Welcome to Srinagar, the capital city of Kashmir! Start your trip by visiting the beautiful Dal Lake in the morning. Take a Shikara ride and explore the floating markets and vibrant houseboats. In the afternoon, visit the Mughal Gardens, such as Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, known for their stunning architecture and lush landscapes. Enjoy a traditional Kashmiri dinner in the evening.
Dal Lake: Free, 2-3 hours
Mughal Gardens: INR 50 per person, 2-3 hours
Local Kashmiri Restaurant: INR 500 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The Amaya Café: Indulge in a delicious Kashmiri breakfast at The Amaya Café, known for its warm ambiance and wide range of local delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Khyber Restaurant: For a satisfying lunch, head to Khyber Restaurant, a popular eatery in Srinagar offering a variety of authentic Kashmiri and Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Shamyana Restaurant: Enjoy a delightful dinner at Shamyana Restaurant, known for its cozy atmosphere and mouthwatering Kashmiri cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Monday, October 16: Pahalgam Excursion
Embark on a day trip to Pahalgam, a scenic hill station located about 95 kilometers from Srinagar. Spend your morning exploring the picturesque Betaab Valley, known for its lush green meadows and crystal-clear streams. In the afternoon, visit the famous Aru Valley and enjoy activities like horse riding and trekking. Return to Srinagar in the evening.
Betaab Valley: INR 20 per person, 2-3 hours
Aru Valley: INR 100 per person, 2-3 hours
Lunch in Pahalgam: INR 300 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Chinar located in Pahalgam. This cozy cafe offers a variety of options including delicious omelettes and freshly baked bread. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Nathu's Rasoi in Pahalgam. This popular restaurant serves traditional Kashmiri cuisine such as Rogan Josh and Dum Aloo. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Ahdoos Restaurant in Srinagar. Known for its authentic Kashmiri flavors, this restaurant offers a wide range of dishes including Yakhni and Gushtaba. The average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Tuesday, October 17: Gulmarg Exploration
Today, head to Gulmarg, a popular skiing destination located approximately 50 kilometers from Srinagar. In the morning, take the Gondola ride to Kongdori and enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks. Engage in fun activities like snowboarding or a pony ride in the afternoon. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a cup of hot Kahwa tea in a local café. Return to Srinagar in the evening.
Gondola Ride: INR 700 per person, 2-3 hours
Snowboarding/Pony Ride: INR 500 per person, 2-3 hours
Local Café: INR 200 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try Cafe Coffee Day located in Gulmarg. They offer a variety of breakfast options including sandwiches, pastries, and hot beverages. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, visit Highland Park Restaurant in Gulmarg. They serve delicious Kashmiri cuisine, including Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao, with beautiful views of the mountains. Average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
For dinner, head to Shamyana Restaurant in Srinagar. They offer a wide range of Indian and international dishes with a cozy atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Wednesday, October 18: Sonamarg Day Trip
Embark on a day trip to Sonamarg, also known as the "Meadow of Gold," located around 80 kilometers from Srinagar. Start your morning by exploring the Thajiwas Glacier, a stunning snowy paradise. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the breathtaking natural beauty. In the afternoon, go for a pony ride or take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Sindh River. Return to Srinagar in the evening.
Thajiwas Glacier: INR 100 per person, 2-3 hours
Picnic Lunch: INR 300 per person, 1-2 hours
Pony Ride/Stroll by Sindh River: INR 500 per person, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
The Breakfast Spot: A cozy cafe in Srinagar serving delicious omelettes, parathas, and fresh fruit smoothies. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
River View Restaurant: A riverside eatery offering a variety of Kashmiri dishes such as Rogan Josh and Wazwan. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Shalimar Dinner House: A popular restaurant in Srinagar known for its tasty Mughlai and Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
Thursday, October 19: Srinagar City Tour
Discover the charms of Srinagar city today. Start your morning with a visit to the iconic Shankaracharya Temple, located atop a hill. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, explore the old city and its bustling markets, such as Lal Chowk and Residency Road. Don't forget to try the famous Kashmiri cuisine for dinner.
Shankaracharya Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Old City Markets: Variable, 2-3 hours
Kashmiri Dinner: INR 500 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast in Srinagar, head to Ahdoos Restaurant. This popular eatery offers a delicious spread of Kashmiri and Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, try the Chai Jaai Cafe & Grill. This cozy restaurant serves a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including Kashmiri specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in the flavors of Kashmir at Mughal Darbar. Known for its authentic Wazwan cuisine, this restaurant offers a range of meat dishes cooked in traditional Kashmiri spices. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Friday, October 20: Dachigam National Park
Today, visit the Dachigam National Park, located around 22 kilometers from Srinagar. Spend your morning exploring the park's diverse flora and fauna. Embark on a wildlife safari and try to spot species like the Kashmir stag and Himalayan black bear. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst nature. In the afternoon, visit the Harwan Garden and relax by the Dal Lake. Return to Srinagar in the evening.
Dachigam National Park: INR 100 per person, 3-4 hours
Wildlife Safari: INR 500 per person, 2-3 hours
Harwan Garden: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Coffee Day in Srinagar. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options and a warm ambiance. The average cost for a meal here is about $5 per person.
For lunch, try Mughal Darbar located near Dal Lake. This restaurant serves delicious Kashmiri cuisine including traditional kebabs and biryanis. The average cost for a meal here is about $10 per person.
For dinner, visit Ahdoos Restaurant in Srinagar. Known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine, this restaurant offers a range of delectable dishes like Rogan Josh and Yakhni. The average cost for a meal here is about $15 per person.
Saturday, October 21: Departure
Enjoy your last morning in Kashmir by visiting the Hazratbal Shrine, a renowned Muslim shrine located on the banks of Dal Lake. Soak in the peaceful ambiance and offer prayers. Afterward, visit the floating vegetable market and indulge in some souvenir shopping. Depart from Srinagar with unforgettable memories of your Kashmir trip.
Hazratbal Shrine: Free, 1-2 hours
Floating Vegetable Market: Variable, 2-3 hours
Souvenir Shopping: Variable, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Shamyana Restaurant and try their delicious Kashmiri Chai and hot crispy Parathas. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, visit Ahdoos Restaurant, a local favorite known for its traditional Kashmiri cuisine. Don't miss the Rogan Josh and Yakhni Pulao. The average cost for a lunch meal here is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, treat yourself to a fine dining experience at the 1912 Restaurant in Lalit Grand Palace. Indulge in their delectable Kashmiri Wazwan dishes and enjoy the regal ambiance. The average cost for a dinner meal here is about 1000 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Kashmir, consider visiting the off-the-beaten-path attractions loved by locals. One such gem is the Pari Mahal, a seven-terraced garden located above Chashme Shahi. It offers breathtaking views of the city and is perfect for a peaceful evening stroll. Another favorite is the Wular Lake, the largest freshwater lake in India, known for its tranquility and scenic beauty. Enjoy a boat ride and witness the birdlife and picturesque surroundings.
For a fun-filled family activity, visit the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports in Pahalgam. Engage in activities like rock climbing, rappelling, and skiing under expert guidance. It's a great way to bond with your family while enjoying the stunning natural landscapes.
Remember to check the latest hotel and flight prices on Kayak to plan your trip within your budget.