Welcome to Srinagar! Start your trip by checking into a comfortable hotel and getting settled. In the morning, take a relaxing shikara ride on Dal Lake, surrounded by the picturesque Himalayan mountains. In the afternoon, explore the historic Mughal Gardens, including Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. In the evening, indulge in a traditional Kashmiri meal and savor the flavors of the region.
Dal Lake Shikara Ride: INR 500, 2 hours
Mughal Gardens: INR 200, 3 hours
Kashmiri Dinner: INR 800, 2 hours
Restaurants
Coffee and More: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Coffee and More, a popular cafe known for its delicious sandwiches and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Shamyana Restaurant: For lunch, head to Shamyana Restaurant and indulge in a feast of authentic Kashmiri cuisine. From aromatic biryanis to flavorful kebabs, you won't be disappointed. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Ahdoos Restaurant: For a delightful dinner experience, Ahdoos Restaurant is a must-visit. Known for its delectable Kashmiri and Mughlai dishes, this restaurant offers a cozy ambiance and excellent service. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, September 24: Gulmarg Day Trip
Embark on a scenic day trip to Gulmarg, a breathtaking hill station known as the "Meadow of Flowers." In the morning, enjoy a cable car ride on the Gulmarg Gondola, offering panoramic views of the snow-covered peaks. Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful meadows, indulging in outdoor activities like horse riding or golfing. Return to Srinagar in the evening.
Gulmarg Gondola: INR 1,500, 3 hours
Outdoor Activities in Gulmarg: Varies, 4 hours
Travel to/from Gulmarg: INR 1,000 (round trip), 2 hours each way
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day located in Gulmarg. This cozy café offers a variety of freshly brewed coffees and delicious bakery items. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, try the restaurant Ski Himalayas in Gulmarg. This restaurant serves mouthwatering Kashmiri cuisine, including fragrant rice dishes and succulent kebabs. The average cost for a lunch meal is about ₹600 per person.
For dinner, visit Shamyana Restaurant in Srinagar. Known for its warm ambiance and traditional Kashmiri dishes, this restaurant offers a delightful dining experience. The average cost for a dinner meal is about ₹800 per person.
Monday, September 25: Srinagar City Tour
Discover the charms of Srinagar with a city tour. Start your morning with a visit to the iconic Shankaracharya Temple, offering panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, explore the bustling local markets, such as Lal Chowk and Residency Road, where you can shop for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts. End your day with a peaceful Shikara ride at sunset.
Shankaracharya Temple: Free, 2 hours
Shopping in Lal Chowk and Residency Road: Varies, 3 hours
Sunset Shikara Ride: INR 1,000, 2 hours
Restaurants
A popular choice for breakfast in Srinagar is Shamyana Restaurant, 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 a satisfying lunch, head to Mughal Darbar, a renowned restaurant in Srinagar serving mouthwatering Mughlai and Kashmiri cuisine. Don't miss their signature dish, Rogan Josh. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, dine at Ahdoos restaurant, an iconic establishment in Srinagar that has been serving Kashmiri delicacies since 1918. Try their authentic Kashmiri Wazwan and finish off with their delightful Kahwa. The average cost for a meal here is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, September 26: Pahalgam Excursion
Embark on a memorable day trip to Pahalgam, a scenic town nestled in the Lidder Valley. In the morning, visit the beautiful Betaab Valley, known for its lush greenery and pristine surroundings. Afterward, explore the enchanting Aru Valley, offering stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. Don't miss the opportunity to try some local cuisine during your visit.
Betaab Valley: INR 200, 2 hours
Aru Valley: INR 300, 3 hours
Travel to/from Pahalgam: INR 2,000 (round trip), 3 hours each way
Local Cuisine: Varies, 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Troutbeat Cafe, a cozy little eatery located in the heart of Pahalgam. They serve a range of delicious breakfast dishes including fluffy omelettes, crispy bacon, and freshly baked pastries. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, try Cafe Log Inn, a popular restaurant known for its mouthwatering Kashmiri cuisine. Feast on traditional dishes like Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, and Goshtaba. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Dana Pani Restaurant, a charming eatery renowned for its picturesque ambiance and delectable Indian dishes. Indulge in flavorful curries, freshly baked naan bread, and flavorful biryanis. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Wednesday, September 27: Sonamarg Day Trip
Explore the captivating beauty of Sonamarg, known as the "Meadow of Gold." In the morning, embark on a thrilling trek to the Thajiwas Glacier, surrounded by majestic snow-clad peaks. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the mesmerizing landscape. In the afternoon, take a stroll along the peaceful Sindh River before heading back to Srinagar.
Thajiwas Glacier Trek: INR 1,200, 5 hours
Picnic Lunch: INR 500, 1 hour
Exploring Sindh River: Free, 1 hour
Travel to/from Sonamarg: INR 2,500 (round trip), 3 hours each way
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day in Srinagar. This cozy café offers a variety of hot and cold beverages along with delicious snacks. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 rupees per person.
For lunch, try Ahdoos Restaurant located in the heart of Srinagar. Known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine, this restaurant serves mouthwatering dishes like Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 rupees per person.
For dinner, make your way to Mughal Darbar in Srinagar. This popular restaurant offers a wide range of Mughlai and Kashmiri delicacies like Yakhni, Gushtaba, and Dum Aloo. The average cost for a meal here is about 800 rupees per person.
Thursday, September 28: Dachigam National Park
Set out on an exciting wildlife adventure in Dachigam National Park. In the morning, take a guided safari through the park, home to endangered species like the Kashmir stag and the Himalayan black bear. Enjoy a picnic amidst the lush green surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the ancient Martand Sun Temple before returning to Srinagar.
Dachigam National Park Safari: INR 1,500, 4 hours
Picnic Lunch: INR 500, 1 hour
Martand Sun Temple: INR 100, 1 hour
Travel to/from Dachigam: INR 1,000 (round trip), 2 hours each way
Friday, September 29: Shikara Ride on Dal Lake
On your final day, immerse yourself in the beauty of Dal Lake. Start your morning with a serene Shikara ride, enjoying the tranquility and scenic views. Visit the floating vegetable gardens and witness the vibrant local life. In the afternoon, explore the charming Old City of Srinagar, with its narrow lanes and historic landmarks.
A popular breakfast spot in Srinagar is The Chinar, known for its delicious Kashmiri tea and mouthwatering kebabs. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about Rs. 300 per person.
For lunch, head to Ahdoos Restaurant, a legendary establishment offering a wide range of Kashmiri dishes, including aromatic biryanis and delectable rogan josh. Expect to spend around Rs. 600 per person for a satisfying meal.
In the evening, indulge yourself at Mughal Darbar, a renowned restaurant serving authentic Kashmiri cuisine. From flavorful Kashmiri wazwan to scrumptious desserts, the average cost for a dinner here is approximately Rs. 800 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Srinagar, don't miss the opportunity to visit the off the beaten path attractions. Head to Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Dachigam National Park, for a chance to spot rare wildlife species in their natural habitat. Another hidden gem is the Pari Mahal, a beautiful historic monument offering panoramic views of the city. Locals also love the vibrant Hazratbal Market, where you can find authentic Kashmiri handicrafts and delicious street food.