Srinagar - India-7-day-itinerary

Srinagar 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

Morning

  • Arrive at Srinagar International Airport (SXR)
  • Take a taxi or bus to your hotel in the city center (~30 minutes, ₹500-800)
  • Check-in to your hotel and freshen up
  • Visit the nearby Lal Chowk , the heart of Srinagar’s commercial hub

Afternoon

  • Take a stroll around the Dal Lake , a picturesque lake surrounded by majestic mountains (free entry, but you may need to pay for a shikara ride)
  • Enjoy a Kashmiri lunch at Ahdoos Hotel , known for its traditional dishes like Gushtaba and Rista (₹500-800 per person)

Evening

  • Explore the Boulevard Road , lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants
  • Try some street food at Khayam Chowk , including kebabs and falooda (₹100-200 per person)
  • Stay overnight at Hotel Centre Point or similar (~ ₹2,500 per night)

Day 2: Srinagar City Tour

Morning

  • Visit the Shankaracharya Temple , an ancient temple with stunning views of the valley (free entry, but you may need to pay for parking)
  • Stop by the Pari Mahal , a beautiful garden and palace (free entry)

Afternoon

  • Explore the Mughal Gardens , including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh (₹50 per person)
  • Enjoy lunch at The Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar , offering stunning views of the lake (₹1,000-2,000 per person)

Evening

  • Take a romantic Shikara Ride on Dal Lake (₹800-1,200 per hour)
  • Dine at The Chashme Shahi Restaurant , serving traditional Kashmiri cuisine (₹500-800 per person)

Day 3: Gulmarg and Apharwat

Morning

  • Drive to Gulmarg (~2 hours, ₹1,500-2,000 by taxi)
  • Take a Cable Car Ride to Apharwat Peak (₹700-1,000 per person, return)

Afternoon

  • Enjoy lunch at The Pine Palace Resort , offering breathtaking views of the valley (₹800-1,200 per person)
  • Explore the Gulmarg Golf Course , one of the highest golf courses in the world (free entry)

Evening

  • Return to Srinagar and enjoy dinner at Stream Restaurant , serving international cuisine (₹500-800 per person)
  • Stay overnight at Hotel Centre Point or similar (~ ₹2,500 per night)

Day 4: Sonmarg and Thajiwas Glacier

Morning

  • Drive to Sonmarg (~3 hours, ₹2,000-3,000 by taxi)
  • Take a horse ride to Thajiwas Glacier (₹800-1,200 per person, return)

Afternoon

  • Enjoy lunch at The Sonmarg Glacier Restaurant , offering stunning views of the glacier (₹500-800 per person)
  • Explore the Sonmarg Market , selling local handicrafts and souvenirs (free entry)

Evening

  • Return to Srinagar and enjoy dinner at Mughal Darbar Restaurant , serving traditional Mughlai cuisine (₹500-800 per person)
  • Stay overnight at Hotel Centre Point or similar (~ ₹2,500 per night)

Day 5: Pahalgam

Morning

  • Drive to Pahalgam (~4 hours, ₹3,000-4,000 by taxi)
  • Visit the Betaab Valley , a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains (free entry)

Afternoon

  • Enjoy lunch at The Pahalgam Hotel , offering stunning views of the valley (₹800-1,200 per person)
  • Explore the Pahalgam Market , selling local handicrafts and souvenirs (free entry)

Evening

  • Return to Srinagar and enjoy dinner at Lhasa Restaurant , serving Tibetan cuisine (₹500-800 per person)
  • Stay overnight at Hotel Centre Point or similar (~ ₹2,500 per night)

Day 6: Dachigam National Park

Morning

  • Drive to Dachigam National Park (~1 hour, ₹1,000-1,500 by taxi)
  • Take a guided trek in the park (₹800-1,200 per person)

Afternoon

  • Enjoy lunch at The Dachigam Restaurant , offering stunning views of the park (₹500-800 per person)
  • Explore the Harwan Garden , a beautiful garden with waterfalls and fountains (free entry)

Evening

  • Return to Srinagar and enjoy dinner at The Chinar Restaurant , serving traditional Kashmiri cuisine (₹500-800 per person)
  • Stay overnight at Hotel Centre Point or similar (~ ₹2,500 per night)

Day 7: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring the local market
  • Check-out from your hotel and depart for Srinagar International Airport (SXR) (~30 minutes, ₹500-800 by taxi)

Things to Know

  • Srinagar is a valley, so be prepared for varying weather conditions.
  • Dress modestly and respect local culture.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak season (June-August) due to heavy tourist traffic.
  • Kashmiri cuisine is known for its rich flavors, so be sure to try the local dishes.

Transportation

  • Taxi: Available at the airport and throughout the city (₹500-800 per ride)
  • Bus: Regular bus services connect Srinagar to other parts of Jammu and Kashmir
  • Private Car: Can be hired for the entire trip (~ ₹3,000-5,000 per day)

Tips

  • Bargain while shopping at local markets.
  • Try to stay in hotels that offer stunning views of the lake or valley.
  • Respect the environment and do not litter.
  • Be prepared for occasional internet connectivity issues.

Other Things of Interest

  • Kashmiri Papier Mache: A traditional craft of Kashmir, known for its intricate designs and colors.
  • Sufi Shrines: Visit the shrines of famous Sufi saints like Shah-e-Hamdan and Moinuddin Chishti.
  • Local Festivals: Attend festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr and Navroz to experience the local culture.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Srinagar!