5-Day Itinerary for Kashmir in July 2023

1. Day 1: Shankaracharya Hill
   30 minutes (7.3 miles) from Srinagar Airport

   In the morning, head to Shankaracharya Hill, which offers a panoramic view of Srinagar. Afternoon, visit Pari Mahal, a seven-terraced garden built by Prince Dara Shikoh. Evening, take a stroll along Dal Lake and enjoy a shikara ride.

2. Day 2: Sonamarg
   2 hours (51.9 miles) from Srinagar

   Start your day early and head to Sonamarg. Enjoy outdoor activities such as trekking, horse riding, and fishing. Afternoon, visit Thajiwas Glacier and take a pony ride. Evening, visit Satsar, a group of seven alpine lakes.

3. Day 3: Gulmarg
   2 hours 30 minutes (40 miles) from Srinagar

   Head to Gulmarg, also known as the "Meadow of Flowers." Morning, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other snow-based activities. Afternoon, visit the Alpather Lake and Khilanmarg. Evening, take the Gondola ride and enjoy the breathtaking views.

4. Day 4: Pahalgam
   2 hours 45 minutes (92.6 miles) from Srinagar

   Head to Pahalgam, a popular hill station. Morning, visit Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood movie "Betaab." Afternoon, visit Aru Valley and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and horse riding. Evening, visit Baisaran and take a pony ride.

5. Day 5: Srinagar
   1 hour (11.5 miles) from Dal Lake

   Spend your last day in Srinagar. Morning, visit the Mughal Gardens such as Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. Afternoon, visit the Hazratbal Shrine and Jama Masjid. Evening, do some shopping at the floating markets and enjoy local cuisine.

Recommendations

You can also visit the Martand Sun Temple, Achabal Gardens, and Verinag Spring. Side trips to Kargil, Leh, and Ladakh can be arranged. To maximize your fun, try local cuisine such as Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, and Tabak Maaz. Don't forget to try the local Kahwa tea.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Shankaracharya Hill (2 hours, free entry)
• Pari Mahal (1 hour, Rs. 10)
• Dal Lake and Shikara ride (2 hours, Rs. 500)
• Sonamarg (8 hours, Rs. 3,000)
• Thajiwas Glacier (2 hours, Rs. 1,500)
• Satsar (3 hours, Rs. 2,000)
• Gulmarg (8 hours, Rs. 5,000)
• Alpather Lake and Khilanmarg (2 hours, Rs. 3,000)
• Pahalgam (8 hours, Rs. 4,000)
• Betaab Valley (2 hours, Rs. 1,500)
• Aru Valley (3 hours, Rs. 2,000)
• Baisaran (2 hours, Rs. 1,500)
• Mughal Gardens (4 hours, Rs. 500)
• Hazratbal Shrine (1 hour, free entry)
• Jama Masjid (1 hour, free entry)
• Shopping and food (2 hours, Rs. 1,500)
• Total Estimated Costs: Rs. 27,510