Arrive in Srinagar by flight at 3:30 pm and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, take a serene Shikara ride on the iconic Dal Lake, surrounded by the majestic Himalayas. Explore the famous floating vegetable market and enjoy the picturesque views of the Mughal gardens along the lake. In the evening, visit the vibrant local markets of Srinagar to indulge in some shopping for local handicrafts and traditional Kashmiri cuisine.
Dal Lake Shikara Ride: Estimated cost - INR 300 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Mughal Gardens: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
Local Market: Estimated cost - Variable, Time spent - 2 hours
Friday, September 29: Gulmarg
Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, a breathtaking hill station known for its lush meadows and snow-capped peaks. Spend the morning exploring the stunning landscapes, taking a cable car ride to Kongdori and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, engage in thrilling activities like horse riding or golfing, or simply relax amidst nature. As the evening approaches, savor a cup of steaming Kashmiri Kahwa while admiring the enchanting sunset.
Gondola Cable Car Ride: Estimated cost - INR 750 per person, Time spent - 3 hours
Horse Riding: Estimated cost - INR 500 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Golfing: Estimated cost - INR 1000 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café de Gulmarg, a cozy cafe offering a variety of freshly baked goods and delicious Kashmiri chai. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For lunch, try Apple Tree Restaurant, a popular eatery known for its mouthwatering Kashmiri cuisine, especially the aromatic biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For dinner, indulge in a unique dining experience at The Cloves, a fine dining restaurant offering a fusion of Kashmiri and international flavors. The elegant ambiance and exquisite dishes make it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Saturday, September 30: Sonamarg
Head to Sonamarg, known as the "Meadow of Gold," for a day filled with natural beauty. Start your morning with a scenic drive through the picturesque Sindh Valley, surrounded by towering mountains and gushing rivers. Upon reaching Sonamarg, embark on an invigorating trek to the famous Thajiwas Glacier, marveling at its pristine beauty. Enjoy a picnic amidst the stunning landscapes and engage in activities like snowboarding or sledging. In the evening, return to Srinagar.
Trek to Thajiwas Glacier: Estimated cost - INR 500 per person, Time spent - 4 hours
Snowboarding/Sledging: Estimated cost - INR 300 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day in Sonamarg. This cozy café offers a variety of delicious breakfast options such as sandwiches, pancakes, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
For lunch, try the famous Troutbeat Restaurant. Located near the beautiful Lidder River, this restaurant is known for its fresh and mouthwatering trout dishes. Enjoy a delightful meal with stunning views. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
For dinner, visit Ahdoos Restaurant in Srinagar. This iconic restaurant is a must-visit for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Indulge in flavorful dishes like Rogan Josh and Gushtaba, and experience true Kashmiri hospitality. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
Sunday, October 1: Pahalgam
Travel to Pahalgam, a charming valley renowned for its scenic beauty and tranquil environment. Begin your day with a visit to the enchanting Betaab Valley, named after the famous Bollywood movie "Betaab." Take a leisurely walk amidst the lush greenery and crystal-clear streams. Afterward, explore the picturesque Aru Valley, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and meadows. In the evening, indulge in some local cuisine and soak in the peaceful ambiance of Pahalgam.
Betaab Valley: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Aru Valley: Estimated cost - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Local Cuisine: Estimated cost - Variable, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
The Maharaja Breakfast House: Enjoy a traditional Kashmiri breakfast at The Maharaja Breakfast House, offering a delightful array of local dishes such as khambir (traditional Kashmiri bread), noon chai (pink tea), and kehwa (spiced green tea). Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Shah's Lunch Corner: Head to Shah's Lunch Corner for a delicious lunch experience in Pahalgam. This popular eatery serves mouthwatering Kashmiri wazwan (traditional multi-course meal) and other local delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Adaab-e-Wazwan Restaurant: For an authentic Kashmiri dinner, visit Adaab-e-Wazwan Restaurant. Indulge in a variety of wazwan dishes, including rogan josh (spiced meat curry), yakhni (yogurt-based curry), and phirni (rice pudding). Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Monday, October 2: Srinagar Sightseeing
Spend the day exploring the rich cultural heritage of Srinagar. Begin with a visit to the historic Shankaracharya Temple, perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the city. Next, explore the grandeur of the Mughal architecture at the famous Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. In the afternoon, visit the intriguing Pari Mahal, a beautiful seven-terraced garden, known for its architectural splendor. Conclude the day with a relaxing walk along the Boulevard Road, enjoying the scenic views of the Dal Lake.
Shankaracharya Temple: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh: Estimated cost - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Pari Mahal: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
Tuesday, October 3: Jammu Tawi and Departure
Travel from Srinagar to Jammu Tawi for your return journey. You can take a train from Srinagar to Jammu Tawi, which provides a scenic train ride through the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir. The journey takes around 7-8 hours, giving you ample time to relax and enjoy the views. Once you reach Jammu Tawi, you can explore the local markets and indulge in some last-minute shopping for souvenirs before bidding farewell to Kashmir.
Train Fare from Srinagar to Jammu Tawi: Estimated cost - INR 300 per person, Time spent - 7-8 hours
Local Market Shopping: Estimated cost - Variable, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day in Jammu Tawi. This cozy café offers a variety of breakfast options such as sandwiches, muffins, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
If you're looking for a satisfying lunch, visit Krishna Vaishno Dhaba. This popular restaurant serves delicious North Indian dishes like butter chicken, paneer tikka, and naan bread. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Taj Mahal Restaurant in Jammu Tawi. Known for its mouthwatering Mughlai and Kashmiri cuisine, this restaurant offers a range of delectable dishes like Rogan Josh, Kashmiri Pulao, and seekh kebabs. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For nature enthusiasts seeking off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting Dachigam National Park, located near Srinagar. This wildlife sanctuary is home to several endangered species, including the Kashmir stag. Explore the park's rugged terrain and lush forests while encountering diverse flora and fauna. Another hidden gem is the Lolab Valley, tucked away in the Kupwara district. This picturesque valley offers breathtaking views, pristine streams, and serene meadows, making it a perfect spot for camping and trekking.