7-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Kashmir

Day 1: Srinagar Arrival and Exploration

Srinagar, India on June 19, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Ahdoos Restaurant

Start your day with traditional Kashmiri waffles and Kahwa tea at this historic eatery, known for authentic flavors and cozy ambiance.
INR400, 1h

10:30am

Dal Lake Houseboat Tour

Experience living on a traditional Kashmiri houseboat while cruising serene Dal Lake and viewing floating gardens and markets, immersing in local life.
INR1500, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mughal Darbar

Enjoy a traditional Wazwan meal, featuring a variety of expertly prepared meat and rice dishes unique to Kashmiri cuisine.
INR700, 1h

2:30pm

Shalimar Bagh Gardens Visit

Walk through this exquisite Mughal garden, known for its beautiful terraced lawns, fountains, and historic architecture, open from 9am to 6pm.
INR50, 1h30m

5:00pm

Evening at Nishat Bagh

Explore another stunning Mughal garden with panoramic views of Dal Lake, perfect for sunset photography and a peaceful stroll.
INR50, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Chinar at Lalit Grand Palace

Dine in style with a mix of international and local Kashmiri dishes in a heritage hotel setting, emphasizing refined tastes in a majestic ambiance.
INR1500, 1h30m

Day 2: Gulmarg Meadows and Adventure

Gulmarg, India on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Pine Palace

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast including eggs, local breads, and fresh fruit at your hotel before heading out to explore.
Included with stay, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Gulmarg from Srinagar

Enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive northwest to the hill station of Gulmarg, set at 2,650 meters altitude surrounded by pine forests and meadows.
INR1200 (taxi), 2h

11:00am

Gulmarg Cable Car (Gondola) Ride

Take one of the world's highest cable cars up Mount Apharwat to enjoy panoramic views and snow activities; operates 8am-6pm.
INR7000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Serai Restaurant

Dine on fresh trout and hearty Kashmiri dishes with cozy decor and beautiful views of the surrounding meadows.
INR800, 1h

3:00pm

Walk through Gulmarg Meadows

Explore vibrant alpine flowers, locals grazing sheep, and open landscapes, ideal for photography and nature walks.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Return to Srinagar

Drive back leisurely to Srinagar to prepare for the next day’s adventures.
INR1200 (taxi), 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Krishna Vaishno Dhaba

Sample savory vegetarian North Indian and local dishes in a laid-back setting, ideal for a light evening meal.
INR300, 1h

Day 3: Pahalgam Nature and Culture

Pahalgam, India on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast with fresh fruit and Kashmiri bread to energize for the travel day.
Included with stay, 45m

7:45am

Drive to Pahalgam from Srinagar

Travel southeast through picturesque valleys on a 3-4 hour drive to the quaint town of Pahalgam, known for its riverside scenery.
INR1500 (taxi), 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pahalgam Hotel

Relax with a hearty lunch including local trout and vegetable curries overlooking the Lidder River.
INR600, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Betaab Valley

Explore the stunning Betaab Valley, with its lush green meadows and snow-capped peaks, famous for its natural beauty and as a movie shoot location; open till sunset.
INR100, 2h

4:00pm

Walk along Lidder River

Enjoy an easy walk along the riverbanks, witnessing playful river currents and local life.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Dana Pani

Savor traditional Kashmiri fare including Rogan Josh and Gushtaba in an atmospheric setting with live music some evenings.
INR800, 1h

Day 4: Archaeology and Local Markets

Pahalgam, India on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

A leisurely breakfast including chai and parathas to start your day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Aru and Chandanwari Excursions

Visit these scenic spots near Pahalgam, Aru for lush green pastures and Chandanwari, the starting point of the Amarnath pilgrimage; best to visit in the morning for clear views.
INR300 (transport), 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Enjoy simple, fresh local dishes like vegetable pulao and pakoras at a roadside eatery.
INR200, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping at Pahalgam Bazaar

Browse local handicrafts such as pashmina shawls, wooden artifacts, and saffron products.
Free entry, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Srinagar

Drive back to Srinagar for overnight stay.
INR1500 (taxi), 4h

8:30pm

Dinner at Cafeteria Kashmir

Enjoy a modern twist on Kashmiri cuisine with options like Kashmiri lamb chops and vegetarian curries in a cozy cafe setting.
INR900, 1h

Day 5: Srinagar Cultural Immersion

Srinagar, India on June 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Stream Restaurant

Have a laid-back breakfast with Kashmiri bread and butter along the banks of Dal Lake.
INR350, 1h

9:30am

Visit Jamia Masjid

Explore this iconic 14th-century mosque, appreciating its Indo-Saracenic architecture; open from 8am to 6pm.
Free, 1h

10:45am

Walk through Old Srinagar Bazaar

Discover local crafts, spices, textiles, and street food in narrow lanes bustling with everyday life.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Krishna Vaishno Dhaba

Enjoy vegetarian delights like rajma and chole with freshly made rotis in a welcoming environment.
INR300, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Hazratbal Shrine

See the revered Muslim shrine with stunning views of Dal Lake; closed during prayer times but open generally 9am-6pm.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Relax in Tulip Garden (if in season)

If in bloom, stroll through Asia’s largest tulip garden featuring thousands of tulips; open from 9am to sunset.
INR100, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Shamyana Restaurant

Dine on local staples such as mutton rogan josh and gushtaba in a warm traditional setting.
INR1200, 1h30m

Day 6: Day Trip to Sonamarg

Sonamarg, India on June 24, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick breakfast to prep for the day trip to the golden meadow Sonamarg.
Included, 45m

7:45am

Drive to Sonamarg

Travel east from Srinagar along a picturesque 2.5-hour route through mountains and rivers to Sonamarg.
INR1300 (taxi), 2h30m

10:30am

Thajiwas Glacier Trek

Take a moderate hike or pony ride to the stunning Thajiwas Glacier, surrounded by Himalayan peaks and alpine scenery.
INR500 (guide + pony), 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Glacier Heights Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Kashmiri and North Indian dishes with a spectacular view of surrounding mountains.
INR700, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Sonamarg Market

Browse for souvenirs including woollens and local spices before returning to Srinagar.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Srinagar

Take the scenic drive back to Srinagar to relax and prepare for your departure
INR1300 (taxi), 2h30m

8:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Ahdoos Restaurant

Celebrate your last night with a sumptuous Kashmiri feast featuring all-time favorites in a traditional setting.
INR1500, 1h30m

Day 7: Departure Day

Srinagar, India on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Light Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy simple refreshments like tea and biscuits before checking out.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Transfer to Srinagar Airport

Head to the airport for your onward departure after a memorable Kashmiri experience.
INR600 (taxi), 1h