Perfect Kashmir Itinerary - 5 Splendid Days in Paradise

A trip to Kashmir, often referred to as “Paradise on Earth,” promises a breathtaking blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and serene landscapes. Crafting the perfect Kashmir itinerary involves exploring its vibrant cities, visiting iconic landmarks, and embracing the tranquility of its stunning valleys. Here’s a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.

Pro tip: If you are on a tight budget, you can make Srinagar a base and take up accommodation in a hotel here. Houseboats though cost more than the hotels in the city. On average, hotels in Srinagar cost less than in Pahalgam or Gulmarg. Also, all these places are well accessible from Srinagar.

You can tweak this Kashmir itinerary based on the season that you are visiting.

Table of Contents

5 Day Kashmir Itinerary

Day 1: Srinagar Sightseeing

Arrival in Srinagar: Start your journey by arriving in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. You can either take a flight to Srinagar or drive from nearby cities like Chandigarh, Shimla, or Delhi. If you can reach Srinagar by morning, then you can use the rest of the day for sightseeing.
Dal Lake Shikara Ride: Begin your exploration with a Shikara ride on Dal Lake. Admire the floating gardens and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the local markets on the lake.
Visit Mughal Gardens: Explore the Mughal Gardens, including Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. These beautifully landscaped gardens offer stunning views of the Zabarwan Range.
Visit the Tulip Garden if you are visiting in Spring. The largest garden dedicated to Tulips in Asia, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, often referred to as the Tulip Gardens showcases a breathtaking display of colors and varieties during this blooming season. Located in the foothills of the Zabarwan Range, overlooking the iconic Dal Lake, its strategic location provides visitors with not only a visual treat of vibrant tulips but also stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the lake. The garden comes to life during the spring season, usually from late March to early May, when the tulips are in full bloom.
Houseboat Stay: Experience the unique charm of staying in a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake. Enjoy the tranquility and hospitality that these floating accommodations provide. If you are going in the winter season during heavy snowfall, a stay in the houseboat will not be as enjoyable as in the other seasons. Most houseboats have fireplaces, and you can enjoy this facility in autumn and spring.

Tulip Garden in Srinagar in Spring is a must in every Kashmir Itinerary

Day 2: Gulmarg

Drive to Gulmarg: Head to Gulmarg, one of the most popular destinations in Kashmir. The drive itself offers picturesque views. In winter, Gulmarg is submerged in at least a 6-foot blanket of pristine white. In Summer and spring, it is a beautiful meadow of flowers.
Gondola Ride: Take the famous Gulmarg Gondola ride, one of the highest cable cars in the world. Revel in panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayas.
Golf Course and St. Mary’s Church: Explore the Gulmarg Golf Course, one of the highest green golf courses in the world. Visit St. Mary’s Church, an architectural gem.
Adventure Activities: Depending on the season, enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding, or trekking in the surrounding hills. In Spring you can enjoy strolling amongst the flowers and photography.
In the evening return to Srinagar and stay at a hotel in Srinagar.

Day 3: Pahalgam

Drive to Pahalgam: Proceed to Pahalgam, a serene town known for its meadows, Lidder River, and breathtaking landscapes. Pahalgam is best covered in 2 days, however, if time does not allow you to spare 2 days, you can try and cover the below points by starting early.
Aru Valley and Betaab Valley: Explore the Aru Valley and Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood movie Betaab, which was shot there.
Chandanwari and Amarnath Yatra Base Camp: If open (seasonal), visit Chandanwari, the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage.
Sheshnag Lake: If time allows, trek to Sheshnag Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Rafting on Lidder River: Experience white-water rafting on the Lidder River.
In the evening return to Srinagar and stay at a hotel in Srinagar.

Day 4: Sonamarg

Drive to Sonamarg: Head towards Sonamarg, known for its pristine beauty and alpine meadows. Sonmarg is a glacier, and tourists get to
Thajiwas Glacier: Take a trek or a pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier, surrounded by lush greenery and snow-covered peaks.
Fishing in Sindh River: If interested, indulge in trout fishing in the Sindh River.
Baltal Valley: Visit the enchanting Baltal Valley, another base camp for the Amarnath Yatra.
Sonmarg is closed in winter, so instead of spending this day in Sonmarg, you can spend it in Pahalgam. In such a case you can split the sightseeing mentioned in Pahalgam in 2 days.
In the evening return to Srinagar and stay at a hotel in Srinagar.

Day 5: Departure from Srinagar

Shopping in Srinagar: Before departing, explore local markets in Srinagar like Lal Chowk and Polo View Market for authentic Kashmiri handicrafts, carpets, and spices. Drive back to the airport and conclude the trip.

This Kashmir itinerary offers a balance of sightseeing, adventure, and relaxation, allowing you to immerse yourself in the diverse beauty of Kashmir. Keep in mind that the region’s weather can be unpredictable, so plan accordingly, especially if you are traveling during the winter months. Additionally, check the current travel advisories and COVID-19 guidelines before planning your trip.

If you are looking for options in Kashmir, check out my posts on Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Snowfall in Kashmir, and Best time to Visit Kashmir. If you are looking for options in Ladakh, check out Ladakh Weather, Nubra Valley, 5 Days Kashmir Itinerary, Best Packing tips for Ladakh & best tourist places in Ladakh.

If you are looking for places to visit in the Andaman Islands, please check my post on Radhanagar Beach & Ross Island.

If you are looking for other seaside options, check my posts on Murud Janjira, Kashid, and Kihim Beach in Maharashtra or Malshej Ghat. Alternatively, if you are interested in some Religious tourism, please check my posts on Golden Temple, Kamakhya, Trimbakeshwar, and Kashi Vishwanath. If you are looking for North East Adventure tours, check my posts on Shillong, Meghalaya, Dawki, Double Decker Living Root Trek, and 7 Day North East Itinerary.