7-Day Scenic Road Trip Through Kashmir’s Majestic Landscapes

Day 1: Discover Srinagar

Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India on April 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ahdoos Restaurant

Start your day with a traditional Kashmiri breakfast including kahwa (green tea) and local breads at this popular restaurant. It opens at 8:00am.
INR 300, 1h

9:30am

Visit Dal Lake & Shikara Ride

Enjoy a peaceful shikara boat ride on the iconic Dal Lake to see floating gardens and houseboats, a quintessential Srinagar experience.
INR 500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ahdoos Restaurant

Try the Wazwan cuisine here, rich with traditional Kashmiri lamb dishes, for a hearty lunch.
INR 700, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Mughal Gardens

Explore Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, famous Mughal-era terraced gardens open until 6:00pm, perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroll.
INR 50, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Old City and Jamia Masjid

Walk through the historic lanes near Jamia Masjid, an iconic 14th-century mosque, to experience local culture and bazaars.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mughal Darbar

Dine on authentic Kashmiri dishes like Gushtaba in this well-reviewed restaurant in Srinagar.
INR 800, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Gulmarg Alpine Escape

Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, India on April 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Srinagar

Enjoy a light breakfast before the road trip to Gulmarg, with options like parathas and tea.
Included, 0.5h

8:00am

Drive Srinagar to Gulmarg

The scenic 2-hour drive north takes you through beautiful mountain views and pine forests.
Cost of taxi approx INR 1500, 2h

10:30am

Gulmarg Gondola Ride

Take one of the world’s highest cable cars up to Apharwat Peak for stunning Himalayan views; open 9:00am-5:00pm.
INR 700, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Highland Park

Relax and enjoy local Kashmiri and continental dishes at this comfortable hotel restaurant.
INR 600, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Gulmarg Golf Course and Meadows

Visit Asia’s highest golf course area and walk the serene meadows known for wildflowers in spring.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Check in and rest at Hotel in Gulmarg

Unwind after a busy day with some leisure time.
Varies, Rest

7:30pm

Dinner at Oscar’s Restaurant

Dine on warming dishes like rogan josh and fresh trout in a cozy alpine setting.
INR 700, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Pahalgam Nature Trail

Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, India on April 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast in Gulmarg

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 0.5h

7:30am

Drive Gulmarg to Pahalgam

Approximately 3.5-hour drive showcasing rivers and valleys along the Lidder River.
Taxi approx INR 2500, 3.5h

11:30am

Visit Betaab Valley

Famous for its lush greenery and filming location of Bollywood movies, open 9:00am-6:00pm.
INR 100, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Dana Pani

Enjoy Kashmiri and North Indian dishes in Pahalgam’s popular eatery.
INR 500, 1h

3:00pm

Walk Along Lidder River

Take a scenic stroll along the riverbank or do light hiking nearby for nature enthusiasts.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Check in at Hotel in Pahalgam

Rest and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Varies, Rest

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Heevan Retreat

Sample local delicacies served with Himalayan views.
INR 700, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Sonamarg Adventure Day

Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir, India on April 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Pahalgam

Fuel up with a filling breakfast before departure.
Included, 0.5h

7:30am

Drive Pahalgam to Sonamarg

Drive for about 3 hours crossing scenic mountain roads towards Sonamarg.
Taxi approx INR 3000, 3h

10:30am

Visit Thajiwas Glacier

Take a pony or hike to the nearby glacier and enjoy glacier views and snow activities, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
INR 200 for pony ride, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Glacier Café

Eat local meals and refreshments at this popular café in Sonamarg.
INR 400, 1h

2:30pm

River Rafting in Sind River

Experience mild to moderate river rafting (seasonal), an exhilarating way to experience Kashmir’s rivers.
INR 1500, 2h

5:00pm

Drive Sonamarg to Srinagar

Return to Srinagar for overnight stay, about 2 hours by road.
Taxi approx INR 1500, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ahdoos Restaurant

Relax and enjoy a final night’s meal in Srinagar savoring Kashmiri specialties.
INR 700, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Srinagar to Kargil Journey

Kargil, Ladakh, India on April 25, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel in Srinagar

Eat a nutritious breakfast to prepare for the long drive ahead.
Included, 0.5h

7:00am

Drive Srinagar to Kargil

A full-day scenic road trip crossing Zoji La Pass into Ladakh region, approximately 6-7 hours.
Taxi approx INR 6000, 7h

2:00pm

Lunch Break En Route

Stop at a roadside dhaba to try simple local cuisine and refreshments.
INR 300, 1h

4:00pm

Check-in at Hotel in Kargil

Rest after your journey before exploring the town.
Varies, Rest

5:30pm

Visit Kargil War Memorial

Pay respects at this memorial dedicated to soldiers of the Kargil conflict, open till 6:00pm.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy Ladakhi and North Indian dishes at your hotel.
INR 600, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Explore Kargil Local Culture

Kargil, Ladakh, India on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with simple and filling breakfast including local tea and breads.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Visit Mulbekh Monastery

See the ancient Buddhist monastery and impressive rock sculptures nearby, open until 5:00pm.
INR 50, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at local eatery

Try dishes unique to Ladakh including thukpa and momos.
INR 400, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Kargil Market

Visit local shops selling handicrafts, spices, and dry fruits.
Free to explore; shopping as desired, 2h

4:00pm

Leisure time at hotel or stroll town

Rest or casually explore more of Kargil’s bazaar or relax at your hotel.
Free, Rest

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a peaceful dinner with regional specialties.
INR 600, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Return to Srinagar

Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Kargil

Have an early breakfast before the return drive.
Included, 0.5h

7:30am

Drive Kargil to Srinagar

Enjoy again the scenic route crossing Zoji La Pass, approximately 6-7 hours back to Srinagar.
Taxi approx INR 6000, 7h

2:00pm

Lunch En Route

Stop midway for a simple meal at a roadside eatery.
INR 300, 1h

6:00pm

Arrival and Check-in at Srinagar Hotel

Settle in and rest after your trip.
Varies, Rest

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Shamyana Restaurant

Visit this elegant spot to enjoy fusion Kashmiri cuisine and reflect on your journey.
INR 1000, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability