Welcome to Kashmir! Start your trip by arriving in Srinagar, the capital city. In the morning, visit the serene Dal Lake and take a shikara boat ride to explore the floating markets and beautiful houseboats. In the afternoon, explore the Mughal Gardens, including Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, known for their stunning architecture and colorful flower beds. As the evening sets in, indulge in a traditional Kashmiri dinner while enjoying live music performances.
Dal Lake: Estimated cost - INR 500 for a shikara ride, Time spent - 2 hours
Mughal Gardens: Estimated cost - INR 200 for entry, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Kashmiri Dinner: Estimated cost - INR 800 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day which offers a variety of delicious breakfast options like sandwiches and pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, visit Krishna Vaishno Dhaba, a popular vegetarian restaurant serving authentic Kashmiri cuisine such as dum aloo and rajma chawal. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Ahdoos Restaurant, known for its traditional Kashmiri Wazwan dishes like rogan josh and yakhni. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Saturday, September 23: Gulmarg
Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, a picturesque hill station. In the morning, take a scenic cable car ride to the top of Apharwat Peak, offering breathtaking views of the snow-covered Himalayas. In the afternoon, go on a guided horse ride through the flower-strewn meadows and explore the Alpather Lake. As the evening approaches, enjoy a cup of traditional Kashmiri Kahwa tea at a local tea stall.
Cable Car Ride: Estimated cost - INR 750 for round trip, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Horse Ride: Estimated cost - INR 800 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Kahwa Tea: Estimated cost - INR 100 per cup, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Locke which offers a cozy ambiance and serves delicious Kashmiri breads and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Panorama Restaurant located at the top of Gulmarg Gondola. Enjoy a variety of Indian and international cuisines while taking in breathtaking panoramic views. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Shamyana Restaurant located in the heart of Gulmarg. Indulge in authentic Kashmiri delicacies like Rogan Josh and Yakhni Pulao amidst a warm and inviting ambiance. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, September 24: Pahalgam
Head to the enchanting town of Pahalgam. In the morning, visit the beautiful Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood movie "Betaab" that was shot here. Enjoy a leisurely walk amidst the lush greenery and crystal-clear streams. In the afternoon, go for a thrilling white water rafting experience in the Lidder River. As the evening sets in, explore the local market and try some traditional Kashmiri cuisine.
Betaab Valley: Estimated cost - INR 200 for entry, Time spent - 2-3 hours
White Water Rafting: Estimated cost - INR 1,500 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Kashmiri Cuisine: Estimated cost - INR 500 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Pahalgam Café. This cozy cafe offers a variety of delicious options including fresh bread, pastries, and Kashmiri kehwa tea. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, visit Dana Pani Restaurant. Known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine, this restaurant offers mouthwatering dishes like Rogan Josh and Yakhni Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, try Cloves Restaurant. This cozy eatery specializes in Kashmiri Wazwan, a traditional multi-course feast. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, September 25: Sonamarg
Embark on a day trip to Sonamarg, known as the "Meadow of Gold." In the morning, explore the Thajiwas Glacier and enjoy activities like sledging or pony rides. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Sindh River and soak in the majestic views of the snow-capped mountains. As the evening approaches, indulge in a delicious meal of traditional Kashmiri Wazwan.
Thajiwas Glacier: Estimated cost - INR 500 for pony ride, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Walk along Sindh River: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Kashmiri Wazwan: Estimated cost - INR 800 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Tuesday, September 26: Yousmarg
Discover the hidden gem of Yousmarg, a pristine meadow nestled in the heart of Kashmir. In the morning, embark on a trek to Nilnag Lake, surrounded by lush green forests and snow-capped peaks. In the afternoon, have a picnic amidst the serene surroundings and enjoy the tranquility. As the evening sets in, interact with the locals and learn about their way of life.
Trek to Nilnag Lake: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 4-5 hours
Picnic: Estimated cost - INR 500 for food, Time spent - 2 hours
Local Interaction: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Wednesday, September 27: Dachigam National Park
Explore the wildlife wonders of Dachigam National Park. In the morning, go on a guided safari and spot rare species like the Kashmir stag and Himalayan black bear. In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst the beautiful surroundings. As the evening approaches, visit the ancient Sharika Devi Temple and witness a mesmerizing sunset.
Guided Safari: Estimated cost - INR 1,000 per person, Time spent - 3-4 hours
Picnic: Estimated cost - INR 500 for food, Time spent - 2 hours
For breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day where you can enjoy a variety of freshly brewed coffees and delicious pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, visit Shamyana Restaurant known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Try their mouthwatering Rogan Josh and seekh kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in the fine dining experience at Ahdoos Restaurant. They offer a wide range of Kashmiri delicacies, including their famous Wazwan dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.
Thursday, September 28: Shopping in Srinagar
End your trip with a day of shopping in Srinagar. In the morning, explore the bustling Lal Chowk market and shop for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts like Pashmina shawls and walnut wood carvings. In the afternoon, visit the floating markets near Dal Lake and enjoy a shopping spree on a shikara boat. As the evening sets in, savor a delicious Kashmiri Wazwan dinner as a farewell to this beautiful destination.
Kashmiri Wazwan Dinner: Estimated cost - INR 800 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When in Kashmir, don't miss out on visiting the enchanting village of Aru Valley, known for its scenic beauty and peaceful ambiance. Another off the beaten path attraction is the Tarsar Marsar Trek, which takes you through breathtaking landscapes and pristine lakes. Locals also love visiting the Doodhpathri meadows, where you can enjoy a picnic and indulge in the local tradition of drinking fresh milk straight from the cows.