Discovering Srinagar in 3 Days

Day 1: Exploring Srinagar City

Srinagar, India

8:00AM

Visit Shankaracharya Temple

Start your day with a visit to the sacred Shankaracharya Temple, perched on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the city and Dal Lake.
The temple is located about 6 km from the city center. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus, which takes around 30 minutes.
Free, 1-2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Mughal Gardens

Next, wander through the beautiful Mughal Gardens like Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, known for their stunning terraced lawns, fountains, and flowerbeds.
The gardens are located around 9 km from the temple. Hire a taxi to reach there in approximately 40 minutes.
Entrance fee applicable, 2-3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Kashmiri meal at a local restaurant to taste authentic flavors of the region.
Ask locals or your guide for recommendations on nearby eateries.
$10-$20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shop at Lal Chowk Market

Spend the afternoon shopping for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts, spices, and clothing at the bustling Lal Chowk Market.
The market is in the heart of the city and can be reached by walking or a short taxi ride.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Houseboat on Dal Lake

End your day with a delightful dinner experience on a houseboat floating on the serene Dal Lake, surrounded by the majestic Himalayas.
Take a shikara (wooden boat) ride from the nearest ghat to reach your houseboat. Make sure to arrange this in advance.
$30-$50, 2-3 hours
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Day 2: Dal Lake and Mughal Gardens

Srinagar, India

9:00AM

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Start your day with a serene shikara ride on Dal Lake, gliding past floating gardens, houseboats, and locals going about their daily lives.
Your hotel or houseboat will help arrange a shikara ride for you. The ride usually lasts around 2 hours.
$20-$30, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Hazratbal Shrine

Pay a visit to the Hazratbal Shrine, a revered Muslim shrine located on the northern shores of Dal Lake.
The shrine is a short drive from Dal Lake. You can hire a taxi to reach there in approximately 20 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at a Lakeside Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious meal at a restaurant overlooking Dal Lake, soaking in the picturesque views around you.
Choose a restaurant along the lakefront for a memorable dining experience.
$15-$25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Nishat Bagh

Spend the afternoon exploring the terraced Mughal garden of Nishat Bagh, known for its breathtaking beauty and tranquility.
Nishat Bagh is a short drive from Dal Lake. Hire a taxi to reach there in around 15 minutes.
Entrance fee applicable, 1-2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Shalimar Bagh

Conclude your day with a visit to the historic Shalimar Bagh, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and Mughal architecture of the garden.
Shalimar Bagh is located near Nishat Bagh. You can walk or take a short taxi ride to reach there.
Entrance fee applicable, 1-2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at a Local Cafe

Have dinner at a cozy local cafe in Srinagar, savoring some more Kashmiri delicacies before calling it a day.
Explore the nearby cafes or ask for recommendations from locals for an authentic dining experience.
$10-$20, 1-2 hours
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Day 3: Day Trip to Pahalgam

Pahalgam, India

8:00AM

Drive to Pahalgam

Embark on a scenic drive to Pahalgam, a picturesque town known for its lush meadows, pristine rivers, and adventure activities.
Pahalgam is around 90 km from Srinagar and takes approximately 2-3 hours by road. You can hire a private car or join a guided tour.
Transportation cost, 2-3 hours

11:00AM

Explore Betaab Valley

Visit the stunning Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood movie 'Betaab' filmed here, and enjoy the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains.
Betaab Valley is a short drive from Pahalgam town. You can hire a local taxi to reach there.
Entrance fee applicable, 2-3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Savor a delicious meal at a local restaurant in Pahalgam, offering traditional Kashmiri cuisine amidst the natural beauty.
Choose a restaurant in the town center for convenience and authentic flavors.
$15-$25, 1 hour

3:00PM

River Rafting on Lidder River

Indulge in the thrill of river rafting on the gushing waters of Lidder River, a popular adventure activity in Pahalgam.
You can book a river rafting session at one of the local operators along the riverbank.
$30-$50, 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Return to Srinagar

Head back to Srinagar in the evening, enjoying the scenic landscapes on the way and reminiscing about your day in Pahalgam.
Drive back to Srinagar by the same route you took earlier. It takes around 2-3 hours to reach back.
Transportation cost, 2-3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at your Accommodation

Relax and unwind with dinner at your hotel or houseboat in Srinagar, reflecting on the day's adventures in Pahalgam.
Enjoy a peaceful evening at your accommodation and savor a meal prepared by the in-house kitchen.
Included in accommodation cost, 1-2 hours
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