After spending almost a week in Kashmir, I can say that it is more beautiful than the pictures we grew up seeing. The red chinar trees, Dal lake, shikara rides and snow clad mountains of Gulmarg are mind blowing to witness in person. The manicured gardens with fountains sends you in a reverie. And what can I say about tasting the local food—it’s delicious! One could spend hours just staring at the gorgeous valleys and meadows of Kashmir. It surely is a paradisaical spot. It is a destination that should be visited at least once in a lifetime.
To simplify travel planning for myself I booked a Kashmir package from Delhi—and you can do it too. Make a list of what activities or attractions you are interested in and communicate with your tour operator. I knew I had to try the famous Shikara ride on Dal lake and the Gondola ride in Gulmarg. I shared my interests with the tour operator to make the necessary arrangements. Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam were the three top destinations on my travel wishlist which had to be ticked off. Therefore, I chose a package that included all three spots.
What I am about to share in this blog are places to see and activities to do in Kashmir over the span of 7 days.
7 Night 8 Day Kashmir Trip Itinerary
How to Reach Kashmir From Delhi?
Air travel is the most convenient and comfortable way to reach Srinagar from Delhi. My Kashmir itinerary began with Srinagar as the first point of interest. Hence, I booked a flight from Delhi (DEL) to Srinagar (IXR). The air travel time can be around 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes with a nonstop flight.
Day 1: Arrival, Local Sightseeing and Shikara Ride
I took the first morning flight to reach Srinagar from Delhi. After arriving at Srinagar airport, my tour guide greeted me and dropped me off at my hotel. The flight was just 1 hour 10 minutes long. And it was great that the feeling of jet lag was at bay. So, I decided to freshen up and leave for my first day of sighting. I strolled at Boulevard Road capturing the photos of stunning ranges of Mount Zabarwan. After having a cup of coffee and snacks at a local coffee shop it was time for Shikara ride at Dal lake. What a wonderful experience the Shikara ride was. It was as if the peacefulness of the lake lulls you into a deep slumber. But how could anyone sleep when you are surrounded by such beautiful scenery? Then I went shopping at Laal Chowk and bought some saffron and dry fruits as souvenirs. Post shopping, it was time to head back to the hotel for an actual peaceful slumber.
Day 2: Full Day Sightseeing in Srinagar
The next day started early with me having an early breakfast. I left with my tour guide and the first point of interest for Day 2 was the gorgeous Shalimar Bagh (the garden of love). The moment you stepped in the garden, it was as though you had entered a garden in heaven. This garden was built by Emperor Jahangir in 1619 for his beloved wife Nur Jahan. The pathways, the fallen red leaves of Chinar, and the fountains add to the romance of this place.
The next garden on the list was Chashme Shahi. And it left me awestruck with its beauty. The lush green garden had beautiful manicured plants and flowers. This garden has a beautiful fountain with a backdrop of mountain ranges. One could spend hours simply sitting and breathing in the fresh crisp air which is such a rarity in Delhi.
Day 3: Road Trip from Srinagar to Pahalgam Valley
On day 3, It was time to go to Pahalgam. We started early from the hotel and on our way to Pahalgam. In Pampore, I saw a beautiful field of saffron flowers bearing purple hue and it stretched as far as the eye could see. My guide told me about the Awantipora cricket bat factory that we saw on the way, famous for making Kashmir willow bats.
After a road journey of almost 2.5 hours, I checked into my hotel and rested up. Post relaxation, we headed for Betaab valley and enjoyed a pony ride. Any epithet would fall short to describe its beauty. One has to see it to believe how breaking this place is. Next, I went to explore Sheshnag Lake before returning to the hotel.
Day 4: Full Day Sightseeing in Pahalgam
Day four was filled with more visits to lakes, valleys and photography sessions. With such an instagram worthy backdrop, who could resist themselves from clicking pictures. First, I explore the Chandanwari valley. This valley is the starting point of Amarnath Yatra. The valley is filled with tall conifer and pine trees blanketing the surroundings. The flowing Lidder river adds to the beauty of this place.
Next, we trek to Tulian Lake which has cerulean waters and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks.The last attraction for the day was Aru valley. It is located 12 kms away from Pahalgam. Surrounded by lakes, mountains, and foliage what is there to not to like about this place.
Day 5: Road Trip from Pahalgam to Gulmarg
On Day 5th, we head to Gulmarg valley, bidding farewell to Pahalgam. After hotel check-in and rest, I went out to visit Alpather Lake. This beautiful lake is positioned between the twin Alpather mountains. I spent some time taking in all the beauty and peace that this place had to offer. The next spot was Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve which is a dreamscape! The biosphere reserve is covered predominantly with conifers and beautiful Himalayan floral species. This reserve is home for endangered and endemic species Musk Deer, Serow, Brown Bear, etc.
Day 6: Sightseeing in Gulmarg
Day 6 was the D-Day to finally partake in the famous Gondola ride of Gulmarg. We went to Gulmarg ski resort for a Gondola ride. If you didn’t know already, Gulmarg’s Gondola is the second longest and highest cable ride in the world, and the highest in Asia. It was a surreal experience—you feel as though you’re flying while watching the views from the top.
In Gulmarg Ski resort, I saw ski experts flaunting their skills and beginners trying their luck. However, I decided to skip skiing and go ice-sledging which was both thrilling and amusing. Post winter sports, I head back to my hotel for dinner and sleep.
Day 7: Gulmarg to Srinagar; Leisure Day
Post check out formalities, it was time to head back to Srinagar. The road distance between Gulmarg and Srinagar is about 50 kms. Thankfully, the vehicular traffic was less and I reached my Srinagar hotel in 1.5 hours. On the 7th day, I decided to cover the rest of the attractions in Srinagar such as Tulip Garden. And enjoyed leisure time shopping from floating markets and exploring art galleries.
In the evening, I explored some restraints and decided to enjoy a Kashmir Kahwa with some delicious Yakhni and Khamiri roti. After that, I went to hotel with my bags full of souvenirs and got some good night’s sleep/
Day 8: Departure from Srinagar Airport (SXR) to New Delhi
On the last day, I completed my checkout processes, thanked my tour guide and went straight to Srinagar airport. I left for Delhi with a bag full of sweet and happy memories, only to visit Kashmir again.
