Curated Recommendations for Staying, Shopping, Traveling, and Dining in Kashmir.
DAY 1 – Arrival in SRINAGAR
- Settle in your hotel and visit Chai Jaai for a light meal at one of the cutest and most Instagrammable tea rooms in the city.
- Go to Mughal Gardens – Shalimar Bagh & Nishat Bagh (both ticketed spots).
- Visit Dal Lake for a Shikara ride – enjoy the ride, shop at the floating market, eat Maggie & have Kehwa.
- Makai Park (barbeque market) near Dal Lake is not to miss. Post-meal meal you can end your day with a softy.
DAY 2 – SRINAGAR
- Early morning visit to Shankaracharya (lots of steps to cover here, you can also see the whole city from the top). From there go to Hazratbal Dargah.
- Make a pit stop at 14th Avenue Cafe for a hearty breakfast.
- Visit Pari Mahal & Chashme Shahi (next to each other). If you are visiting in April go to Tulip Gardens.
- Visit the iconic Lal Chowk and walk to the Polo View Market. Shop all things Kashmir from there, do make a stop at Madano for authentic fashionwear.
- Have a meal at Ahdoos, one of the oldest bakeries of the city, do pack some walnut cakes.
- Post dinner go to Zero Bridge for a stroll and a coffee.
DAY 3 – GULMARG
- Drive to Gulmarg (about 2 hours), and on the way stop in Tanmarg to have Rajma Chawal. If you are visiting in winter make a detour to Drung Waterfall.
- In Gulmarg, the main attraction is the Gondola ride to Apharwat Peak. Enjoy skiing or snowboarding (seasonal).
- ATV ride is a must during snowfall
- Explore the local market and relax in your hotel. Do stop for a meal or coffee at Khyber (one of the most luxurious resorts in Kashmir with breathtaking views from their swimming pool).
DAY 4 & 5 – PAHALGAM
- Depart for Pahalgam (approx. 4 hours) from Gulmarg.
- On the way stop to visit saffron fields & orchids.
- Check into your hotel and visit Betaab Valley, known for its picturesque scenery.
- Have lunch at Cafe Wilow at Hotel Heevan.
- Visit Chandanwari or drive through the Lidder River for a picnic; pick up any spot along the stream.
- Next Day Head to Aru Valley for a trek or horse ride amidst stunning landscapes.
- Visit Baisaran Valley, also known as Mini Switzerland.
- Return to Pahalgam and explore the local market.
- Make sure to savor a must-have meal: Wazwan, a traditional Kashmiri feast, at WelcomCafe Lolaab, in Pine & Peak Hotel. Though it’s a delight for non-vegetarians, a vegetarian version is also available at all restaurants.
DAY 6 – SRINAGAR
- After an early morning drive back to Srinagar from Pahalgam, make a visit to Downtown (Old City). A few places like Khanqah-e-Moula (The Shrine of Shahi Hamdan), Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi, and Jama Masjid are good to visit.
- Strolling through the streets, you’ll discover charming craft shops offering exquisite copperware, paper mache, willow baskets, silver jewelry, and intricate carpets.
- Do not miss Nadir Monji – A Kashmiri Street Food of Lotus Root Fritters serves with mouthwatering onion chutney, you wind local vendors on your way back to the main city.
- On your way back you can have a late afternoon meal at The Chinar restaurant at The Lalit Grand.
- An evening walk at the boulevard (The shoreline of the dal lake, is about 15.5 kilometers (9.6 mi), and is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal-era gardens, parks, houseboats, and hotels.)
- Do visit Cilwana studio in Citywalk Mall – a homegrown label for Kashmiri footwear.
- Call it a day with a light meal at House of Habibi (After a week of indulgent meals and travel, you’ll appreciate the healthy options they offer).
DAY 7 – Departure from SRINAGAR
- It’s best not to plan anything too elaborate on departure day. A short boat ride at Nigeen Lake is doable.
- Depending on your flight schedule, visit the local markets for souvenirs or Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple, Botanical Garden, Zeashta Devi Shrine, and Hari Parbat.
- Reach the airport 2 hours before to allow extra time for airport procedures. On your way you can make a pitstop at Mollys cafe for a quick meal.
PLACES TO STAY
- Radisson, Taj Vivanta, Four Points by Sheraton, Lalit Grand, Lemon Tree – Srinagar
- Hotel Highland Parks, The Vintage, Hotel Heevan- Gulmarg
- Hotel Hilltop, Hotel Heevan, Pine & Peak – Pahalgam
OTHER PLACES TO EAT
- Vegetarians go to -Krishna Vaishno Dhaba around Dal Lake.
- Heavy meals- Cafe Liberty, Sheesha Restaurant at RK Sarovar Portico, Arabian Nights restaurant.
- Cafes – Le Delice (the French bakery run by Paris-trained Kashmiri Chef Saqib) Mir, Moonlight Cafe (an old local place with mouthwatering walnut cakes).
FAQ’S & TRAVEL TIPS
- Kashmir is not safe! – All of us have heard this at some point or the other. Well the only thing spreading faster than rumors are the breathtaking views! It’s safe, serene, and waiting to be explored – so let the beauty convince you, not the hearsay.
- Best time to visit: If you seek relief from summer heat and crave snow, January to April is ideal. The spring bloom from April to July offers another enchanting experience (A bit crowded as well due to summer breaks). My personal favorite is autumn when the valley is adorned with a breathtaking array of colorful maple leaves.
- A week is typically sufficient for a basic Kashmir itinerary, but exploring offbeat destinations offers a unique charm. Places like Sonmarg, Doodhpathri, Lolab Valley, Yusmarg, Dachigam, Gurez Valley are 1 day trips from Srinagar.
- In your meals don’t miss out on Kashmiri specialties like RoganJosh, Dum Aloo, Haakh and Wazwan. Also, enjoy local bakeries with varied kashmiri teas.
- A hired vehicle is the easiest way to get around. Most of the hotels have tie ups with rental car services, prebook that while booking your stay.
- Most tourist attractions in Kashmir close by 5/6pm, to make most of the day start early.
- Kashmir is also a shoppers paradise, but while buying clothes it’s essential to differentiate between hand embroidery and machine work. Don’t get duped into buying machine work in more cost. Click here to learn how to spot the difference and get the best value for your money.
- While saffron, spices, and dry fruits are must-buy items in Kashmir, it’s a lesser-known fact that Willow Bats are renowned worldwide (incase you are a sports enthusiast!)
- It is no secret that Kashmir is renowned for its Pashminas, but many fakes flood the market. Please note that genuine Pashminas are never priced below 6k. To make an informed choice click here.
- Kashmir is a popular tourist destination, do bargain with service providers like boatmen, drivers, and pony guides.
PS: In Kashmir, it’s easy to get caught up in capturing the stunning scenery and end up photographing more than experiencing. Try snapping fewer pics and soak in the valley’s serenity and solace. A digital detox is highly recommended – After all the world is more beautiful than the world wide web!
