3 nights · Easy · Lake city in the Kashmir valley, known for houseboats, shikara rides and Mughal gardens.
Day 1: Srinagar
- Arrive and check in near Dal Lake.
- Climb to Shankaracharya Temple for the city view.
- Take an evening shikara ride on Dal Lake.
- Book a shikara for the next morning's floating market.
Day 2: Srinagar
- See the floating vegetable market on Dal Lake at about 5 am.
- Visit Chashme Shahi and Pari Mahal, which are next to each other.
- Go on to Nishat Bagh.
- Finish at Shalimar Bagh.
Day 3: Srinagar
- Visit Hazratbal Shrine on the lake shore.
- Go to Jamia Masjid in the old city, outside prayer times.
- Have a wazwan lunch.
- Return to Dal Lake for a last walk along the shore.
Getting here from Srinagar: Road, about 2 hours. About 50 km by road.
1 night · Easy · A high meadow resort in the Pir Panjal with a two-stage cable car, ski slopes and summer flowers.
Day 4: Gulmarg
- Drive up from Srinagar early and check in.
- Ride the Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 to Kongdoori.
- If it is running, continue on Phase 2 to Apharwat Peak.
- In summer and clear weather, walk towards Alpather Lake with a guide.
- Return by gondola before the last ride down.
Getting here from Gulmarg: Road via Srinagar, about 3.5 to 4 hours. About 120 km by road.
1 night · Easy · High meadow town on the Srinagar-Leh highway, known for Thajiwas Glacier and the Sindh River.
Day 5: Arrival day
- Travel from Gulmarg to Sonamarg (about 3.5 to 4 hours).
- Check in near the market.
- Walk along the Sindh River.
- Short taxi round to Fish Point and Sarbal village.
Getting here from Sonamarg: Road via Srinagar, about 4 to 5 hours. About 170 km by road.
2 nights · Easy · A Kashmir valley town on the Lidder river, with pine forests, meadows and side valleys.
Day 6: Arrival day
- Travel from Sonamarg to Pahalgam (about 4 to 5 hours).
- Check in and walk along the Lidder River.
- Visit Mamaleshwar Temple before dusk.
- Evening in the town market once day visitors have left.
Day 7: Pahalgam
- Start by 8 am in a union taxi to Aru Valley.
- Walk up to the upper meadow for the Kolahoi view.
- Return to town for lunch.
- Late afternoon at the Pahalgam Golf Course viewpoint.
Day 8: Pahalgam
- Morning union taxi to Betaab Valley.
- Walk the paths and bridges for two hours.
- Optional rafting on the Lidder River.
- Drive back to Srinagar in the afternoon.
Afterwards: Pahalgam to Srinagar airport is about 3 hours by road.
Travel times between stops are rough estimates for planning; check current timetables and road conditions before you go. Each day links to the full guide for that place.
