Explore the Beauty of Srinagar, Pehalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonnarh
Saturday, September 30: Srinagar
Start your trip in Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir. In the morning, visit the iconic Dal Lake, where you can take a relaxing shikara boat ride and admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, explore the Mughal Gardens, including Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi, known for their stunning terraced gardens and charming architecture. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Boulevard Road and indulge in delicious Kashmiri cuisine.
Dal Lake: Estimated cost - Boat ride prices start from INR 300 per hour, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
Mughal Gardens: Estimated cost - Entry fee is around INR 20 per person, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
For breakfast, head to Cafe Arabica, a cozy cafe known for its freshly brewed coffee and delicious Kashmiri breads. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Ahdoos Restaurant, a popular spot for traditional Kashmiri cuisine. Don't miss their mouthwatering Rogan Josh and Dum Aloo. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Shamyana Restaurant, located near Dal Lake, offering a beautiful view and a wide range of Indian and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, October 1: Pehalgam
On your second day, head to Pehalgam, a picturesque hill station located about 95 km from Srinagar. In the morning, embark on a scenic drive through the stunning Lidder Valley. Upon reaching Pehalgam, visit the Betaab Valley, known for its lush meadows and crystal-clear streams. In the afternoon, explore the Aru Valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and beautiful meadows. In the evening, take a leisurely walk around the town and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Betaab Valley: Estimated cost - Entry fee is around INR 100 per person, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
Aru Valley: Estimated cost - Entry fee is around INR 25 per person, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
On the third day, travel to Gulmarg, a famous ski resort town situated in the Pir Panjal Range. In the morning, take a Gondola ride, one of the world's highest cable car systems, and enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks. In the afternoon, indulge in adventure activities like skiing, snowboarding, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk amidst the beautiful surroundings. In the evening, explore the local markets and try some traditional Kashmiri handicrafts.
Gondola Ride: Estimated cost - Ticket prices for Phase 1 start from INR 740, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
Local Markets: Estimated cost - Free, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Enjoy a delicious traditional Kashmiri breakfast at Cafe Arabica. This cozy cafe offers a variety of local specialties such as Kashmiri tea, kehwa, and nun chai. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Savor a delightful lunch at Haakh. This charming restaurant serves authentic Kashmiri cuisine, including mouth-watering dishes like rogan josh and yakhni pulao. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, head to Shamyana Restaurant. This rooftop eatery offers stunning views of Gulmarg along with a delectable range of Indian and Continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Tuesday, October 3: Sonnarh
For the fourth day, venture to Sonnarh, a hidden gem located in the Budgam district. In the morning, visit the enchanting Doodhpathri, also known as the Valley of Milk, famous for its meadows, sparkling streams, and lush greenery. In the afternoon, explore the charming Yusmarg, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dense forests. Enjoy a picnic by the Nilnag Lake and immerse yourself in the serene surroundings. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing sunset before heading back to Srinagar.
Doodhpathri: Estimated cost - Entry fee is around INR 20 per person, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
Yusmarg: Estimated cost - Entry fee is around INR 50 per person, Estimated time spent - 2-3 hours
On your last day, spend some more time exploring Srinagar. In the morning, visit the historic Hazratbal Shrine, known for its stunning architecture and tranquil atmosphere. In the afternoon, take a relaxing stroll through the vibrant markets of Lal Chowk and indulge in some shopping for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and souvenirs. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful shikara ride on the Dal Lake and admire the beautiful sunset.
Dal Lake Shikara Ride: Estimated cost - Boat ride prices start from INR 300 per hour, Estimated time spent - 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
If you have extra time, consider exploring the lesser-known attractions in Srinagar, such as the Pari Mahal, a beautiful seven-terraced garden offering panoramic views of the city, or the Shankaracharya Temple, an ancient Hindu temple located on top of a hill. You can also indulge in the local cuisine and try specialties like Kashmiri Wazwan, Rogan Josh, and Kahwa tea. Don't miss the opportunity to interact with the friendly locals and learn about their rich culture and traditions.