Relaxing 6-Day Itinerary in Srinagar (May 2024)

1. Day 1: Pari Mahal
   30 minutes (7.8 km) from Srinagar International Airport

   In the morning, visit the Pari Mahal, a beautiful seven terraced garden built by Prince Dara Shikoh in the mid-1600s. Enjoy the stunning views of the Dal Lake and take a leisurely stroll through the gardens. In the afternoon, visit the Hazratbal Shrine, one of the holiest shrines for Muslims in Kashmir. Finish the day with a relaxing shikara ride on the Dal Lake during sunset.

2. Day 2: Mughal Gardens
   20 minutes (6.2 km) from Dal Lake

   Begin your day at the Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden, a beautiful terraced garden with water features and wide lawns. Continue to Nishat Bagh, another beautiful Mughal garden with stunning views of the Zabarwan Mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Chashme Shahi Garden, known for its natural spring and medicinal properties.

3. Day 3: Shankaracharya Temple
   30 minutes (10.7 km) from Nishat Bagh

   Start the day early and drive to the Shankaracharya Temple, located on a hilltop with panoramic views of the valley. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is believed to have been built in the 9th century and is a popular pilgrimage site. Afterward, visit the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Srinagar, and explore the nearby marketplaces for some souvenir shopping. Finish the day with a relaxing visit to Parihaspora Pattan, an ancient Buddhist and Hindu archaeological site.

4. Day 4: Dachigam National Park
   1 hour 20 minutes (23.9 km) from Jama Masjid

   Spend the day exploring the beautiful Dachigam National Park, home to several endangered species such as the Kashmir stag and the Himalayan black bear. Take a guided trek through the hills and valleys, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. In the evening, visit the Hari Parbat Fort, an ancient fort with stunning views of the city.

5. Day 5: Wular Lake
   1 hour 40 minutes (63.8 km) from Dachigam National Park

   Start the day early and drive to the Wular Lake, the largest freshwater lake in India. Enjoy a relaxed boat ride on the lake and visit the nearby Manasbal Lake, known for its lotus blooms. In the afternoon, visit the Kheer Bhawani Temple, a sacred Hindu site dedicated to the goddess Ragnya Devi.

6. Day 6: Sonamarg
   2 hours 30 minutes (80.3 km) from Kheer Bhawani Temple

   For your final day, take a day trip to Sonamarg, a picturesque town known for its alpine scenery and trekking trails. Visit the Thajiwas Glacier and enjoy a picnic lunch by the river. In the evening, drive back to Srinagar for a farewell dinner at one of the city's popular restaurants.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Martand Sun Temple, an ancient Hindu temple ruins located in Anantnag. Another great side trip is visiting the Gulmarg Ski Resort, which offers skiing and snowboarding during the winter season. Try some of the local cuisine such as Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, and Yakhni.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Pari Mahal (2 hours, free)
• Hazratbal Shrine (1 hour, free)
• Shikara Ride (1 hour, 500 INR)
• Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden (2 hours, 50 INR)
• Nishat Bagh (1.5 hours, 20 INR)
• Chashme Shahi Garden (1 hour, 10 INR)
• Shankaracharya Temple (2 hours, free)
• Jama Masjid (1 hour, free)
• Parihaspora Pattan (1 hour, free)
• Dachigam National Park (6 hours, 200 INR)
• Hari Parbat Fort (1 hour, free)
• Wular Lake (4 hours, 500 INR)
• Kheer Bhawani Temple (1 hour, free)
• Sonamarg (10 hours, 2000 INR)
• Restaurant dinners (6 hours, 6000 INR)
• Total Estimated Costs: 9270 INR