Must try
Local speciality
Asia / India
Kashmir
A 9-day mountain journey through Kashmir, India — hand-planned by Rachana, with where to stay, what to do and where to eat all mapped out.
- Ideal stay
- 9 days
- Best season
- October to March
- From
- $1,566–$8,478 pp
The place
About this destination
A 9-day mountain journey through Kashmir, India — hand-planned by Rachana, with where to stay, what to do and where to eat all mapped out.
My experience
This is Rachana's own 9-day itinerary for Kashmir, India — the version she'd plan for a close friend. Expect a considered day-by-day plan, the stays worth booking, and the small details that make a trip feel effortless. Everything here is personally travelled and curated — no filler.
LuxuryMountains
Through the lens · 6 frames
Photo journal
01
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 01
Arrival in Srinagar
- 01Relax after arrival, stroll in the hotel’s beautiful Mughal gardens.
- 02Evening: walk along Dal Lake promenade (no houseboat stay).
- 03Dinner: At Krishna Dhaba — famous for the best Rajma Chawal and authentic Kashmiri vegetarian dishes.
Day 02
Srinagar Sightseeing
- 01Visit
- 02Mughal Gardens: Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi.
- 03Shankaracharya Temple (offers panoramic views).
- 04Explore old city markets for Kashmiri handicrafts.
- 05Lunch: At Ahdoos Restaurant — great vegetarian Kashmiri and North Indian cuisine.
- 06Evening: Visit the floating vegetable market by Dal Lake (view from the shore or local boats).
- 07Dinner: At Chinar at The Lalit — excellent vegetarian options.
Day 03
Srinagar to Gulmarg (approx 2 hours drive)
- 01Gondola ride Phase 1 and Phase 2 to Mt. Apharwat.
- 02Walk or pony ride in the meadows.
- 03Lunch: Bakshi Restaurant — simple, hearty vegetarian thali.
- 04Dinner: At the hotel’s restaurant with good vegetarian options.
Day 04
Gulmarg Outdoor Adventures
- 01Golfing at Gulmarg Golf Course (summer).
- 02Trekking or mountain biking trails.
- 03In winter, skiing/snowboarding lessons or snow activities.
- 04Lunch: Oscar’s Café — offers good vegetarian meals with a cozy vibe.
- 05Dinner: Back at the hotel or Garden Restaurant.
Day 05
Gulmarg to Pahalgam (approx 4 hours drive)
- 01En route: Stop at Aru Village or Betaab Valley for scenic beauty and short walks.
- 02Dinner: At the hotel with vegetarian cuisine.
Day 06
Pahalgam Exploration
- 01Walk along the Lidder River.
- 02Visit Chandanwari (start of Amarnath Yatra).
- 03Visit Baisaran (mini-Switzerland) by pony or trek.
- 04Lunch: Dana Pani Restaurant — great vegetarian local and North Indian dishes.
- 05Dinner: At hotel or Nedous Dining (vegetarian-friendly).
Day 07
Pahalgam to Srinagar (4 hours drive)
- 01Visit Shankaracharya Temple if missed.
- 02Relax at hotel or explore local markets.
- 03Dinner: At Krishna Dhaba for another round of their legendary Rajma Chawal or try Ahdoos again.
Day 08
Day Trip from Srinagar or Leisure Day
- 01Option 1: Day trip to Sonamarg (approx 2 hours each way) — for river rafting and alpine meadows.
- 02Option 2: Leisure day exploring more local markets, cafes, or spa at hotel.
- 03Lunch: & Dinner: Explore local vegetarian street food like street Maggi, local breads (Kulcha, Tandoori Naan) and vegetable dishes.
Day 09
Departure from Srinagar
- 01Relaxed morning, pack up, and transfer to Srinagar airport for departure.
- 02Summary of Top Hotels (All Vegetarian-Friendly)
- 03Srinagar: The Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar, Vivanta Dal View
- 04Gulmarg: Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa
- 05Pahalgam: The Pine Palace Resort, Pahalgam Hotel
- 06Krishna Dhaba (Srinagar): Rajma Chawal is a must.
- 07Ahdoos (Srinagar): Authentic vegetarian Kashmiri cuisine.
- 08Bakshi Restaurant (Gulmarg): Simple, local vegetarian thali.
- 09Oscar’s Café (Gulmarg): Veg-friendly casual dining.
- 10Dana Pani (Pahalgam): Fresh vegetarian dishes.
What to order
Local cuisine
Must try
Local speciality
Veg biryani
Must try
Local speciality
Masala dosa
Must try
Local speciality
Veg thali
Must try
Local speciality
Chole bhature
Must try
Local speciality
Gulab jamun
04
Logistics
Getting there & around
01 · Private chauffeur-driven car
The most comfortable way to explore — a trusted driver for door-to-door travel.
02 · Domestic flights
Quick hops between regions; book a few weeks ahead for the best fares.
03 · Airport arrival
A private meet-and-greet transfer is arranged from the moment you land.
The numbers
Budget breakdown
Total · per person
$1,566–$8,478 pp
USD
Breakdown
- Accommodation
- $120–$600 / night
- Food & dining
- $22–$132 / day
- Transportation
- $14–$90 / day
- Activities
- $18–$120 / day
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