5-Day Itinerary for a Kashmir Trip from Delhi in September

1. Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar
   Flight from Delhi (2h 15m)

   Arrive in Srinagar and check into a houseboat on Dal Lake. Take a Shikara ride and visit the Mughal Gardens.

2. Day 2: Srinagar to Pahalgam (92km, 2h 30m)

   Drive to Pahalgam and check into a hotel. Go for a scenic hike and visit the Betab Valley and Aru Valley.

3. Day 3: Pahalgam to Aharbal Waterfall (56.8km, 1h 45m)

   Visit the Aharbal Waterfall and go for a short hike. Return to Pahalgam and spend the evening at leisure.

4. Day 4: Pahalgam to Gulmarg (148km, 3h 30m)

   Take a day trip to Gulmarg and enjoy skiing or snowboarding (weather permitting). Alternatively, take the Gulmarg Gondola for panoramic views of the Himalayas. Return to Pahalgam in the evening.

5. Day 5: Pahalgam to Sonmarg (180km, 4h)

   Drive to Sonmarg and check into a hotel. Take a pony ride to the Thajiwas Glacier or enjoy a leisurely walk. Return to Srinagar and spend the evening at leisure.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Shikara ride (2 hours, INR 500-1000)
• Mughal Gardens (2-3 hours, INR 50-100)
• Betab Valley (2-3 hours, INR 100-200)
• Aru Valley (2-3 hours, INR 100-200)
• Aharbal Waterfall (2-3 hours, INR 50-100)
• Gulmarg Gondola (1-2 hours, INR 600-740)
• Thajiwas Glacier (2-3 hours, INR 500-1000 for pony ride)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 2000-3400

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other points of interest such as Sinthan Top or the Wular Lake. If you have less time, skip the Gulmarg day trip and spend an extra day in Pahalgam or Srinagar. Make sure to carry warm clothing as temperatures can drop in the evenings.