Welcome to Srinagar, the beautiful capital city of Jammu and Kashmir! Start your trip by checking into your hotel and taking some time to rest and freshen up. In the afternoon, visit the famous Dal Lake, where you can enjoy a peaceful Shikara boat ride and admire the stunning surroundings. In the evening, head to the Mughal Gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, known for their beautiful terraced lawns, fountains, and vibrant flowerbeds.
Dal Lake: Check hotel and flight prices here. Estimated cost: INR 500 per person for a Shikara boat ride. Time spent: 2-3 hours.
Mughal Gardens: Admission fee: INR 20 per person. Time spent: 1-2 hours.
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe J2O, a cozy cafe known for its delicious sandwiches and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Ahdoos, a popular restaurant known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Don't miss their signature dish, Rogan Josh. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Shamyana Restaurant, located on the banks of Dal Lake. Enjoy their wide range of Indian and continental dishes while enjoying a breathtaking view. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Friday, September 15: Explore Old City and Pari Mahal
Begin your day by exploring the enchanting Old City of Srinagar. Visit the historic Jama Masjid, a magnificent mosque with intricate wooden architecture. Afterward, wander through the bustling markets of Lal Chowk, where you can shop for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and souvenirs. In the afternoon, head to Pari Mahal, a beautiful Persian-style garden built on the Zabarwan Mountain Range. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Dal Lake from this serene location.
Jama Masjid: No entry fee. Time spent: 1-2 hours.
Lal Chowk: Personal expenses vary. Time spent: 2-3 hours.
Pari Mahal: Admission fee: INR 10 per person. Time spent: 1-2 hours.
Restaurants
Café Coffee Day - A popular chain known for its wide variety of coffee options and breakfast items such as sandwiches and muffins. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
Shahenshah Restaurant - A local favorite for authentic Kashmiri cuisine, offering delicious kebabs, biryanis, and traditional curries. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Lake View Restaurant - Enjoy stunning views of the Dal Lake while dining on fresh seafood and continental dishes at this lakeside eatery. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Saturday, September 16: Gulmarg Excursion
Embark on an exciting day trip to Gulmarg, a picturesque hill station located around 50 kilometers from Srinagar. Known as the "Meadow of Flowers," Gulmarg offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks and lush green meadows. Spend the morning exploring the town, indulging in activities such as horse riding or visiting the Gulmarg Golf Course. In the afternoon, take the Gondola ride, one of the highest cable car systems in the world, to reach Kongdori and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Gulmarg: Estimated cost: INR 1,000 per person for transportation. Time spent: Full day.
Gulmarg Gondola: Estimated cost: INR 700-900 per person for a round trip. Time spent: 2-3 hours.
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Willow for a cozy and charming atmosphere. Enjoy a delicious traditional Kashmiri breakfast of Kashmir tea with local breads and pastries. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Shamyana Restaurant, a popular spot known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Indulge in dishes like Rogan josh and Kashmiri pulao while enjoying stunning views of the mountains. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, visit The Chinar Restaurant which offers a fine dining experience with a beautiful setting overlooking the Dal Lake. Treat yourself to succulent kebabs and aromatic biryanis. The average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.
Sunday, September 17: Visit Sonamarg and Thajiwas Glacier
On this day, take a trip to Sonamarg, a stunning valley known for its meadows, glaciers, and serene lakes. Enjoy the scenic drive through the picturesque countryside. Once in Sonamarg, embark on a short trek to Thajiwas Glacier, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Spend some time exploring and taking in the breathtaking views. You can also indulge in adventure activities like sledging on the snow. In the evening, return to Srinagar.
Sonamarg: Estimated cost: INR 2,000-2,500 per person for transportation. Time spent: Full day.
Thajiwas Glacier: Estimated cost: INR 500 per person for a pony ride. Time spent: 2-3 hours.
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Coffee Day in Srinagar. Their menu offers a variety of breakfast options such as sandwiches, muffins, and croissants. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, try out Mughal Darbar in Srinagar. This iconic restaurant serves authentic Kashmiri cuisine, including delicious kebabs, biryanis, and rogan josh. The average cost for a meal is about ₹600 per person.
For dinner, check out Ahdoos in Srinagar. Known for its mouth-watering Kashmiri dishes like tabak maaz and modur pulao, this restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience. The average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Monday, September 18: Experience the Floating Vegetable Market and Hazratbal Shrine
Start your day early to witness the unique Floating Vegetable Market on Dal Lake. Marvel at the colorful boats filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, and interact with local vendors. Afterward, visit the revered Hazratbal Shrine, a significant Muslim shrine housing a holy relic believed to be a strand of Prophet Muhammad's hair. Spend some time exploring the beautiful architecture and tranquility of the shrine. In the evening, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Boulevard Road, lined with restaurants and cafes offering delicious Kashmiri cuisine.
Floating Vegetable Market: No entry fee. Time spent: 1-2 hours.
Hazratbal Shrine: No entry fee. Time spent: 1-2 hours.
Boulevard Road: Personal expenses vary. Time spent: 2-3 hours.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Srinagar, don't miss the opportunity to visit Shankaracharya Temple, situated on top of the Shankaracharya Hill. This ancient temple offers panoramic views of Srinagar and the surrounding mountains. Another hidden gem is the Chashme Shahi Garden, known for its natural spring and beautiful terraced layout. Locals also love to visit the Nigeen Lake, a tranquil and less crowded alternative to Dal Lake, where you can enjoy serene boat rides and indulge in delicious Kashmiri tea.