Discover Jammu and Kashmir: A City Experience Itinerary in 5 Days

  • Day 1: Explore Srinagar
    20 minutes (9.6km) from Sheikh Ul Alam International Airport

    Dal Lake: Take a shikara ride and witness the majestic beauty of the Dal Lake, one of the most iconic landmarks of Srinagar.
    Nishat Bagh: A beautifully crafted Mughal garden located on the eastern side of the Dal Lake. It is known for its unique floral patterns and breathtaking views of the lake.
    Shankaracharya Hill: Also known as Takht-e-Suleiman, visit the ancient temple located atop the hill and admire the panoramic views of the city below.

  • Day 2: Discover Pahalgam
    2 hours 30 minutes (88km) from Srinagar

    Betaab Valley: A picturesque spot surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush greenery. It is named after the Bollywood movie, Betaab which was shot here.
    Aru Valley: A scenic valley located at a height of 2408m, known for its gushing streams and stunning landscapes. It is also famous for trekking and camping activities.

  • Day 3: Immerse in Gulmarg
    1 hour 50 minutes (50km) from Srinagar

    Gulmarg Gondola: Ride the world's highest cable car and enjoy the breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and lush green meadows.
    Gulmarg Golf Course: The highest golf course in the world, it is located amidst a picturesque landscape and provides a unique golfing experience.

  • Day 4: Roam around Leh
    1 hour 20 minutes (470km) from Srinagar

    Leh Palace: An ancient palace built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century, it offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region.
    Shanti Stupa: A white-domed Buddhist stupa located atop a hill, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

  • Day 5: Visit Kargil
    6 hours 30 minutes (204km) from Leh

    Kargil War Memorial: A solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by the soldiers during the Kargil War, the memorial is located in Dras and offers a glimpse into the history of the region.
    Suru Valley: A beautiful valley located on the banks of the Suru River, it offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks and lush green meadows.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Dal Lake (2 hours, free)
  • Nishat Bagh (1 hour, INR 20)
  • Shankaracharya Hill (2 hours, INR 50)
  • Betaab Valley (3 hours, INR 150)
  • Aru Valley (4 hours, INR 200)
  • Gulmarg Gondola (2 hours, INR 600)
  • Gulmarg Golf Course (3 hours, INR 400)
  • Leh Palace (1 hour, INR 20)
  • Shanti Stupa (1 hour, free)
  • Kargil War Memorial (2 hours, free)
  • Suru Valley (3 hours, INR 300)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 1740

Transportation

During this trip, visitors can hire a private car or taxi to reach each location comfortably. Depending on the season, travelers might encounter some traffic restrictions to or from the Ladakh region. Hiring a cab costs approximately INR 3000 per day, and prices may vary based on location and time of hiring.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, we suggest visiting more Mughal-era gardens in Srinagar like the Shalimar Bagh and Chashme-Shahi Gardens. Additionally, you can explore the famous Drass town or Sonmarg in Kashmir Valley. If you have less time, you can choose to skip Kargil and extend your stay in Srinagar.

Airports

Sheikh Ul Alam International Airport (SXR) is the primary airport in the region, located 14km north of the city center, and serves various domestic and international airlines.

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