Kashmir
Plan a trip

Classic Kashmir: Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam

7 days, 6 nights: Srinagar (3N), Gulmarg (1N), Pahalgam (2N). Best time to go: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov.

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.
  • 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.

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.
  • 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.
  • Wazwan dinner · 2 h. The Kashmiri multi-course feast of rista, rogan josh and gushtaba is cooked by wazas; restaurants serve smaller tramis (shared platters) for two to four.

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: Explore Srinagar

Srinagar

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 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.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Srinagar → Gulmarg

Gulmarg · Srinagar to Gulmarg, Car ~1.5–2h

  • Gulmarg Gondola to Kongdoori and Apharwat · 4 h. Book online on the official cable car site only, days ahead in season. Phase 1 to Kongdoori (about 3,050 m) is the family ride; Phase 2 to Apharwat (about 3,950 m) has snow most of the year but often shuts in wind. Go early.

Local tip: Book online on the official cable car site only, days ahead in season. Phase 1 to Kongdoori (about 3,050 m) is the family ride; Phase 2 to Apharwat (about 3,950 m) has snow most of the year but often shuts in wind. Go early.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Gulmarg → Pahalgam

Pahalgam · Gulmarg to Pahalgam, Car ~4h via Srinagar

  • 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.

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 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Explore Pahalgam

Pahalgam

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Lidder riverside walk and Mamleshwar temple · 2 h. Walk along the river from the town to the small stone Mamleshwar Shiva temple across the bridge.

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 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Depart from Pahalgam

Pahalgam

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

Where to stay