8-Day Nature and Adventure Itinerary in Kashmir on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar

Srinagar, India

9:00AM

Arrival at Srinagar Airport

Land in the beautiful Kashmir Valley and experience the warm hospitality of the local people.
Pre-arranged shared taxi to your accommodation.
INR 600, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Breakfast at 'Café de Linq'

Start your day with a traditional Kashmiri breakfast like 'Aloo Kulcha' with piping hot tea.
Walk or take a short rickshaw ride to the café from your accommodation.
INR 150, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Mughal Gardens

Explore the stunning Shalamar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi, which offer beautiful arrangements of flowers and a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Mughal emperors.
Shared taxi from your accommodation to the gardens.
INR 200, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at 'Ahdoos Restaurant'

Indulge in some traditional Kashmiri cuisine, such as Rogan Josh or Yakhni with rice.
Walk to the restaurant from the gardens.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Experience the tranquility of floating on Dal Lake while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Walk to the lake from the restaurant.
INR 500, 2 hours

6:00PM

Evening Stroll at Boulevard Road

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the lakeshore, absorbing the evening calm.
Walk along the Boulevard road.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at 'Kashmiri Kitchen'

Savour a delectable dinner of Dum Aloo served with freshly baked bread.
Walk from Boulevard Road to the restaurant.
INR 350, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Day Trip to Gulmarg

Gulmarg, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a simple breakfast of bread and jam with tea.
Breakfast at the homestay.
INR 100, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Gulmarg

Ride to Gulmarg, famous for its picturesque meadows and winter activities.
Shared taxi from Srinagar to Gulmarg.
INR 800, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Gulmarg

Admire the snowy landscapes and have the option to try skiing (rentals available) or take a walk through the meadows.
Walk around the area.
INR 1000 (optional for skiing), 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at 'Hotel Hilltop'

Refuel with hot piping soup and noodle dishes while enjoying views of the snow-capped peaks.
Walk to the hotel from the main area.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit the Gulmarg Gondola

Take the gondola ride for breathtaking views of the Himalayas, a must-do experience.
Walk to the Gondola station.
INR 700, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Srinagar

Head back to your accommodation in Srinagar.
Shared taxi back to Srinagar.
INR 800, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at 'Nawab's Kitchen'

Finish your day with rich Kashmiri Dum Pukht and saffron rice.
Walk from your accommodation.
INR 350, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Pahalgam Excursion

Pahalgam, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Have a hearty breakfast of parathas served with curd.
Enjoy at the homestay.
INR 100, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Pahalgam

Head to Pahalgam, known for its lush greenery and river views.
Shared taxi from Srinagar to Pahalgam.
INR 800, 3 hours

11:30AM

Nature Walk at Betaab Valley

Walk amidst stunning landscapes and enjoy the serene nature around you.
Local taxi to Betaab Valley.
INR 300, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at 'Café log Hut'

Enjoy a warm meal of Chickpea curry with rice while enjoying the magnificent views.
Local taxi back to Pahalgam.
INR 350, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Aru Valley

Explore the beautiful Aru Valley and consider a horse ride (optional) or simply enjoy the views.
Take a shared taxi to Aru Valley.
INR 400 (optional for horse ride), 3 hours

6:00PM

Return to Pahalgam

Head back to the main town for the evening.
Shared taxi back to Pahalgam.
INR 200, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at 'Dabbash'

Taste a delightful mix of Kashmiri dishes, including vegetarian options.
Walk to the restaurant from your accommodation.
INR 350, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Explore Pahalgam

Pahalgam, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at 'Hotel Hilltop'

Feast on omelettes and toast freshly made.
Breakfast at your accommodation.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:00AM

River Rafting on Lidder River

Spend the morning white-water rafting in the Lidder River for an exhilarating experience.
Book with a local provider.
INR 1000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at 'Pahalgam Confectionery'

Enjoy light snacks like sandwiches and pastries along with refreshing drinks.
Walk to the café from the river.
INR 250, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Baisaran

Known as Mini Switzerland, Baisaran offers peaceful landscapes and sprawling meadows; you can trek or cycle here.
Local taxi to Baisaran.
INR 400, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to Pahalgam

Head back to Pahalgam after a fantastic day.
Local taxi back to Pahalgam.
INR 200, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at 'Margarita'

Savour a delectable vegetarian pizza to replenish your energy after a long day of adventure.
Walk to the restaurant from your accommodation.
INR 400, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Sonamarg Day Trip

Sonamarg, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a light breakfast including yogurt and fruit.
Breakfast at the homestay.
INR 100, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Sonamarg

Set off early to experience the enchanting beauty of Sonamarg, known as the 'Meadow of Gold.'
Shared taxi from Pahalgam to Sonamarg.
INR 800, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Thajiwas Glacier

Explore the stunning Thajiwas Glacier where you can also look for snow sports.
Shared taxi within Sonamarg.
INR 500 (optional for snow activities), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at 'Sonamarg Restaurant'

Enjoy hearty local dishes like mutton curry with rice.
Walk to the restaurant from the glacier.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:30PM

Leisure Time at the Meadow

Take in the spectacular views or explore the surrounding area on foot.
Walk around the meadow.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Pahalgam

Head back after a rewarding day amidst nature.
Shared taxi back to Pahalgam.
INR 800, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at 'Pahalgam Restaurant'

Enjoy some wholesome local fare such as vegetarian dumplings.
Walk from your accommodation.
INR 300, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Return to Srinagar

Srinagar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Dig into a traditional breakfast of chole puri.
Breakfast at the homestay.
INR 120, 1 hour

9:30AM

Return to Srinagar

Travel back to the capital of Jammu and Kashmir for more exploration.
Shared taxi from Pahalgam to Srinagar.
INR 800, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at 'Shiraz Café'

Delight in a meal comprising Kashmiri Pulao and salad.
Walk to the café from your accommodation.
INR 350, 1 hour

2:30PM

Shopping in Lal Chowk

Explore the bustling market for local crafts, shawls, and saffron.
Walk to Lal Chowk.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Hazratbal Shrine

Explore one of the holiest Muslim shrines located on the banks of Dal Lake.
Shared taxi to Hazratbal.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at 'Khazana Restaurant'

Savor a variety of traditional dishes for your last night in Kashmir.
Walk from the shrine to the restaurant.
INR 400, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Cultural Exploration in Srinagar

Srinagar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a local breakfast of cornflakes and milk.
Breakfast at the homestay.
INR 100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Mughal Gardens

Take a deeper dive into the historic Mughal Gardens by visiting any that you missed.
Shared taxi to the gardens.
INR 200, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at 'Bistro 29'

Grab a quick bite comprising sandwiches and chai.
Walk to the café from the gardens.
INR 250, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Old City

Wander through the narrow alleys and appreciate the unique architecture and local life.
Local taxi to Old City.
INR 100, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Shankaracharya Temple

Climb up the hill to the ancient Hindu temple for panoramic views of Srinagar.
Shared taxi from Old City.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at 'Al Madina Restaurant'

Wrap up your adventures in Kashmir with a mix of local and continental dishes.
Walk from the temple to the restaurant.
INR 300, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Departure

Srinagar, India

6:00AM

Early Breakfast at your accommodation

Fuel up with toast and omelette before your departure.
Breakfast at the homestay.
INR 120, 30 minutes

7:00AM

Pack and Check Out

Final packing and check-out from the accommodation.
Prepare your necessary documents and luggage.
Free, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Srinagar Airport

Head to your flight home or to your next destination.
Shared taxi to the airport.
INR 600, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability