3 to 4 Days Kashmir Travel Itinerary for Vacation

Overview: A 3 to 4 Days Kashmir Travel Itinerary for Vacation allows you to explore the highlights of Srinagar and its surrounding areas, providing a perfect blend of cultural exploration, nature, and some leisure time. The itinerary covers Srinagar’s famous landmarks, such as Dal Lake and Mughal Gardens, along with a day trip to the beautiful hill station of Gulmarg, known for its breathtaking landscapes and adventure activities.

Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar and Local Sightseeing

Morning: Arrival in Srinagar

Airport Transfer: Upon arrival at Srinagar International Airport, you'll be greeted by Kashmont representatives and transferred to your accommodation in Srinagar. Whether you prefer staying in a luxury hotel or a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake, your tour agent will ensure you have the perfect base for your stay.

Check-in: Relax and freshen up after your journey.

Late Morning: Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Begin your trip with a quintessential Shikara ride on the serene Dal Lake. Enjoy the tranquil views of houseboats, floating gardens, and the surrounding mountains.

Nigeen Lake: For those seeking more seclusion, Nigeen Lake offers a peaceful alternative to Dal Lake, allowing you to relax amidst fewer crowds.

Afternoon: Visit to Mughal Gardens

Shalimar Bagh: Known as the "Garden of Love," Emperor Jahangir created this garden as a tribute to his wife Nur Jahan.. Its Persian-style layout and stunning water features make it one of the top attractions in Srinagar.

Nishat Bagh: Another Mughal Garden located on the eastern side of Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh offers beautiful views of the Zabarwan Range and Dal Lake.

Chashme Shahi: A smaller but lovely garden, famous for its natural spring water believed to have medicinal properties.

Evening: Explore Srinagar’s Old City

Take a leisurely stroll through the Old City of Srinagar, known for its beautiful wooden architecture and historic mosques like the Jamia Masjid.

Shopping: Visit the local bazaars for shopping. Look for Pashmina shawls, handmade carpets, and other Kashmiri handicrafts.

Dinner:

Enjoy a traditional Kashmiri meal, featuring Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, and Kashmiri Wazwan at a popular restaurant such as Ahdoos or Mughal Darbar.

Day 2: Srinagar Full Day Sightseeing

Morning: Visit to Hazratbal Shrine and Pari Mahal

Hazratbal Shrine: Start your day with a visit to one of the most revered Muslim shrines in Kashmir, located along the shores of Dal Lake. The shrine’s pristine white marble structure offers peaceful vibes and beautiful views of the lake.

Pari Mahal (Palace of Fairies): A seven-terraced garden built on Zabarwan Mountain, Pari Mahal offers panoramic views of Dal Lake and the surrounding mountains. It is the perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.

Late Morning: Tulip Garden (Spring Season Only)

If you're visiting in the spring (March-April), head to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Asia’s largest tulip garden, showcasing over 50 varieties of tulips.

Afternoon: Explore Local Handicrafts and Saffron Fields

Saffron Fields at Pampore: Take a short trip to Pampore, located about 14 km from Srinagar, to explore the saffron fields. Kashmir's saffron is world-famous, and you can learn about its cultivation and processing.

Handicraft Emporiums: Visit a few government-run handicraft emporiums to purchase authentic Kashmiri Pashminas, shawls, or traditional hand-woven rugs.

Evening: Sunset at Shankaracharya Temple

End the day by visiting the Shankaracharya Temple, perched on a hilltop overlooking Srinagar. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, offers not only spiritual significance but also breathtaking views of the city and Dal Lake.

Dinner:

For dinner, savor a Kashmiri Wazwan feast at Shamyana Restaurant or dine at your houseboat if you’re staying on Dal Lake.

Day 3: Day Trip to Gulmarg

Morning: Drive to Gulmarg (Approx. 1.5 to 2 hours)

Early morning, depart from Srinagar and drive to Gulmarg, a famous hill station known for its lush meadows and winter skiing. The journey to Gulmarg is scenic, passing through beautiful villages, pine forests, and apple orchards.

Kashmont's private vehicle ensures a comfortable and smooth ride to Gulmarg.

Late Morning: Gondola Ride in Gulmarg

Upon reaching Gulmarg, take the Gondola ride, one of the highest cable cars in the world. The ride is divided into two phases:

Phase 1 takes you to Kongdori Station (8,530 ft), which is perfect for sightseeing and photography.

Phase 2 takes you to Apharwat Peak (13,780 ft), where you can enjoy snow activities in the winter and stunning panoramic views during the summer.

Afternoon: Explore Gulmarg

In winter, Gulmarg turns into a ski resort. If you visit during the ski season (December to February), you can indulge in skiing or snowboarding.

During the summer, enjoy a leisurely walk around Gulmarg’s Golf Course, one of the highest in the world, or explore the meadows and the Maharani Temple.

Adventure Activities: Gulmarg also offers horse riding and ATV rides during the summer

Lunch in Gulmarg:

Enjoy a meal at Khyber Himalayan Resort’s restaurant or a local café in Gulmarg, sampling dishes like Kashmiri Pulao and Tabak Maaz.

Evening: Return to Srinagar

Head back to Srinagar in the late afternoon, arriving by evening. Take the evening to relax or stroll along the boulevard around Dal Lake, soaking in the serenity of Kashmir.

Dinner:

Enjoy a final dinner in Srinagar at a local restaurant or on your houseboat. Consider Nedous Dining or The Chinar for a luxury dining experience.

Day 4: Departure from Srinagar

Morning:

Depending on your flight time, you can take a leisurely morning walk around the lake or enjoy a cup of Kahwa (Kashmiri tea) while soaking in the beautiful views of Dal Lake.

Airport Transfer:

Kashmont will arrange a timely transfer to the Srinagar International Airport for your departure.

Optional Add-Ons (If You Have 4 Full Days)

If you have a fourth full day, consider adding one of these experiences to your itinerary:

Pahalgam Day Trip: Visit the beautiful valley of Pahalgam, approximately 2 hours from Srinagar. Enjoy activities like horseback riding and exploring Betaab Valley and Aru Valley.

Yusmarg Day Trip: A lesser-known but equally beautiful destination, Yusmarg is an excellent option for a peaceful day in nature, offering lush meadows and trekking opportunities.

Why Choose Kashmont for Your Kashmir Vacation?

Kashmont offers personalized and curated travel experiences, ensuring you enjoy the best of Kashmir without any logistical worries. With their luxury fleet, experienced drivers, and local expertise, Kashmont crafts unforgettable experiences, whether you're visiting iconic destinations or off-the-beaten-path gems. They take care of every detail—from accommodation and transportation to curated dining experiences and cultural tours—so you can focus on making memories that will last a lifetime.