In the morning, arrive at Srinagar International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Start your honeymoon by exploring the beautiful Dal Lake. Take a Shikara ride to visit the floating vegetable market and experience the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the exquisite Mughal Gardens, such as Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, known for their stunning architecture and picturesque views. As the evening sets in, enjoy a romantic dinner on a houseboat, floating on the Dal Lake.
Dal Lake: Experience the Shikara ride for INR 500 (approx.) per hour. Time spent: 2-3 hours
Mughal Gardens: Entry fee for Nishat Bagh - INR 20 (approx.) per person, Shalimar Bagh - INR 35 (approx.) per person. Time spent: 2-3 hours
Houseboat Dinner: Cost varies based on package. Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, you can visit Café Manto, a cozy cafe known for its delicious Kashmiri tea and traditional Kashmiri breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Mughal Darbar, a popular restaurant that serves authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Don't miss their mouthwatering Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, try Ahdoos, a famous restaurant renowned for its Kashmiri Wazwan delicacies. Indulge in their delectable dishes like Tabak Maaz and Rista. The average cost for a meal here is about 800 INR per person.
Saturday, January 6: Leh, Ladakh
Fly from Srinagar to Leh in the morning. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and acclimatize to the high altitude. In the afternoon, visit the Leh Palace, a magnificent nine-story palace offering panoramic views of the city. Explore the bustling Leh Market, where you can shop for traditional Ladakhi handicrafts. In the evening, witness the sunset at Shanti Stupa, a Buddhist white-domed stupa offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
Leh Palace: Entry fee - INR 15 (approx.) per person. Time spent: 1-2 hours
Leh Market: Free entry. Time spent: 1-2 hours
Shanti Stupa: Free entry. Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Leh is Bon Appetit Bakery Cafe, known for its freshly baked goods and delicious coffee. On average, a meal here costs around 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Gesmo Restaurant, a local favorite known for its mouthwatering Tibetan and Indian cuisine. You can expect to spend around 400 INR per person for a satisfying meal.
In the evening, indulge in a delectable dinner at The Tibetan Kitchen, offering a wide range of authentic Tibetan dishes. A meal here typically costs around 600 INR per person.
Sunday, January 7: Nubra Valley, Ladakh
Embark on a scenic drive to Nubra Valley, crossing the famous Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and rugged terrain. Visit the Diskit Monastery, where you can witness the gigantic Maitreya Buddha statue. Experience a thrilling camel ride on the sand dunes of Hunder. Spend the night in a cozy campsite under the starry Ladakhi sky.
Khardung La Pass: Free entry. Time spent: 1-2 hours
Diskit Monastery: Entry fee - INR 30 (approx.) per person. Time spent: 1-2 hours
Camel Ride in Hunder: Cost varies based on duration. Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Bakers Cafe: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Bakers Cafe, known for its freshly baked pastries, bread, and delicious coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
The Apricot Tree: Indulge in a delicious and authentic Ladakhi lunch at The Apricot Tree, where you can savor traditional dishes like Thukpa, Momos, and Butter Tea. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Tibetan Kitchen: Treat yourself to a mouthwatering dinner at Tibetan Kitchen, offering a wide range of Tibetan and Himalayan delicacies like Thenthuk, Shabalay, and Yak Meat Curry. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, January 8: Manali, Himachal
Depart from Leh and fly to Kullu. From Kullu, drive to the charming hill station of Manali. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and unwind. In the afternoon, visit the Hadimba Temple, an ancient cave temple surrounded by lush green forests. Explore the Mall Road, known for its shops, cafes, and local handicrafts. In the evening, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Solang Valley and indulge in adventurous activities like paragliding or skiing.
Hadimba Temple: Entry fee - INR 50 (approx.) per person. Time spent: 1-2 hours
Mall Road: Free entry. Time spent: 2-3 hours
Solang Valley: Cost varies based on activities. Time spent: 3-4 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Manali is Cafe 1947, known for its cozy ambiance and delicious continental and Indian breakfast options. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 300 per person.
For a scrumptious lunch, head to Johnson's Cafe, a rooftop restaurant with breathtaking views of the mountains. They serve a variety of cuisines, including Italian, Indian, and Tibetan. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 500 per person.
In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at Casa Bella Vista, a quaint restaurant with a serene garden setting. They offer a range of Italian dishes and the average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 800 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a romantic and offbeat experience, head to the small village of Turtuk in Ladakh. Turtuk offers stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and a glimpse into the Balti culture. Explore the village's apricot orchards, visit the historical Turtuk Palace, and interact with the welcoming villagers. Another hidden gem is the Barot Valley in Himachal Pradesh. This lesser-known destination offers serene valleys, a tranquil reservoir, and opportunities for hiking and angling. Experience the beauty of Barot and its surrounding landscapes while enjoying the peaceful ambiance.