6-Day Srinagar and Surroundings Itinerary: Best of Kashmir Without Pahalgam

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 a light breakfast near Dal Lake to energize for sightseeing.
INR250, 1h0m

9:15am

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Experience the iconic boat ride exploring floating gardens and markets for a classic Srinagar moment.
INR500, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Hazratbal Shrine

Visit this beautiful shrine by Dal Lake, notable for its architecture and sacred significance. Open 8am-6pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ahdoos Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Kashmiri dishes like Rogan Josh and Gustaba at this local favorite. Open noon to 10pm.
INR800, 1h0m

2:00pm

Pari Mahal Visit

Explore these terraced Mughal gardens offering panoramic views of Dal Lake. Open 9am-5pm.
INR20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk in Srinagar Old City

Stroll through old bazaars and heritage sites to absorb local culture and historical architecture.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mughal Darbar

End the day with traditional Kashmiri Wazwan dishes in a warm, elegant setting. Open 7pm-midnight.
INR1000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Mughal Gardens & Culture

Srinagar, India on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chinar Café

Enjoy a light breakfast with views near Dal Lake to energize for garden explorations.
INR300, 1h0m

9:00am

Shalimar Bagh

Walk the grand Mughal garden dating back to 1619 with terraces, fountains, and flowers. Open 9am-6pm.
INR20, 1h0m

10:30am

Nishat Bagh

Visit terraced gardens with spectacular views over Dal Lake. Open 9am-6pm.
INR20, 1h0m

12:00pm

Chashme Shahi Garden

Small Mughal garden famous for its natural spring and relaxed ambience. Open 9am-6pm.
INR20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Stream Restaurant & Café

Relish Kashmiri and continental dishes by the riverside in a cozy atmosphere.
INR700, 1h0m

2:30pm

Jamia Masjid Visit

Discover this historic mosque in Srinagar Old City featuring impressive wooden architecture.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Srinagar Market Shopping

Shop for Pashmina shawls, saffron, and handicrafts in the vibrant bazaars.
Variable, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Chinar

Dine with views over Dal Lake while enjoying Kashmiri and North Indian specialties.
INR1200, 1h30m
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Day 3: Gulmarg Day Trip

Gulmarg, India on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for the adventure to Gulmarg.
Included in stay, 0h45m

7:45am

Drive to Gulmarg

Scenic 2-hour drive through the mountains to the hill station of Gulmarg.
INR500 (taxi approx.), 2h0m

10:00am

Gondola Ride

Ride Asia’s highest cable car up Mount Apharwat for stunning panoramas. Open 9am-5pm.
INR700, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Khyber Himalayan Resort Restaurant

Enjoy fine dining with mountain views offering Kashmiri and North Indian cuisine.
INR1000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Gulmarg Meadows

Leisurely walk through lush meadows and optional pony rides amid nature’s beauty.
Free; pony ride INR500 approx., 2h0m

4:30pm

Return to Srinagar

Drive back to Srinagar for the evening.
Included in taxi fare, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ahdoos Restaurant

Revisit this beloved local restaurant for a comforting dinner of Kashmiri favorites.
INR800, 1h30m
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Day 4: Sonamarg Day Trip

Sonamarg, India on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with an early breakfast before heading to Sonamarg.
Included in stay, 0h45m

8:15am

Drive to Sonamarg

75 km drive along the Sind River to this scenic valley gateway to Ladakh.
INR700 (taxi approx.), 2h30m

10:45am

Thajiwas Glacier Visit

Visit and trek or pony ride around the picturesque glacier area. Open all day.
Pony ride approx INR500, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Glacier Family Dhaba

Enjoy simple, authentic Kashmiri food near the glacier.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax by Sind River

Take in the fresh mountain air by the river and enjoy peaceful surroundings.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Drive back to Srinagar

Return to Srinagar for rest after a refreshing day in nature.
Included in taxi fare, 2h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Café de Khwan

Relax with a mix of Kashmiri and Continental dishes by Dal Lake.
INR900, 1h30m
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Day 5: Yusmarg & Shopping

Yusmarg & Srinagar, India on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a wholesome breakfast before the trip to Yusmarg meadow.
Included in stay, 0h45m

8:45am

Drive to Yusmarg

Enjoy a 47 km scenic drive to the peaceful valley ideal for walks and treks.
INR600 (taxi approx.), 1h30m

10:15am

Explore Yusmarg Meadows

Spend the morning trekking and enjoying the serene forested meadows.
Free, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Taste local Kashmiri homestyle food at a nearby eatery.
INR400, 1h0m

2:45pm

Return to Srinagar and Shop at Lal Chowk Market

Shop for handicrafts and souvenirs including Pashmina, saffron, and carpets.
Variable, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Krishna Vaishno Dhaba

Savor delicious vegetarian Kashmiri and North Indian meal in a popular local setting.
INR500, 1h0m
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Day 6: Village Visit & Departure

Srinagar, India on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast before your final local exploration.
Included in stay, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Nearby Kashmiri Village

Explore traditional village life and crafts near Srinagar with a guide. Pre-arranged tours recommended.
INR300 (guide fee), 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Village Eatery

Enjoy authentic home-cooked Kashmiri cuisine in a village setting for a memorable meal.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Srinagar Hotel

Pack your belongings and prepare for onward journey.
Included in taxi fare, 1h0m
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