Kashmir on a budget

Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar

Srinagar

• Shikara ride on Dal Lake · 2 h. Hourly rates per boat are posted at the ghats on Boulevard Road; agree the route (Char Chinari, the floating gardens, Nehru Park) before you set off. Sunset is the classic time.
• Badamwari almond garden and Hari Parbat · 2 h. The almond trees below Hari Parbat fort blossom in March, a couple of weeks before the tulips.

Local tip: Hourly rates per boat are posted at the ghats on Boulevard Road; agree the route (Char Chinari, the floating gardens, Nehru Park) before you set off. Sunset is the classic time.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Srinagar

Srinagar

• Shalimar, Nishat and Chashme Shahi gardens · 4 h. Terraced 17th-century Mughal gardens along the lake's east shore, each with a small entry fee. Add Pari Mahal above Chashme Shahi for the view over Dal.
• Old city walk: Jamia Masjid and Khanqah-e-Moula · 3 h. The wooden Khanqah-e-Moula on the Jhelum and the great Jamia Masjid courtyard are the highlights; a local guide helps in the lanes. Dress modestly, women cover their heads, and avoid Friday prayer times.

Local tip: Terraced 17th-century Mughal gardens along the lake's east shore, each with a small entry fee. Add Pari Mahal above Chashme Shahi for the view over Dal.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Doodhpathri meadows day trip

Srinagar

• Doodhpathri meadows day trip · 7 h. About 2h from Srinagar via Budgam: wide meadows, pine forest and the Shaliganga river. Pony rides from the parking area follow posted rates; carry lunch as food is basic.

Local tip: About 2h from Srinagar via Budgam: wide meadows, pine forest and the Shaliganga river. Pony rides from the parking area follow posted rates; carry lunch as food is basic.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Explore Srinagar

Srinagar

• Tulip Garden (spring only) · 2 h. The Zabarwan foothill garden opens for roughly three to four weeks from late March into April; dates depend on the bloom and are announced each year. Weekdays and early mornings are calmer.
• Hazratbal shrine and the Nigeen shore · 1.5 h. The white marble shrine on the lake's north shore; remove shoes, dress modestly, and note that women may enter only part of it.
• Shankaracharya temple hill · 2 h. Drive up the hill, then climb about 240 steps to the stone temple for a view over Dal and the city. Expect a security check; leave bags in the car.
• Craft workshops: papier-mache, pashmina and carpets · 2.5 h. Ask to see the work being done before buying. Genuine pashmina comes with a GI label; shahtoosh is illegal, and very cheap pashmina is usually blended.

Local tip: The Zabarwan foothill garden opens for roughly three to four weeks from late March into April; dates depend on the bloom and are announced each year. Weekdays and early mornings are calmer.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Srinagar → Pahalgam

Pahalgam · Srinagar to Pahalgam, Car ~2.5–3h

• Aru valley · 3.5 h. A 12 km union-taxi ride up the Lidder to open meadows and a small village; base for longer treks with a guide.

Local tip: A 12 km union-taxi ride up the Lidder to open meadows and a small village; base for longer treks with a guide.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Explore Pahalgam

Pahalgam

• Betaab valley · 2.5 h. A riverside park in a green bowl named after the film shot here; combine it with Chandanwari in one union-taxi trip.
• Pony ride into the hills · 3 h. Ponies use fixed per-route rates set by the tourism department; ask for the card and agree waiting time and the exact route first.
• Rafting on the Lidder · 2 h. Mostly grade II–III stretches near Yannar from about May to August; operators provide helmets and jackets — insist on them.

Local tip: A riverside park in a green bowl named after the film shot here; combine it with Chandanwari in one union-taxi trip.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Depart from Pahalgam

Pahalgam

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.