Kashmir: A Scenic 8-Day Travel Itinerary

1. Day 1: Dal Lake
   30 minutes (12.5 km) from Srinagar Airport

   Cruise along the picturesque Dal Lake, enjoy the landscape and immerse in rich Kashmiri culture.

2. Day 2: Shankaracharya Temple
   20 minutes (7 km) from Dal Lake

   Experience spirituality and visit one of the oldest temples of Kashmir, perched on a hill offering breathtaking panoramic views of the valley.

3. Day 3: Pahalgam
   2.5 hours (90 km) from Shankaracharya Temple

   Explore the valley of shepherds and indulge in adventure activities such as trekking, pony riding and river rafting.

4. Day 4: Betaab Valley
   10 minutes (3 km) from Pahalgam

   Relax and unwind in the picturesque surroundings of this valley famous for the Bollywood hit film Betaab.

5. Day 5: Mughal Gardens
   30 minutes (14 km) from Pahalgam

   Immerse in beauty and charm of the Mughal Gardens consisting of Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Chasma Shahi and Pari Mahal.

6. Day 6: Gulmarg
   1.5 hours (51 km) from Mughal Gardens

   Enjoy skiing, snowboarding or trek along meadows of flowers in the winter wonderland, Gulmarg.

7. Day 7: Apharwat Peak
   20 minutes (5.6 km) from Gulmarg

   Take a scenic cable car ride to the top of Apharwat Peak, the highest peak in the Khalistan range, and enjoy the breathtaking views.

8. Day 8: Sonmarg
   3 hours (97 km) from Apharwat Peak

   Take a day trip to the "Meadow of Gold" and experience the kaleidoscope of landscapes encompassing glaciers, meadows, and lakes.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Dal Lake Shikara Ride (60 minutes, ₹500/person)
• Shankaracharya Temple Entry (30 minutes, ₹50/person)
• Pahalgam Trekking (3 hours, ₹800/person)
• Betaab Valley Visit (2 hours, ₹50/person)
• Mughal Gardens Entry (90 minutes, ₹20/person)
• Gulmarg Skiing (4-5 hours, ₹1500-2000/person)
• Apharwat Peak Cable Car Ride (90 minutes, ₹800/person)
• Sonmarg Sightseeing (3 hours, ₹200/person)
Total Estimated Costs: ₹3940-4190/person

Useful Tips

For those with more time, add a visit to Nubra Valley, known for its sand dunes and camel rides. For others with less time, consider skipping Sonmarg or Gulmarg depending on preferences. Make sure to check the weather to plan outdoor activities accordingly.