8-Day Magical Kashmir Itinerary: Explore Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonmarg

Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar

Srinagar, India

10:00AM

Check-in to Houseboat

Arrive at Srinagar airport and head to your stunning houseboat on Dal Lake to unwind after your journey.
30-minute taxi ride from Srinagar Airport to Dal Lake.
INR 5,000 per night, 1 hour

12:00PM

Shikara Ride

Enjoy a serene Shikara ride on Dal Lake, taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains and floating gardens.
Depart from your houseboat.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Lunch at Ahdoos

Savor an authentic Kashmiri meal at Ahdoos Restaurant, famous for its Wazwan.
10-minute walk from Dal Lake
INR 1,000, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Mughal Gardens

Explore the glorious Mughal Gardens - Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi.
15-minute taxi ride from lunch location.
INR 20, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Pandit

Enjoy the delicious mix of traditional Kashmiri dishes at The Pandit for dinner.
Taxi ride back to Srinagar.
INR 800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Srinagar

Srinagar, India

8:30AM

Breakfast at Your Houseboat

Start your day with a traditional Kashmiri breakfast including Sheer Chai and Nun Chai.
Enjoy breakfast on the houseboat.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hazratbal Shrine

Visit the iconic Hazratbal Shrine, which houses a relic of Prophet Muhammad.
15-minute taxi ride from houseboat.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore Local Markets

Spend some time shopping in the local markets including Lal Chowk for pashmina shawls and saffron.
10-minute taxi ride to Lal Chowk.
Variable, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Shahi Dawat

Enjoy a hearty lunch at Shahi Dawat with delectable kebabs and Rogan Josh.
10-minute taxi ride from markets.
INR 900, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Shankaracharya Temple

Ascend the Shankaracharya Hill for panoramic views of Srinagar city.
20-minute taxi ride.
INR 20, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Mughal Durbar

Conclude your day with dinner at Mughal Durbar, known for its tasty Kashmiri cuisine.
Taxi ride back to Srinagar.
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Pahalgam

Pahalgam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Houseboat

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the houseboat before checking out.
Breakfast included in stay.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Pahalgam

Depart for Pahalgam, known for its stunning beauty and lush green landscapes.
2-hour drive via taxi.
INR 2,000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Pahalgam and check into your charming hotel.
10-minute drive from the main town.
INR 3,500 per night, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Hilltop

Indulge in a riverside lunch at Restaurant Hilltop, with spectacular views.
Walk from your hotel.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Betaab Valley Visit

Explore Betaab Valley, renowned for its lush greenery and the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
15-minute taxi ride.
INR 100, 2 hours

5:00PM

River Rafting (Optional)

Get an adrenaline rush with river rafting in the Lidder River.
Taxi ride back to the starting point.
INR 1,500, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at The Chinar

Relax and enjoy dinner at The Chinar, known for its multi-cuisine offerings.
Taxi ride back to your hotel.
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Pahalgam Adventures

Pahalgam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel with local and continental options.
Breakfast included in stay.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Horse Riding at Aru Valley

Embark on a scenic horse ride in Aru Valley, surrounded by majestic mountains.
30-minute taxi to Aru Valley.
INR 1,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Baisaran

Have lunch at scenic Baisaran, also known as 'Mini Switzerland'.
Horse ride to location.
INR 1,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Aru Village

Stroll through the picturesque Aru Village and enjoy the tranquil ambiance.
Return to Aru Valley parking area.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Pahalgam

Return back to your hotel in Pahalgam after a fulfilling day.
Taxi ride back.
INR 300, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Paradise Inn

Dine at Paradise Inn, famous for its traditional Kashmiri cuisine.
Short walk from the hotel.
INR 800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Explore Pahalgam

Pahalgam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with refreshing breakfast options at the hotel.
Breakfast included in stay.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Nature Walk

Take a leisurely nature walk along the banks of the Lidder River, soaking in the fresh air.
Walk from your hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Old Pahalgam Market

Explore the vibrant Old Pahalgam Market, picking up some local handicrafts.
10-minute walk.
Variable, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The River View

Enjoy lunch at The River View, overlooking the beautiful Lidder River.
10-minute walk.
INR 900, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Kolahoi Glacier

Take a short trek to the Kolahoi Glacier for stunning views and a taste of adventure.
Taxi ride to the trek starting point.
INR 300, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Royal Castle

Conclude your day with dinner at the Royal Castle, where you can relish Kashmiri delights.
Return taxi to Pahalgam.
INR 800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Travel to Gulmarg

Gulmarg, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast to start the day before departing.
Breakfast included in stay.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Gulmarg

Head towards Gulmarg, a paradise for snow lovers, known for its slopes and beautiful meadows.
2-hour taxi ride.
INR 2,000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Gulmarg and check into your hotel for a cozy stay.
5-minute taxi ride.
INR 4,000 per night, 30 minutes

12:30PM

Lunch at The Hilltop

Dine at The Hilltop for delicious Kashmiri and North Indian meals.
Walk from the hotel.
INR 1,200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Gulmarg Gondola Ride

Enjoy a thrilling ride on the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world.
5-minute walk to the Gondola base.
INR 1,500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Local Area

Wander around the Gulmarg meadows, taking pictures of the stunning landscapes.
Short stroll around Gulmarg.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Bakshi Restaurant

Enjoy an inviting dinner at Bakshi Restaurant, known for its hearty meals.
Taxi back to the restaurant.
INR 900, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Explore Gulmarg & Sonmarg

Sonmarg, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on your adventure.
Breakfast included in stay.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Sonmarg

Travel to Sonmarg, known for its stunning meadows and glaciers.
2.5-hour taxi ride.
INR 2,500, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Thajiwas Glacier

Visit Thajiwas Glacier, where you can enjoy snow activities and view the beautiful glacier.
15-minute pony ride to the glacier base.
INR 1,000, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Sonmarg River View

Enjoy a riverside lunch with delicious Kashmiri cuisine while surrounded by nature.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR 900, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Sindh River

Take a peaceful walk along the Sindh River, soaking in the tranquility of Sonmarg.
Easy walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Sadaf Restaurant

Dine at Sadaf Restaurant, known for its warm hospitality and delectable meals.
Taxi back to the hotel.
INR 800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Srinagar

Srinagar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a comforting breakfast before checking out.
Breakfast included in stay.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel back to Srinagar

Head back to Srinagar, concluding your adventure through Kashmir.
2.5-hour taxi ride.
INR 2,500, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Local Attractions

Visit any remaining sites in Srinagar such as Pari Mahal or other gardens if time permits.
Travel by taxi.
Variable, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Khatta Meetha

Have a light lunch at Khatta Meetha, famous for its local snacks and sweets.
Taxi ride to the location.
INR 600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping and Departure

Spend your last moments shopping at the local market for handicrafts and pashminas.
Short walk from lunch spot.
Variable, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability