Kashmir (India), February 8: Kashmir, often regarded as the “Paradise on Earth,” is one of those places that feature a blend of breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and rich cultural heritage. The next time that you plan your visit to Kashmir, we bet that the last thing you want is to explore the overcrowded tourist spots.
Don’t get us wrong, Srinagar and Gulmarg are both breathtaking spots and they need to be part of your five-day Kashmir itinerary but don’t focus your trip around just these two spots when you have so much more to explore. You can avail the best Kashmir tour packages from ekashmirtourism.com and make the most out of your trip.
With that aside, as you sit down to plan your itinerary for your next Kashmir vacation, be assured that there’s so much that you get to do and explore. We have sorted out all the relevant details in this guide.
Day 1 – Srinagar
Remember when we mentioned that your trip will include Srinagar too? Well, this is where your expedition starts. Since Srinagar is where the major airports and railway stations are located, this is the city where you will reach when you plan your Kashmir trip.
So, once you reach Srinagar, the next thing that you have to do is explore the city, some of the overcrowded tourist spots, and some of the untapped spots that not many people will be talking about on the internet. This is where you need to befriend the locals and go on an explorative journey.
Start your day with a tranquil shikara ride on the iconic Dal Lake. The floating gardens and vibrant houseboats create a surreal setting as you glide through the serene waters. The Mughal Gardens – Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi – beckon with their meticulous design and cascading fountains, showcasing the grandeur of Mughal architecture.
Also, once you are done exploring, don’t forget to pay a visit to the historic charm of the Jamia Masjid and explore the labyrinthine lanes of the old city. The local bazaars are nothing short of a treat for you to visit and explore.
Day 2 – Pahalgam
As you finish exploring Srinagar, the second day is when you pack up your bags and embark on a scenic drive down to Pahalgam. En route, pause at the Awantipora Ruins, an archaeological site housing ancient Hindu temple. In Pahalgam, discover the captivating Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood film shot here.
What’s mesmerizing about Pahalgam is the journey that you are on as you navigate through the scenic views around. The lush greenery is nothing short of tantalizing too.
Continue your exploration with a visit to Aru Valley, a hidden gem offering tranquility and panoramic views. For the adventurous souls, optional activities like horse riding and river rafting await. Also, the local markets in Pahalgam are worth a visit as well.
Day 3 – Gulmarg
When you ask anyone about their Kashmir trip, chances are that Gulmarg is on top of their list. The place has its charm but the excess number of tourists during the peak season is a pain for most people. You might not realize this but the excess crowd has also affected the charm of the place, even during the peak winter months. Many of the tourists have complained that the otherwise snowcapped peaks in Gulmarg now lack snow, which is quite sad when you come to think of it.
Despite all of these downsides, you can’t visit Kashmir and not explore Gulmarg. So, dedicate the third day to exploring the beautiful city of Gulmarg.
Ascend the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars globally, for a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks. In winter, Gulmarg transforms into a haven for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, while the summer months reveal lush green meadows.
Also, if you want to explore some of the historical spots, we’d recommend adding St. Mary's Church and the Gulmarg Golf Course to your itinerary. The best thing about visiting Gulmarg is that you don’t need an extensive itinerary for that day. The place is so beautiful that you can stop your car on the side of the road and admire the natural beauty of the spot for hours at end.
Day 4 – Yusmarg
When talking about the Kashmir trip, Yusmarg is probably one of the most underrated spots that you will explore. This hidden gem is surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped peaks. Known as "The Meadow of Jesus," Yusmarg offers tranquility and breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy a leisurely walk in the meadows, have a picnic by the Doodh Ganga River, and relish the fresh mountain air.
If you want to make the most out of the travel experience, we’d recommend you stop and explore the Nilnag Lake, which is a water body that’s surrounded by steep and tall pine forests. The kind of photos and videos that you get to capture in this spot is unreal.
Given that Yusmarg is quite offbeat and not connected to the rest of Kashmir quite proactively, we’d recommend that you only visit this place if you have your car or a rental that you can use to travel to and from Yusmarg. Also, while you are there, ensure to explore the local eating joints at the side of the road. Those are run by the locals and they will surely appreciate the business you bring them.
Day 5 – Sonamarg
On the final day of your Kashmir trip, you have the choice to conclude the entire expedition by exploring the “Meadow of Gold.” The golden-hued meadows against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks justify the name and are a breathtaking experience to witness with your own eyes.
Visit the Thajiwas Glacier, accessible by a short trek or horse ride, offering a surreal landscape with pristine snow and glistening ice formations. The experience is quite exhilarating. However, we’d recommend that you listen to your body before starting the trek. It is at an elevation, so you need to keep your health a priority.
Take a stroll along the Sindh River, reveling in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. For the adventurous, try trout fishing in the river. Conclude your Kashmir expedition with a traditional Kashmiri meal at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors. Additionally, if you want to get some souvenirs for people back home, you can check out the local markets.
Your five-day Kashmir trip is never enough to justify the beauty of this place. However, we understand that vacation time is often limited for some individuals, which is why we have created this elaborate itinerary for you for the next time you plan your family or solo trip to Kashmir.
(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR
PWR