Begin your adventure in Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir. In the morning, take a peaceful Shikara ride on Dal Lake, surrounded by majestic mountains and beautiful houseboats. Afternoon calls for a visit to the Mughal Gardens, such as Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, with their stunning terraced lawns and vibrant flowerbeds. As the evening sets in, explore the local markets in the old city, where you can shop for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts.
Dal Lake Shikara Ride: Rs 500, 2 hours
Mughal Gardens: Rs 100, 3 hours
Local Markets: Varies, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a traditional Kashmiri breakfast at Mughal Darbar. Indulge in delicious kehwa, kashmiri pulao and kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For a delightful lunch experience, head to Ahdoos Restaurant. Enjoy their famous Kashmiri Wazwan and delectable meat dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
For a memorable dinner, visit Shamyana Restaurant. Savor their mouthwatering Kashmiri Rogan Josh and Dum Aloo. Average cost for a meal is about ₹600 per person.
Thursday October 19: Discover Gulmarg
Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, known as the "Meadow of Flowers." Enjoy a picturesque cable car ride to the top of Apharwat Peak, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains. Spend the afternoon exploring the vast meadows, indulging in activities like horse riding or simply enjoying a picnic amidst nature's serenity. Head back to Srinagar in the evening.
Apharwat Peak Cable Car: Rs 700, 4 hours
Activities and Picnic: Varies, 3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day located in Gulmarg. They serve a variety of freshly brewed coffee and delicious baked goods. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try out Bakshi Restaurant known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Indulge in dishes like Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Nedous Dining Room in Srinagar, which offers a fine dining experience with a menu featuring Indian and Continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Friday October 20: Visit Pahalgam
Travel to Pahalgam, a quaint town nestled in the Himalayas. Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Betaab Valley, surrounded by pine forests and snow-capped peaks. In the afternoon, explore the Chandanwari and Aru Valley, both offering scenic landscapes and opportunities for adventurous activities like trekking and river rafting. Return to Srinagar in the evening.
Betaab Valley: Rs 100, 3 hours
Chandanwari and Aru Valley: Varies, 4 hours
Restaurants
A perfect spot for breakfast is Café Simla, known for its freshly brewed coffee and delicious pastries. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Nathus Rasoi, a local favorite known for its authentic Kashmiri dishes. Don't miss their signature Rogan Josh! The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a fine dining experience at Shamyana Restaurant. With its elegant ambiance and a wide range of cuisines to choose from, you can enjoy a delightful dinner. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Saturday October 21: Explore Sonamarg
Embark on a day trip to Sonamarg, also known as the "Meadow of Gold." Start your day with a visit to the Thajiwas Glacier, where you can enjoy snow activities like sledging and skiing (depending on weather conditions). Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the Sindh River and soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Return to Srinagar in the evening.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café De-Lite, located in the heart of Sonamarg. This cozy café offers a variety of breakfast options such as fluffy pancakes, hearty omelets, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Paradise Restaurant, known for its delectable Kashmiri cuisine. Indulge in authentic local dishes like dum aloo, rogan josh, and Kashmiri pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Stream restaurant, famous for its serene ambiance and mouthwatering Indian and Chinese delicacies. Don't miss their signature dishes like butter chicken and crispy chili paneer. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Sunday October 22: Experience Yusmarg
Head to Yusmarg, a hidden gem in the Pir Panjal Range. Spend the morning exploring Nilnag Lake, known for its crystal-clear water surrounded by lush green meadows. In the afternoon, hike to the Charari Sharief Shrine, situated atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the valley. Enjoy a picnic amidst nature's tranquility before returning to Srinagar.
Nilnag Lake: Free, 3 hours
Charari Sharief Shrine Hike: Free, 4 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Cool Beans, known for its cozy ambiance and delicious pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Shamyana Restaurant, serving mouthwatering Kashmiri cuisine such as Rogan Josh and Gushtaba. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Indulge in a lavish dinner at Mughal Darbar, a popular restaurant offering a range of Mughlai delicacies like Biryani and Kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday October 23: Discover Dachigam National Park
Visit Dachigam National Park, home to the endangered Hangul deer and various other wildlife species. Take a guided safari through the park in the morning, spotting animals like leopards, musk deer, and Himalayan black bears. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Hari Parbat Fort, offering panoramic views of Srinagar. Spend the evening exploring the vibrant markets of Lal Chowk.
Dachigam National Park Safari: Rs 500, 4 hours
Hari Parbat Fort: Rs 100, 2 hours
Lal Chowk Market: Varies, 2 hours
Restaurants
For a delightful breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day located in Lal Chowk. Enjoy their wide selection of delicious pastries and hot beverages. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, try the famous Kashmiri cuisine at Mughal Darbar located near Hari Parbat Fort. Indulge in their flavorful Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner, dine at Ahdoos Restaurant situated in the heart of Srinagar. Delve into their authentic Kashmiri dishes like Gushtaba and Seekh Kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday October 24: Relax in Manasbal Lake
End your trip with a visit to Manasbal Lake, the deepest lake in Kashmir. Spend the day relaxing by the lake, enjoying the serene atmosphere and birdwatching. Indulge in a local picnic lunch and take a boat ride to the nearby ruins of the historical Martand Sun Temple. Return to Srinagar in the evening for your departure.
Manasbal Lake: Rs 200 (boat ride), 5 hours
Martand Sun Temple: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day in Srinagar. They offer a wide variety of coffees, teas, and baked goods. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, try The Chinar Restaurant located near Manasbal Lake. They serve traditional Kashmiri cuisine including Rogan Josh and Dum Aloo. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
If you are looking for a delightful dinner experience, visit Ahdoos Restaurant in Srinagar. They offer a range of dishes including Kashmiri Wazwan and Mutton Yakhni. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Srinagar, don't miss the opportunity to visit the offbeat gem of Doodhpathri, known as the "Valley of Milk." This untouched valley offers lush meadows, gushing streams, and breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. Another local favorite is the Aharbal Waterfall, located near Pahalgam, where you can witness the mesmerizing beauty of cascading water amidst dense forests. These hidden gems will provide a unique and unforgettable experience of Kashmir's natural beauty.
For hotel and flight bookings, check out Kayak.com.