Start your morning with a spiritual journey to Vaishno Devi, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India. The trek to the temple is around 14 km, so it is recommended to start early in the morning. You can take a pony, palki or helicopter service to cover the distance. After darshan, return back to Katra by evening and explore the local markets for some souvenirs.
Drive to Pahalgam, a picturesque valley located on the banks of Lidder River. The valley is famous for its scenic beauty, adventure activities, and Bollywood movie shootings. You can start your day by visiting the Betaab valley and Aru valley. Then, take a pony ride to Chandanwari and explore the glaciers. End your day with a visit to the local market and try some Kashmiri cuisine.
Start your day by exploring Sonmarg, also known as the "Meadow of Gold". The place offers a stunning view of the Himalayan peaks and is famous for its Thajiwas Glacier. Afternoon, drive to Dal Lake, the iconic attraction of Srinagar. Take a shikara ride and explore the floating market, gardens and the beautiful Mughal-era architecture surrounding the lake. End your day with a stay in a houseboat on the lake.
Take a flight from Srinagar to Amritsar to visit the Golden Temple, the holiest gurudwara for Sikhs. The temple is made of gold and is surrounded by a holy pool (Sarovar). Take a dip in the pool and enjoy the langar (free food) service offered by the temple. Explore the local markets and try some delicious Amritsari kulcha. In the evening, visit the Wagah Border ceremony and witness the flag-lowering ceremony.
Drive to Gulmarg, a popular skiing destination in India. Take a gondola ride to Kongdoori Mountain and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Himalayas. You can also try skiing, snowboarding or sledging. Afternoon, visit the Maharaja's palace and the golf course. End your day with a visit to the local market and try some traditional Kashmiri handicrafts.
End your trip with a visit to the Tulip garden in Srinagar, the largest tulip garden in Asia. The garden is open only during the tulip season, which is from late March to early May. If you are visiting in June, you can explore the Mughal Gardens and the Shankaracharya temple. Afternoon, depart from Srinagar airport and fly back home.
If you have extra time, consider taking a day trip to Sonamarg and indulging in adventure activities like river rafting, trekking, and camping. You can also take a day trip to Doodhpathri, a lesser-known but equally beautiful valley near Srinagar. To maximize your fun, try some Kashmiri cuisine like Rogan Josh, Wazwan and Kahwa tea. Also, make sure to carry comfortable shoes, warm clothes, and sunscreen lotion.