Kashmir Itinerary
Overview
Kashmir is one of those destinations where you could stay for a month or month and still wouldn’t get bored. The more, the merrier. The endless number of stunning meadows with hundreds of water-streams and those lofty snow-capped mountains in the background memorises your heart. However, before visiting the valley, we are often confused about the number of days sufficient to explore tourist attractions and experience other outdoor activities. A well-designed 7 days itinerary is the ideal one to cover the major towns and Kashmir and do other outdoor adventures. Apart from the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and also where you arrive and depart from, Srinagar, the itinerary includes places like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam etc. We also stop by some well-liked scenic spots that fall along the routes.
Having a well-revised and personalised itinerary is very important and it should cater to your preferences, likings and other aspects. We, at Cliffhangers India, provide you a customised itinerary for any particular number of days. Our 7 days Kashmir itinerary is the most chosen one and we definitely recommend it to our customers.
Below, we have discussed the itinerary that we follow for that whole week and visit places and enjoy activities accessible there.
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Most Picked 7 Days Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival In Srinagar
After taking flight from your city, the first day of the trip marks your arrival in the capital city, Srinagar. It is advised that you take a flight that lands in Srinagar early in the morning so you have some time to explore around.
You can book a cab or a taxi there at the airport to reach your accommodation at the right time. Driving through the scenic routes and also hearing the honking of the vehicles on the roads, you will reach your hotel, ready to welcome you. Since you have a long night on the flight, take some rest in the afternoon after having a delicious lunch.
From your hotel, visit the serene Dal Lake for the famous Shikara ride. The whole lake is casted by different shades of hues in the evening and its beauty doubles.
The ride takes you on a fun yet tranquil ferry with mighty mountains in the front, forming the perfect setting. After taking a light stroll by the Bouvenyard road, near the banks of the lake, you can call it a day.
Houseboats are a great option of accommodation on the Dal Lake and you wake to a gorgeous view in the morning. Enjoy your delicious dinner and have a good sleep as you are going to have a long day tomorrow with Srinagar sightseeing tours.
Read here about: Best Time To Visit Kashmir
Day 2. Srinagar Sightseeing
Next day will be filled with sightseeing trips to different tourist spots of Srinagar such as Mughal Gardens and more. After having your breakfast in your hotel if included or at any restaurant, book a cab for the entire day. Below, we mentioned some of the activities that you can do at top places of Kashmir.
Top Activities to do in Srinagar
1. Explore Pari Mahal: Your first stop of the day should be at Pari Mahal. Translated as Palace of Fairies, it is one of the most antique and stunning places of the capital city. Here, you will see a garden which has seven terraces with different kinds of flowers enhancing its beauty. It is an ideal place to witness the rich heritage of Srinagar as it was built in the Mughal Era.
When you visit here, don’t forget to carry any ID proof like an Aadhar Card for security checkups. Practice caution when you are near the walls of the monument and climbing the stairs as they are ancient and fragile.
2. Stroll in Mughal Gardens:
The lush Mughal Gardens of Srinagar are globally famous and they are unmissable when visiting here. Some of the famous Mughal Gardens of Srinagar include Chashma Shahi Garden, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh etc. After Pari Mahal, they should be your next destination. They are closely located to Dal Lake and even their canals are connected to the lake. The giggling water of the waterfalls here is the best sound. The intrinsic designs of the interior here are loved by the tourists.
You will see various varieties of flowers here, dotting the entire area.
Pay a minimal entry fee here and you can enjoy picnics, light stroll in these breathtaking gardens.
3. Religious tour at Shankaracharya Temple: Shankaracharya Temple is a place in Srinagar, famous for holding profound religious significance especially in Hinduism. You too can visit here. Located in the Zabarwan range on the Shankaracharya Hill, you also enjoy a top-tier view of Srinagar city from the temple. Offer your prayers to the Lord Shiva here. Bring things like milk, fruits, flowers for the Pooja.
It is recognized as one of the oldest temples here and people cover it in their pilgrimages. It is advised that you keep a cloth to cover your head before entering the temple. Photography is prohibited here. Don’t force anything. Respect the beliefs of people there.
4. Shikara Ride At Dal Lake: If you have heard of Srinagar, there is no way you missed Dal Lake. The most famous tourist spot of the capital, popular for offering the scenic views and its tranquil turquoise water, there are various reasons to cover it on second day two. If you have not enjoyed the Shikara ride, this is the right time to do so and if you have, there is absolutely no harm in experiencing the fun of the ride again.
After your sightseeing tour, visit the Dal Lake and enjoy the ferry on the Shikara which takes you through some remote villages and the sight in front of you with snow-capped mountains is to die for. When it gets dark, you can see the reflection of Pari Mahal on the waters of the Lake.
Shikara ride is also a way to visit some of the above mentioned Mughal Gardens.
5. Tranquil experience by Nigeen Lake: Dal Lake is absolutely stunning. There is no denial but one thing that is a little concerning is overcrowding. Due to its popularity, the areas around are congested and if you have not booked in advance, there are high chances that you will have to wait for hours there.
An excellent alternative is the Nigeen or Nagin Lake. It is very peaceful around here and there is a lesser crowd. You can do everything here. Shikara ride is the most chosen activity and something you can not miss. Enjoy the ride with a gorgeous view around.
Know more about: Kashmir Trip Plan
Day 3. Drive to Pahalgam
On the third day, the drive from Srinagar to Pahalgam starts. Pahalgam is a distance of about 88 kilometres from Srinagar and it will take you around 2 hours to cover the journey. There are many ways to cover the journey. There are cabs available or you can book a taxi. Sharing a cab if you are on a solo journey is another option. The most suitable and fun option is renting a car or bike, as per the number of people travelling, and while enjoying the scenic routes, reach Pahalgam.
So after waking up in the morning and having your breakfast, head out to Pahalgam via the Srinagar-Pahalgam Highway also known as Anantnag-Pahalgam Highway (NH501). The condition of the highway is quite good and it’s mostly a straight drive.
On this thrilling drive, stop at some ethereal spots that fall on the way.
Those include:
1.Bat making factory: Sangam village on the way is another place to stop by. It is a place where willow is crafted into bats by traditional methods. It is quite interesting to see the locals doing it like it is nothing. They are highly skilled and experienced.
2. Apple orchards: There are various apple orchards seen on the way to Pahalgam. They are spread in a large area. In the harvesting season, you can visit here and taste the fresh apple juice.
3. Saffron fields: The largest Saffron field of Asia falls right in the Srinagar-Pahalgam route. Saffron is one of the costliest things available and is grown in abundance. They are vividly seen from the route and you can stop the car and admire its beauty here.
By evening, you will reach Pahalgam. Enjoy your steaming hot dinner and call it a day.
Night stay at Pahalgam.
Read here about: Kashmir Trip Cost
Day 4. Pahalgam Sightseeing
Top Things To Do In Pahalgam
1:River rafting at Lidder river: The most adventurous thing to do in Pahalgam is the White Water Rafting at Lidder River. The place is beginner-friendly and a novice rafter can do it with a brief instruction. The stretch of about 2 kilometres in the Aru region is the ideal one with gentle gradient. You can start your fourth day in the town with some thrilling water-based activity to set the mood for the rest of the day.
Advance booking is done as well and is highly advised given the crowd seen here.
Wear comfortable full-sleeved clothes. Not too loose nor too tight.
Listen to the instructions of your boat leader to have a safe experience.
2. Pony rides to Baisaran Valley: The stunning Baisaran Valley is inaccessible through any cab, taxi or private vehicle. You can either trek there or hire a pony. The pony rides in Pahalgam, taking you to Baisaran Valley, Betaab Valley etc. give you a surreal experience. The ride is, without a doubt, one of the most fun things available in Pahalgam and is a must-to-do.
Sitting on the backs of horses or ponies and enjoying the view of the meadows, water-streams will surely give you goosebumps.
It is requested that you don’t irritate the animal in any way. They are very friendly but when disturbed, can really hurt you. Sit comfortably and experience the thrills.
3.Picnics by Sheshnag Lake: The ever-calming Sheshnag Lake is found in Pahalgam also. Not to be missed, it is a popular spot for weekend getaways for locals and also a picnic spot for tourists. An absolutely majestic place, ideal for nature-lovers and photography enthusiasts, it is one those ones they talk about in books. Carry a basket with snacks and drinks and a carpet. Enjoy the view with some bites and sips.
The lake is also religiously significant as it falls in the route of Amarnath Cave and pilgrims do cover it while doing their Holy Amarnath Yatra. Devotees of Lord Shiva still believe that Sheshnag resides in this lake.
4. Bollywood in Betaab: Visited via pony rides or trekking, Betaab Valley is just magnificent. The beauty that this valley holds is beyond words. And it is clearly seen in the movie “ Betaab” starring Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh. Earlier known as Hagan, it was renamed Betaab Valley after it gained immense fame and popularity due to the bollywood hit. You can reminisce about your Bollywood dreams here by clicking pictures and exploring around.
Adding thrill to your trip, you can experience the fun of zip-lining here while enjoying the aerial views of the Valley. You have to pay a minimal fee of INR 100 to enter the valley.
5. Seek blessing at Sun Matand Temple: Sun Markand Temple, located in the Anantnag district, Pahalgam is one of the three sun temples where you can visit especially in the morning to have a spiritual experience. The view from the top where the temple is situated offers a stunning view of the entire Kashmir Valley. Here, you won’t see any kind of security or entry fees needed and you can just visit here and see it as one of the Archeological Sites of India.
It is not present as it was originally built. Only the remains of the Sun Markand Temple are there for the visitor. Offer your prayers here to the Lord Surya and seek blessings.
Night Stay at Pahalgam.
Day 5. Drive to Gulmarg & Sightseeing
There are not many spots worth stopping by on the route from Pahalgam to Gulmarg as the real beauty and adventure lie in the town of Gulmarg itself. On the fifth day of the trip, we will not only drive to Gulmarg from Pahalgam but also explore the places, do some adventures. The distance between Pahalgam and Gulmarg is about 140 kilometres and it would take you approximately 4 hours to cover the distance. The route from Pahalgam to Gulmarg starts by heading towards Anantnag on NH501 and from there, towards Srinagar via NH44. Continue the journey from Srinagar to Tangmarg via NH44 and lastly Drive more to Gulmarg, about 13 kilometres more from Tangmarg.
You can either book a taxi or there are buses available to reach Gulmarg.
Start the drive early in the morning after having your breakfast. Do it by 7- 8 so that you are in Gulmarg by 11-12 o’clock and you will have enough hours to explore the famous tourist spots.
Below, we have mentioned some of the top things like adventures and sightseeing to do in Gulmarg.
Top things to do in Gulmarg
1.Take a Gondola Ride: The best way to make the best of your single day in Gulmarg is by enjoying the adventures of Gulmarg Gondola ride. The take takes you to some of the most ethereal places of Kashmir. In the first phase, from the initial spot, you will reach Kongdori, one of the stunning spots for many sports activities. From Kongdori, the next stop is at Apharwat Peak which is one of the popular destinations of Gulmarg for skiing, snowboarding. It is a favourite winter destination for people who enjoy snow-based thrills. The entire ride takes about half an hour and it is always a good idea to book the ride in advance. It is very crowded especially in the peak seasons. The aerial views during sunrise and sunset via the ride are unparalleled.
2.Golfing at Gulmarg Golf Course: Gulmarg Golf Course is in close proximity to Gulmarg town and you can even trek here. The distance is about 3-4 kilometres only. The meadow where it is situated is a perfect place to enjoy some golfing. There are highly skilled instructors here and even if you are a novice golfer, you too can visit. This 18-hole golf course was constructed in 1931 and has only gained more and more popularity since then.
While enjoying golfing, you can also take pleasure in the stunning views in front of you. You will see different varieties of vibrant flowers here with snowy mountains in the background. Pay INR 800 as an entry fee.
3. Trekking in Gulmarg: Gulmarg has been a basecamp for several adventurous treks of Kashmir. The beautiful region with vast and gorgeous grasslands has many ideal spots for camping and acclimatising before starting the actual trek. Some of the treks that start from Gulmarg are Trek to Khilanmarg, Alpather Lake trek, Ningle Nallah trek etc.
These treks are short and very soothing. While offering some of the most breathtaking sights to the trekkers, it is no less of an adventure.
The final destinations are even more beautiful than the journey. Choose a favourable time to undertake this trek in Gulmarg and you will have the most memorable time.
4.Enjoy Pony rides: Another place to enjoy pony rides to visit some nearby areas is Gulmarg. It is quite a suitable transportation option to explore in and around the valley. It is mostly taken by travellers to regions where taxis and cabs are not to be accessed. Those include Strawberry Valley, Baba Reshi Shrine, Maharani Temple etc.
It is a very Kashmir-specific experience and must-to-do here. You can either book online or hire the horse or pony on the spot. The fares are always priced very high and some negotiation and bargaining must be done to avoid overpricing. The ponies are quite friendly and won’t harm you in any way until disturbed otherwise. There will be a guide with you so you have nothing to worry about.
5.Nature walks by scenic spots: Experience the much-needed serenity by taking nature-walks along some of the highly mesmerising spots of Gulmarg. Some of the most chosen ones are Ningle Nallah, Ferozshah Nallah etc. After doing all the walking throughout the day, visit here by evenings as the views here are immaculate as well. These water-bodies are also home to trout fishes so another thing to do here is fishing and angling.
One more place for such walks is the Outer Circle Walk of Pahalgam. It surrounds the town like a circle and people often explore the local markets situated nearby. You also get a sneak-peak of Nanga Parbat and Apharwat Peak on this walk.
Night stay at Gulmarg.
Day 6. Drive to Sonmarg Sightseeing
The second last of the trip and the last day of the sightseeing and adventures takes you to the Valley of Sonamarg. Al
most 125 kilometres separate Gulmarg from Sonamarg and it again will take about 3-4 hours to reach there. There are three routes and you can choose any of them. One is via NH1 and the second option is Srinagar-Gulmarg Road and NH1. the last one via Srinagar-Knagan Road and NH1. You will have to travel back to Srinagar to reach Sonamarg.
This day too, you have to get up early in the morning and head to Sonamarg from Gulmarg.
You will be there and without a second thought, start exploring the amazing Golden Valley who has so much to offer to the travellers.
Here are some things you can do in Sonamarg and each one of them is unique and charming in its way. Take a look!
Top things to do in Sonmarg
1.Visit a walnut orchards: You will see plenty of walnut trees in the big-big orchards spreading over acres of area. On your trip to Sonamarg, visit one of these, pluck them and enjoy the refreshing and crunchy taste of the walnuts. Here, in these orchards, you will be the closest to nature and even relax for some time in their shed. Hiring a guide comes handy as they tell you all about their growing, harvesting seasons.
It is important to know that you have any permission needed and don’t harm any of the trees and plants there. Any time of the season is good to go but harvesting season is the preferred one. You can also buy some walnuts and other dry fruits on the stalls of local markets here.
2.Hiking in Sonamarg: Going for a hike in the meadows of Sonamarg is one of the adventurous things to do. It is also one of the best ways to discover the enchanting beauty of Sonamarg. There are various short trails in the valley which take you to some breathtaking sights like lakes, peaks etc.The best time for trekking and hiking is from June to September and the weather is mild and favourable
The best trek of Sonamarg is the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. The trek starts from here but it is a long trek of about 9 days and you will have to come for it particularly. Some of the short hiking and trekking trails are Baltal Valley trek, Thajiwas Glacier trek, Satsarab Pass trek etc.
3.Go camping: You can do Camping on your treks as well as to relax by the night. There are stunning meadows, by the shores of water bodies like rivers, lakes etc.
These camping sights have some surreal views which you are greeted with when you wake up in the morning. While camping, you can do stargazing under the star-studded and clear sky. Lighting a bonfire and sitting in a circle, sharing stories is another fun way to spend quality time with your friends and family while camping.
Sinth river is the most popular place for it where you can also enjoy canoeing, river rafting, fishing and angling etc. Bring all the camping gears for a safe and comfortable stay.
4.Enjoy some fishing: Sonamarg has numerous water-bodies like lakes, rivers, canals to enjoy fishing and angling. Sonamarg is home to various kinds of trout fishes like rainbow trout, brown trout and snow trout etc. who meander around in the clear waters here. Sindh river in Sonmarg is every fisherman’s paradise.
Carry all the fishing gears and baits to attract the fishes. Carry the necessary permission from the Department of Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. Flying fishing is not allowed here. Don’t exploit the beauty of these spots. Practise environmental conservation.
Summer is quite a good time to come to Sonamarg for fishing and angling as the rivers and lakes have melted by then. They are frozen in winter.
5.Experience the adventure of white water rafting: Sindh river in Sonmarg is a popular tourist attraction and there are a bunch of activities to do here. One of them is white water rafting. It provides the opportunity of rafting to both beginners and experienced rafters with varied grades available. But the fast flowing gradient of the river makes it more suitable for some who have been doing river rafting for years. The real adventure lies here and you will be filled with excitement when the water flows all over you.
To have a safe time there, listen to the briefing of your instructor and follow them. Wear comfortable clothes and advance booking is always suggested.
Night stay at Sonmarg.
Day 7. Drive back to Srinagar
On the last day, travel back from Sonamarg to Srinagar. If you have some time left before catching your flight, you can do some other things in Srinagar. Those include Shikara rides at Dal or Nigeen Lake. you can never get bored by it. Another one is a food tour around the Hazratbal Shrine. The area around is full of local foods and restaurants offering local dishes of Kashmiri cuisine.
2 hours before your flight, visit the Srinagar Airport by booking a cab or hiring a taxi. After making memories of a lifetime, say goodbye to the Valley of Kashmir!
