5-Day Budget Rail Trip Itinerary in Kashmir

Day 1: Explore Srinagar

Srinagar, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Ahdoos Restaurant

Kick off your adventure with a traditional Kashmiri breakfast of 'Chai' and 'Lassi' alongside 'Aloo Paratha'.
INR250, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Dal Lake Shikara Ride

Hop on a shikara for an hour and enjoy the stunning views of the floating gardens and houseboats on Dal Lake.
INR600, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit Mughal Gardens

Explore the famous Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, beautiful terraced gardens that showcase the Mughal architecture.
INR50, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Shamyana Restaurant

Savor delicious Kashmiri Wazwan, a traditional meal served with Rogan Josh and Yakhni.
INR400, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Local Market Exploration

Wander through the old city and discover local crafts, selling pashmina shawls and saffron.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Evening Stroll on Bund

Enjoy a sunset walk along the banks of Jhelum River, with picturesque views.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Chai Shop

End your day with light dinner choices including sandwiches and local chai.
INR300, 1 hour

Day 2: Gulmarg Adventure

Gulmarg, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a simple breakfast of eggs and toast at your accommodation.
INR200, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Take a shared taxi to Gulmarg

Transfer to Gulmarg, renowned for its lush meadows and skiing slopes.
INR300, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Gulmarg Gondola Ride

Experience a breathtaking gondola ride up to Khilanmarg, featuring panoramic views.
INR1000, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Hotel Hilltop

Recharge with a hearty local meal with options such as Chicken Curry and rice.
INR500, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Gulmarg meadows

Take a leisurely walk through the lush meadows, capturing the stunning vistas.
Free, 2.5 hours

4:30 PM

Return taxi to Srinagar

After an exciting day, head back to Srinagar.
INR300, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at KFC

Indulge in a quick and affordable dinner at KFC, a convenient chain option.
INR350, 1 hour

Day 3: Pahalgam Day Trip

Pahalgam, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast in Srinagar

Enjoy a quick breakfast of parathas and chai at your accommodation.
INR200, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Shared taxi to Pahalgam

Off to Pahalgam, known for its picturesque valley.
INR500, 2.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Betaab Valley

Visit Betaab Valley, renowned for its lush landscapes and serene river.
INR200, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Pahalgam Valley Resort

Dig into local vegetarian options like Palak Paneer and naan.
INR400, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Horse Riding

Enjoy a short horse riding session exploring the scenic trails around Pahalgam.
INR800, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Shared return taxi to Srinagar

Wrap up your day with a return taxi to Srinagar.
INR500, 2.5 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at M/S Shah e Hamdan

Conclude the day with Kashmiri-style mutton and rice.
INR450, 1 hour

Day 4: Sonamarg Day Trip

Sonamarg, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast with local bread and jam at your accommodation.
INR200, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Shared taxi to Sonamarg

Depart for Sonamarg, famous for its mesmerizing scenery.
INR400, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Visit Thajiwas Glacier

Take a trek to Thajiwas Glacier for a memorable experience of snow and ice.
INR600, 2.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Dive into some flavorful roti with local dishes like Rajma.
INR300, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Scenic Walk around the Valley

Embrace the natural beauty during a serene walk through the Sonamarg valley.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00 PM

Return taxi to Srinagar

A shared taxi ride back after a fantastic day.
INR400, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at The restaurant on Dal Lake

Wrap up the trip with a dinner featuring local fish dishes.
INR600, 1 hour

Day 5: Return to Srinagar

Srinagar, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a final breakfast featuring toast and coffee before checking out.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Shankaracharya Temple

Climb up to Shankaracharya Temple for a view of the whole city.
INR50, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Explore Local Handicraft Shops

Take some time to explore shops for authentic pashmina and walnut wood items.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Lhasa Restaurant

Enjoy a quick meal of momos and thukpa.
INR350, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Pari Mahal

Discover the allure of Pari Mahal, a historical monument surrounded by terraced gardens.
INR100, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Last-minute Shopping

Pick up souvenirs before you leave for home.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Golden Dragon

End your splendid trip with a simple dinner of noodles and soup.
INR400, 1 hour