Shalimar Bagh is a beautiful Mughal garden built in the 16th century, featuring terraced lawns, fountains, and colorful flowerbeds. This picturesque garden is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Then, visit The Old City, which is a maze of narrow alleys lined with shops selling everything from copperware to spices. Take a Shikara ride on Dal Lake and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Visit Gulmarg Gondola, the highest cable car in the world, and enjoy scenic views of the snow-clad mountains. Next, take a stroll in the lush Gulmarg Golf Course, which is the highest green golf course in the world. End your day with a thrilling snow adventure at Apharwat Peak.
Begin your day with a visit to the Betaab Valley, where you'll find a nice stream flowing through the valley, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Then, head to Chandanwari and enjoy a horse ride through the scenic meadows. End your day with a visit to the serene Aru Valley and bask in the tranquility of the place.
Visit the Thajiwas Glacier, which is a beautiful snow-filled haven, ideal for trekking enthusiasts. Next, visit Zojila Pass, which is a high mountain pass and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. End your day with a visit to Nilagrad River, where you can soak in the water and relax in the serene environment.
Visit the Leh Palace and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Ladakh. Explore the Shanti Stupa, which is a white domed structure, set atop a hill and offers a panoramic view of Leh. Then, visit Magnetic Hill, which is a gravity-defying hill and a unique phenomenon. End your day with a visit to the serene Pangong Tso Lake, which is a beautiful lake known for its stunning blue waters and picturesque landscape.
Travelers can easily hire a private cab from Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar to explore different destinations in Jammu and Kashmir. Another option is to rent a self-drive car, but driving conditions can be challenging in some areas. It is also possible to take local buses between the major cities, but they may not be very frequent, and timings may not be very reliable. The prices for hiring private cabs vary based on the type of car, distance traveled, and number of days. Expect to pay around ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 per day for a small sedan with a driver.
If you have more time, you can consider exploring other places like Kargil or Zanskar Valley. For those who have less time, consider cutting your visit to Leh or Gulmarg. Shalimar Bagh can be very crowded in peak season, so it's best to visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds. It's always a good idea to carry sufficient cash with you, as not all places may accept credit cards. And finally, make sure to carry warm clothes, as the temperature can drop significantly, especially in the higher altitude places.
Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR) is the main international airport in Jammu and Kashmir, located around 10 kilometers from Srinagar city center. It offers regular flights to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. The airport is well-connected to the city via private cabs, buses, and shared taxis.