Jammu & Kashmir 7-day Itinerary in June 2023

1. Day 1: Srinagar
   30 minutes (12.6 km) from Srinagar International Airport

   Visit the beautiful Dal Lake in the morning and take a shikara ride. In the afternoon, explore the Mughal gardens of Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kashmiri cuisine at Mughal Darbar.

2. Day 2: Pahalgam
   2 hours 30 minutes (93.3 km) from Srinagar

   In the morning, visit the ancient Awantipora ruins en route to Pahalgam. In the afternoon, explore the scenic Betaab Valley and take a horse ride to Baisaran. In the evening, relax at your hotel overlooking the Lidder River.

3. Day 3: Gulmarg
   4 hours (134 km) from Pahalgam

   In the morning, take the Gondola cable car to the top of the world's highest ski lift and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque Strawberry Valley. In the evening, relax at your hotel and enjoy a hot cup of Kahwa (Kashmiri tea).

4. Day 4: Kargil
   5 hours 30 minutes (204 km) from Gulmarg

   In the morning, visit the Kargil War Memorial and pay tribute to the brave soldiers who fought for the nation. In the afternoon, visit the historic Suru Valley and explore the beautiful landscapes. In the evening, enjoy a cup of butter tea and local delicacies.

5. Day 5: Leh
   6 hours 30 minutes (218 km) from Kargil

   In the morning, visit the Magnetic Hill and the confluence of Zanskar and Indus Rivers. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful monasteries of Shey, Thiksey and Hemis. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ladakhi dinner.

6. Day 6: Nubra Valley
   5 hours (120 km) from Leh

   In the morning, cross the Khardung La Pass (world's highest motorable pass) and visit the Hunder sand dunes to ride a double-humped Bactrian camel. In the afternoon, visit the Diskit Monastery and the 100-feet tall statue of Maitreya Buddha. In the evening, enjoy a bonfire at your campsite.

7. Day 7: Ladakh
   7 hours (225 km) from Nubra Valley

   In the morning, visit the beautiful Pangong Tso Lake and the serene Tso Moriri Lake. In the afternoon, visit the Tso Kar Lake and the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. In the evening, enjoy a hot bowl of Thukpa (Ladakhi noodle soup) and momos.

Recommendations

Do not miss the opportunity to try the local street food, such as Gol Gappe, Kulcha, and Kebabs. If you have extra time, take a trek to the Amarnath Cave or the Markha Valley. Lastly, hire a local guide to learn more about the culture and history of Jammu & Kashmir.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Dal Lake (1-2 hours, ₹100-₹500)
• Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh (2-3 hours, ₹50-₹200)
• Betaab Valley (2-3 hours, ₹50-₹200)
• Gondola Cable Car (2-3 hours, ₹700-₹1500)
• Kargil War Memorial (1-2 hours, Free)
• Shey, Thiksey and Hemis Monasteries (2-3 hours, ₹50-₹200)
• Hunder Sand Dunes (2-3 hours, ₹500-₹1000)
• Pangong Tso Lake (3-4 hours, ₹1000-₹3000)
• Tso Moriri Lake (3-4 hours, ₹500-₹1500)

Total Estimated Costs: ₹3500-₹10,000 (excluding accommodations)