7-Day Budget Itinerary for Kashmir

Friday, December 8: Arrival in Srinagar

Start your trip in the capital city of Srinagar. In the morning, visit the beautiful Dal Lake and enjoy a relaxing shikara boat ride amidst the serene surroundings. Afternoon can be spent exploring the Mughal Gardens, like Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, known for their stunning architecture and vibrant flower displays. In the evening, take a walk along the boulevard of Dal Lake and savor some local delicacies.

• Dal Lake: Cost - Free, Time - 2 hours
• Mughal Gardens: Cost - INR 10-20, Time - 2-3 hours
• Dal Lake Boulevard: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• Café Aroma is a cozy breakfast spot with a variety of freshly baked pastries and delicious coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• Tulip Restaurant offers a wide range of local and international cuisines for lunch, with a pleasant rooftop seating area overlooking the beautiful Dal Lake. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
• Shamyana Restaurant is a popular dinner spot known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine, including mouthwatering kebabs and aromatic biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Saturday, December 9: Gulmarg

Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, a popular hill station located about 52 kilometers from Srinagar. In the morning, take a gondola ride to Kongdori and Apharwat Peak for breathtaking views of the snow-covered mountains. Spend the afternoon exploring the picturesque meadows and indulging in activities like horse riding or skiing. In the evening, return to Srinagar and relax by the Dal Lake.

• Gulmarg Gondola: Cost - INR 700-1400, Time - 4-5 hours
• Exploring Meadows: Cost - Free, Time - 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• For a delicious breakfast, head to Cafe Coffee Day in Gulmarg. This cozy cafe offers a variety of hot and cold beverages along with a selection of sandwiches and baked goods. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For a hearty lunch, try Highland Park. Located in the heart of Gulmarg, this restaurant serves a range of Indian and international dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering biryanis! The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
• To enjoy a memorable dinner, visit Ahdoos in Srinagar. Known for its delectable Kashmiri cuisine, this restaurant offers traditional dishes like Rogan Josh and Yakhni alongside a variety of kebabs. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Sunday, December 10: Pahalgam

Head to Pahalgam, a scenic town located around 80 kilometers from Srinagar. In the morning, visit the iconic Betaab Valley, known for its lush greenery and crystal-clear streams. Afternoon can be spent exploring the picturesque Aru Valley and enjoying activities like trekking or horse riding. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely stroll along the Lidder River.

• Betaab Valley: Cost - Free, Time - 2-3 hours
• Aru Valley: Cost - Free, Time - 2-3 hours
• Lidder River: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours

Monday, December 11: Sonamarg

Visit the enchanting meadow of Sonamarg, located around 80 kilometers from Srinagar. In the morning, embark on a scenic drive to Sonamarg, enjoying breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges. Spend the afternoon exploring the Thajiwas Glacier and indulge in activities like snowboarding or sledging. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Sindh River and relish the peaceful ambiance.

• Scenic Drive to Sonamarg: Cost - INR 1000-1500 (shared taxi), Time - 3-4 hours
• Thajiwas Glacier: Cost - INR 100-200 (pony ride), Time - 2-3 hours
• Sindh River Walk: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours

Tuesday, December 12: Srinagar City Tour

Explore the cultural and historical attractions of Srinagar. In the morning, visit the iconic Jama Masjid, one of the oldest mosques in Kashmir. Afternoon can be spent exploring the bustling lanes of the Old City, known for its vibrant markets and traditional Kashmiri handicrafts. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kashmiri Wazwan dinner at a local restaurant.

• Jama Masjid: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
• Old City Markets: Cost - Variable based on purchases, Time - 2-3 hours
• Wazwan Dinner: Cost - INR 500-800 per person, Time - 2-3 hours

Wednesday, December 13: Dachigam National Park

Discover the wildlife and natural beauty of Dachigam National Park, located about 22 kilometers from Srinagar. In the morning, take a safari tour through the park and spot species like Kashmiri Stag and Himalayan Black Bear. Afternoon can be spent picnicking amidst the picturesque surroundings. In the evening, return to Srinagar and relax by the Dal Lake.

• Dachigam National Park Safari: Cost - INR 300-500, Time - 4-5 hours
• Picnic in Dachigam: Cost - Variable based on arrangements, Time - 2-3 hours

Thursday, December 14: Departure

On your last day, bid farewell to the beautiful Kashmir region. Spend the morning strolling around the markets of Srinagar and collecting souvenirs. Afternoon can be spent enjoying a delicious Kashmiri meal at a local restaurant. Depart from Srinagar with beautiful memories of your budget trip to Kashmir.

• Shopping in Srinagar Markets: Cost - Variable based on purchases, Time - 2-3 hours
• Kashmiri Cuisine: Cost - INR 300-500 per person, Time - 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the picturesque Lolab Valley, located in Kupwara district. It offers breathtaking landscapes, pristine lakes, and quaint villages. Another local favorite is the charming town of Kokernag, known for its natural springs and beautiful gardens. These places provide an opportunity to experience the unspoiled beauty of Kashmir on a shoestring budget.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check Kayak.