5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Jammu and Kashmir in May 2023

1. Day 1: Srinagar
   30 minutes (9.6 kilometers) from Srinagar International Airport

   For the morning, take a Shikara ride on the Dal Lake and explore the floating markets. In the afternoon, visit the Mughal Gardens, including Nishat and Shalimar Bagh. For the evening, try some local street food at the Hazratbal Market.

2. Day 2: Gulmarg
   2 hours and 30 minutes (52.6 kilometers) from Srinagar

   For the morning, take the Cable Car/Gondola ride to the top of the Apharwat peak for a panoramic view of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, try skiing or snowboarding at the Gulmarg Ski Resort if it's open. For the evening, enjoy a bonfire and stargazing at your hotel.

3. Day 3: Pahalgam
   3 hours and 30 minutes (94.2 kilometers) from Gulmarg

   For the morning, visit the Betaab Valley and take a horse ride to the Kashmir Valley. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk around the Lidder River and explore Aru Valley. For the evening, try the local cuisine at any of the restaurants in the main market.

4. Day 4: Sonamarg
   3 hours and 30 minutes (81.5 kilometers) from Pahalgam

   For the morning, visit the Thajiwas Glacier and enjoy snow activities. In the afternoon, take a pony ride to the old Silk Road and explore the Zojila Pass. For the evening, try the delicious local trout at any of the restaurants nearby.

5. Day 5: Leh
   4 hours and 30 minutes (424 kilometers) from Sonamarg

   For the morning, visit the Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace for a panoramic view of the city. In the afternoon, visit the Magnetic Hill and the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers. For the evening, explore the local markets and try some traditional Ladakhi food.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Hemis National Park for a chance to spot snow leopards, if you have more time. You can also take a side trip to the Nubra Valley or the Tso Moriri Lake. Try to travel by shared taxis or buses to save money. Don't forget to bargain while shopping at local markets.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Shikara ride on Dal Lake (2 hours, INR 500)
• Cable Car/Gondola ride in Gulmarg (2 hours, INR 800)
• Betaab Valley entry fee (1 hour, INR 100)
• Horse ride in Pahalgam (2 hours, INR 800)
• Thajiwas Glacier entry fee (1 hour, INR 200)
• Shanti Stupa entry fee (1 hour, INR 200)
• Leh Palace entry fee (1 hour, INR 250)
• Taxi from Srinagar to Gulmarg (INR 1,500)
• Taxi from Gulmarg to Pahalgam (INR 2,500)
• Taxi from Pahalgam to Sonamarg (INR 3,000)
• Taxi from Sonamarg to Leh (INR 5,000)
• Estimated Total Costs: INR 18,050