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
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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
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