7-Day Itinerary: Exploring Kashmir

Tuesday, November 14: Arrival in Srinagar

Welcome to Kashmir! Start your adventure by arriving at Srinagar International Airport. In the morning, enjoy a relaxing Shikara boat ride on the picturesque Dal Lake, surrounded by stunning views of the Himalayas. Afternoon can be spent exploring the Mughal Gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, known for their beautiful terraced lawns and vibrant flowerbeds. As the evening approaches, take a stroll along the charming Boulevard Road, lined with shops and local eateries.

  • Dal Lake Shikara Ride: Cost varies, approximately 2 hours
  • Mughal Gardens: Entrance fee - INR 100 per person, approximately 2-3 hours
  • Boulevard Road: Free, time spent depends on personal preference
Restaurants
  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café De Jardin, a cozy cafe overlooking the Dal Lake. Enjoy their variety of fresh-baked pastries and hot beverages. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
  • For a satisfying lunch, head to Ahdoos Restaurant, known for its traditional Kashmiri cuisine. Try their flavorful Rogan Josh and Tabaq Maaz. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
  • For dinner, indulge in the authentic Kashmiri Wazwan at Shamyana Restaurant. Experience the rich flavors of dishes like Rista and Gushtaba. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Wednesday, November 15: Gulmarg

Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, a mesmerizing hill station renowned for its scenic beauty. Start your morning with a gondola ride (cable car) to Kongdori and enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks. Afternoon can be spent exploring the picturesque meadows and trying out adventure activities like horse riding or skiing. In the evening, take a leisurely walk around Gulmarg Market and immerse yourself in the local culture.

  • Gondola Ride: Cost varies based on the phase, approximately 2-3 hours
  • Exploring Meadows: Free, time spent depends on personal preference
  • Gulmarg Market: Free, time spent depends on personal preference
Thursday, November 16: Pahalgam

Head to Pahalgam, known as the "Valley of Shepherds," for a day filled with natural beauty. In the morning, visit the stunning Betaab Valley, named after a Bollywood movie, and enjoy the serene surroundings. Afternoon can be spent exploring the picturesque Aru Valley, surrounded by lush meadows and snow-capped mountains. As the day comes to an end, take a leisurely walk along the Lidder River and savor the tranquility.

  • Betaab Valley: Entrance fee - INR 20 per person, approximately 2-3 hours
  • Aru Valley: Entrance fee - INR 50 per person, approximately 2-3 hours
  • Lidder River Walk: Free, time spent depends on personal preference
Friday, November 17: Sonamarg

Embark on a thrilling day trip to Sonamarg, also known as the "Meadow of Gold." Begin your morning by exploring the Thajiwas Glacier and indulging in various snow activities like sledging and skiing. Afternoon can be spent trekking to the serene Krishnasar Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. As the day unfolds, take a leisurely walk through the charming town and admire the breathtaking landscapes.

  • Thajiwas Glacier: Cost varies for activities, approximately 3-4 hours
  • Krishnasar Lake Trek: Free, time spent depends on personal preference
  • Exploring Sonamarg town: Free, time spent depends on personal preference
Saturday, November 18: Srinagar - Local Exploration

Spend the day exploring the hidden gems of Srinagar. Start your morning by visiting the enchanting Hazratbal Shrine, a sacred Muslim shrine nestled on the banks of Dal Lake. Afternoon can be spent exploring the fascinating Shankaracharya Temple, offering panoramic views of the city. In the evening, explore the colorful local markets, such as Lal Chowk and Residency Road, to experience the vibrant culture and shop for souvenirs.

  • Hazratbal Shrine: Free, approximately 1-2 hours
  • Shankaracharya Temple: Entrance fee - INR 25 per person, approximately 2 hours
  • Local Markets: Cost varies based on shopping, time spent depends on personal preference
Sunday, November 19: Srinagar - Adventure Day

Get your adrenaline pumping with thrilling adventure activities around Srinagar. In the morning, enjoy a thrilling paragliding experience in Harwan, taking in the aerial views of the city and surrounding landscapes. Afternoon can be spent river rafting in the Lidder River, experiencing the rush of the rapids. As the evening approaches, go for a rejuvenating hike to Dachigam National Park, known for its diverse wildlife and stunning trails.

  • Paragliding: Cost varies, approximately 1 hour
  • River Rafting: Cost varies, approximately 3-4 hours
  • Hiking in Dachigam National Park: Entrance fee - INR 150 per person, approximately 2-3 hours
Monday, November 20: Departure

It's time to bid farewell to the beautiful land of Kashmir. Take some time in the morning to revisit your favorite spots or explore any missed attractions. Depart from Srinagar International Airport with unforgettable memories of your Kashmir journey.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path experiences, visit the enchanting Wular Lake, the largest freshwater lake in India, located near Sopore. Explore the ancient ruins of Martand Sun Temple in Anantnag, showcasing stunning architecture and historical significance. Don't miss the opportunity to try the local Kashmiri cuisine, such as Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao, at authentic local restaurants like Ahdoos and Shamyana.

Click here to check hotel and flight prices for your Kashmir trip.

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