Connecting with Nature: A 7-Day Kashmiri Itinerary in December 2023

1. Day 1: Srinagar
   25 minutes (7.5 miles) from Srinagar International Airport

   Explore the Mughal Gardens in the morning, take a scenic Shikara ride in the afternoon, and watch the sunset over Dal Lake in the evening.

2. Day 2: Pahalgam
   2 hours 45 minutes (95.5 miles) from Srinagar

   Embark on a trek to the stunning Kolhoi Glacier in the morning, visit the Betaab Valley in the afternoon, and enjoy a peaceful evening stroll along the banks of Lidder River.

3. Day 3: Gulmarg
   2 hours 15 minutes (37 miles) from Pahalgam

   Hit the slopes for some skiing or snowboarding in the morning, take a scenic gondola ride in the afternoon, and enjoy a hot cup of Kahwah while watching the snowfall in the evening.

4. Day 4: Yusmarg
   2 hours 20 minutes (47.5 miles) from Gulmarg

   Explore the meadows and pine forests of Yusmarg on horseback in the morning, enjoy a picnic lunch with a view of the Doodh Ganga river in the afternoon, and visit the Charar-e-Sharif shrine in the evening.

5. Day 5: Sonamarg
   2 hours 20 minutes (50 miles) from Yusmarg

   Take a hike to the Thajiwas Glacier in the morning, enjoy a pony ride to the stunning Vishansar Lake in the afternoon, and camp under the stars in the evening.

6. Day 6: Dachigam National Park
   2 hours 30 minutes (52 miles) from Sonamarg

   Embark on a wildlife safari in the morning, take a leisurely nature walk in the afternoon, and visit the historic Harwan Garden in the evening.

7. Day 7: Wular Lake
   2 hours 20 minutes (40 miles) from Dachigam National Park

   Explore the largest fresh water lake in India on a Shikara in the morning, visit the ruins of the ancient city of Sharda in the afternoon, and enjoy a traditional Kashmiri meal while watching the sunset over the lake in the evening.

Recommendations

Consider taking a side trip to the stunning Lolab Valley, exploring the Chinar forests of Aharbal or visiting the historic town of Kokernag. Don't forget to try some traditional Kashmiri dishes like Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo and Tabak Maaz.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mughal Gardens (2 hours, ₹200)
• Shikara Ride (2 hours, ₹500)
• Kolhoi Glacier Trek (5 hours, ₹1500)
• Betaab Valley (2 hours, ₹50)
• Gondola Ride (2 hours, ₹700)
• Horseback Riding in Yusmarg (3 hours, ₹1000)
• Thajiwas Glacier Hike (6 hours, ₹2000)
• Vishansar Lake Pony Ride (4 hours, ₹1200)
• Dachigam National Park Safari (4 hours, ₹1000)
• Wular Lake Shikara Ride (2 hours, ₹500)
• Traditional Kashmiri Meal (1.5 hours, ₹500)
• Total Estimated Costs: ₹8,700