7-Day Scenic Road Trip Itinerary in Jammu & Kashmir

Day 1: Explore Srinagar

Srinagar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ahdoos Hotel

Begin your day with a traditional Kashmiri breakfast of 'Chai' and 'Namak Para' at this renowned eatery.
Head towards Dal Lake afterward.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Experience the iconic Shikara ride, gliding over the serene waters surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan scenery.
Take a shikara from the lake's banks for a 1-hour ride.
INR 800, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Mughal Gardens

Explore the stunning Mughal Gardens: Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, each offering vibrant blooms and historical architecture.
Take a short drive to the gardens; they are close by.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shamyana Restaurant

Savor traditional Kashmiri cuisine at this cozy restaurant, famous for its Rogan Josh and Gushtaba.
Located near the gardens for convenient access.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Local Markets

Stroll through Lal Chowk and experience local culture, shopping for Pashmina shawls and handmade crafts.
A 15-minute drive from the restaurant to the market.
Variable, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shankaracharya Temple

Climb up to this ancient temple for panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake, a perfect way to end the day.
20 minutes drive; parking available at the temple entrance.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at the Dal Lake view Restaurant

End your day with another delightful Kashmiri meal, focusing on local specialties.
Just a short distance from the temple.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Adventure in Gulmarg

Gulmarg, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Hilltop

Indulge in a delightful breakfast featuring fresh fruits, local bread, and eggs.
30-minute drive from Srinagar to Gulmarg.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Gulmarg Gondola Ride

Take the world's highest golf course and enjoy breathtaking views while riding the gondola.
Short walk from the hotel to the gondola station.
INR 1000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Enjoy skiing or snowboarding

Embrace the thrill of skiing in one of the most beautiful ski resorts in Asia.
Ski rentals available near the gondola station.
INR 3000 for rentals, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at The Frontier

Relish delicious pastas and pizzas, a welcome go-to spot after a day of adventure.
Located near the base of the gondola.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Nature Walk

Take a leisurely walk in the meadows, soaking in the stunning scenery and fresh air.
Start from the restaurant and explore nearby trails.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Hilltop

End your day with warm traditional Kashmiri dishes, including Yakhni and Biryani.
Return to the hotel.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Relax in Pahalgam

Pahalgam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Himalayan Resort

Breakfast featuring a mix of local and western dishes, complemented by wonderful mountain views.
1 hour drive from Gulmarg to Pahalgam.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Betaab Valley Tour

Visit the lush Betaab Valley named after the famous Bollywood movie, surrounded by mesmerizing landscapes.
20 minutes drive from resort.
INR 300, 2 hours

11:30AM

Horse Riding

Enjoy horse riding around Pahalgam, an exciting way to witness the stunning nature.
Service available near Betaab Valley.
INR 800, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Pahalgam Hotel

Dig into some hearty local cuisine, especially the mutton dishes.
Head over to the nearby hotel.
INR 700, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Aru Valley

Explore Aru Valley, a picturesque place perfect for photography and nature walks.
A 30-minute drive from Pahalgam.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Evening stroll by the Lidder River

Enjoy a peaceful evening by the riverbank soaking up the tranquility.
Easy walking distance from town center.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Himalayan Resort

Dinner featuring Kashmiri fish preparations, deliciously cooked to perfection.
Head back to the resort.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Scenic Sonmarg

Sonmarg, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Hilltop

A fulfilling breakfast before heading to the breathtaking Sonmarg.
Drive from Pahalgam to Sonmarg takes about 4 hours.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Sonmarg

Enjoy the scenic views on the drive to Sonmarg, with stunning landscapes and mountains.
Follow NH1D for a stunning route.
Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sonmarg Hotel

Relish local dishes like Yakhni and paneer amid breathtaking views.
Near the entrance to the main Sonmarg area.
INR 700, 1 hour

2:00PM

Thajiwas Glacier Visit

Take a pony ride to the stunning Thajiwas Glacier, where you can enjoy the beauty of snow-capped peaks.
Pony rides available in Sonmarg.
INR 1200, 3 hours

5:00PM

Explore the local markets

Experience local culture and shop for souvenirs.
Short walk from the glacier point.
Variable, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Sonmarg

Enjoy mountain trout cooked in Kashmiri style for dinner.
Return to the hotel.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Kargil

Kargil, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sonmarg

Start your day with a delightful breakfast of local specialties.
Prepare to leave for Kargil afterward.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Kargil

The stunning journey to Kargil will be filled with quaint villages and incredible views.
Take NH1D towards Kargil.
Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kargil Cafe

Enjoy a meal at a local cafe featuring simple yet flavorful local dishes.
Located in the heart of Kargil town.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit War Memorial

Pay tribute at the Kargil War memorial, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made.
Drive to the memorial site, around 20 minutes away.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Local Markets

Experience Kargil's vibrant markets filled with unique handicrafts and local food.
A short drive from the memorial.
Variable, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit Mulbekh Monastery

Explore the ancient murals and statues that depict the incredible Buddhist heritage.
A 30-minute drive from town.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Kargil Hotel

Experience local flavors in the evening with hot favorites like Kebabs.
Return to your hotel.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cultural Leh

Leh, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kargil Hotel

Indulge in a hearty breakfast before your drive to Leh.
Short drive to the next location.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Leh

Enjoy a scenic drive through the Ladakh region, featuring stunning landscapes and high-altitude passes.
Take the Srinagar-Leh Highway, a scenic route.
Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Zen Garden

Savor Chinese and Tibetan dishes - a perfect mix reflecting Leh's diverse cultures.
A well-loved spot near the market.
INR 700, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Leh Palace

Explore this historical palace offering panoramic views of the city below.
Short walk from the restaurant.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shanti Stupa

A serene spot to reflect and enjoy stunning views of Leh and its surroundings.
5 minutes drive from the palace.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Tibetan Kitchen

Delight in authentic Tibetan dishes like momos and thukpa in a cozy environment.
Short drive from Shanti Stupa.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Srinagar

Srinagar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Kargil

Enjoy a final breakfast in Kargil before your return to Srinagar.
Prepare for the long drive ahead.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive Back to Srinagar

The drive back offers more chances to admire the stunning landscapes you may have missed.
Follow the same route back to Srinagar.
Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shamyana Restaurant

Savor your favorite Kashmiri dishes or try something new for your final meal in Kashmir.
Located near Dal Lake.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Last-minute Shopping

Spend time shopping for souvenirs, handicrafts, and Pashmina shawls before departure.
Explore the local markets near Dal Lake.
Variable, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Jamia Masjid

Explore this magnificent mosque, an architectural marvel located in the heart of Srinagar.
A 15-minute drive from the market.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy one last dinner in proximity to Dal Lake, wrapping up your amazing journey.
Choose a restaurant of your preference in the area.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability