Srinagar India 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Srinagar City

Morning

  • 8:00 am: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Ahdoos Hotel, known for their traditional Kashmiri dishes like Gushtaba (meatballs) and Lyodur Tschaman (yogurt-based curry).
  • 9:30 am: Visit the Mughal Gardens, a stunning example of Mughal architecture, featuring beautiful fountains, gardens, and water features. Take a leisurely stroll around the Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Head to the Lal Chowk (Red Square), the city center, to explore the local markets and try some street food.
  • 2:30 pm: Visit the Shankaracharya Temple, an ancient Hindu temple situated on a hill overlooking the valley.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm: Take a romantic Shikara ride on Dal Lake, surrounded by majestic mountains and picturesque gardens.
  • 8:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at The Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar, which offers an exquisite fine dining experience with breathtaking views of the lake.

Where to Stay

  • Hotel Centre Point, a comfortable and conveniently located hotel in the heart of the city.

Things to Know

  • Srinagar is a crowded city, so be prepared for traffic jams.
  • Dress modestly while visiting religious places.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (9:00 am - 12:00 pm) to avoid congestion.

Transportation

  • Hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw for the day to make traveling easier.
  • You can also use local buses, but they might be crowded and less comfortable.

Tips

  • Bargain while shopping at local markets.
  • Try to learn some basic Kashmiri phrases to interact with locals.
  • Don’t forget to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Day 2: Exploring the Outskirts of Srinagar

Morning

  • 8:00 am: Drive to Pahalgam (approx. 2 hours), a beautiful hill station surrounded by lush green forests and the Lidder River.
  • 10:30 am: Visit the Betaab Valley, a picturesque valley with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Enjoy lunch at The Village Inn, which offers delicious local cuisine with a scenic view.
  • 2:30 pm: Explore the Aru Valley, known for its beautiful meadows, waterfalls, and trekking trails.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm: Return to Srinagar and enjoy dinner at Mughal Durbar, which serves traditional Kashmiri dishes in a regal setting.
  • 8:30 pm: Take a leisurely stroll around the Dal Lake, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Where to Stay

  • Same as Day 1, or you can opt for a hotel in Pahalgam like Hotel Heevan.

Things to Know

  • The roads to Pahalgam and Aru Valley might be narrow and winding, so be prepared for a bumpy ride.
  • Try to avoid traveling during monsoon season (June - September) as the roads can be treacherous.

Transportation

  • Hire a taxi or car for the day to travel comfortably to Pahalgam and Aru Valley.

Tips

  • Don’t forget to carry snacks and water while traveling to these remote areas.
  • Be respectful of the local environment and don’t litter.

Day 3: Exploring Gulmarg and Sonamarg

Morning

  • 8:00 am: Drive to Gulmarg (approx. 2 hours), a beautiful hill station known for its stunning natural beauty and adventure activities.
  • 10:30 am: Take a Gondola ride, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Enjoy lunch at The Hilltop, which serves delicious Indian and continental cuisine with a scenic view.
  • 2:30 pm: Visit Sonamarg (approx. 3 hours), known as the “Meadow of Gold”, featuring stunning views of the Himalayas.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm: Return to Srinagar and enjoy dinner at The Chashme Shahi, which offers delicious local cuisine in a regal setting.
  • 8:30 pm: Take a leisurely stroll around the Dal Lake, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Where to Stay

  • Same as Day 1, or you can opt for a hotel in Gulmarg like The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa.

Things to Know

  • The roads to Gulmarg and Sonamarg might be narrow and winding, so be prepared for a bumpy ride.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak winter season (December - February) as the roads can be closed due to heavy snowfall.

Transportation

  • Hire a taxi or car for the day to travel comfortably to Gulmarg and Sonamarg.

Tips

  • Don’t forget to carry warm clothing while traveling to these hill stations.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak tourist season (June - August) as it can get crowded.