The Amarnath Cave is the holiest shrine of Lord Shiva and a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus. The journey to the cave includes a challenging trek through beautiful and rugged mountainous terrain. In the morning, start your journey from Srinagar to the cave. The trek to the cave is a 6 km arduous uphill climb, which can take around 4-5 hours. En-route, enjoy the picturesque views of the mountains and the Lidder river. After reaching the cave, pay homage to the ice stalagmite Lingam, which is formed naturally within the cave. Spend some time absorbing the peaceful aura of the place. Descend back to the base camp and return to Srinagar in the late evening.
Pahalgam is a beautiful hill station situated on the banks of Lidder river. It is popularly known as "Valley of Shepherds". In the morning, leave for Pahalgam from Srinagar. Upon arrival, visit the Betaab Valley, named after the famous Bollywood movie "Betaab," filmed there. The valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and a gushing river. Next, head to Aru Valley, a picturesque meadow nestled amidst the mountains. You can enjoy pony rides and trekking around the valley. In the evening, explore the local market and enjoy some authentic Kashmiri cuisine.
Don't forget to visit the Shankaracharya Temple, situated at an altitude of 1100 ft on the Takht-e-Suleiman hill, and enjoy the panoramic view of Srinagar city. You can also enjoy a Shikara ride in Dal Lake or visit the Mughal Gardens in Srinagar. If you have extra time, you can consider visiting the Sonamarg or Gulmarg hill stations.