Start your trip by arriving in Srinagar, the capital city of Kashmir. Spend the morning exploring the famous Dal Lake, where you can enjoy a relaxing shikara boat ride and admire the stunning views. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Mughal Gardens, including Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, known for their splendid terraced gardens and vibrant flower beds. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the Boulevard Road and savor local delicacies at the floating markets.
Boulevard Road: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Cafe Coffee Day - Located near Dal Lake, this cafe offers a wide range of breakfast options including sandwiches, pastries, and hot beverages. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Lunch: Shamyana Restaurant - Situated in the heart of Srinagar, Shamyana Restaurant serves delicious Kashmiri cuisine with a modern twist. Try their Rogan Josh or Kashmiri Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Dinner: Mughal Darbar - Known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine, Mughal Darbar is a popular restaurant in Srinagar. Don't miss their mouth-watering Wazwan dishes, such as Rista and Gushtaba. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, March 24: Gulmarg
Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, a picturesque hill station known for its snow-capped peaks and lush meadows. Spend the morning enjoying various snow activities like skiing, snowboarding, and sledging. After a thrilling morning, indulge in a leisurely picnic amidst the beautiful meadows and take a scenic cable car ride to Kongdori and Apharwat Peak for breathtaking views. In the evening, explore the local markets and try traditional Kashmiri cuisine.
Gulmarg Meadows: Cost - INR 500-1000, Time Spent - Full day
Local Markets: Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Café Arabica: Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at Café Arabica. This charming café offers a variety of breakfast options, including fresh pastries, eggs benedict, and traditional Kashmiri tea. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
Green Valley Restaurant: For a tasty lunch, head to Green Valley Restaurant. This family-friendly eatery serves a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, such as biryani, kebabs, and butter chicken. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Shamyana Restaurant: Enjoy a delightful dinner at Shamyana Restaurant, known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Try mouth-watering dishes like rogan josh, paneer tikka, and Kashmiri pulao. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
Monday, March 25: Pahalgam
Head to Pahalgam, a serene town nestled amidst the Himalayas. Start your day with a visit to Betaab Valley, known for its lush greenery and pristine surroundings. Enjoy a picnic amidst the picturesque landscape. In the afternoon, explore the scenic Aru Valley, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and gushing rivers. End the day with a visit to the famous Chandanwari, the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage.
Aru Valley: Cost - INR 20-50, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Chandanwari: Cost - INR 20-50, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For a hearty breakfast, head to Café Log Inn, offering a variety of delicious options such as omelettes, pancakes, and local Kashmiri cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Indulge in a sumptuous lunch at Dana Pani, a popular restaurant serving authentic Kashmiri dishes like Rogan Josh and Yakhni. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, visit Troutbeat, a cozy restaurant known for its fresh trout dishes and stunning views of the Lidder river. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Tuesday, March 26: Sonamarg
Embark on an exciting day trip to Sonamarg, also known as the "Meadow of Gold." Start your morning by exploring the Thajiwas Glacier, where you can enjoy various snow activities and take a thrilling sled ride. Afterward, visit the picturesque Zojila Pass, offering mesmerizing views of the mountains and valleys. In the evening, go for a horse ride in the scenic meadows and savor local delicacies at the traditional dhabas.
A delightful breakfast experience awaits you at Café Kokoška, known for its freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Indulge in their signature croissants and quiches while enjoying the cozy ambiance. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Soni Dhaba, a local favorite known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Treat yourself to a hearty plate of Rogan Josh or Yakhni Pulao, accompanied by fluffy naan bread. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
With its rustic charm and mouthwatering Kashmiri dishes, Shamyana Restaurant is the perfect choice for a memorable dinner. Try their flavorful Wazwan platter, which includes a variety of traditional meat dishes served with fragrant rice. The average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
Wednesday, March 27: Srinagar Sightseeing
Spend the day exploring the captivating sights of Srinagar. Start by visiting the iconic Shankaracharya Temple, perched atop a hill, and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. Next, explore the historic Jama Masjid, known for its beautiful architecture and serene ambiance. In the afternoon, take a relaxing stroll through the old city and explore the bustling markets, where you can shop for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.
Shankaracharya Temple: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Jama Masjid: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Old City Markets: Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Enjoy a delicious traditional Kashmiri breakfast at Café Coffee Day. Indulge in fluffy omelettes, hot Kashmiri tea, and freshly baked bread. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Lunch: Taste the authentic flavors of Kashmiri cuisine at Shamyana Restaurant. Try their Rogan Josh, Kashmiri Pulao, and mouthwatering kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Dinner: Experience a fine dining experience at Mughal Darbar. Feast on delectable dishes like Goshtaba, Rista, and Dum Aloo. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Thursday, March 28: Departure
On your last day, bid farewell to the enchanting beauty of Kashmir. Spend the morning exploring the vibrant local markets, where you can purchase authentic Kashmiri handicrafts and souvenirs. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Hazratbal Shrine, an important religious site for Muslims, and soak in the serene atmosphere. Finally, head to Srinagar International Airport for your onward journey.
Local Markets: Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Hazratbal Shrine: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Mocha located in Srinagar, which offers a variety of breakfast options like omelettes, bread toast, and pancakes. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 200 per person.
For lunch, try Shamyana Restaurant situated in Gulmarg, known for its delicious Indian and Kashmiri cuisine, with options like Rogan josh and Kashmiri pulao. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 500 per person.
For dinner, visit Stream Restaurant and Lounge in Pahalgam, offering a cozy ambiance and a menu featuring both Indian and continental dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 800 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a truly off the beaten path experience, consider visiting Dachigam National Park, located near Srinagar. This wildlife sanctuary is home to several endangered species, including the Kashmir stag and the Himalayan black bear. Explore its beautiful trails and enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst nature. Another hidden gem is the Pari Mahal, a stunning historic garden with terraced lawns and breathtaking views of the city. It's a perfect place for a serene evening stroll.
To check hotel and flight prices for your trip to Kashmir, you can visit this link.