Enchanting 6-Day Kashmir Adventure: Srinagar to Pahalgam and Gulmarg

Day 1: Arrival & Local Exploration

Srinagar, India on June 28, 2025

9:00am

Check-In and Breakfast at Krishna Vaishno Dhaba

Start your day with a hearty traditional Kashmiri breakfast featuring local dishes like Harissa and Sheermal in this well-reviewed, authentic eatery open from 7:00am.
INR300, 1h0m

10:30am

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Experience a serene Shikara boat ride on Dal Lake to witness the floating gardens and local life; rides generally start from 9am to sunset.
INR500, 1h0m

12:00pm

Visit Mughal Gardens

Explore the historic Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, Mughal-era terraced gardens open 9:00am to 6:00pm, famed for their vibrant flowers and scenic views over Dal Lake.
INR50, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Ahdoos Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Kashmiri cuisine like Goshtaba and Rista in this iconic Srinagar restaurant open from 12pm to 11pm.
INR700, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Old Srinagar and Jamia Masjid

Walk through Old Srinagar’s narrow lanes visiting the 600-year-old Jamia Masjid, a stunning wooden mosque open until sunset for a cultural experience.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mughal Darbar

Relish a traditional Wazwan meal, Kashmir’s multi-course feast, available until 10pm at this popular dining spot known for excellent local flavors.
INR900, 1h0m

Day 2: Srinagar Cultural Day

Srinagar, India on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chinar Cafe

Enjoy freshly baked breads and traditional Kahwa tea at this cozy café, open starting 8am.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Shankaracharya Temple

Ascend to Shankaracharya Temple, set atop a hill offering panoramic views of Srinagar; open 9am to 5pm.
INR30, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk Through Hazratbal Shrine

Visit the revered Hazratbal Shrine situated on the northern shore of Dal Lake; open till sunset and important to Kashmiri Muslims.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Lhasa Restaurant

Dine on Tibetan and Kashmiri dishes in this centrally located restaurant open to 10pm, known for momos and Thukpa.
INR600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Handicraft Shopping at Lal Chowk Market

Explore local handicrafts like Pashmina shawls, carpets, and papier-mâché souvenirs; shops generally open till 7pm.
Varies, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Nigeen Lake

Unwind by the less-crowded Nigeen Lake with beautiful surroundings, ideal for an evening walk or tea in lakeside cafes.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mughal Darbar

Return for another taste of traditional Kashmiri cuisine, open until 10pm.
INR900, 1h0m

Day 3: Gulmarg Excursion

Gulmarg, India on June 30, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast offering Indian and continental options before departure to Gulmarg at 8am.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Gulmarg

Depart Srinagar for the approximately 2-hour scenic drive to Gulmarg through beautiful mountainous terrain.
INR1500 (Taxi), 2h0m

10:30am

Gondola Ride to Apharwat Peak

Ride Asia’s second highest cable car to reach Apharwat Peak at 4000+ meters, offering breathtaking views; operates 9am-5pm.
INR700, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa

Enjoy lunch with high altitude views, serving local and international cuisine; open 12pm-4pm.
INR1200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Gulmarg Meadow and Walking Trails

Leisurely walk through the meadows, spot wildflowers, or rent a pony for a guided ride around the area until sunset.
INR300, 2h0m

6:00pm

Return to Srinagar

Drive back to Srinagar for overnight stay.
INR1500, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Ahdoos Restaurant

Relax with dinner back in Srinagar, open until 11pm.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 4: Pahalgam Adventure

Pahalgam, India on July 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with an early breakfast at your Srinagar hotel to prepare for the journey to Pahalgam.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Pahalgam

Enjoy the scenic 3-hour drive to Pahalgam, with views of pine forests and river valleys.
INR2000 (Taxi), 3h0m

11:30am

Check-In and Freshen Up

Settle into your Pahalgam hotel or guesthouse and relax before exploring.
Varies, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Dana Pani

Savor fresh local trout and traditional Kashmiri dishes in this charming restaurant open for lunch till 3pm.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Betaab Valley

Explore the lush green Betaab Valley, known for its clear streams and breathtaking views; open year-round.
INR50, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk Along Lidder River

Take a peaceful riverside walk along the Lidder River to absorb Pahalgam’s natural beauty.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy a warm dinner featuring local cuisine at your hotel’s in-house restaurant.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 5: Pahalgam Nature & Culture

Pahalgam, India on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast featuring freshly baked breads, local jams, and tea.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Trek to Aru Valley

Embark on a moderate trek to Aru Valley, a beautiful spot for picnics and stunning mountain views, accessible daily.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch Picnic in Aru Valley

Pack or buy a picnic lunch to enjoy amid Aru Valley’s scenic beauty.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Local Handicraft Shops

Browse Pahalgam’s shops for Kashmiri carpets, woolens, and handicrafts.
Varies, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Pahalgam Market

Spend late afternoon relaxing or sipping tea while exploring the small market.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bon Appetit

Dine on Indian and continental dishes at this popular Pahalgam restaurant serving until 10pm.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 6: Return to Srinagar

Srinagar, India on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up early with breakfast before your return journey to Srinagar.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive from Pahalgam to Srinagar

Return trip to Srinagar, passing scenic vistas en route over approximately 3 hours.
INR2000 (Taxi), 3h0m

11:30am

Last Minute Shopping or Visit Any Missed Srinagar Spots

Take the opportunity to pick up souvenirs or visit any Srinagar sites you missed, such as the Floating Market if open (weekends).
Varies, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Mughal Darbar

Enjoy a farewell lunch savoring your favorite Kashmiri dishes before departure.
INR900, 1h0m

3:00pm

Departure

Head to Srinagar airport or onward travel with wonderful memories of Kashmir.
Varies, Travel