7-Day Itinerary for a Trip to Kashmir

Wednesday, December 27: Arrival and Srinagar Explorations

Welcome to Kashmir! Start your trip by arriving in Srinagar, the capital city. In the morning, visit the iconic Dal Lake, where you can take a shikara ride and admire the picturesque surroundings. In the afternoon, explore the enchanting Mughal Gardens, including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kashmiri dinner and experience the warmth of Kashmiri hospitality.

• Dal Lake: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Mughal Gardens: Estimated Cost - INR 100 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Thursday, December 28: Gulmarg Adventure

Embark on an exciting day trip to Gulmarg, known for its stunning landscapes and winter sports opportunities. In the morning, take a cable car ride to the top of Apharwat Peak and enjoy panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains. In the afternoon, try your hand at skiing or snowboarding in the famed Gulmarg Ski Resort. In the evening, relax and unwind in the cozy cafes and restaurants of Gulmarg.

• Apharwat Peak: Estimated Cost - Cable car ride starts at INR 700 per person, Time Spent - 3-4 hours
• Gulmarg Ski Resort: Estimated Cost - Skiing packages start at INR 1500 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Friday, December 29: Pahalgam Serenity

Head to Pahalgam, a serene town nestled in the Himalayas. In the morning, explore the breathtaking Betaab Valley, named after a Bollywood film. Enjoy a leisurely picnic amidst the lush greenery and flowing streams. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque Chandanwari and take a pony ride to the stunning Aru Valley. In the evening, indulge in local Kashmiri cuisine at one of the traditional restaurants.

• Betaab Valley: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Chandanwari and Aru Valley: Estimated Cost - INR 300 per pony ride, Time Spent - 3-4 hours

Saturday, December 30: Sonamarg Exploration

Discover the beauty of Sonamarg, also known as the "Meadow of Gold." In the morning, take a scenic drive to Sonamarg and marvel at the snow-capped peaks and gushing rivers along the way. In the afternoon, explore the Thajiwas Glacier and enjoy activities like snowboarding and sledging. In the evening, savor a delicious meal at a local restaurant while soaking in the tranquil ambiance of Sonamarg.

• Thajiwas Glacier: Estimated Cost - INR 250 per person for pony ride, Time Spent - 3-4 hours

Sunday, December 31: Srinagar Shopping and Shikara Ride

Immerse yourself in the vibrant markets of Srinagar and indulge in some shopping. In the morning, explore the bustling Lal Chowk and Residency Road, where you can find traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and souvenirs. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing shikara ride on Dal Lake and visit the floating markets. In the evening, celebrate New Year's Eve with a traditional Kashmiri feast and live music performances.

• Lal Chowk and Residency Road: Estimated Cost - Varies based on shopping, Time Spent - 3-4 hours
• Shikara Ride on Dal Lake: Estimated Cost - INR 400 per hour, Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Monday, January 1: Dachigam National Park and Wildlife Safari

Embark on a wildlife adventure in Dachigam National Park. In the morning, explore the park's beautiful trails and spot native wildlife such as the Kashmir stag and Himalayan black bear. In the afternoon, enjoy a thrilling wildlife safari and get a chance to see these majestic creatures up close. In the evening, relax and unwind amidst the serene surroundings of the park.

• Dachigam National Park: Estimated Cost - INR 200 per person, Time Spent - 4-5 hours
• Wildlife Safari: Estimated Cost - INR 1500 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• Sher-e-Kashmir Café: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Sher-e-Kashmir Café, located just outside Dachigam National Park. This cozy café offers a variety of traditional Kashmiri breakfast dishes such as traditional Kashmiri tea, kahwa, and sheermal. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• Chinar Restaurant: For a delicious lunch, head to Chinar Restaurant which is situated near Dachigam National Park. This restaurant offers a wide range of Kashmiri cuisine including the famous Rogan Josh and Yakhni Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
• Zaffran Restaurant: Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Zaffran Restaurant, located close to Dachigam National Park. This restaurant specializes in Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine, known for its rich flavors and aromatic spices. Don't miss the delicious dum aloo and gushtaba. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Tuesday, January 2: Departure

It's time to bid farewell to the enchanting land of Kashmir. Depart from Srinagar with beautiful memories and a longing to return. Don't forget to collect some Kashmiri souvenirs and handicrafts to cherish the memories of your trip.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Kashmir, don't miss the opportunity to visit the picturesque village of Gulmarg Khilanmarg, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. Another hidden gem is the offbeat destination of Yusmarg, known for its meadows, forests, and pristine lakes. Locals love to spend time in these serene locations away from the tourist crowds.

For hotel and flight bookings, check out Kayak.com.