7-Day Srinagar and Surrounding Areas Itinerary: Explore the Heart of Kashmir

Day 1: Srinagar & Dal Lake

Srinagar, India on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Coffee Day

Start your day with fresh coffee and light breakfast at this popular café located close to Dal Lake to fuel up for the day ahead.
INR250, 1h0m

9:15am

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Enjoy a relaxing 1.5-hour shikara (traditional boat) ride on Dal Lake, exploring floating gardens and markets. It’s the quintessential Srinagar experience.
INR500, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Hazratbal Shrine

Explore this revered Muslim shrine on the northern shore of Dal Lake, known for its beautiful architecture and scenic setting. Open from 8am to 6pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ahdoos Restaurant

Sample authentic Kashmiri cuisine with dishes like Rogan Josh and Gushtaba at this iconic Srinagar eatery. Open noon till 10pm.
INR800, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Pari Mahal

Discover the historic seven-terraced Mughal garden and palace overlooking Dal Lake, offering panoramic views and peaceful surroundings. Open 9am-5pm.
INR20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk through Srinagar Old City

Stroll past bazaars, mosques, and historic sites, soaking in the culture and traditional Kashmiri lifestyle.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mughal Darbar

Enjoy a hearty dinner with traditional Kashmiri dishes including Wazwan specialties in an elegant setting. Open 7pm-midnight.
INR1000, 1h30m

Day 2: Mughal Gardens & Culture

Srinagar, India on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chinar Café

Light breakfast with scenic views near Dal Lake to start your day refreshed.
INR300, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Shalimar Bagh

Explore one of the grand Mughal gardens built in the 17th century, known for its terraced lawns and fountains. Open 9am-6pm.
INR20, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Nishat Bagh

A beautiful terraced garden overlooking Dal Lake, ideal for leisurely walks and photography. Open 9am-6pm.
INR20, 1h0m

12:00pm

Explore Chashme Shahi Garden

Small but charming Mughal garden famous for its natural spring water pond. Open 9am-6pm.
INR20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Stream Restaurant & Café

Enjoy multi-cuisine dishes along with Kashmiri delicacies in a cozy ambiance by the riverside.
INR700, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Jamia Masjid

Historic mosque in the old city with beautiful wooden architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Srinagar Market

Shop for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts such as Pashmina shawls, carpets, and saffron souvenirs.
Variable, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Chinar

Fine dining on Kashmiri cuisine paired with stunning views of Dal Lake at night.
INR1200, 1h30m

Day 3: Gulmarg Day Trip

Gulmarg, India on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast at your Srinagar hotel to prepare for the day trip.
Included in hotel stay, 0h45m

7:45am

Drive to Gulmarg

A scenic 2-hour drive covering approx 50 km to the famous hill station known for its meadows and adventure sports.
INR500 (taxi fare approx.), 2h0m

10:00am

Gondola Ride

Take Asia’s highest cable car ride up Mount Apharwat, offering spectacular views and photo opportunities. Open 9am-5pm.
INR700 (round trip), 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Khyber Himalayan Resort Restaurant

Dine with mountain views serving delicious North Indian and Kashmiri dishes.
INR1000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Gulmarg Meadows

Walk through lush meadows, visit local shops or try pony rides. Ideal for nature lovers and photography.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Return to Srinagar

Drive back to Srinagar to relax after the day’s exploration.
Included in earlier taxi fare, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ahdoos Restaurant

If you’re back early and hungry, revisit this classic spot for more Kashmiri cuisine.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 4: Sonamarg Day Trip

Sonamarg, India on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to start your journey to the scenic Sonamarg valley.
Included in stay, 0h45m

8:15am

Drive to Sonamarg

Travel approx 80 km along the Sind River to Sonamarg known for stunning alpine views and trekking routes.
INR700 (taxi fare approx.), 2h30m

10:45am

Thajiwas Glacier Visit

Visit the beautiful glacier reachable by pony or a moderate trek. Open all day but best in morning for clear views.
Pony ride approx INR500, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Glacier Family Dhaba

Simple local food offering authentic Kashmiri flavors near the glacier entrance.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax by Sind River

Enjoy the riverside setting, take photos or short walks along the pristine landscape.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Drive back to Srinagar

Return to your Srinagar hotel in the evening after a refreshing day in nature.
Included in taxi fare, 2h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Café de Khwan

Enjoy a blend of Kashmiri and Continental dishes in cozy surroundings near Dal Lake.
INR900, 1h30m

Day 5: Yusmarg Excursion

Yusmarg, India on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a nourishing breakfast before the shorter trip to Yusmarg.
Included in stay, 0h45m

8:45am

Drive to Yusmarg

A 47 km drive to this lesser-known meadow valley perfect for trekking and solitude.
INR600 (taxi fare approx.), 1h30m

10:15am

Trek & Explore Yusmarg Meadows

Spend the morning trekking gentle trails through meadows, pine forests, and past small streams.
Free, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Sample home-style Kashmiri meals at local eateries close to the meadow.
INR400, 1h0m

2:45pm

Relax & Photography

Capture nature’s beauty, relax by Doodhpathri River surrounded by hills and forests.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Drive back to Srinagar

Return to your hotel to refresh and prepare for evening plans.
Included in taxi fare, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Krishna Vaishno Dhaba

Enjoy vegetarian Kashmiri dishes and North Indian favorites at this popular local spot.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 6: Cultural & Shopping Day

Srinagar, India on April 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Library Café

Light breakfast in a charming vintage café setting to start your cultural day.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kashmir Arts Emporium

Explore traditional Kashmiri crafts, including papier-mâché, woodwork, and Pashmina shawls. Shops open by 10am.
Free entry, 1h30m

11:15am

Shopping at Lal Chowk Market

Shop for saffron, spices, and handwoven carpets. A bustling bazaar reflecting local life.
Variable, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Mughal Darbar

Revisit this place for more delicious Kashmiri Wazwan samples.
INR1000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Shri Singh Sahib Gurudwara

A peaceful Sikh temple showcasing harmonious religious presence in Srinagar, open till 6pm.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Relax at Boulevard Road

Take a leisurely walk along Dal Lake’s Boulevard Road, enjoying cafés and sunset views.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lhasa Restaurant

Savor Tibetan-influenced dishes and Kashmiri specialties to round off your cultural day.
INR900, 1h30m

Day 7: Village & Departure

Srinagar, India on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Pack in a hearty breakfast before heading out for your final local exploration.
Included in stay, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Village - Dachigam National Park vicinity or nearby artisan villages

Explore a Kashmiri village north of Srinagar to see traditional crafts and rural life. Arrange guided tours in advance.
INR300 (guide fee), 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Village Eatery

Enjoy fresh home-cooked Kashmiri food in a village setting, an authentic culinary experience.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Srinagar and pack for departure

Head back to your hotel to collect your luggage and prepare for onward travel.
Included in previous taxi fee, 1h0m