restaurant, situated near Dal Lake. Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Kashmiri Wazwan, a traditional multicourse meal, featuring delectable dishes like Rogan Josh and Yakhni. The average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.
Tuesday, October 24: Visit Pari Mahal and Shankaracharya Temple
On your second day, explore the spiritual side of Srinagar. In the morning, visit Pari Mahal, a beautiful seven-terraced garden overlooking the city, known for its stunning views. In the afternoon, head to Shankaracharya Temple, a sacred Hindu shrine situated atop a hill, offering panoramic vistas of the surroundings. In the evening, take a stroll in Badamwari Garden, known for its almond trees and colorful flowers.
Pari Mahal: INR 100, 2 hours
Shankaracharya Temple: Free, 1 hour
Badamwari Garden: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Chinar Cafe, located near Pari Mahal. This cozy cafe offers a wide range of breakfast options including omelettes, pancakes, and freshly baked pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Shamyana Restaurant, situated in the heart of Srinagar. This restaurant serves authentic Kashmiri cuisine such as Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Ahdoos Restaurant, known for its scrumptious Kashmiri Wazwan. From mouthwatering kebabs to aromatic biryanis, this restaurant offers an extensive menu of traditional Kashmiri dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Wednesday, October 25: Explore Gulmarg
Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, a picturesque town renowned for its snow-capped mountains and scenic beauty. In the morning, take a cable car ride to the top of Apharwat Peak, where you can indulge in various winter sports activities or simply admire the panoramic views. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful meadows and enjoy a leisurely picnic amidst nature. In the evening, take a horse ride or enjoy a game of golf at the Gulmarg Golf Course.
Gondola Cable Car Ride: INR 1,500, 4 hours
Exploring Meadows: Free, 2 hours
Horse Ride or Golf: INR 500, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Chai Jaai, a cozy café serving traditional Kashmiri breakfast dishes such as Kashmiri tea, buttered naan, and sizzling kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try Mughal Darbar Restaurant, a popular eatery known for its delicious Kashmiri cuisine. Feast on specialties like Rogan Josh, Yakhni Pulao, and Kashmiri Kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Ahdoos Restaurant, a well-known establishment offering a wide range of Kashmiri and Indian delicacies. Don't miss their signature dish, the Ahdoos Special Platter, which includes a variety of kebabs, curries, and biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Thursday, October 26: Discover Pahalgam
On the fourth day, visit the charming town of Pahalgam, often referred to as the "Valley of Shepherds." In the morning, visit Betaab Valley, named after a Bollywood film, and enjoy the scenic beauty, lush green meadows, and gushing rivers. In the afternoon, explore Aru Valley, known for its stunning landscapes and picturesque villages. In the evening, visit Chandanwari, the starting point of the famous Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage.
Betaab Valley: INR 100, 3 hours
Aru Valley: INR 200, 3 hours
Chandanwari: INR 50, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Log Inn, a cozy cafe known for its delicious continental and Kashmiri breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, try Troutbeat Restaurant, a popular eatery overlooking the Lidder River, offering mouthwatering Kashmiri and Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Nathu-Ras Restaurant, a fine dining restaurant known for its delectable Indian and Chinese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.
Friday, October 27: Visit Hazratbal Shrine and Wular Lake
On your last day, visit the religious and natural attractions near Srinagar. In the morning, visit the revered Hazratbal Shrine, known for housing a holy relic of Prophet Muhammad. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to Wular Lake, the largest freshwater lake in India, surrounded by majestic mountains. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. In the evening, explore the local markets in Srinagar and indulge in shopping for traditional handicrafts and Kashmiri specialties.
Hazratbal Shrine: Free, 2 hours
Wular Lake Boat Ride: INR 500, 3 hours
Shopping in Local Markets: Variable, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Shamyana Restaurant, known for its delicious Kashmiri cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
For lunch, try Ahdoos Restaurant, famous for its traditional Kashmiri dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Mughal Darbar, a popular restaurant serving mouthwatering Mughlai and Kashmiri delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path experiences and places loved by locals, consider visiting Dachigam National Park. This wildlife sanctuary is home to endangered species like the Kashmir stag and the Himalayan black bear. You can go on a guided trekking or wildlife safari to explore the park's diverse flora and fauna. Another local favorite is Nigeen Lake, a quieter alternative to Dal Lake, where you can enjoy peaceful boat rides and soak in the tranquility of the surroundings.