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.

5-Day Enchanting Kashmir Itinerary: Discover the Serene Beauty of the Paradise on Earth

Day 1: Srinagar Introduction

Srinagar, India on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chinar on the Waterfront

Start your day with a traditional Kashmiri breakfast featuring local breads and Kahwa tea, set against the backdrop of Dal Lake, open from 7:00am to 11:00am.

INR800, 1h

9:30am

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Experience a peaceful 1.5-hour shikara boat ride on Dal Lake, taking in floating markets and scenic houseboats, typically operating from 7:00am till sunset.

INR800, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Mughal Gardens: Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh

Explore the beautifully terraced Mughal gardens, open from 7:00am to 7:00pm, famous for their Persian-influenced design and views over the lake.

INR30, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ahdoos Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Wazwan cuisine, including Rogan Josh and Gustaba, at this renowned eatery open from 12:00pm to 3:00pm.

INR1200, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Old Srinagar and Jamia Masjid

Walk through the narrow lanes of Old Srinagar, visiting the historic Jamia Masjid open from 8:00am to 7:00pm, renowned for its unique Indo-Saracenic architecture.

Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Mughal Darbar

Dine on traditional Kashmiri cuisine with a warm ambiance, open till 11:00pm.

INR1000, 1h30m

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Day 2: Gulmarg Adventure

Gulmarg, India on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Pine Palace

Start the day with a hearty breakfast lineup including Kashmiri kahwa and fresh bread, open from 7:00am to 9:30am.

INR600, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Gulmarg

A scenic 2-hour drive northwest to the alpine resort of Gulmarg, famous for its meadows and ski slopes.

INR1500, 2h

11:15am

Gulmarg Gondola Ride

Ride one of the highest cable cars in the world with two phases taking you up to 4,000m offering breathtaking views, operating from 9:00am until 5:00pm.

INR700, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Highland Park

Enjoy delicious warm meals with views of the meadows; the restaurant welcomes guests until 3:30pm.

INR900, 1h

3:00pm

Nature Walk through Gulmarg Meadows

Leisurely walk exploring spring flowers and panoramic mountain vistas, accessible any time.

Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Kylin Experience

Sample fusion dishes combining local spices with international cuisine, open from 7:00pm to 11:00pm.

INR1100, 1h30m

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Day 3: Pahalgam Relaxation

Pahalgam, India on May 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Iris

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast serving Kashmiri and continental dishes, available from 7:00am to 10:00am.

INR600, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Pahalgam

2.5-hour scenic drive to the charming hill station of Pahalgam along the Lidder River.

INR1800, 2h30m

11:30am

Visit Betaab Valley

Explore the picturesque Betaab Valley with turquoise stream waters and lush greenery, open from dawn until dusk.

INR50, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Dana Pani

Dine on Kashmiri favorites with riverside seating, open 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

INR850, 1h

3:00pm

Walk to Aru Valley

A gentle 3 km walk along forest trails to peaceful Aru Valley with opportunities for pony rides.

INR500 for pony ride optional, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Heevan Retreat

Enjoy warm hospitality and delicious Kashmiri-style roasts in a cosy setting, open until 10:00pm.

INR1000, 1h30m

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Day 4: Sonamarg Glaciers

Sonamarg, India on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Heevan Pahalgam

Fuel up with a quick yet filling breakfast before an early departure, served from 6:30am.

INR550, 30m

7:30am

Drive to Sonamarg

Approximately 3-hour drive northeast to Sonamarg, gateway to the glaciers, renowned for its stunning alpine scenery.

INR2000, 3h

11:00am

Visit Thajiwas Glacier

Explore this spectacular glacier on a pony ride or hike, available from sunrise to sunset; pony rides cost extra and take about an hour.

INR750 for pony ride, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Glacier Heights Restaurant

Enjoy simple yet hearty meals with views of the mountains, open from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

INR800, 1h

3:00pm

Walk around Sonamarg Meadows

Leisurely stroll through colourful meadows and along the Sind River, perfect for photography and relaxation.

Free, 2h

6:00pm

Return Drive to Srinagar

Drive back for an evening arrival in Srinagar to rest for next day, approximately 2.5 hours.

INR2000, 2h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Café Biryani House, Srinagar

Close your day with authentic Kashmiri biryani and kebabs in a casual setting, open until 11:00pm.

INR900, 1h

Find Hotels in Sonamarg

Day 5: Srinagar Culture & Shopping

Srinagar, India on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Local Café Coffee Beans

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast featuring fresh juices and Kashmiri bread with butter, open from 7:30am.

INR500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hazratbal Shrine

Explore this important Muslim shrine set on the northern shores of Dal Lake, open to visitors from 7:00am to 7:00pm.

Free, 1h

11:00am

Shopping at Lal Chowk Market

Browse handicrafts including pashmina shawls, papier-mâché items, and local spices in this bustling marketplace.

Varies, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Krishna Vaishno Dhaba

Sample delicious vegetarian Kashmiri thali with authentic flavours, open till 3:00pm.

INR600, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Nigeen Lake

Spend a calm afternoon at Nigeen Lake with optional shikara rides or lakeside cafes to enjoy tea.

INR800 for shikara, 2h

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at The Chinar

Enjoy a final elegant meal with fusion Kashmiri and continental dishes, savoring views of Dal Lake, open until 11:00pm.

INR1300, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Srinagar

Step 1 Outline Preview:

5-Day Enchanting Kashmir Itinerary: Discover the Serene Beauty of the Paradise on Earth

Day 1: Srinagar Introduction

8:00am

9:30am

11:30am

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:30pm

Day 2: Gulmarg Adventure

7:30am

9:00am

11:15am

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

Day 3: Pahalgam Relaxation

7:30am

9:00am

11:30am

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

Day 4: Sonamarg Glaciers

7:00am

7:30am

11:00am

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

8:30pm

Day 5: Srinagar Culture & Shopping

8:00am

9:30am

11:00am

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

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