Morning: Arrive in Srinagar and check into your hotel. Start your day with a peaceful Shikara boat ride on Dal Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and floating gardens.
Afternoon: Explore the Mughal Gardens, including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, famous for their beautiful terraced lawns, fountains, and vibrant flowerbeds.
Evening: Visit the Hazratbal Shrine, a revered Muslim shrine known for its stunning architecture and serene ambiance.
Shikara Boat Ride: INR 500 per person, 2 hours
Mughal Gardens: INR 100 per person, 3 hours
Hazratbal Shrine: Free entry, 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to the Ahdoo's restaurant, which offers a variety of traditional Kashmiri dishes such as Kashmiri breads and kehwa. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, dine at Mughal Darbar restaurant, known for its delicious Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
For dinner, enjoy the cozy atmosphere of Shamyana restaurant, serving a mix of Indian and international cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Wednesday, January 31: Gulmarg
Morning: Take a scenic drive to Gulmarg, the "Meadow of Flowers." Enjoy a cable car ride on the Gulmarg Gondola, offering panoramic views of the snow-covered peaks.
Afternoon: Try your hand at skiing and snowboarding in the Gulmarg Ski Resort or take a leisurely horse ride through the picturesque landscapes.
Evening: Explore the local markets and indulge in some shopping for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts.
Cafe Chinar: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Cafe Chinar, known for its cozy ambiance and wide variety of freshly baked goods. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa: For lunch, head to The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa and savor their delectable Kashmiri cuisine while enjoying breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. Average cost for a meal is about 1,500 INR per person.
Shamyana Restaurant: Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Shamyana Restaurant, famous for its authentic Kashmiri Wazwan dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Thursday, February 1: Pahalgam
Morning: Travel to Pahalgam, a quaint town nestled in the Himalayas. Visit Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood film "Betaab," and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Afternoon: Explore the Aru Valley, known for its lush meadows, gushing rivers, and thrilling trekking trails.
Evening: Take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Lidder River and unwind amidst the serene natural surroundings.
Betaab Valley: INR 50 per person, 2 hours
Aru Valley: INR 100 per person, 3 hours
Lidder River Walk: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Café Kashmir: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Kashmir, known for its wide range of Kashmiri specialties such as kehwa and sheer chai. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Dana Pani: For a satisfying lunch, head to Dana Pani, a popular restaurant offering authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Try their mouthwatering dum aloo and rogan josh. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Troutbeat: Enjoy a delightful dinner at Troutbeat, a beautiful riverside restaurant known for its fresh trout preparations. Indulge in their signature dish, grilled trout with Kashmiri spices. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Friday, February 2: Sonamarg
Morning: Embark on a scenic drive to Sonamarg, also known as the "Meadow of Gold." Explore the Thajiwas Glacier, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains.
Afternoon: Enjoy a pony ride through the picturesque meadows and soak in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
Evening: Experience the local culture by attending a traditional Kashmiri music and dance performance in Sonamarg.
Thajiwas Glacier: INR 100 per person, 3 hours
Pony Ride: INR 500 per person, 2 hours
Cultural Performance: INR 200 per person, 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Liberty in Sonamarg, where you can enjoy a variety of freshly baked pastries and aromatic Kashmiri tea. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, make your way to Paradise Restaurant, known for its delicious Kashmiri cuisine. Try their signature dish, Rogan Josh, and enjoy the cozy ambiance. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at Troutbeat Restaurant. Located on the banks of Sind River, this restaurant offers a stunning view along with a menu ranging from traditional Kashmiri dishes to continental delights. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Saturday, February 3: Srinagar (Day Trip to Manasbal Lake and Dachigam National Park)
Morning: Visit Manasbal Lake, the deepest lake in Kashmir, known for its tranquil surroundings and migratory birds.
Afternoon: Explore Dachigam National Park, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the endangered Hangul deer.
Evening: Return to Srinagar and enjoy a relaxing evening by the Dal Lake, witnessing the magnificent sunset.
Manasbal Lake: INR 200 per person, 3 hours
Dachigam National Park: INR 150 per person, 4 hours
Dal Lake: Free, 1 hour
Sunday, February 4: Srinagar (Day Trip to Shankaracharya Temple and Pari Mahal)
Morning: Visit the Shankaracharya Temple, situated atop Shankaracharya Hill, and admire the panoramic views of Srinagar city.
Afternoon: Explore Pari Mahal, a historic garden with terraced gardens, offering stunning views of the Dal Lake and the city.
Evening: Take a leisurely walk along the Boulevard Road and enjoy the local street food.
Shankaracharya Temple: Free entry, 2 hours
Pari Mahal: INR 100 per person, 2 hours
Street Food: Budget as per your preference, 1 hour
Monday, February 5: Gulmarg (Day Trip to Apharwat Peak and Alpather Lake)
Morning: Take a thrilling gondola ride to Apharwat Peak, the highest point in Gulmarg, and marvel at the panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges.
Afternoon: Trek to the enchanting Alpather Lake, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and pristine landscapes.
Evening: Return to Gulmarg and spend a relaxing evening at a local cafe, sipping on Kashmiri Kahwa.
Gulmarg Gondola: INR 750 per person, 4 hours
Alpather Lake Trek: INR 500 per person (guide charges), 5 hours
Cafe: Budget as per your preference, 1 hour
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, visit the floating vegetable market on Dal Lake, where local farmers sell their produce from traditional boats. Additionally, explore the old town of Srinagar, wandering through its narrow lanes filled with authentic Kashmiri shops and eateries offering delicious street food like kebabs and phirni. Don't miss the opportunity to try the traditional Wazwan cuisine, known for its rich flavors and aromatic spices.