Kashmir Honeymoon Itinerary: October 31 - November 5, 2023
Tuesday, October 31: Arrival in Srinagar
Start your romantic getaway by arriving in Srinagar, the capital city of Kashmir. In the morning, take a Shikara ride on the iconic Dal Lake, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and floating gardens. Afterward, visit the Mughal Gardens, such as Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, known for their beautiful terraced lawns, vibrant flowers, and stunning panoramic views. In the evening, explore the local markets and enjoy a cozy dinner on a traditional Kashmiri houseboat.
Dal Lake Shikara Ride: Estimated cost - INR 500 per hour, Time spent - 2 hours
Mughal Gardens: Estimated cost - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Local Market and Dinner on a Houseboat: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - Evening
Restaurants
The Saffron House is a cozy breakfast spot offering a variety of Kashmiri delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
Situated near the Mughal Gardens, Mughal Darbar is a popular lunch spot serving authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
For a romantic dinner experience, Ahdoos is a renowned restaurant known for its delectable Kashmiri dishes and elegant ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
Wednesday, November 1: Gulmarg - The Meadow of Flowers
Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, a picturesque hill station renowned for its meadows and snow-capped peaks. In the morning, take a scenic drive to Gulmarg and indulge in a romantic Gondola ride, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Spend the afternoon exploring the meadows, enjoying horse riding, or even trying your hand at skiing. As the evening approaches, head back to Srinagar and relax in the comfort of your hotel.
Gondola Ride: Estimated cost - INR 700 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
For breakfast, head to Café Jeevan in Gulmarg, where you can enjoy a hearty meal of omelettes, pancakes, and locally brewed Kashmiri tea. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 250 per person.
For lunch, try Wazwan Restaurant in Gulmarg, which offers a range of Kashmiri specialties such as dum aloo, rogan josh, and biryani. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 400 per person.
For dinner, visit Shamyana Restaurant in Srinagar, known for its cozy ambiance and delectable Kashmiri cuisine. Don't miss out on their authentic Kashmiri wazwan dishes. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 600 per person.
Thursday, November 2: Pahalgam - The Valley of Shepherds
Visit Pahalgam, a charming town known for its scenic beauty and lush green valleys. Start your day with a visit to the magnificent Betaab Valley, named after a Bollywood movie, and immerse yourself in its serene surroundings. Explore the picturesque Aru Valley in the afternoon, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense forests. Enjoy a romantic picnic amidst nature and capture memorable moments. Return to Srinagar in the evening and spend a relaxing night in your hotel.
Betaab Valley: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Aru Valley: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - Afternoon
Restaurants
For a satisfying breakfast, head to Café Liberty in Pahalgam, offering a variety of breakfast options such as omelettes, pancakes, and traditional Kashmiri tea. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a delightful lunch, visit Dana Pani Restaurant, known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine and breathtaking views of the valley. Indulge in dishes like Rogan Josh and Dum Aloo. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For a romantic dinner, dine at The Chinar Palace in Pahalgam, offering a warm and cozy ambiance with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy their delectable Kashmiri Wazwan dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Friday, November 3: Sonamarg - The Meadow of Gold
Embark on a day trip to Sonamarg, known for its breathtaking alpine meadows and pristine landscapes. Start your morning with a scenic drive to Sonamarg and then embark on a thrilling pony ride to reach the enchanting Thajiwas Glacier. Spend the afternoon exploring the glacier, indulging in snow activities, or simply soaking in the mesmerizing views. Return to Srinagar in the evening and enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant.
Thajiwas Glacier Pony Ride: Estimated cost - INR 1500 per person, Time spent - 4-5 hours
The Breakfast Club: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Breakfast Club, known for its delicious omelettes and freshly baked pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Sonamarg Curry House: For lunch, head to Sonamarg Curry House and savor their flavorful Indian curries and aromatic biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Kashmiri Delights: Indulge in a traditional Kashmiri dinner at Kashmiri Delights, offering a variety of authentic local dishes such as Rogan Josh and Yakhni Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Saturday, November 4: Srinagar - Cultural Experience
Dedicate this day to exploring the rich culture and heritage of Srinagar. Visit the historic Shankaracharya Temple, perched atop a hill, and admire its architectural beauty and panoramic views of the city. Explore the intriguing old city area, known as the "Shehr-e-Khas," with its bustling markets and traditional Kashmiri handicrafts. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing Shikara ride on Nagin Lake, known for its tranquility and scenic beauty. End the day with a romantic dinner at a local restaurant.
Nagin Lake Shikara Ride: Estimated cost - INR 500 per hour, Time spent - Afternoon
Restaurants
Nathu's Sweets - Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Nathu's Sweets, known for their wide range of Indian snacks and sweets. Indulge in their flavorful samosas and crispy jalebis. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
Mughal Durbar - For lunch, head to Mughal Durbar, a popular restaurant serving traditional Kashmiri cuisine. Try their mouthwatering Rogan Josh and Yakhni Pulao, and don't miss the famous Kashmiri Kahwa tea. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Lhasa Restaurant - Enjoy a memorable dinner at Lhasa Restaurant, offering a blend of Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese flavors. Feast on their succulent momos, flavorful thukpa, and aromatic butter chicken. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, November 5: Departure from Srinagar
As your honeymoon trip comes to an end, cherish the memories created in Kashmir. Spend your morning leisurely exploring the local markets and picking up souvenirs. In the afternoon, bid farewell to the beautiful valley of Kashmir and depart for your onward journey.
Exploring Local Markets: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - Morning
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Shamyana Restaurant to enjoy a delicious spread of traditional Kashmiri cuisine. Indulge in mouthwatering parathas, Kashmiri tea, and assortment of local sweets. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 250 per person.
For lunch, visit Ahdoos Restaurant, a popular eatery known for its authentic Kashmiri Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, and Yakhni Pulao. The cozy ambiance and friendly staff make for a delightful dining experience. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 500 per person.
For dinner, experience the vibrant flavors of Kashmiri Wazwan at Mughal Darbar Restaurant. Treat yourself to a royal feast featuring delicacies like Rista, Gushtaba, and Tabakh Maaz. The ambiance is elegant and the service is impeccable. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 800 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While in Kashmir, don't miss the opportunity to visit the enchanting village of Yusmarg, located in the Badgam district. It offers a peaceful and secluded atmosphere amidst lush green meadows, sparkling rivers, and stunning mountain views. Another hidden gem is the Dachigam National Park, a biodiverse reserve where you can spot rare wildlife species like the Kashmir stag and the Himalayan black bear. These off the beaten path attractions provide a unique and authentic experience for couples seeking a romantic and secluded honeymoon getaway.