Welcome to Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir! Start your trip by exploring the beautiful Dal Lake in the morning. Take a shikara ride and marvel at the floating gardens and intricate houseboats. In the afternoon, visit the Mughal Gardens, including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, known for their stunning architecture and lush landscapes. As the evening sets in, enjoy a traditional Kashmiri dinner at a local restaurant.
Dal Lake: INR 500 for a shikara ride, 2-3 hours
Mughal Gardens: INR 100 entry fee, 2-3 hours
Local Restaurant: INR 500 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Brown Sugar, a cozy café renowned for its delicious Kashmiri tea and freshly baked pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
If you're looking for a place to have lunch, try Ahdoos Restaurant, famous for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine, especially the mouthwatering Rogan Josh. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Krishna Vaishno Dhaba, a popular vegetarian restaurant serving delectable North Indian dishes like Paneer Tikka and Biryani. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Sunday, November 19: Gulmarg
Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, a picturesque hill station located 56 kilometers from Srinagar. In the morning, take a gondola ride to Phase 1 and enjoy panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains. Spend the afternoon skiing or snowboarding in the Gulmarg Ski Resort. In the evening, explore the local markets and indulge in some Kashmiri tea and snacks.
Gondola Ride: INR 700 for Phase 1, 2-3 hours
Gulmarg Ski Resort: INR 2,000 for skiing/snowboarding, 3-4 hours
Local Markets: INR 200 for snacks, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café de Monde, a charming café known for its freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, try Ahdoos Restaurant, a popular establishment serving traditional Kashmiri cuisine. Don't miss their signature Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
For dinner, dine at Shamyana Restaurant, a rooftop eatery offering stunning views of the city along with a diverse menu of Indian and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Monday, November 20: Pahalgam
Head to the scenic town of Pahalgam, known as the "Valley of Shepherds." In the morning, visit the breathtaking Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood film "Betaab." Enjoy a leisurely picnic by the river and soak in the natural beauty. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque Aru Valley and go horse riding. As the evening approaches, take a peaceful walk along the Lidder River and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
Betaab Valley: INR 100 entry fee, 2-3 hours
Aru Valley: INR 500 for horse riding, 2-3 hours
Lidder River: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A delicious breakfast can be enjoyed at Cafe Log Inn, located in the heart of Pahalgam. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options such as fluffy pancakes, freshly baked pastries, and flavorful omelettes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For a delightful lunch, head to Dana Pani Restaurant, known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Indulge in mouthwatering dishes like Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and Dum Aloo. The restaurant also offers vegetarian and vegan options. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit Troutbeat Restaurant, situated by the Lidder River. This restaurant specializes in fresh trout dishes cooked to perfection. Enjoy the serene ambiance while savoring dishes like Grilled Trout and Butter Garlic Trout. The average cost for a meal is about ₹700 per person.
Tuesday, November 21: Sonamarg
Discover the enchanting beauty of Sonamarg, also known as the "Meadow of Gold." In the morning, visit the Thajiwas Glacier and take a thrilling sled ride on the snow. Enjoy a picnic amidst the breathtaking scenery. In the afternoon, go on a captivating horse ride through the picturesque meadows. As the evening sets in, savor local Kashmiri cuisine at a traditional dhaba.
Thajiwas Glacier: INR 200 for sled ride, 2-3 hours
Horse Riding: INR 500, 2-3 hours
Local Dhaba: INR 300 per person, 1-2 hours
Wednesday, November 22: Srinagar City Tour
Explore the cultural and historical attractions of Srinagar. Start your day with a visit to the Hazratbal Shrine, a revered Muslim shrine housing a relic of the Prophet Muhammad. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant markets of Old Srinagar and indulge in some local shopping. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Jhelum River and witness the stunning sunset.
Hazratbal Shrine: Free, 1-2 hours
Local Shopping: Varies, 2-3 hours
Jhelum River Walk: Free, 1-2 hours
Thursday, November 23: Dachigam National Park
Embark on a wildlife adventure to Dachigam National Park. Begin your day with a jeep safari through the park and spot Kashmiri Stags, snow leopards, and other rare species. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the scenic surroundings. In the afternoon, hike to the picturesque Marsar Lake. As the evening approaches, witness a mesmerizing sunset from the hills.
Jeep Safari: INR 1,500 per person, 4-5 hours
Hiking to Marsar Lake: Free, 3-4 hours
Friday, November 24: Departure
Say goodbye to the beautiful land of Kashmir and depart for your onward journey with unforgettable memories.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions, visit the picturesque Lolab Valley, known for its pristine beauty and tranquility. Explore the ancient ruins of Martand Sun Temple, a magnificent example of Kashmiri architecture. Don't miss the opportunity to try the local delicacy "Kashmiri Wazwan" at a traditional Kashmiri home. Experience the warmth and hospitality of the locals as you immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of Kashmir.
Click here to check hotel and flight prices for your trip to Kashmir.