Scenic Journey from Pune to Kashmir: A 7-Day Northern India Exploration

Day 1: Travel to Srinagar

Pune to Srinagar, India on May 3, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast at Vaishali Restaurant, Pune

Start your day with a hearty Maharashtrian breakfast at Vaishali, renowned for its poha and misal pav, open from 7am to 11am.
INR300, 1h0m

7:30AM

Transfer to Pune Airport

Head to Pune International Airport for your flight to Srinagar. The journey to the airport generally takes 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.
INR500 (taxi fare approx.), 0h40m

10:00AM

Flight from Pune to Srinagar

Catch a connecting flight to Srinagar, typically via Delhi. Total travel time with layovers is approximately 6-7 hours.
INR5000 (approximate airfare), 6h0m

5:00PM

Check-in to hotel in Srinagar

Arrive in Srinagar and check into your hotel or houseboat to refresh and relax after your journey.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Ahdoos Restaurant, Srinagar

Enjoy authentic Kashmiri cuisine at Ahdoos, famous for its Rogan Josh and Gushtaba. Open till 11pm, ideal for your first night’s dinner.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 2: Srinagar Sightseeing

Srinagar, Kashmir on May 4, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel/houseboat

Start your day with a traditional breakfast featuring kahwa (Kashmiri green tea) and local breads, usually served at your accommodation.
Included, 1h0m

9:30AM

Visit Dal Lake and Shikara Ride

Explore the iconic Dal Lake via a serene shikara boat ride. This will give you beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and floating markets. Open all day, best in the morning to avoid crowds.
INR700, 2h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Lhasa Restaurant

Savour Tibetan and Kashmiri delicacies at Lhasa Restaurant; try momos and thukpa, open from 11am to 10pm.
INR600, 1h0m

1:30PM

Visit Mughal Gardens – Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi

Tour the famous Mughal Gardens, open from 7am to 7pm, where you can admire the beautiful terraced gardens and enjoy panoramic views of Dal Lake.
INR100 (entry fee), 3h30m

5:30PM

Explore old Srinagar and Jamia Masjid

Wander through the old city markets and visit the historic Jamia Masjid, an architectural marvel dating back to the 1400s, open till sunset.
INR0, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Shamyana Restaurant

Taste a variety of Kashmiri and North Indian dishes in a warm setting. The restaurant is open until 11pm.
INR700, 1h30m

Day 3: Gulmarg Day Trip

Gulmarg, Kashmir on May 5, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick and nourishing breakfast before the day’s trip to Gulmarg.
Included, 0h45m

8:30AM

Drive to Gulmarg

Travel approximately 2 hours by road to the scenic hill station of Gulmarg, known for its natural beauty and adventure sports.
INR1500 (taxi fare approx.), 2h0m

10:30AM

Gulmarg Gondola Ride

Take one of Asia’s highest cable car rides for stunning views over the Himalayan ranges. Open 9am to 5pm. The ride offers walks and short hikes at the top.
INR740 (Round trip), 2h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Highland Park Restaurant

Relax with freshly cooked local dishes and refreshments near the Gulmarg golf course.
INR700, 1h0m

2:30PM

Explore Gulmarg meadow & local walk

Take guided nature walks or simply enjoy the alpine meadows and pine forests.
INR0, 2h0m

5:00PM

Return to Srinagar

Drive back to Srinagar for an evening at leisure.
Included in taxi fare, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Ahdoos

Revisit Ahdoos Restaurant to try other Kashmiri delicacies or enjoy a light meal after a long day.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 4: Pahalgam Excursion

Pahalgam, Kashmir on May 6, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel/houseboat

Start early with breakfast to maximise your day in Pahalgam.
Included, 1h0m

8:00AM

Drive to Pahalgam

A scenic 2.5-hour drive, passing through pine forests and mountain landscapes, to the hiking and adventure hub of Pahalgam.
INR1800 (taxi fare approx.), 2h30m

10:30AM

Visit Betaab Valley and Aru Valley

Explore these stunning valleys famous for lush meadows and river views, open all day. Perfect for photos and nature walks.
INR100 (entry fee), 3h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Snowland

Enjoy local and north Indian dishes with views overlooking the Lidder River.
INR700, 1h0m

2:30PM

Leisure walk in Pahalgam town

Visit local shops and craft stores, or relax by the river to soak in the serene atmosphere.
INR0, 1h30m

4:00PM

Return to Srinagar

Drive back to Srinagar for your final overnight stay.
Included in taxi fare, 2h30m

7:30PM

Dinner at Mughal Darbar

Experience one last dinner with classic Kashmiri cuisine including kebabs and wazwan dishes, open till 11pm.
INR900, 1h30m

Day 5: Srinagar Relaxation & Departure

Srinagar, Kashmir on May 7, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast to refresh before your day of light sightseeing.
Included, 1h0m

9:30AM

Visit Shankaracharya Temple

Climb up to the ancient, hilltop temple with panoramic views over Srinagar and Dal Lake. Open 7am to 6pm.
INR20, 1h30m

11:30AM

Explore local markets for souvenirs

Shop for Kashmiri handicrafts like pashmina shawls, carpets, and dry fruits in Srinagar’s bustling markets.
Varies, 1h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Chinar Haveli

Dine on traditional Mughlai and Kashmiri food before departure. The restaurant is open until 3pm for lunch service.
INR700, 1h0m

2:30PM

Check out and transfer to Srinagar Airport

Head to the airport for your return flight or onward travel plans.
INR500 (taxi fare approx.), 0h40m