Start your trip in the picturesque city of Srinagar. In the morning, visit the iconic Dal Lake and take a shikara ride to explore its floating gardens and vibrant houseboats. In the afternoon, explore the Mughal Gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, known for their stunning terraced gardens and beautiful views. As the evening sets in, stroll along the boulevard and enjoy local street food.
Dal Lake: Starting from ₹300 for a shikara ride, 2-3 hours
Mughal Gardens: Entry fee starting from ₹10, 2-3 hours
Boulevard Street: ₹100 for street food, evening
Restaurants
Breakfast: Cafe Mocha is a popular breakfast spot known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Lunch: Ahdoos is a famous restaurant that offers a variety of Kashmiri cuisine, including kebabs and Kashmiri pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Dinner: Shamyana Restaurant is a great place to enjoy a hearty dinner with a beautiful view of the Dal Lake. They serve a range of dishes from Indian to Continental cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Saturday, December 9: Gulmarg
Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, known for its magnificent snow-capped peaks and thrilling winter activities. In the morning, take the scenic Gondola ride to Kongdori and enjoy panoramic views. Spend the afternoon skiing or snowboarding in the snowy slopes. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely walk in the charming town and indulge in local cuisine.
Gondola Ride: Starting from ₹750 for Phase 1, 4-5 hours
Skiing/Snowboarding: Starting from ₹500 for equipment rental, 3-4 hours
Exploring Gulmarg: ₹200 for local cuisine, evening
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Little Hut, a cozy café known for its delicious Kashmiri chai and freshly baked pastries. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, try Shamyana Restaurant, a popular spot offering a variety of Kashmiri and Indian dishes. Don't miss the flavorful Rogan Josh and saffron-infused rice. The average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
For dinner, dine at Ahdoos, a renowned restaurant serving authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Try their signature dish of Kashmiri Wazwan, a traditional multi-course meal. The average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Sunday, December 10: Pahalgam
Head to Pahalgam, a scenic town nestled in the Himalayas. In the morning, visit the breathtaking Betaab Valley and enjoy its picturesque landscapes. Explore the Aru Valley in the afternoon, known for its lush meadows and gushing rivers. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely stroll along the Lidder River and immerse yourself in the serene surroundings.
Betaab Valley: Entry fee starting from ₹10, 2-3 hours
Aru Valley: Entry fee starting from ₹25, 3-4 hours
Lidder River: Free, evening
Restaurants
The Breakfast Café: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at The Breakfast Café, located in the heart of Pahalgam. Indulge in their hearty omelettes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Pahalgam Bistro: For a satisfying lunch, head to Pahalgam Bistro. This charming restaurant offers a variety of local and international dishes, including mouth-watering kebabs and biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
River View Restaurant: Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at River View Restaurant, situated on the banks of the Lidder River. Savor their delicious Kashmiri cuisine and enjoy the serene view. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Monday, December 11: Sonamarg
Embark on a day trip to Sonamarg, also known as the "Meadow of Gold." Enjoy scenic views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers. In the morning, visit the Thajiwas Glacier and take a pony ride to explore the breathtaking surroundings. Spend the afternoon hiking or simply enjoying the serene beauty of nature. As the evening approaches, indulge in local cuisine at a traditional dhaba.
Thajiwas Glacier: Starting from ₹500 for a pony ride, 4-5 hours
Hiking/Exploring: Free, 3-4 hours
Local Dhaba: Starting from ₹150 for a meal, evening
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Coffee Day located in Sonamarg. They offer a variety of freshly brewed coffee, tea, and delicious breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
For lunch, visit Mama Chai in Sonamarg. This cozy little restaurant serves authentic Kashmiri cuisine, including traditional kebabs and aromatic biryanis. The average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
For dinner, try Glacier Restaurant & Cafe in Sonamarg. This family-friendly restaurant offers a diverse menu with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
Tuesday, December 12: Srinagar Old City
Discover the charm of Srinagar's Old City. In the morning, visit the historic Jamia Masjid and explore its intricate architecture. Experience the vibrant local culture at the bustling Maharaj Gunj Market in the afternoon. As the evening sets in, take a relaxing shikara ride on the Jhelum River and admire the beautiful wooden houseboats.
Jamia Masjid: Free, 1-2 hours
Maharaj Gunj Market: Free, 2-3 hours
Shikara Ride: Starting from ₹300, evening
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Mughal, a cozy eatery located near Jamia Masjid. They serve a variety of traditional Kashmiri tea and snacks. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try Mummy Please, a popular vegetarian restaurant in Maharaj Gunj Market. They offer a range of delicious North Indian and Kashmiri dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Ahdoos, a renowned restaurant famous for its Kashmiri cuisine. Located near the Jhelum River, the restaurant offers a beautiful view along with authentic flavors. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Wednesday, December 13: Dachigam National Park
Discover the wildlife and natural beauty of Dachigam National Park. In the morning, embark on a guided safari and spot the majestic Kashmir stag and other wildlife species. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the beautiful surroundings. In the afternoon, hike through the scenic trails and soak in the tranquility of the park. As the evening approaches, visit the historic Hari Parbat Fort nearby.
Dachigam National Park: Entry fee starting from ₹100, 4-5 hours
Picnic Lunch: Starting from ₹200, afternoon
Hiking in the Park: Free, 2-3 hours
Hari Parbat Fort: Free, evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Liberty, located near Dachigam National Park. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee, freshly baked pastries, and a variety of breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Shamyana Restaurant, known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Indulge in traditional dishes like Rogan Josh and Yakhni Pulao while enjoying the cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at the popular Ahdoos Restaurant, which serves a range of Indian, Mughlai, and Kashmiri dishes. Try the famous Kashmiri Wazwan and finish off with a delicious Kashmiri Kahwa. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Thursday, December 14: Shalimar Bagh and Departure
On your last day, revisit the enchanting Shalimar Bagh in the morning and take a leisurely stroll through its beautiful gardens. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Dal Lake and bid farewell to the serene beauty of Kashmir. Depart from Srinagar with unforgettable memories.
Shalimar Bagh: Entry fee starting from ₹10, 2-3 hours
Boat Ride on Dal Lake: Starting from ₹300, morning
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Duke's Cafe located near Shalimar Bagh. They offer a variety of freshly baked goods and refreshing beverages. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
If you're in the mood for a satisfying lunch, visit Essence Restaurant which is situated on the banks of Dal Lake. They serve a wide range of Kashmiri cuisine with a beautiful view. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Savor a delightful dinner at Ahdoos Restaurant, a popular eatery in Srinagar. Known for their authentic Kashmiri dishes, this restaurant offers a cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off-the-beaten-path attractions, explore the small village of Doodhpathri, known for its meadows and pristine beauty. Take a hike to Zabarwan Hills in Srinagar for panoramic views of the city. Visit the floating vegetable market at the crack of dawn to witness a unique local tradition. These experiences will give you a deeper insight into the rich culture and natural wonders of Kashmir.