5-Day Scenic Road Trip Itinerary in Srinagar, India

Day 1: Explore Srinagar

Srinagar, India

8:00AM

Dal Lake Shikara Ride

Begin your day with a serene Shikara ride on the iconic Dal Lake, surrounded by the stunning Himalayan backdrop.
Hire a Shikara from the Dal Lake promenade.
INR 500, 2 hours

10:30AM

Breakfast at Ahdoos Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Kashmiri breakfast featuring Kaladi (Kashmiri cheese) and Tspung with chai at Ahdoos, a local favorite.
10-minute drive from Dal Lake.
INR 600, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit Mughal Gardens

Stroll through the beautiful Mughal gardens of Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, famous for their terraced lawns and vibrant flowerbeds.
15-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 20, 2 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Shamyana Restaurant

Savor a delicious lunch of Rogan Josh, a traditional lamb curry, at Shamyana, offering stunning views of the gardens.
5-minute drive from the gardens.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore the Local Markets

Wander through the bustling Lal Chowk markets, where you can shop for pashmina shawls and vibrant handicrafts.
30-minute drive from lunch.
Varies, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Chashme Shahi

Relax with a beautiful view while enjoying a dinner of grilled trout, a local delicacy, at The Chashme Shahi garden restaurant.
20-minute drive from the market.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Adventure in Gulmarg

Gulmarg, India

7:00AM

Drive to Gulmarg

Start your day early and take a scenic 2-hour drive to Gulmarg known for its stunning landscapes and skiing opportunities.
Take NH 501 from Srinagar.
N/A, 2 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Hilltop

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Hotel Hilltop before starting your adventures in Gulmarg.
5-minute walk from the gondola station.
INR 700, 1 hour

10:00AM

Gulmarg Gondola Ride

Experience breathtaking views as you take the Gulmarg Gondola ride up the mountains to Khilanmarg.
Located nearby.
INR 1,200, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Green Patio

Refuel with a delightful lunch at The Green Patio, with options like wood-fired pizzas and sandwiches.
Near the gondola station.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Nature Walk in Gulmarg

Explore the scenic trails of Gulmarg with a guided nature walk to soak in the natural beauty.
Start from the restaurant.
INR 1,000, 3 hours

5:30PM

Drive Back to Srinagar

Head back to Srinagar with more beautiful memories from your day in Gulmarg.
Return via the same route.
N/A, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Shankar Achar

Savor a delightful Kashmiri meal at Shankar Achar, renowned for its wazwan delicacies.
10-minute drive from hotel.
INR 850, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Relaxing in Pahalgam

Pahalgam, India

7:00AM

Drive to Pahalgam

Enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Pahalgam, a quaint town along the Lidder River.
Take NH 44 towards Pahalgam.
N/A, 2.5 hours

9:30AM

Breakfast at The Pahalgam Hotel

Indulge in a breakfast of omelettes and local breads at The Pahalgam Hotel with a charming view of the river.
Central Pahalgam, easy access.
INR 600, 1 hour

11:00AM

Lidder River Rafting

Get your adrenaline pumping with a thrilling rafting experience on the Lidder River.
Book a guide near the river.
INR 1,500, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Riverside Restaurant

Enjoy lunch while listening to the sound of the babbling river, offering a variety of Kashmiri and Indian cuisines.
Short walk from the rafting point.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Betab Valley Visit

Visit Betab Valley, known for its lush landscapes, and take in the breathtaking views.
20-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR 50, 2 hours

5:30PM

Evening Walk in Pahalgam

Wind down with a leisurely evening walk along the Lidder River and soak in the gorgeous sunset.
Walk from Betab Valley.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Mumtaz Restaurant

Enjoy dinner with specialty dishes like Gustaba at Mumtaz, popular for its ambiance and service.
Next to Lidder River.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Beauty of Sonamarg

Sonamarg, India

7:00AM

Drive to Sonamarg

Start your day with a scenic drive to Sonamarg, which will take about 3 hours, encompassing beautiful mountain roads.
Take the NH 1D from Pahalgam.
N/A, 3 hours

10:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Snow Land

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Hotel Snow Land, featuring options like parathas and hot tea.
Central Sonamarg.
INR 650, 1 hour

11:30AM

Thajiwas Glacier Trek

Trek to Thajiwas Glacier, where you get to enjoy stunning views and possibly even a snowball fight!
Guided tours are available nearby.
INR 1,000, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at The Grand Mumtaz

Savor a warm lunch at The Grand Mumtaz with local favorites like Yakhni and rice.
Short walk from your trek finish.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Sonamarg Valley

Take in the picturesque beauty of Sonamarg Valley, known for its lush green meadows and silver birch trees.
Drive around the valley.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Drive Back to Srinagar

Return to Srinagar for the night, enjoying the sunset views on your way back.
Retrace your route.
N/A, 3 hours

9:00PM

Dinner at Bikanervala

Finish your day with a satisfying dinner at Bikanervala, offering an extensive menu from Indian to chaat specialties.
In Srinagar.
INR 700, 1 hour
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Day 5: Leisure in Srinagar

Srinagar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Shakti Bakery

Enjoy fresh bread and pastries from Shakti Bakery, one of Srinagar's oldest bakeries.
Short drive from your hotel.
INR 500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Shankaracharya Temple

Climb to the historic Shankaracharya Temple, offering panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake.
20-minute drive from breakfast.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Explore Hazratbal Shrine

Visit the beautiful Hazratbal Shrine, an important religious site overlooking Dal Lake.
15-minute drive from the temple.
Free, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Cafe de Lin

Recharge with a light lunch at Cafe de Lin, specializing in sandwiches and coffee with a lakeside view.
30-minute drive from the shrine.
INR 600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit to Nishat Bagh

Spend a peaceful afternoon at Nishat Bagh, admiring its terraced lawns and colorful flora.
30-minute drive from lunch.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Shopping for Souvenirs

Head back to Lal Chowk for some last-minute souvenir shopping and to experience the local market.
30-minute drive from Nishat Bagh.
Varies, 2 hours

7:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Lalit Grand Palace

End your trip with a luxurious dinner at the Lalit Grand Palace, featuring gourmet Kashmiri dishes.
15-minute drive from market.
INR 1,500, 2 hours
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