30 minutes (12.5 km) from Srinagar International Airport
Take a Shikara ride on Dal Lake in the morning, visit the Mughal Gardens in the afternoon and watch a traditional Kashmiri play in the evening.
Day 2: Gulmarg
2 hours 26 minutes (56.9 km) from Srinagar
Hit the ski slopes in the morning followed by a gondola ride to the summit. In the afternoon, visit the Baba Reshi Shrine and finish the day with a traditional Wazwan feast.
Day 3: Pahalgam
3 hours 7 minutes (93.4 km) from Gulmarg
Enjoy a horse ride to the Betaab Valley in the morning. Visit the Aru Valley in the afternoon and go rafting on the Lidder River in the evening.
Day 4: Sonamarg
2 hours 44 minutes (82.7 km) from Pahalgam
Explore the Thajiwas Glacier in the morning, visit the Zojila Pass in the afternoon, and end the day with a bonfire and barbecue dinner.
Day 5: Leh
8 hours 22 minutes (424.4 km) from Sonamarg
Visit the Hemis Monastery in the morning and the Leh Palace in the afternoon. Enjoy a traditional Ladakhi dinner in the evening.
Day 6: Nubra Valley
4 hours 31 minutes (120.9 km) from Leh
Visit the Diskit Monastery and the Maitreya Buddha statue in the morning. Enjoy a camel ride in the Hunder Sand Dunes in the afternoon and relax in a hot spring in the evening.
Day 7: Srinagar
10 hours 44 minutes (401.6 km) from Nubra Valley
Visit the Shankaracharya Hill Temple in the morning and the Hazratbal Shrine in the afternoon. End the trip with a visit to the floating vegetable market in Dal Lake and a shopping spree in the evening.
Recommendations
Other must-visit attractions in Jammu and Kashmir include the Martand Sun Temple, the Kheer Bhawani Temple, and the Jama Masjid. If you have time, take a side trip to Ladakh to explore the stunning landscapes and unique culture. To maximize your fun, hire a local guide who can take you to off-the-beaten-path destinations and recommend authentic local experiences. Don't forget to try the local delicacies like Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, and Kahwah Tea.
Time and Costs Estimates
Dal Lake Shikara Ride (2 hours, £10)
Mughal Gardens Entrance Fee (2 hours, £5)
Kashmiri Play (2 hours, £15)
Gulmarg Ski Lift Pass (4 hours, £30)
Baba Reshi Shrine Entrance Fee (1 hour, £3)
Wazwan Feast (2 hours, £20)
Betaab Valley Horse Ride (3 hours, £10)
Aru Valley Entrance Fee (2 hours, £5)
Lidder River Rafting (2 hours, £25)
Thajiwas Glacier Entrance Fee (2 hours, £5)
Bonfire and Barbecue Dinner (2 hours, £20)
Hemis Monastery Entrance Fee (2 hours, £5)
Leh Palace Entrance Fee (2 hours, £5)
Ladakhi Dinner (2 hours, £15)
Diskit Monastery Entrance Fee (2 hours, £5)
Maitreya Buddha Statue Entrance Fee (1 hour, £3)
Camel Ride in Hunder Sand Dunes (2 hours, £10)
Hot Spring Entrance Fee (1 hour, £5)
Shankaracharya Hill Temple Entrance Fee (1 hour, £3)