5-Day Cultural and Scenic Exploration of Kashmir Valley

Day 1: Srinagar Arrival & Sightseeing

Srinagar, India on April 18, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Ahdoos Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Kashmiri breakfast including kahwa and local bakery items in a historic setting.
INR400, 1h

10:30am

Visit Dal Lake & Shikara Ride

Explore the iconic Dal Lake on a traditional shikara boat, soaking in the serene views and floating gardens.
INR500, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ahdoos Restaurant

Taste authentic Wazwan dishes, Kashmiri lamb and rice specialties at this well-known eatery.
INR700, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Mughal Gardens: Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi

Explore three of the famous Mughal-era terraced gardens, perfect for leisurely walks and photography.
INR100, 2h

5:00pm

Walk through old Srinagar market & Jamia Masjid

Visit the historic Jamia Masjid and browse traditional markets selling handicrafts, saffron, and shawls.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mughal Darbar

Enjoy traditional Kashmiri cuisine including rogan josh and gushtaba in a cozy ambient setting.
INR800, 1h
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Day 2: Gulmarg Adventure

Gulmarg, India on April 19, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Gulmarg

Drive approximately 2 hours from Srinagar to Gulmarg through scenic mountainous roads.
INR2000 (taxi), 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at Highland Park Restaurant

Light breakfast with Kashmiri tea and local breads to fuel your day of adventure.
INR350, 45m

10:30am

Gulmarg Gondola Ride

Ride Asia’s second longest gondola up to Mount Apharwat offering spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayas.
INR700, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kaiser Café

Casual dining with multi-cuisine options including local Kashmiri dishes and continental favorites.
INR600, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Gulmarg Meadows and Gondola 2nd Phase

Further ascent via gondola phase 2 to enjoy snow activities or hiking trails depending on the season.
Included in gondola ticket, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Srinagar

Drive back to Srinagar to relax in evening.
Included in taxi fare, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Chinar, The Lalit Grand Palace

Fine dining experience with Kashmiri and Indian specialities in a luxurious setting.
INR1500, 1h
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Day 3: Pahalgam Nature & Culture

Pahalgam, India on April 20, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Pahalgam

Drive east to Pahalgam, a picturesque town known for its lush meadows and river views (about 3 hours).
INR2500 (taxi), 3h

10:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Heevan

Enjoy freshly prepared local and continental breakfast in a relaxed garden setting.
INR500, 1h

11:30am

Visit Betaab Valley

A beautiful valley with dramatic mountains and clear river streams, famous for its scenic views and Bollywood shoots.
INR50, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Dana Pani Restaurant

Savor local trout fish and hearty Kashmiri dishes in this popular spot near the river.
INR600, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Aru Valley or Lidder River Walk

Choose either a short trek to Aru Valley or a calm walk along the Lidder River to enjoy nature.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Return to Srinagar

Drive back to Srinagar for overnight stay.
Included in taxi fare, 3h

8:30pm

Dinner at Mughal Darbar or Ahdoos

Enjoy another dinner of authentic Kashmiri cuisine, trying dishes like nadru yakhni or haak saag.
INR800, 1h
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Day 4: Sonamarg & Himalayan Views

Sonamarg, India on April 21, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Sonamarg

Head northeast for approximately 2.5 hours to Sonamarg, gateway to the glaciers and high mountain views.
INR2200 (taxi), 2h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at local dhaba

Simple, warm local breakfast with chai and parathas, perfect before outdoor activities.
INR250, 30m

10:00am

Trek or Pony Ride to Thajiwas Glacier

A popular 3-4 km trek or pony ride to the stunning glacier, offering breathtaking snowy landscapes.
Free (pony ride extra ~INR700), 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Glacier Resort Sonamarg

Enjoy meal with views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape and relaxing ambiance.
INR700, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Zojila Pass viewpoint

Drive up to view this high mountain pass; perfect for photos and experiencing the rugged terrain.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Srinagar

Travel back to Srinagar to rest and enjoy your last evening in the Kashmir Valley.
Included in taxi fare, 2h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Lhasa Restaurant

Sample Tibetan and Kashmiri cuisine in this cozy Tibetan-style restaurant in Srinagar.
INR700, 1h
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Day 5: Srinagar Relax & Departure

Srinagar, India on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chai Jaai

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast with excellent chai and fresh bakery items before you check out.
INR300, 45m

9:00am

Visit Hazratbal Shrine

Experience the spiritual side of Srinagar at this important Muslim shrine located by the lake.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Explore Shankaracharya Temple

Visit this ancient Hindu temple atop a hill with panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Stream Restaurant

Enjoy your final meal in Kashmir with a relaxed atmosphere and dishes including fresh trout.
INR600, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping & Pack up

Spend remaining time purchasing local handicrafts and packing for departure.
Varies, 2h

4:00pm

Departure from Srinagar

Head to Srinagar airport or railway station for onward travel.
Taxi fare INR400, Varies
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