5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Kashmir

  1. Day 1: Srinagar
    Arrival and rest

    Take a Shikara ride at Dal Lake and marvel at the floating gardens. Visit the beautiful Mughal Gardens such as Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi. Try some local cuisine like Rogan Josh and Kehwa.

    Est. time from last destination: 7 hours | Est. distance from last destination: 12 km
  2. Day 2: Pahalgam
    Travel from Srinagar

    Relax in the scenic Lidder Valley. Take a dip in the cool waters of Sheshnag Lake. Explore the Betaab Valley and visit the nearby trout farm. Try paragliding at Aru Valley.

    Est. time from last destination: 3 hours | Est. distance from last destination: 90 km
  3. Day 3: Sonamarg
    Travel from Pahalgam

    Take a pony ride to the serene Thajiwas Glacier. Explore the Nilagrad river and the Kheer Bhawani temple. Trek to the picturesque lakes of Gadsar and Satsar.

    Est. time from last destination: 4 hours | Est. distance from last destination: 80 km
  4. Day 4: Gulmarg
    Travel from Sonamarg

    Go skiing or snowboarding in the winter wonderland of Gulmarg. Take the Gondola ride for majestic views of the Himalayas. Visit the Maharani temple and the Alpharwat peak.

    Est. time from last destination: 4 hours | Est. distance from last destination: 120 km
  5. Day 5: Srinagar
    Travel from Gulmarg

    Shop for souvenirs at the floating markets of Shankaracharya Nagar. Take a walking tour of the old city and its bazaars. Visit the beautiful Hazratbal shrine and end the day with a sumptuous wazwan meal.

    Est. time from last destination: 2 hours | Est. distance from last destination: 60 km

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Dal Lake (3 hours, Free)
  • Nishat Bagh (1 hour, INR 10)
  • Shalimar Bagh (1 hour, INR 10)
  • Chashme Shahi (1 hour, INR 10)
  • Betaab Valley (2 hours, INR 30)
  • Sheshnag Lake (2 hours, Free)
  • Gadsar Lake (6 hours round-trip trek, Free)
  • Skiing in Gulmarg (4 hours, prices vary)
  • Gondola ride (2 hours, INR 740)
  • Hazratbal shrine (1 hour, Free)
  • Wazwan meal (1 hour, INR 600)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 1400

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the beautiful Lolab Valley. If you have lesser time, skip either Pahalgam or Sonamarg. Try to book lodgings in advance to avoid last-minute expenses.

0