7-Day Budget Kashmir Exploration from Nagpur with Convenient Train Travel

Day 1: Train to Jammu

Nagpur to Jammu Tawi, India on April 23, 2025

20:30

Board Train - Nagpur Jammu Tawi SF Express (Train No. 12159)

Take the Nagpur Jammu Tawi Superfast Express, which departs from Nagpur Junction at 8:30 PM and arrives at Jammu Tawi the next day around 11:50 PM. This train is a direct and efficient budget option connecting Nagpur to Jammu, with sleeper and general coaches.
INR 600-1000 (Sleeper/3rd AC), 27h20m

21:00

Dinner onboard

Carry packed snacks or purchase affordable food on the train to save money during the overnight journey.
INR 100, N/A

Day 2: Jammu to Srinagar

Jammu and Srinagar, India on April 24, 2025

7:00

Breakfast near Jammu Tawi Station

Enjoy hot parathas and chai at a local eatery near Jammu Tawi station, open from 6 AM.
INR 50, 0h30m

9:00

Bus or Shared Taxi to Srinagar

Take a bus or shared taxi from Jammu to Srinagar; it's a budget-friendly 7-8 hour journey with spectacular views.
INR 300, 8h0m

17:30

Check-in and Dinner at Local Restaurant

Check into budget guesthouse in Srinagar; dine at Ahdoos Restaurant offering Kashmiri cuisine with economical prices, open till 10 PM.
INR 400, 1h30m

Day 3: Srinagar Sightseeing

Srinagar, India on April 25, 2025

8:00

Breakfast at Chinar Multi Cuisine Restaurant

Relish a budget-friendly meal of Kashmiri chai and breads, open from 7 AM onward.
INR 100, 0h45m

9:00

Dal Lake Shikara Ride

Enjoy a peaceful Shikara boat ride on Dal Lake, witnessing houseboats and floating gardens (available from 9 AM to 5 PM).
INR 300, 1h0m

11:00

Visit Mughal Gardens

Stroll through Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, famous terraced gardens from Mughal times, open until sunset.
INR 50, 2h0m

13:30

Lunch at Hotel New Green View

Affordable Kashmiri or Indian dishes close to Dal Lake in a simple setting.
INR 150, 1h0m

15:00

Explore Old Srinagar Markets

Shop handicrafts, souvenirs, and saffron at negotiable prices; shops generally open till 7 PM.
Free, 2h0m

19:30

Dinner at Stream Restaurant

Taste hearty local dishes in a budget-friendly ambience.
INR 300, 1h0m

Day 4: Day Trip to Gulmarg

Gulmarg, Kashmir, India on April 26, 2025

7:30

Early Breakfast in Srinagar

Grab quick light breakfast such as bread and eggs at a local cafe before departure.
INR 80, 0h30m

8:00

Bus or Shared Taxi to Gulmarg

Take budget transportation for a scenic 2-3 hour ride to Gulmarg meadows.
INR 150, 3h0m

11:30

Explore Gulmarg Meadows

Enjoy walking around or optionally take the Gondola cable car (partial ride approx INR 400).
INR 0-400, 3h0m

14:30

Lunch at Tandoori Restaurant

Affordable local meals in Gulmarg, open till 4 PM.
INR 200, 1h0m

16:00

Return to Srinagar

Shared taxi or bus back to Srinagar for evening relaxation.
INR 150, 3h0m

19:30

Dinner at Local Dhaba

Finish the day with a simple rice, dal, and vegetable meal at a low-cost dhaba near accommodation.
INR 100, 1h0m

Day 5: Day Trip to Pahalgam

Pahalgam, Kashmir, India on April 27, 2025

7:00

Morning Breakfast

Light breakfast before heading out to Pahalgam.
INR 60, 0h30m

7:30

Bus/Shared Taxi to Pahalgam

4-hour scenic journey through mountainous terrain to the beautiful valley of Pahalgam.
INR 200, 4h0m

11:30

Visit Betaab and Aru Valley

Explore picturesque valleys with easy walks; entry fees are nominal and places open till sunset.
INR 100, 3h0m

14:30

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Affordable Kashmiri or Indian cuisine including trout fish and vegetarian options.
INR 200, 1h0m

15:30

Return to Srinagar

Travel back by shared taxi or bus to Srinagar for evening rest.
INR 200, 4h0m

20:00

Dinner at Hotel or Nearby Dhaba

Relax with an easy and affordable meal near your stay.
INR 150, 1h0m

Day 6: Relax in Srinagar

Srinagar, India on April 28, 2025

8:00

Breakfast at Local Cafe

Enjoy eggs, toast, and Kashmiri chai at budget-friendly prices.
INR 100, 0h45m

9:00

Visit Hazratbal Shrine

Visit the revered Hazratbal Shrine, open mornings and afternoons with free entry.
Free, 1h0m

10:30

Stroll Through Tulip Garden or City Parks

Enjoy nature and relaxation in public parks with minimal entry fees.
INR 50, 1h30m

12:30

Lunch at Mughal Darbar

Affordable traditional Kashmiri thali meals popular with locals and tourists alike.
INR 200, 1h0m

14:00

Souvenir Shopping

Final chance to pick up saffron, handicrafts, and pashmina shawls at negotiable prices till evening.
Varies, 3h0m

18:30

Dinner at Local Dhaba

Enjoy a simple, inexpensive dinner near your stay to end the trip on a relaxed note.
INR 150, 1h0m

Day 7: Return to Nagpur

Srinagar to Nagpur via Jammu Tawi on April 29, 2025

6:00

Early Breakfast

Light meal at guesthouse or nearby eatery before departure.
INR 50, 0h30m

7:00

Bus/Shared Taxi Srinagar to Jammu Tawi

Approximate 8-hour journey to Jammu Tawi by budget transport for connection to Nagpur train.
INR 300, 8h0m

16:00

Dinner near Jammu Tawi Station

Quick meal before boarding overnight train.
INR 150, 1h0m

20:30

Board Train Jammu Tawi to Nagpur - Nagpur Jammu Tawi SF Express (Train No. 12160)

Take the convenient direct return train from Jammu Tawi to Nagpur, departing 8:30 PM with sleeper and budget seat options; arrives next day night.
INR 600-1000, 27h30m