How many days do you need in Kashmir?

This itinerary covers 5 days in Kashmir, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Kashmir?

Plan your perfect 5 days trip to Kashmir. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Enchanting 5-Day Kashmir Adventure: Scenic Beauty and Cultural Wonders

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Srinagar, India on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ahdoos Restaurant

Start your day with a traditional Kashmiri breakfast at Ahdoos, known for its authentic local delicacies like Noorani chai and kahwa tea.

INR500, 1h

9:30am

Explore Dal Lake and Shikara Ride

Take a serene Shikara boat ride on Dal Lake, experiencing floating gardens and markets while enjoying picturesque mountain views; a classic Srinagar experience.

INR400, 2h

12:00pm

Visit Mughal Gardens

Visit Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi to admire the beautifully maintained Mughal-era gardens reflecting rich history and stunning horticulture.

INR150, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Mughal Darbar

Enjoy a sumptuous lunch featuring Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine, including dishes like rogan josh and gushtaba in a traditional setting.

INR800, 1h 30m

4:30pm

Visit Shankaracharya Temple

Take a short trek to this ancient temple on a hilltop overlooking Srinagar, offering panoramic views and spiritual insight into Kashmir's heritage.

Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Chinar

Experience fine dining at The Chinar, known for blending Kashmiri and continental cuisine in a sophisticated ambiance.

INR1200, 1h 30m

Find Hotels in Srinagar

Day 2: Mountain Meadows

Gulmarg, India on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Green Top

Simple and hearty breakfast to fuel up before heading to Gulmarg, with options including local breads and eggs.

INR300, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Gulmarg

Scenic 2-hour drive through mountain roads from Srinagar to Gulmarg, renowned for its lush meadows and winter sports.

INR2000 (taxi cost), 2h

11:00am

Gulmarg Gondola Ride

Ride one of the highest cable cars in the world up Mount Apharwat, enjoying breathtaking views of the Himalayas and snowfields.

INR700, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at The Khyber Himalayan Resort

Savour delicious North Indian and Kashmiri dishes in an elegant setting with mountain views.

INR1000, 1h 30m

4:30pm

Walk in Gulmarg Meadows

Leisurely afternoon exploring the beautiful flower-filled meadows and peaceful nature trails around Gulmarg town.

Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Vintage Gulmarg

Enjoy comfort food and local favourites in a cosy atmosphere after a day of outdoor adventures.

INR900, 1h 30m

Find Hotels in Gulmarg

Day 3: Valley Serenity

Pahalgam, India on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Gulmarg

A quick, energising breakfast to prepare for the journey to Pahalgam.

INR300, 45m

8:00am

Drive to Pahalgam

Travel 3 hours through scenic routes to Pahalgam, a tranquil town famed for its river valleys and pine forests.

INR2200 (taxi cost), 3h

11:30am

Visit Betaab Valley

Explore the lush Betaab Valley, named after a Bollywood film, famous for its stunning landscapes and river streams.

INR100, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Dana Pani

Enjoy hearty Kashmiri and North Indian dishes with hearty portions, perfect after a morning of sightseeing.

INR700, 1h

3:00pm

Trek to Aru Valley

Take a moderate trek of around 6km to the serene Aru Valley, offering spectacular mountain views and picnic spots.

Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Heevan Pahalgam

Dine in style with multi-cuisine options and refreshing local flavours to end your day on a high note.

INR900, 1h 30m

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Day 4: Glacier Views

Sonamarg, India on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Pahalgam

Start early with a nutritious breakfast featuring fresh fruits and local breads.

INR300, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Sonamarg

Enjoy a 3 hour drive to Sonamarg, known as the 'Meadow of Gold,' surrounded by glaciers and high peaks.

INR2500 (taxi cost), 3h

12:00pm

Excursion to Thajiwas Glacier

Take a 1.5-2 hour trek or pony ride to the stunning Thajiwas Glacier to witness breathtaking snow and ice formations.

INR500 (pony ride optional), 3h

3:30pm

Lunch at Glacier Reach Restaurant

A relaxed meal offering traditional Kashmiri dishes and continental options with warm hospitality.

INR800, 1h 30m

5:30pm

Explore Sonamarg Meadows

Walk around the alpine meadows, enjoy the river views and take photos of the spectacular Himalayan surroundings.

Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Pine Palace

Enjoy a comforting buffet dinner featuring local, Indian, and continental specialties.

INR900, 1h 30m

Find Hotels in Sonamarg

Day 5: Return and Leisure

Srinagar, India on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Sonamarg

Start with a fresh breakfast before the journey back to Srinagar.

INR300, 45m

8:30am

Drive back to Srinagar

Travel back to Srinagar over approximately 2.5 hours enjoying final scenic views of the valley.

INR2000 (taxi cost), 2h 30m

11:00am

Visit Hazratbal Shrine

A spiritual visit to this serene mosque with beautiful architecture overlooking Dal Lake; open till evening for visitors.

Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Lhasa Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Tibetan and Tibetan-influenced Kashmiri cuisine in a cozy setting close to Dal Lake.

INR700, 1h 30m

2:30pm

Shopping at Lal Chowk

Explore bustling markets famous for Pashmina shawls, handcrafts, and spices to pick up local souvenirs.

Variable, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel or Houseboat

Unwind on your final evening in Kashmir with tea on your houseboat or hotel balcony overlooking the water.

Included in accommodation, Rest of day

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Shamyana Restaurant

Celebrate your memorable journey with a grand dinner featuring Kashmiri and Indian delicacies.

INR1200, 1h 30m

Find Hotels in Srinagar

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Enchanting 5-Day Kashmir Adventure: Scenic Beauty and Cultural Wonders

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

8:00am

9:30am

12:00pm

2:30pm

4:30pm

7:00pm

Day 2: Mountain Meadows

7:30am

8:30am

11:00am

2:30pm

4:30pm

7:30pm

Day 3: Valley Serenity

7:00am

8:00am

11:30am

1:30pm

3:00pm

7:00pm

Day 4: Glacier Views

7:30am

8:30am

12:00pm

3:30pm

5:30pm

8:00pm

Day 5: Return and Leisure

7:30am

8:30am

11:00am

12:30pm

2:30pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

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