Welcome to Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir! Start your trip by exploring the beautiful Dal Lake in the morning. Take a relaxing Shikara boat ride to appreciate the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Mughal Gardens, including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, known for their intricate terraced gardens and captivating architecture. As the evening sets in, take a walk along the Boulevard Road and enjoy the local cuisine.
Dal Lake Shikara Ride: Approx. ₹500, 2 hours
Mughal Gardens: Approx. ₹100, 3-4 hours
Boulevard Road: No cost, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Café Coffee Day: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Café Coffee Day, known for its wide range of breakfast options and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 250 rupees per person.
Shamyana Restaurant: Indulge in a traditional Kashmiri lunch at Shamyana Restaurant, offering a variety of delectable authentic dishes such as Rogan Josh and Yakhni Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 400 rupees per person.
Mughal Darbar: For dinner, head to Mughal Darbar, a popular restaurant known for its mouthwatering Kashmiri delicacies such as Kashmiri Wazwan and Yakhni. Average cost for a meal is about 800 rupees per person.
Tuesday, October 24: Gulmarg
Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, a scenic hill station renowned for its picturesque landscape. Start your morning by taking a gondola ride to Kongdori and Apharwat Peak, where you can witness breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. In the afternoon, try your hand at skiing or snowboarding on the slopes of Gulmarg. As the evening approaches, explore the local market and indulge in some shopping for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts.
Gondola Ride: Approx. ₹700, 4-5 hours
Skiing/Snowboarding: Approx. ₹1,500 per day, 3-4 hours
Local Market: Cost as per purchases, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Gulmarg Bakery: A charming bakery offering a delicious array of freshly baked bread, pastries, and breakfast items. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Khyber Restaurant: A popular local eatery specializing in Kashmiri cuisine, serving mouth-watering dishes like Rogan Josh and Yakhni Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Shamyana Restaurant: A rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the mountains, known for its diverse menu of Indian, Continental, and Chinese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Wednesday, October 25: Pahalgam
Travel to Pahalgam, a serene town known for its mesmerizing valleys and beautiful landscapes. Begin your day with a visit to the Betaab Valley, where the famous Bollywood movie "Betaab" was filmed. Enjoy a leisurely picnic surrounded by mountains and lush green meadows. In the afternoon, take a horse ride to explore the stunning Aru Valley. As the evening approaches, stroll along the Lidder River and witness the breathtaking sunset.
Betaab Valley: Approx. ₹50, 3-4 hours
Aru Valley Horse Ride: Approx. ₹500, 2-3 hours
Lidder River Walk: No cost, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The Trout Farm Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at The Trout Farm Restaurant, located near the Lidder River. Indulge in their signature trout dishes and savor the serene ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
The Pahalgam Restaurant: For lunch, head to The Pahalgam Restaurant, a popular eatery known for its traditional Kashmiri cuisine. Taste the authentic flavors of Wazwan and Kashmiri Rogan Josh. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
The Dana Pani Restaurant: Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at The Dana Pani Restaurant, known for its panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Feast on their mouthwatering Indian and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.
Thursday, October 26: Sonmarg
Embark on a day trip to Sonmarg, known as the "Meadow of Gold." Start your morning by visiting the Thajiwas Glacier, where you can enjoy snow activities such as sledging and skiing. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Nallah Sindh River and enjoy a picnic amidst the breathtaking views. As the evening sets in, explore the local market and savor some traditional Kashmiri cuisine.
Thajiwas Glacier: Approx. ₹300, 4-5 hours
Nallah Sindh River Walk: No cost, 2-3 hours
Local Market: Cost as per purchases, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Marlay, located near the Thajiwas Glacier. Enjoy their freshly baked pastries and aromatic Kashmiri tea. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Paradise Restaurant situated by the Nallah Sindh River. Indulge in their authentic Kashmiri cuisine, including Rogan Josh and Yakhni Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Shamyana Restaurant, known for its cozy ambiance and traditional Kashmiri Wazwan dishes. Try their signature dish, Rista, which is succulent meatballs in aromatic gravy. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Friday, October 27: Srinagar City Tour
Discover the cultural heritage of Srinagar with a city tour. Start your morning by visiting the iconic Hazratbal Shrine, a sacred place of worship for Muslims. In the afternoon, explore the ancient Shankaracharya Temple, located on a hilltop with panoramic views of the city. As the evening approaches, take a serene walk at the famous Nigeen Lake and witness the enchanting sunset.
Hazratbal Shrine: No cost, 1-2 hours
Shankaracharya Temple: No cost, 2-3 hours
Nigeen Lake Walk: No cost, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Shamyana Restaurant which offers a range of delicious Kashmiri breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, check out Alif Laila Restaurant known for its flavorful Mughlai cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
For dinner, try Ahdoos Restaurant, a famous eatery offering a variety of Kashmiri delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Saturday, October 28: Dachigam National Park
Explore the natural beauty of Dachigam National Park, located just outside Srinagar. Begin your day with a wildlife safari in the morning, where you can spot various species like the Kashmir stag and Himalayan black bear. In the afternoon, hike through the forest trails and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. As the evening sets in, enjoy a picnic surrounded by the majestic mountains.
Wildlife Safari: Approx. ₹500, 3-4 hours
Hiking in Dachigam: No cost, 2-3 hours
Picnic: Cost as per preferences, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A perfect spot for breakfast is Shamyana Cafe, located just a short drive from Dachigam National Park. Indulge in delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee while admiring the scenic views. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Mughal Darbar Restaurant. This local eatery offers a variety of traditional Kashmiri cuisine, including aromatic biryani and delectable kebabs. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 400 per person.
To end your day on a high note, dine at Chinar Gakion Restaurant. This charming restaurant serves mouthwatering Kashmiri dishes such as rogan josh and dum aloo. The cozy ambiance and warm hospitality make it a perfect choice for dinner. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 600 per person.
Sunday, October 29: Departure
Say goodbye to the enchanting land of Kashmir as you depart for your onward journey. Take one last leisurely walk along the Dal Lake and capture the memories of this unforgettable trip. Depart from Srinagar with a heart filled with beautiful experiences and a desire to return.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Kashmir, don't miss the opportunity to visit the charming village of Doodhpathri, located amidst lush meadows and enchanting streams. This hidden gem offers a peaceful escape from the crowds and a chance to connect with nature. Locals love spending time here, picnicking, and enjoying the serene surroundings. Make sure to include Doodhpathri in your itinerary to experience the untouched beauty of Kashmir.