How to Spend 7 Days in Kashmir

On day 1st, after landing at the Srinagar Airport, book a cab or taxi.  The main city of Srinagar is just 15 kilometres away and it will take you half an hour to complete the journey. After reaching your hotel, take some rest. In the evening, you can visit Dal Lake and enjoy the Shikara ride there. There’s a  number of restaurants and cafes near the Lake. You can surely get some snacks here such as kebabs, Fritters, kahwa, pink tea and enjoy the views as the sun sets over the mountains. As you are done at the lake , explore the nearby markets on Lal Chawk and in Old Srinagar. There’s a number of shops here, selling Kashmiri architecture and spices. You can buy Pashmina Shawls, Jewelry, carpets, Saffron, walnuts here. By night, come back to your hotel and have a delicious dinner containing Kashmiri dishes. Call it a night.

Night stay in Srinagar. 

On the second day, the entire capital city of Srinagar will be explored. Book a taxi with Cliffhangers India for the city tour. The sightseeing trip will start with visiting the Mughal Gardens.  The famous Mughal Gardens here are Shalimar Bagh, Chashme Shahi Garden, and Nishat Garden. Shalimar Bagh is the largest one in the city, followed by Nishat Bagh. These spots are perfect for outdoor picnics and an insight into Mughal architecture. The springs and canals found here are a visual treat. Catching a sunrise from one of these gardens is a peaceful experience. After the Mughal Garden, visit the Pari Mahal also known as the Palace of Fairies. You can see Zabarwan mountain in the backdrop of the palace, making the scenery complete. Explore Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in March and April. Trek to Shankaracharya Temple at last and offer your prayers to Lord Shiva. Visit Dal Lake if you have not on your first day or there is no harm in making a visit twice. It deserves all the praise. You can also go paragliding near a park on the banks of the lake. For a more serene experience, visit the ever calming Nigeen Lake where you can enjoy Shikara rides and houseboat stays. It might be shorter but offers a peaceful time because of less crowd. 

Night stay in Srinagar. 

After exploring the capital city, start your third day early by a road trip from Srinagar to Pahalgam. It is a 3 hour drive with around 90 kilometers to be covered. However, since enroute sightseeing is included on day 3, you will be there by noon. As you drive on the Srinagar-Pahalgam Highway, the first attraction to stop by is Manasbal Lake. The lake offers Shikara rides, boating and fishing. In the middle of the lake, thousands of lotus flowers adorn it. Migratory as well as local birds visit the lake especially in winters. It is a perfect place for bird watching. Visit the bat factories situated on the sides of the route at a distance. You can even buy one from there. 

As you move further, saffron friends are in sight. The purple flowers are a visual treat. If you are visiting Pahalgam in October or November, these fields are not to be missed. During the cultivation season, visit there and buy saffron, the most costliest spice in the world. If you still have time, explore the apple and walnut orchards as well. As you visit Pahalgam, it is advised to rest for the evening and night after having dinner. Next day includes sightseeing in the town. 

Night stay in Pahalgam. 

The second town that you explore on this trip is Pahalgam, Valley of Shepherds. Widely known for accommodating many valleys like Baisaran Valley, Aru Valley, Betaab Valley. Aru Valley is popular as a basecamp for various treks like Tarsar Marsar trek and more. The remaining offer some small hikes as well. The greenery seen here in summer is beautiful. In winters, snow slopes are formed here. Various sports are available such as skiing, snowboarding and sledging. 

These places are very picturesque and you will love it here. Pony rides are available to take you to these valleys in Pahalgam. While you can choose other options for Aru and Betaab, for Baisaran, either trekking or pony rides are available. Private vehicles aren’t allowed inside the valley. Visit the Lidder River and enjoy white water rafting and boating here. Rafting is one of the most thrilling activities to do here. Stroll around the shores. Hike to the alpine Kolahoi Glacier and you will get an amazing view of the entire valley from the top. For a spiritual retreat, visit the Mamleshwar Temple and spend some time there. 

Night stay in Pahalgam. 

After Pahalgam, it’s finally time to visit the most popular hill station of not only Kashmir but of India too. The place is accessible year round. Sightseeing and various recreational activities are available in summer.Summer oriented activities include Biking, trekking and the Gulmarg Gondola. The ride will take you to some stunning scenic spots like Alptaher Lake, Kongdoori and Apharwat Peak. It will take half an hour or maximum 45 minutes to complete it. The town is a winter wonderland in cold months. From December to March, it is crowded with tourists from all over the world. While some come here to experience snowfall, adventure enthusiasts visit the place for various snow activities. Even in freezing temperatures, tourists are out there on the slopes, playing in the white powdery snow. In winters, go skiing, snowboarding, sledging, snow mobile etc. in Gulmarg. Don’t forget Golfing at Gulmarg Golf Course. The 18-hole golf course is one of the greenest courses in the world. Some local attractions to visit in Gulmarg are Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary, St. Mary’s Church, Khilanmarg, Maharani Temple and Maharaja Palace. By late evening, enjoy a hearty meal at your hotel and call it a night. 

Night  stay in Gulmarg. 

Last but not the least, Sonmarg is the final destination on our 7 days Kashmir itinerary. 

The Meadows of Golden Light is another town that is accessible year round. After having breakfast, start the day by visiting the Kheer Bhawani temple to offer your prayers and seek blessings. If you are here during the Mela, it is a whole another celebration seen in the town. Explore the Sindh river. The surrounding of the river is filled with various spots like Fish Point, etc. Here, enjoy river rafting and boating. The river beams with trout. Go fishing and angling. 

Then set out on an adventure voyage to visit The Gadsar Lake, one of the highest lakes of Kashmir found in alpine regions. Other than these, you can enjoy pony rides here and visit the walnut orchards. If at the right time of harvesting, taste one or two to bless your tastebuds. You can even buy walnut jam from the orchards. In the evening, explore the local markets of Sonmarg to buy souvenirs and gifts for your family and friends. 

After enjoying a hearty breakfast in Sonmarg, start the road trip back to Srinagar. You can enjoy the enroute sightseeing at multiple places and make the most of this journey. As you are back in Srinagar after driving for 3-4 hours, spend the afternoon enjoying lunch with the view of Dal Lake in front of you. Savour a delicious meal consisting of mutton Rogan josh with traditional break. Enjoy Phirni for dessert. It is time to say goodbye to the Valleys, meadows, lakes and snow-capped mountains that managed to capture your hearts throughout the week. After having your breakfast, reach Srinagar at least 2 hours before the flight. We hope you have a memorable time here. 

With this itinerary, you must have gotten a rough idea of how to spend 7 days in Kashmir. You can surely personalise it and make it flexible.