A Week of Motorcycle Riding through Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, and Guraz Valley
Saturday, September 2: Srinagar
Start your motorcycle adventure in the picturesque city of Srinagar. In the morning, visit the beautiful Dal Lake and take a shikara ride to explore its floating gardens and charming houseboats. Afternoon is the perfect time to visit the iconic Mughal Gardens, such as Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, where you can admire the stunning terraced landscapes. In the evening, immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the bustling markets of Lal Chowk and indulging in delicious Kashmiri cuisine.
Dal Lake: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 2 hours
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Coffee Day, a popular chain that offers a variety of coffee and tea options, along with delicious sandwiches and snacks. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Mughal Darbar, a renowned restaurant known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Try their mouthwatering Rogan Josh or Yakhni Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Ahdoos, a historic restaurant in Srinagar that has been serving traditional Kashmiri dishes for over a century. Don't miss their delectable Gushtaba or Dum Aloo. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, September 3: Gulmarg
Embark on a thrilling ride to Gulmarg, known as the "Meadow of Flowers." In the morning, take the Gulmarg Gondola cable car ride to Apharwat Peak for breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains. Spend the afternoon exploring the picturesque meadows and try your hand at horseback riding or golfing. As the evening approaches, relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere of Gulmarg while sipping on a cup of traditional Kashmiri Kahwa tea.
Gulmarg Gondola: Estimated Cost - INR 740 (cable car ride), Estimated Time Spent - 3 hours
Meadows of Gulmarg: Estimated Cost - Varies, Estimated Time Spent - 2 hours
Traditional Tea House: Estimated Cost - INR 200, Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Greenz Cafe located in Gulmarg where you can enjoy a variety of delicious Kashmiri and continental dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For lunch, try the Al-Hamra Restaurant which offers a range of traditional Kashmiri cuisine including kebabs, biryanis, and kormas. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
To indulge in a delightful dinner, visit Nedous Dining Room situated in Gulmarg where you can savor mouthwatering Indian, continental, and Kashmiri delicacies. The average cost for a meal is about 1200 INR per person.
Monday, September 4: Pahalgam
Continue your motorcycle journey to the enchanting town of Pahalgam. Start your day with a visit to the scenic Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood film "Betaab." Enjoy the tranquility of this valley surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped mountains. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque Aru Valley, known for its meandering rivers and scenic hiking trails. As the evening sets in, stroll around the lively market area and savor some traditional Kashmiri street food.
Get ready to ride to the breathtaking Sonmarg, also known as the "Meadow of Gold." Start your day by visiting the Thajiwas Glacier, where you can witness the majestic beauty of glaciers and snow-capped peaks. In the afternoon, indulge in adventure activities like river rafting or pony rides in the stunning meadows of Sonmarg. As the day ends, take a peaceful walk along the Sind River and capture the mesmerizing sunset views.
Sind River Walk: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Sonmarg is Cafe Toot, known for its delicious omelettes and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 rupees per person.
For lunch, you can try Aroma Restaurant, a local favorite that serves mouthwatering Kashmiri cuisine. Don't miss their signature dish, Rogan Josh. The average cost for a meal here is about 400 rupees per person.
In the evening, head to River View Restaurant for dinner, which offers a charming ambiance and a variety of Indian and international dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 rupees per person.
Wednesday, September 6: Guraz Valley
Embark on an off-road adventure to the stunning Guraz Valley. Ride through the rugged terrains and enjoy the scenic beauty of this hidden gem. Take a break in the morning at the enchanting Kokernag Springs, a natural spring known for its medicinal properties. In the afternoon, continue your thrilling ride through the valley, passing by meadows, streams, and charming villages. Evening can be spent camping under the starry sky, enjoying a bonfire and traditional Kashmiri music.
For breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day, a cozy cafe known for its variety of beverages and mouthwatering sandwiches. The average cost for a meal here is about $7 per person.
For lunch, visit Stream Restaurant, a riverside eatery offering delicious Kashmiri cuisine. Try their famous Rogan Josh and Wazwan platter. The average cost for a meal here is about $10 per person.
For dinner, dine at Shamyana Restaurant, a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the valley. Indulge in their lip-smacking BBQ dishes and traditional Kashmiri dum biryani. The average cost for a meal here is about $15 per person.
Thursday, September 7: Srinagar
Head back to Srinagar and spend the day exploring the city's hidden gems. In the morning, visit the enchanting Pari Mahal, a terraced garden with stunning views of the city. Explore the vibrant local craft markets, such as the Residency Road Market, where you can find exquisite Kashmiri handicrafts. As the evening approaches, take a relaxing shikara ride on the serene Nigeen Lake while enjoying the beautiful sunset.
Pari Mahal: Estimated Cost - INR 20 (entrance fee), Estimated Time Spent - 2 hours
Nigeen Lake Shikara Ride: Estimated Cost - INR 500, Estimated Time Spent - 2 hours
Friday, September 8: Departure
On your last day, prepare for your departure from Srinagar. Take some time to explore the floating vegetable market on Dal Lake in the morning and experience the unique way of trading. Afterward, visit the iconic Hazratbal Shrine, a sacred Islamic shrine with stunning architecture. Bid farewell to the beautiful valley of Kashmir and cherish the memories of your motorcycle adventure.
Flight/Transportation: Estimated Cost - Varies, Estimated Time Spent - N/A
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring the region on your motorcycle, don't miss the opportunity to visit the charming village of Doodhpathri, located near Pahalgam. This hidden gem offers breathtaking meadows, gushing streams, and a peaceful environment away from the usual tourist crowds. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely motorcycle ride and a picnic amidst nature's beauty. Another local favorite is the picturesque Lolab Valley, located near the Kupwara district. This valley is known for its stunning landscapes, apple orchards, and warm hospitality. Enjoy the scenic ride through the valley and interact with the friendly locals to get a taste of the authentic Kashmiri culture.
For checking hotel and flight prices, you can visit this link.