Welcome to the scenic city of Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir. Start your trip by exploring the famous Dal Lake in the morning. Take a shikara boat ride to experience the tranquility and beauty of the floating gardens and houseboats. In the afternoon, visit the Mughal Gardens, including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, known for their stunning terraced lawns and colorful flowers. As the evening sets in, enjoy a traditional Kashmiri dinner and watch a cultural performance.
Dal Lake: Estimated Cost: INR 500, Time Spent: 2 hours
Mughal Gardens: Estimated Cost: INR 200, Time Spent: 3 hours
Traditional Dinner and Cultural Performance: Estimated Cost: INR 1000, Time Spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try Café Mocha, a cozy café offering a variety of sandwiches, pastries, and hot beverages. An average meal here costs around ₹300 per person.
For lunch, visit Shamyana Restaurant, known for its delicious Kashmiri cuisine. Indulge in traditional dishes like Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao. A meal here can range from ₹500 to ₹800 per person.
For dinner, head to Ahdoos Restaurant, a popular eatery serving authentic Kashmiri delicacies. Try their famous Wazwan, a multi-course meal, and enjoy the rich flavors of Kashmiri cuisine. Dinner at Ahdoos can cost around ₹800 to ₹1500 per person.
Friday, September 29: Sonamarg - The Meadow of Gold
Embark on a day trip to Sonamarg, a picturesque meadow surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Spend the morning exploring the Thajiwas Glacier, where you can indulge in activities like horse riding and sledging. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the scenic beauty of the meadow. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Zoji-La Pass for breathtaking views. Return to Srinagar in the evening and savor a delicious Kashmiri Wazwan dinner.
Thajiwas Glacier: Estimated Cost: INR 1000, Time Spent: 4 hours
Zoji-La Pass: Estimated Cost: INR 500, Time Spent: 2 hours
A popular breakfast spot in Sonamarg is The Yummy Corner, known for its delicious omelettes and freshly baked pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to The Mountain View Restaurant, located near the Thajiwas Glacier. They serve a variety of local dishes like Rogan Josh and Dum Aloo. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at The Shalimar Restaurant in Srinagar, known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Try their famous Kashmiri Wazwan, which includes dishes like Rista and Yakhni. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Saturday, September 30: Gulmarg - The Meadow of Flowers
Head to Gulmarg, a renowned skiing destination, for a day filled with adventure. Take the Gulmarg Gondola ride to Kongdori and explore the scenic meadows. Enjoy horse riding, golfing, or simply take a leisurely walk to appreciate the natural beauty. Have lunch at a local restaurant and try some traditional Kashmiri cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the Alpather Lake before returning to Srinagar.
Gulmarg Gondola: Estimated Cost: INR 1500, Time Spent: 3 hours
Horse Riding/Golfing/Walking: Estimated Cost: INR 1000, Time Spent: 3 hours
Alpather Lake: Estimated Cost: INR 500, Time Spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Gulmarg is Café Highland. They offer a variety of options including omelettes, pancakes, and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Green Heights Restaurant which offers delicious Kashmiri cuisine. Try their traditional Rogan Josh or Yakhni Pulao. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Cloves Restaurant for a memorable dinner experience. They specialize in Indian and Continental dishes, and their cozy ambiance adds to the charm. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, October 1: Pahalgam - The Valley of Shepherds
Embark on a scenic drive to Pahalgam, a charming town located on the banks of the Lidder River. Start your day with a visit to the Betaab Valley, known for its lush greenery and picturesque landscapes. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river and then explore the famous Aru Valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and meadows. Return to Srinagar in the evening and indulge in some local shopping.
Betaab Valley: Estimated Cost: INR 500, Time Spent: 3 hours
Aru Valley: Estimated Cost: INR 800, Time Spent: 2 hours
Local Shopping: Estimated Cost: Variable, Time Spent: 2 hours
Monday, October 2: Yusmarg - The Meadow of Jesus
Explore the enchanting beauty of Yusmarg, a hidden gem nestled within the mountains. Start your day with a scenic hike through the meadows, surrounded by pine forests. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Nilnag Lake and indulge in boating or fishing. Return to Srinagar in the evening and relax at a local cafe.
Hiking in Yusmarg: Estimated Cost: INR 500, Time Spent: 4 hours
Nilnag Lake: Estimated Cost: INR 1000, Time Spent: 2 hours
Relaxation at a Local Cafe: Estimated Cost: Variable, Time Spent: 2 hours
Tuesday, October 3: Dachigam National Park
Visit the Dachigam National Park, located just outside Srinagar, for a day of wildlife exploration. Embark on a guided safari to spot rare and endangered species such as the Kashmir stag and Himalayan black bear. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the natural beauty of the park. In the afternoon, take a leisurely nature walk and learn about the park's conservation efforts. Return to Srinagar in the evening and explore the local markets.
Dachigam National Park Safari: Estimated Cost: INR 1500, Time Spent: 5 hours
Nature Walk: Estimated Cost: INR 300, Time Spent: 2 hours
Exploring Local Markets: Estimated Cost: Variable, Time Spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Dachigam National Park is Café de Himalaya, known for its delicious Kashmiri-style omelettes and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Shamyana Restaurant, which offers a wide variety of traditional Kashmiri dishes, including Rogan Josh and Yakhni Pulao. The average cost for a lunch meal here is about 400 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, try Ahdoos Restaurant in Srinagar, known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine like Gushtaba and Wazwan. The average cost for a dinner meal here is about 800 INR per person.
Wednesday, October 4: Departure from Srinagar
On your last day, bid farewell to the beautiful city of Srinagar. Spend the morning visiting the Shankaracharya Temple, located on top of a hill, for panoramic views of the city. Explore the old city and indulge in some last-minute shopping for souvenirs. In the afternoon, take a relaxing shikara boat ride on Dal Lake and soak in the peaceful surroundings. Depart from Srinagar with beautiful memories of your Kashmir trip.
Shankaracharya Temple: Estimated Cost: INR 200, Time Spent: 2 hours
Exploring Old City and Shopping: Estimated Cost: Variable, Time Spent: 3 hours
Shikara Boat Ride on Dal Lake: Estimated Cost: INR 500, Time Spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Srinagar is Shamyana Restaurant, renowned for its delicious Kashmiri cuisine. Enjoy their signature dishes like rogan josh and kebabs while witnessing the stunning views of Dal Lake. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Mughal Darbar, a local favorite known for its delectable Kashmiri Wazwan dishes. Indulge in their mouthwatering rista and gushtaba. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit Ahdoos, a well-established restaurant in Srinagar. Known for its traditional Kashmiri cuisine and warm ambiance, enjoy their specialties like tabak maaz and seekh kebabs. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 1000 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Kashmir, don't miss the opportunity to visit the off the beaten path attractions. Visit the enchanting Lolab Valley, known for its pristine beauty and secluded villages. Explore the magical Aharbal Waterfall, surrounded by lush green forests. Don't forget to try the traditional Kashmiri tea, known as Kahwa, and indulge in the delectable Kashmiri kebabs for a true taste of the local cuisine.
For more information on hotel and flight prices, you can check here.