4-Day Itinerary for Kashmir

  1. Day 1: Srinagar
    Estimated travel time: 30 minutes (13 km) from Srinagar International Airport

    Start your trip in Srinagar, the summer capital of the Indian Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Visit the Dal Lake and take a relaxing ride on a shikara, a type of wooden boat. Also, visit the Mughal Gardens, known for their manicured lawns and terraced gardens. End the day with a visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque, one of the largest mosques in India and a model of Islamic architecture.

  2. Day 2: Gulmarg
    Estimated travel time: 2 hours (57 km) from Srinagar

    Head to Gulmarg, a popular skiing destination in the winter that offers picturesque views of the Himalayas in the summer. Take the Gondola ride, one of the tallest cable-cars in the world, to reach the top of the mountains. Enjoy skiing, mountain biking or trekking and experience true Alpine adventure.

  3. Day 3: Pahalgam
    Estimated travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes (95 km) from Gulmarg

    Travel to Pahalgam, popularly known as the Valley of Shepherds. Visit the Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood movie Betaab, and the Chandanwari snow bridge, which leads to the Amarnath temple, a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. For adventurous travelers, horse riding, river rafting and trekking are offered in Pahalgam.

  4. Day 4: Sonamarg
    Estimated travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes (80 km) from Pahalgam

    End your trip in Sonamarg, also known as the "Meadow of Gold". Take a stroll in the Thajiwas Glacier, a popular tourist attraction, with breathtaking snowy mountains and frozen waterfalls. Visit the Zoji La Pass, a high mountain pass in the Indian Himalayas that connects Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. Don't forget to taste the authentic Kashmiri cuisine at a local restaurant before leaving.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Dal Lake (2 hours, INR 500)
  • Mughal Gardens (1.5 hours, INR 100)
  • Jama Masjid Mosque (1 hour, Free)
  • Gondola Ride (2 hours, INR 1500)
  • Betaab Valley (2 hours, INR 500)
  • Chandanwari (3 hours, INR 500)
  • Thajiwas Glacier (2 hours, INR 1000)
  • Zoji La Pass (1 hour, Free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 4100 ($57.16)

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, you can visit other attractions in Srinagar, such as the Shankaracharya Hill or the Hazratbal Mosque. If you have less time, you can skip Pahalgam and directly go to Sonamarg from Gulmarg. Keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable in Kashmir, so pack warm clothes and check the weather forecast before leaving. Also, respect the local culture and customs, especially in religious sites.

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