Welcome to Srinagar! On your first day, after arriving at the Srinagar International Airport, make your way to your hotel. You can find hotel and flight prices here. Spend the rest of the day getting settled and exploring the nearby area. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around Dal Lake and enjoy the beautiful sunset views.
Arrival at Srinagar International Airport
Check-in at the hotel: Cost estimate varies based on accommodation
Exploration around Dal Lake: Free, around 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Visit Café Coffee Day located near Dal Lake for a delicious morning meal. The average cost for a breakfast at this café is about 300 INR per person.
Lunch: Treat yourself to traditional Kashmiri cuisine at Mughal Darbar Restaurant, known for its flavorful dishes. The average cost for a meal at this restaurant is about 700 INR per person.
Dinner: For a fine dining experience, head to Ahdoos Restaurant and savor their mouthwatering Kashmiri Wazwan delicacies. The average cost for a dinner at this restaurant is about 1000 INR per person.
Thursday, October 5: Discovering Mughal Gardens
Start your day by visiting the enchanting Mughal Gardens. Begin with a visit to the Shalimar Bagh, a beautiful terraced garden built by Emperor Jahangir. Explore the Nishat Bagh, another splendid garden known for its stunning views of Dal Lake. In the afternoon, visit the Chashme Shahi Gardens, famous for its natural spring water. Finish your day with a relaxing Shikara ride on Dal Lake as you soak in the serene beauty of Srinagar.
Shalimar Bagh: Entrance fee of around INR 25 per person, around 1-2 hours
Nishat Bagh: Entrance fee of around INR 25 per person, around 1-2 hours
Chashme Shahi Gardens: Entrance fee of around INR 25 per person, around 1-2 hours
Shikara ride on Dal Lake: Cost varies, around 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Royal Café, a popular local eatery known for its delicious Kashmiri breakfast dishes such as Kashmiri chai and traditional breads. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
If you're looking for a quick and convenient lunch option, try Lhasa Restaurant. This Tibetan restaurant offers a variety of momos and thukpa noodles at an average cost of 200 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in a cozy dining experience at Ahdoos Restaurant. Known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine, this restaurant serves mouthwatering dishes like Gushtaba and Rogan Josh. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Friday, October 6: Explore Shankaracharya Temple and Old City
In the morning, visit the Shankaracharya Temple, situated atop the Shankaracharya Hill. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Dal Lake from this ancient Hindu temple. Afterward, head to the Old City and explore its narrow lanes filled with bustling markets, traditional shops, and historic sites like Jama Masjid and Shah Hamdan Mosque. Sample delicious local street food and shop for souvenirs. In the evening, catch a traditional Kashmiri music and dance performance.
Shankaracharya Temple: Free entry, around 1-2 hours
Old City exploration: Cost varies depending on purchases, around 3-4 hours
Traditional music and dance performance: Cost varies, around 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to the famous Ahdoos restaurant, known for its delicious Kashmiri cuisine. Enjoy their famous Kashmiri tea paired with local breads and kebabs. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, try out Mughal Darbar, a popular restaurant in Srinagar known for its authentic Mughlai delicacies. Indulge in their mouthwatering kebabs and biryanis. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
If you're looking for a delightful dinner, visit Shamyana restaurant. With its cozy ambiance and a wide range of Indian and continental dishes, it is sure to satisfy your taste buds. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Saturday, October 7: Day Trip to Gulmarg
Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, a popular hill station located about 50 kilometers from Srinagar. Known for its picturesque landscapes, Gulmarg offers opportunities for outdoor activities. Take a scenic gondola ride to Kongdoori Mountain, enjoy a leisurely walk through the beautiful meadows, and try your hand at skiing or snowboarding during winter months. Indulge in a warm cup of Kahwah, the traditional Kashmiri tea, before heading back to Srinagar in the evening.
Travel to Gulmarg: Cost varies based on transportation mode, around 2-3 hours one way
Gondola ride: Cost of around INR 600-800 per person, around 1-2 hours
Outdoor activities: Costs vary depending on chosen activities, around 3-4 hours
Return to Srinagar: Cost varies based on transportation mode, around 2-3 hours one way
Restaurants
A must-visit for breakfast is Shamyana Restaurant, located in Gulmarg. This cozy eatery serves a variety of delicious Kashmiri specialities like kehwa, rogan josh, and various kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Highland Park Restaurant in Gulmarg. With its stunning views of the snow-clad mountains, this restaurant offers a range of Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. Don't miss their lip-smacking Kashmiri dum aloo. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For a delicious dinner, try Ahdoos Restaurant in Srinagar. Known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine, Ahdoos offers a wide selection of kebabs, biryanis, and traditional desserts like phirni. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, October 8: Mesmerizing Pahalgam
On this day, embark on a day trip to Pahalgam, a scenic town located about 90 kilometers from Srinagar. Admire the breathtaking views of the Lidder River, visit the Betaab Valley, known for its lush green meadows and panoramic vistas, and explore the picturesque Aru Valley. Enjoy a leisurely picnic by the river or engage in adventurous activities such as horse riding. After a day of exploration, return to Srinagar in the evening.
Travel to Pahalgam: Cost varies based on transportation mode, around 3-4 hours one way
Betaab Valley: Entrance fee of around INR 50 per person, around 2-3 hours
Aru Valley: Entrance fee of around INR 100 per person, around 2-3 hours
Activities and picnic: Costs vary depending on chosen activities, around 3-4 hours
Return to Srinagar: Cost varies based on transportation mode, around 3-4 hours one way
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café De Linz, known for its delectable pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Ahdoos Restaurant, famous for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine including mouthwatering Rogan Josh and Yakhni. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Mughal Darbar, a renowned restaurant offering a wide range of Mughlai delicacies such as Biryani and Kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Monday, October 9: Farewell to Srinagar
On your last day, spend some time exploring the local markets of Srinagar to purchase souvenirs, handmade crafts, and traditional Kashmiri clothing. Visit Lal Chowk, the city's commercial center, and explore the bustling flea markets. Take a relaxing shikara ride on Dal Lake to bid farewell to the serene beauty of Srinagar. In the afternoon, check-out from your hotel and depart from Srinagar with beautiful memories.
Shopping in local markets: Costs vary based on purchases, around 3-4 hours
Shikara ride on Dal Lake: Cost varies, around 1-2 hours
Check-out from the hotel
Departure from Srinagar
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious Kashmiri breakfast at Ahdoos. Indulge in traditional dishes like Rogan Josh and Yakhni, the average cost for a meal is about 350 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Mughal Darbar and enjoy authentic Kashmiri cuisine like Wazwan. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
In the evening, savor a delectable dinner at Shamyana Restaurant. Try their mouthwatering Peshawari dishes, and the average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Srinagar, don't miss the opportunity to visit Nigeen Lake, a quieter and less crowded alternative to Dal Lake. Take a serene walk along its banks or enjoy a relaxing Shikara ride. Another hidden gem is the Hazratbal Shrine, located on the banks of Dal Lake. This significant religious site is home to a holy relic believed to be a strand of hair from the Prophet Muhammad.