Enchanting 5-Day Kashmir Exploration: Srinagar to Gulmarg and Pahalgam

Day 1: Arrival and Srinagar Intro

Srinagar, Kashmir on May 4, 2025

10:00am

Breakfast at Ahdoos Restaurant

Start your day with authentic Kashmiri cuisine at Ahdoos, known for its naan and kahwa tea. It opens daily from 9am to 11pm.
INR500, 1h

11:30am

Shankaracharya Temple

Visit this hilltop temple offering panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake, a serene spot rich in spiritual and cultural significance.
INR20, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Mughal Darbar

Enjoy a traditional Kashmiri lunch, including Rogan Josh and Gushtaba, at this popular restaurant open from 12pm to 11pm.
INR800, 1h

3:00pm

Dal Lake Shikara Ride

Experience a peaceful boat ride on Dal Lake enjoying floating gardens and houseboats. Operating hours are 9am to 6pm.
INR600, 1h

5:00pm

Walk along Boulevard Road

Leisurely stroll along Boulevard Road beside Dal Lake with views of the sunset and local markets.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Chinar

Dine on hearty Kashmiri and Indian dishes with a view of Dal Lake. Open 7pm to 11pm.
INR900, 1h30m

Day 2: Gardens and Culture

Srinagar, Kashmir on May 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Coffee Day

Casual breakfast with coffee and light snacks to start your day, open from 8am to 10pm.
INR300, 45m

9:30am

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

Explore the famous Mughal-era terraced gardens showcasing exquisite landscaping and history. Gardens open 9am to 6pm.
INR50, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ahdoos Restaurant

Return for an authentic meal tasting more Kashmiri specialties, ensuring a rich culinary experience.
INR700, 1h

2:30pm

Shopping at Lal Chowk

Explore local markets for Pashmina shawls, handicrafts, and spices.
Varies, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Hazratbal Shrine

Visit this revered Islamic shrine set on the northern shore of Dal Lake, noted for its spiritual significance and architecture.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mughal Darbar

Enjoy a relaxing dinner with local delicacies in a comfortable setting.
INR850, 1h30m

Day 3: Gulmarg Adventure

Gulmarg, Kashmir on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for a day trip to Gulmarg, offered from 6am to 9am.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Gulmarg

Scenic 2-hour drive from Srinagar to Gulmarg, known for its stunning meadows and adventure sports.
Transport approx. INR1500, 2h

10:30am

Gulmarg Gondola Ride

Ride one of the highest cable cars in Asia up Mount Apharwat for breathtaking views and snow activities. Open 9am to 4pm.
INR700 per ride, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Highland Park Restaurant

Casual dining spot serving local and continental dishes, open 12pm to 4pm.
INR600, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Gulmarg Meadows

Leisure exploration or horse riding in the beautiful alpine meadows surrounded by mountains.
INR500, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Srinagar

Drive back to Srinagar and relax for the evening.
Transport approx. INR1500, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Hearty dinner at your Srinagar hotel to end the day.
Included, 1h

Day 4: Pahalgam Nature

Pahalgam, Kashmir on May 7, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Quick breakfast to embark early on a scenic drive to Pahalgam.
Included, 30m

7:00am

Travel to Pahalgam

Approximately 2.5-hour comfortable drive through beautiful landscapes.
Transport approx. INR1800, 2h30m

10:00am

Betaab Valley Trekking

Explore this lush valley famous for its natural beauty with easy to moderate trekking trails.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Troutbeat Restaurant

Enjoy fresh trout fish (local specialty) and other Kashmiri dishes in a cozy environment, open 12pm to 4pm.
INR700, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Aru and Chandanwari

Short scenic drives to these charming spots known for picnics, nature, and pony rides.
Transport INR300, 2h

5:30pm

Return to Srinagar

Drive back to Srinagar for overnight stay.
Transport approx. INR1800, 2h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at The Chinar

Relaxed farewell dinner featuring Kashmiri cuisine with views of Dal Lake.
INR900, 1h30m

Day 5: Shopping and Departure

Srinagar, Kashmir on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Coffee Day

Light breakfast with coffee and pastries before final sightseeing, open 8am to 10pm.
INR300, 45m

9:00am

Visit Srinagar Old City and Jamia Masjid

Explore historic narrow lanes and visit the iconic 14th-century Jamia Masjid for a dose of history and architecture.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Shopping for Pashmina and Handicrafts

Final opportunity for purchasing exquisite Pashmina shawls and traditional Kashmiri handicrafts at local bazaars.
Varies, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ahdoos Restaurant

Enjoy one last delightful Kashmiri lunch before departure.
INR700, 1h

2:00pm

Depart Srinagar Airport

Transfer to Srinagar International Airport for onward travel.
Transport INR600, 1h