5-Day Hidden Gems Discovery in Kashmir: Offbeat Adventures & Serenity

Day 1: Srinagar Local Gems

Srinagar, India on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chinar Cafe

Begin your day with delicious traditional Kashmiri Kahwa and Sheermal breads at this charming café located near Dal Lake, offering authentic local flavours.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Visit Nishat Bagh Gardens

Explore this exquisite Mughal garden on the eastern shore of Dal Lake, known for its terraced layout and serene water fountains, ideal for a tranquil morning walk.
INR20, 1h30m

11:15am

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Take a leisurely 1-hour shikara ride across Dal Lake to witness floating gardens and local life on water, an iconic and peaceful Kashmir experience.
INR600, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ahdoos Restaurant

Savour traditional Kashmiri dishes like Gustaba and Rista in a family-run heritage restaurant that combines rich flavours with warm service.
INR700, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Hazratbal Shrine

Visit the beautiful white marble mosque by Dal Lake, an iconic spiritual site representing Muslim heritage in Kashmir, open till 6pm.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Walk through Old City and Crafts Workshop

Wander through the lesser-known lanes of Srinagar’s old city and visit artisans crafting carpets and papier-mâché souvenirs.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mughal Darbar

End your day with rich Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine including various meat delicacies, served in an inviting traditional setting.
INR1000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Yusmarg & Aru Valley

Yusmarg and Aru Valley, India on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Srinagar

Have a hearty breakfast with local breads, eggs and kahwa to fuel your day trip from Srinagar.
Included in hotel stay, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Yusmarg

Travel 47 km southwest to Yusmarg, a lesser-known meadow surrounded by dense pine forests and alpine streams, perfect for nature walks and bird watching.
INR1500 (taxi), 2h

11:00am

Trek and Picnic in Yusmarg Meadows

Enjoy a 2-hour gentle hike with scenic views of hills and grazing sheep, followed by a picnic lunch prepared locally.
INR500 for picnic snacks, 2h

2:00pm

Drive to Aru Valley

Proceed to Aru Valley, about 12 km from Pahalgam; a tranquil village hub for trekking and horse riding into pristine Himalayan landscapes.
INR700 (taxi), 40m

3:00pm

Explore Aru Village

Stroll through the quaint village, interact with locals, and enjoy unmatched peace amid stunning mountain scenery.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Heevan

Dine on fresh trout and traditional Kashmiri dishes at this cozy lodge in Aru Village offering home-like hospitality.
INR900, 1h
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Day 3: Pahalgam & Betaab Valley

Pahalgam, India on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Aru

Enjoy a local Kashmiri breakfast with walnut bread, yogurt and fresh herbal tea before heading out.
Included in stay, 1h

9:00am

Visit Betaab Valley

Spend late morning exploring the photogenic Betaab Valley, known for clear streams and lush meadows, open daily 8am-6pm.
INR150 entry, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Dana Pani Restaurant

Taste freshly cooked local trout and rice dishes in a scenic spot in Pahalgam town.
INR700, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Pahalgam Market and Aru to Pahalgam Walk

Leisurely walk back to Pahalgam from Aru, passing through pine woods and real village life; then browse handicrafts in the local market.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Evening tea at Brookdale Resort

Relax with tea overlooking the Lidder River in this peaceful resort setting.
INR200, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Heevan

Another chance to enjoy Kashmiri cuisine with specialties like Rogan Josh and local breads.
INR900, 1h30m
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Day 4: Doodhpathri & Kokernag

Doodhpathri and Kokernag, India on June 19, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and checkout

Fuel up early for day of exploration around Doodhpathri and Kokernag.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Doodhpathri

Travel 42 km west to Doodhpathri, known as 'Valley of Milk' for its milky streams and lush meadows, ideal for picnics and nature photography.
INR1200 (taxi), 2h

10:30am

Explore Doodhpathri Meadows

Walk softly through open lush fields alongside streams, spotting wildflowers and birdlife until early afternoon.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at local dhaba in Doodhpathri

Try simple and fresh vegetarian dishes with local flavours, especially vegetable pulao and rajma.
INR300, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Kokernag

Proceed 22 km to Kokernag, famous for botanical gardens and natural springs, perfect to relax and enjoy nature’s tranquillity.
INR700 (taxi), 1h

3:00pm

Visit Botanical Gardens Kokernag

Spend an hour exploring the scenic, well-maintained gardens featuring a variety of plant species.
INR25, 1h

4:30pm

Relax at springs and lake

Spend time near the clear Kokernag springs and lake, immortalised in local folk tales.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at local restaurant in Kokernag

Savour warm Kashmiri noodles and stews with fresh bread to complete your day.
INR500, 1h
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Day 5: Gulmarg & Return

Gulmarg, India on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and checkout from Kokernag

Prepare for return journey with a wholesome breakfast.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Gulmarg

Travel approximately 70 km north to Gulmarg, famous for its meadows, gondola rides, and offbeat hiking trails.
INR2000 (taxi), 2h30m

11:00am

Gondola Ride to Apharwat Peak

Experience one of the highest cable car rides in Asia (open 9am-5pm), offering spectacular views over snow-capped mountains and green valleys.
INR850 (round trip), 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pink Panthar Restaurant

Enjoy rich Kashmiri dishes in cozy ambiance, also offering vegetarian options.
INR800, 1h

2:30pm

Walk Gulmarg Meadows and visit St. Mary’s Church

Spend the afternoon exploring peaceful meadows and the quaint 19th-century church reflecting colonial architecture.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Drive back to Srinagar

Return 50 km south to Srinagar for your onward journey or overnight stay.
INR1500 (taxi), 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Traditional Restaurant in Srinagar

Relish a farewell Kashmiri meal with delicacies like Haak and Tabak Maaz in a cozy setting.
INR900, 1h30m
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