A 5-Day Relaxing Itinerary for Kashmir in January 2024

  1. Day 1: Srinagar
    16 minutes (7.7 km) from Srinagar International Airport

    Arrive at Srinagar and check-in at the Taj-Dal View Hotel in Srinagar. Explore the city’s Mughal gardens, which include the Nishat Bagh and the Shalimar Bagh. Shop for traditional handicrafts at the local markets and enjoy a Shikara ride in the evening along the Dal Lake.

  2. Day 2: Pahalgam
    3 hours 30 minutes (85.8 km) from Srinagar

    Travel to Pahalgam, a scenic town known for its natural beauty, and check-in at the Pine-n-Peak Resort. Take a leisurely walk along the Lidder River and visit the Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood movie Betaab, which was shot here. Enjoy a peaceful evening with a cup of Kahwa, a traditional Kashmiri tea.

  3. Day 3: Gulmarg
    3 hours 40 minutes (137.3 km) from Pahalgam

    Drive to Gulmarg, a popular skiing destination, and check-in at the The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa. Take a Gondola ride to the Apharwat Peak for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Explore the Alpather Lake, a serene high-altitude lake, and enjoy the snow-clad landscape of Gulmarg.

  4. Day 4: Sonamarg
    2 hours 30 minutes (93.5 km) from Gulmarg

    Travel to Sonamarg, known as the ‘Meadow of Gold’, and check-in at the Snowland Resort. Visit the Thajiwas Glacier, a beautiful glacier offering snow activities like sledging and skiing. Take a horse ride to the Zoji La Pass and enjoy the picturesque views of the Himalayan range.

  5. Day 5: Srinagar
    2 hours 10 minutes (81.4 km) from Sonamarg to Srinagar International Airport

    Travel back to Srinagar and spend the day shopping for souvenirs and traditional handicrafts at the local markets. Visit the Jama Masjid, a beautiful mosque built in 1400 AD, and take a walk in the Badamwari Garden, a beautiful garden filled with almond trees. End the trip with a delicious dinner of Kashmiri cuisine at the famous Mughal Darbar Restaurant.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Taj-Dal View Hotel (4 nights, $500)
  • Pine-n-Peak Resort (1 night, $150)
  • The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa (1 night, $250)
  • Snowland Resort (1 night, $120)
  • Nishat Bagh (1-2 hours, $5)
  • Shalimar Bagh (1-2 hours, $5)
  • Dal Lake Shikara Ride (1-2 hours, $10)
  • Betaab Valley (2-3 hours, $10)
  • Gondola Ride (2-3 hours, $20)
  • Alpather Lake (2-3 hours, $5)
  • Thajiwas Glacier (2-3 hours, $15)
  • Zoji La Pass Horse Ride (2-3 hours, $20)
  • Jama Masjid (1-2 hours, $5)
  • Badamwari Garden (1-2 hours, $5)
  • Mughal Darbar Restaurant (1-2 hours, $25)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $1160
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