Welcome to the beautiful land of Kashmir! Begin your trip in Srinagar, the capital city. In the morning, take a serene shikara ride on Dal Lake and marvel at the floating gardens and traditional houseboats. In the afternoon, visit the Mughal Gardens, including Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, known for their stunning terraced gardens and picturesque views. As the evening sets in, enjoy a traditional Kashmiri meal at a local restaurant.
Dal Lake Shikara Ride: Cost estimate - INR 500 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Mughal Gardens: Cost estimate - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Local Restaurant: Cost estimate - INR 800 per person, Time spent - 1.5 hours
Restaurants
The Lhasa Café is a popular breakfast spot that offers a variety of Tibetan and Kashmiri dishes. Try their delicious momos and thukpa. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Saffron Restaurant is a great lunch option, serving authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Don't miss their signature dish, Rogan Josh. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, head to Ahdoos Restaurant, a landmark in Srinagar known for its delectable Kashmiri Wazwan. Try their mouthwatering Rista and Gustaba. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, December 26: Gulmarg Adventure
Embark on an adventurous day trip to Gulmarg, a popular hill station. In the morning, take a scenic drive through the snow-covered landscapes and reach Gulmarg. Enjoy skiing or snowboarding in the world-renowned Gulmarg Ski Resort. Afternoon is the perfect time for a Gondola ride, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. In the evening, indulge in a hot cup of Kahwa, a traditional Kashmiri tea, at a local café.
Gulmarg Ski Resort: Cost estimate - INR 1,500 per person, Time spent - 4 hours
Gondola Ride: Cost estimate - INR 700 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Local Café: Cost estimate - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Breakfast: For a hearty breakfast, head to Café Abdullah in Gulmarg. This cozy café serves delicious traditional Kashmiri breakfast dishes such as Kashmiri Pulao and Noon Chai. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Lunch: Treat yourself to a delightful meal at Khyber Restaurant in Gulmarg. This restaurant offers a variety of Kashmiri and Indian dishes, including Rogan Josh and Dum Aloo. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Dinner: Indulge in a fine dining experience at Shamyana Restaurant in Gulmarg. This restaurant serves mouth-watering Kashmiri delicacies such as Wazwan and Yakhni. The average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Wednesday, December 27: Pahalgam Exploration
Head to Pahalgam, a scenic town situated on the banks of Lidder River. In the morning, visit the beautiful Betaab Valley, known for its lush green meadows and snow-capped peaks. Enjoy a leisurely picnic amidst nature. In the afternoon, take a horse ride to explore the picturesque Aru Valley. As the evening approaches, visit the quaint market in Pahalgam for souvenir shopping.
Betaab Valley: Cost estimate - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 3 hours
Aru Valley Horse Ride: Cost estimate - INR 800 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Pahalgam Market: Cost estimate - INR 500 per person, Time spent - 1.5 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Pahalgam is Café Log Inn, known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
If you're looking for a great place to have lunch, head to Dana Pani, a charming restaurant nestled in the hills offering a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, try Nathus Rasoi, a local favorite known for its mouthwatering Kashmiri cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Thursday, December 28: Sonamarg Beauty
Explore the enchanting Sonamarg, also known as the "Meadow of Gold." In the morning, embark on a thrilling nature walk to explore the picturesque Thajiwas Glacier. Enjoy the scenic views of snow-capped peaks and gushing streams. In the afternoon, experience the thrill of river rafting in the Indus River. As the evening approaches, savor a traditional Kashmiri Wazwan dinner at a local restaurant.
Thajiwas Glacier Trek: Cost estimate - INR 500 per person, Time spent - 4 hours
River Rafting: Cost estimate - INR 1,000 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Local Restaurant: Cost estimate - INR 1,200 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Friday, December 29: Srinagar Heritage
Discover the rich heritage of Srinagar. In the morning, visit the historic Jama Masjid, one of the oldest mosques in the region. Explore the narrow lanes of the old city, filled with traditional Kashmiri handicraft shops. In the afternoon, visit the exquisite Shankaracharya Temple, perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the city. As the evening sets in, enjoy a relaxing Shikara ride on the tranquil Nigeen Lake.
Shankaracharya Temple: Cost estimate - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Nigeen Lake Shikara Ride: Cost estimate - INR 800 per boat, Time spent - 1.5 hours
Saturday, December 30: Dachigam National Park
Experience the wildlife beauty of Dachigam National Park. In the morning, embark on a guided safari through the park to spot native species like Kashmir stag, Himalayan black bear, and leopard. Enjoy a serene picnic amidst nature. In the afternoon, visit the ancient Hari Parbat Fort, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. As the evening approaches, explore the vibrant local markets for handicrafts and spices.
Dachigam National Park Safari: Cost estimate - INR 1,000 per person, Time spent - 4 hours
Hari Parbat Fort: Cost estimate - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Local Markets: Cost estimate - Varies, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Royal Café: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Royal Café, known for its delicious Kashmiri cuisine. Try their signature dish, Kashmiri tea, along with traditional breads like tandoori roti and kulcha. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Mughal Darbar: For a satisfying lunch, head to Mughal Darbar, a popular restaurant serving authentic Kashmiri dishes. Sample their famous wazwan, a multi-course meal comprising of various meat delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Shamyana: Experience fine dining at Shamyana, a restaurant offering exquisite Kashmiri and international cuisine. Indulge in their mouthwatering kebabs and aromatic biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, December 31: Departure
As your memorable trip comes to an end, spend the morning relaxing and reminiscing about your wonderful experiences in Kashmir. Depart from Srinagar with beautiful memories and a desire to return soon.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions, head to the enchanting Lolab Valley, known for its pristine beauty and peaceful surroundings. Explore the ancient ruins of Martand Sun Temple, a historical marvel. Don't miss the chance to try the delicious Kashmiri cuisine, especially the famous Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao. Venture into the local neighborhoods to witness the warm hospitality of the Kashmiri people and experience their vibrant culture.