Start your journey in Srinagar, the summer capital of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Known as the "Venice of the East", Srinagar is famous for its picturesque Dal Lake and Shikaras. Spend the day exploring the Mughal Gardens, including Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, with stunning views of the mountains and the lake.
Visit Gulmarg, known as the "Meadow of Flowers". Explore the Khilanmarg Valley and take a cable car ride up to the stunning peak of Apharwat, where you can witness the beauty of the Himalayan range. You can also try skiing and snowboarding, depending on the season.
Drive through the breathtaking views of Pahalgam, also known as the "Valley of Shepherds". Visit the iconic saffron fields, and explore the Betaab Valley, famous for its lush greenery, and crystal-clear streams. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can also take a pony ride to visit Baisaran.
Sonamarg, adorned with flowers and surrounded by mountains, is known as the "Meadow of Gold". En route, stop at the Zojila Pass, which is one of the highest mountain passes in India. Participate in river rafting, trekking, or camping in Sonamarg.
On your last day, visit Hazratbal Shrine, a revered shrine in Srinagar, then take a ride in a Shikara and explore the floating vegetable market. If you want to take back memories of the local artwork and handicrafts of Kashmir, you can visit Lal Chowk for shopping.
Transportation options include car rentals, cabs or tour packages. Hiring a car with a driver is the best option considering the mountainous geography and weather conditions. Estimated travel costs for a 5-day trip can range from 10000-20000 INR depending on the mode of transportation you choose.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Hemis National Park to watch the snow leopards or the Amarnath Temple to witness one of the holiest Hindu shrines. If you have less time, prioritize sightseeing in Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. Kashmir is very cold in winter, and heavily snowed in, so plan accordingly.
The main airport in Kashmir is Srinagar International Airport (SXR), situated around 13 km from the city center. It offers daily flights to major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Jammu Airport (IXJ) is another airport, around 300 km away from Srinagar, which is a convenient option for those traveling from other cities in India.