Kashmir, a breathtaking beautiful valley, is situated amidst magnificent Himalaya also known as “Paradise on Earth”. There are no words to describe the beauty of Kashmir Valley, the serene lake, snow-capped mountains, crystal clear rivers, and lush greenery of Kashmir melts your heart and soul. If you are nature lover, love adventure or want a peaceful escape from the hustle bustle life, Kashmir has all.
In this blog post we will guide you with a well-planned 5 nights and 6 day’s journey to Kashmir where we will cover the nearby places, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam.
Day-Wise Trip Itinerary
DAY 1 – Srinagar
As you reached Srinagar, began the journey by exploring the beauty of Srinagar, but avoiding the hectic schedule. On Day 1 will explore most of the gardens, temples and shopping, rest to explore on the last day of the trip.
Places to Visit in Srinagar
Mughal Gardens
There are so many gardens in Srinagar to explore and each garden has its own beauty. Shalimar Garden, also known as Mughal Garden, spread across vast area with variety of flowers. Cheshmashahi Garden has ticket price of Rs. 30/- per person, which is worthy. Nishad Garden is situated on the opposite side of Dal Lake, where nature is at peak amidst lush greenery, river and sunset.
Shankracharya Temple
The 18th century old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a spiritual and historical place. The temple is located at the top of the hills with 250 steep stairs. A peaceful place to spend and while doing Parikrama (circles of temple), administer the panoramic view of Srinagar
Lal Chowk
The heart of Srinagar, ‘Lal Chowk’ is a famous point to explore the local Kashmiri food, artifacts, and shopping. Srinagar’s Lal Chowk looks amazingly beautiful in the evening, when the whole place lit up. In the evening, only two wheelers are permitted and the place transformed into a pedestrian zone.
Time to get rest at hotel and charge up for the next day tour.
Hotels in Srinagar
The cost of hotels in Srinagar totally depends upon the season and of course scenic view. The Prime location to stay in Srinagar are:
- Dal Lake: The first choice of tourist and the charges are between Rs.4000 – Rs.6000/- per night depending upon the season and view.
- Downtown: At this location you can get budgeted hotels with the cost of approx. 2000/- per night.
- Raj Baag: The other location for affordable hotels with a great view.
How to Reach Kashmir/Srinagar
- By Air: Srinagar has its own airport, Srinagar International Airport and flights are available from Delhi, Chandigarh and other major cities. The taxi facilities are available from the airport. The distance from airport to the main city is 10kms.
- By Train: There are two railway stations, Jammu Tavi Railway Station which is well connected with major cities. The other one is Udhampur, now known as Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan. Now the government has started Vande Bharat train from Delhi to Srinagar.
- By Road: The highways are well maintained, you can reach them by your own vehicle, but to explore you have to take the Local Union Ride. The distance to Srinagar from Jammu Tavi and Udhampur is 250 kms. and 200 kms. respectively.
Day 2 – Gulmarg
The next location to explore is Gulmarg, and there is no direct train to Gulmarg, will discuss all possible ways to reach Gulmarg and hotels. Now will begin with the places to visit in Gulmarg.
Places to Visit in Gulmarg
Gondola Ride
Gulmarg is famous for Gondola Ride, in other places we call it Ropeway. Gulmarg’s Gondola Ride is World’s second largest and Asia’s highest and longest ride which starts in two phases.
Phase I: In 1st Phase the Gondola Ride takes you to Kongdori where you enjoy various snow activities. The cost varies depending on the ride and distance, advice to bargain. At Gulmarg’s Kongdori the snow-covered landscapes. Never forget to try Skiing at Gulmarg’s as this is the 2nd most famous place in India. In winter’s Snow Festival conducted at Gulmarg where you can enjoy activities and learn skiing. The Gulmarg Gondola ticket cost of Phase I ride till Kongdori is Rs. 740/- per person.
Phase II: In phase the Gondola Ride drive from Kongdori to Apharwat Peak, a 14-minute ride from Phase I. The view of Apharwat Peak is splendid, glacier, snow-capped mountains and landscapes. The temperature goes down to minus, and you may face breathing issue, advise to explore max. in 30 minutes. You can either visit Apharwat Peak (Phase II) first and then move to Kongdori (Phase I). From Apharwat Peak you can take a stunning view of Pakistan’s LOC. The Gulmarg Gondola ticket price of Phase II ride from Kongdori to Apharwat Peak is Rs. 950/- per person.
I would advise booking the tickets online to avoid long queue, especially in winter season. To reach here you can avail Local Union Taxi which drop you at parking area, from here either walk for 1kms or take-rikshaw at Rs. 100/-, or else enjoy horse/pony ride at Rs. 1500/- which is expensive.
The Maharani Temple
The Maharani Temple, also known as Mohineshwar Shivalalaya, was built in 15th century by the wife of the then J&K King Maharaja Hari Singh. The peaceful temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati and situated amidst serene beauty. To reach here, go for a trek of 10 minutes. The famous song “Jai Jai Shiv Shankar Kantan Lage Na Kankar” was shoot, starring actor Rajesh Khanna and actress Mumtaz.
Strawberry Valley
Gulmarg’s Strawberry Valley is a picturesque destination and only 4kms. away from the Maharani Temple & Gulmarg Town. The valley is surrounded by Himalayan Mountain peak, and dense pine forest. You can eat fresh ripped strawberries or drink juice, if you want you can ask the local for fruit picking.
Drung Waterfall
The famous tourist spot especially in winters when the waterfall froze which attracts tourists. In summer, you can enjoy the gush of water flowing from the dam, caressing the mountains. Entry is free and the times are from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can also hire horse/pony and charges are from Rs. 3000/- to Rs. 4000/- covered other places as well.
How to Reach Gulmarg
As stated above there is no direct train or flight to Gulmarg, first reach Srinagar and from there take conveyance. (Directions are provided above to reach Srinagar).
- The total distance from Srinagar to Gulmarg is 51kms, you can hire private taxi from Srinagar to Gulmarg with a tariff of Rs. 2500/- to Rs. 5000/-, depending upon sitting capacity and season. If you want a budgeted option, then choose bus/local ride from Srinagar to Parimpor to Tangmarg to Gulmarg. There is no direct bus.
- The other budgeted way is to reach via train to Udhampur, then take bus to Bandihal which is 90kms. Afterwards take bus, local ride or local DMU trains from Banihal to Gulmarg which is 94kms away. There is a total of 7 DMU trains, runs between 7:15 am to 4:25 pm.
Hotels/Resorts in Gulmarg
In Gulmarg the option for hotels and resorts are quite less, and costly in peak season. If you are planning a trip in winter, would advise to choose hotel in Srinagar, considering heavy snow and road blocking. There are few options for hotels or resorts in Gulmarg are:
- Khyber Resort Gulmarg
- Grand Mumtaz Resort Gulmarg
- Heevan Retreat Gulmarg
- Hotel Rosewood Gulmarg
- JKTDC Gulmarg
- Hotel Nedous Gulmarg
- Hotel Green Park Gulmarg
- Hotel Highlands Park Gulmarg
- Kolahoi Green Heights Gulmarg
- Ski Resort Gulmarg
- Alpine Ridge Gulmarg
Day 3 – Sonmarg
On our day 3rd trip will explore Sonmarg, a place known as “Meadow of Gold”. A day trip is enough to explore the beauty of Sonmarg. You can either stay at Sonmarg or to & fro from Srinagar to Sonmarg.
Places to Visit in Sonmarg
Zero Point
To explore Sonmarg Zero Point, book local union rides, as private vehicles are not allowed in Sonmarg. You have to bargain a lot with the union ride, because they charge unnecessary tariffs. The total cost by local taxi with the halt at tourist spots is around Rs. 4500/-. At Sonmarg, explore various snow activities, play in snow, as city engulfs into snow and Kargil Memorial. You will need around 2 hours to explore this place.
Thajiwas Glacier
Thajiwas Glacier at Sonmarg is a popular tourist destination especially for snow, sledding, activities and photography. To explore this place, take a horse/pony ride, as other vehicles are not allowed. The charges are as usually high so bargain with the rider, the charges are around Rs. 1200/- to Rs. 1650/-. Sonmarg glacier explore in two phases, Thajiwas Glacier and Langarwas Glacier. If you missed activities in Zero Point, explore the ATV Motor Ride, Tube Ride, Sledge Ride and many others in Thajiwas Glacier. This place is famous in Bollywood movies as well, the famous movie Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Ram Teri Ganga Maili shot here.
How to Reach Sonmarg
There is no direct train or flight to Sonmarg, first reach Srinagar and from there take conveyance. (Directions are provided above to reach Srinagar). It will take around 2.5 hours to reach Sonmarg from Srinagar. Local Union Taxi are the only option so bargain with them, as the cost is around Rs. 4000/-.
Hotels in Sonmarg
The hotels are available in Sonmarg, but the prices are quite high and in the peak season the charges are as high as Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000 per night. Moreover, you may face issues in travelling during snow season and the medical facility at Sonmarg is not good. You may choose to stay at Srinagar and explore a day trip at Sonmarg. Best hotels in Sonmarg are:
- Hotel Akbar Sonmarg
- Rah Villas Sonmarg
- Hotel Glacier Heights Sonmarg
- Snow Land Sonmarg
- Country Inn Sonmarg
- Villa Himalayan Sonmarg
- Hotel Sheen Sonmarg
- Hotel Mount View Sonmarg
- Hotel Mughal India Sonmarg
- Hotel Tranquil Retreat Sonmarg
Day 4 – Pahalgam
On day 4th of our trip, will explore Pahalgam, while on the way, visit Avantipuram famous for the 1200-year-old temple of Lord Shiva which was built in 9th century, later destroyed by Mughals and earthquake was one of the reasons. The architecture of the abandoned temple of 5 lords mesmerizes you, for more details you can hire a guide. The entry ticket is Rs.25/- per person.
Pahalgam is also famous for apples and while on your way you will find the apple gardens, but don’t pluck it to avoid fine. The Lidder and Sheshnag river flown with you throughout the journey and the crystal-clear rivers fascinate you.
Places to Visit in Pahalgam
Aru Valley
At Aru Valley, you can explore a cave, a riverside view on horse and children park which cost around Rs. 15/- per person. At Aru Valley, famous movies like Karma, Bajrangi Bhaijaan were shot. The cottage which was used in the movie Karma is open for tourists.
Betab Valley
The name Betab Valley derives from the famous Bollywood movie “Betaab”, as the scenes were shot here. This place is famous in Bollywood Industry and so many other movies were shot like Rockstar. In winters the valley filled with the snow and the Garden Park situated beside the rivers at the height of 2400 meter are splendid. The entry ticket is Rs. 100/- per person. If anyone has a problem while walking, they can avail themselves of wooden wheel cart facility.
Chandan Wadi
The pleasant place Chandan Wadi is basically famous for the spiritual Amarnath Yatra, as the 32kms journey starts from this point. There is a famous waterfall to explore and can enjoy snow activities. You can enjoy shopping at the Local Market of Chandan Wadi.
Baisaran Valley/Mini Switzerland
The Baisaran Valley is also known as Mini Switzerland and to explore the valley you need to hire a pony which cost Rs. 1000/- per person. The guide fee is included in this cost to explain the story behind this valley. You can explore Tulian Lake as well in the same cost in pony or spend some quality time at the valley which is surrounded by unique trees, mountains, and snow.
Mamleshwar Temple
The temple of Lord Shiva is situated at the peak of the mountain and to reach here either trek or hire a pony. The temple was built in the 5th century and reconstructed in the 12th century. The temple is 1600-year-old, and the architecture is as old as 800 years. At this place Lord Shiva cut down the head of his younger son Lord Ganesha. To reach this place hire a local taxi union as private vehicles are not allowed at this place. Devotees are not allowed to bring cameras and phones inside the temple.
How to Reach Pahalgam
From Srinagar there is a train to Anantnag Railway Station, from here hire Local Union Taxi Ride to Pahalgam that takes around 2.5hours to reach (Directions are provided above to reach Srinagar). You can’t explore Pahalgam with your own vehicles as it’s not allowed. For local site seeing take Local Union Ride, but don’t forget to bargain, and the charges are around Rs. 2500/- to Rs. 3000/-.
Day 5 – Srinagar Houseboat
In the beginning of the trip, we explored the tourist spots of Srinagar, on last day wake-up late, and pack your stuff for night stay at Houseboat.
Tulip Garden
Asia’s Largest Tulip Garden opens only in March and April where you witness the variety of flowers. If you are planning during this time, you can explore Srinagar’s Tulip Garden.
Shikara Ride at Dal Lake
Your trip is incomplete if you haven’t taken Shikara Ride. On your ride you can enjoy shopping while sitting on board, eat fruit chat which covers variety of fruits, explore Meena Bazaar and buy dry fruits and ofcourse do photography.
Night Stay at Houseboat
The experience of a night stay in Houseboat gives chilling vibes. You can ask the Shikara Rider to drop you at the houseboat, they help you with your stuff also. The charges of Dal Lake Houseboat vary from 1000/- to 15,000/- per night, depending on the houseboat you choose and the season.
Day 6 – Farewell to Kashmir
On last day bid farewell to Kashmir, take the beautiful memories with you and a promise to visit Kashmir again.
Best Time to Visit Kashmir
- Spring (March to May): The weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy the beauty of Tulip Garden as well.
- Summer (June to August): The lush greenery of the valley mesmerizes you and enjoy outdoor activities.
- Winter (November to February): For snow lovers’ winter is the best season to explore Kashmir and snow activities, especially skiing.
Final Thoughts
In this blog post we have explained the day-wise itinerary of 5 nights and 6 days and shared budgeted options as well. If you choose the budgeted option and bargain, then the cost of trip for one couple could be around 40,000/- excluding flight and train tickets to reach Srinagar. Plan a trip to Kashmir and explore the valley, if I missed something, your thoughts are most welcome.
Pack your bag and explore unexplored places with Hema…………
Comments