INTRODUCTION:-The northernmost state of India is also its most beautiful state.The Jammu and Kashmir region is surrounded by the Himalayan ranges. It also has some of the most breathtaking places in the whole world.The beautiful state of Kashmir is also widely known as ‘Heaven on Earth’.Jammu and Kashmir is also famous for the holy pilgrimages of Hindus-Vaishno Devi temple visit.Today,we will tell you how you can make the most of your 7-day Kashmir itinerary.Looking at Kashmir package,you can keep this itinerary as a reference.From snow-capped mountain ranges to beautiful serene lakes,Kashmir is home to a wide variety of landscapes. It will make you fall in love with the place instantly.While popular destinations in Kashmir like Srinagar and Gulmarg have been visited by lakhs of tourists over the years, places like Ladakh as well as the Zanskar Valley have managed to gain popularity recently.Offering a variety of experiences,a trip to the beautiful valley of Kashmir with its captives will surely blow your mind.There are many places you can visit in Kashmir.Srinagar can be considered as the starting point of your Kashmir trip.This article will give you a brief idea on how to plan your trip to Kashmir.
KASHMIR ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT SRINAGAR AIRPORT AND EXPLORING THE CITY
DAY 2: SIGHTSEEING IN SRINAGAR
DAY 3: TRAVEL TO GULMARG AND EXPLORING THE PLACE
DAY 4: TRAVEL TO SONAMARG and EXPLORING THE PLACE
DAY 5: TRAVEL TO PAHALGAM AND EXPLORING THE PLACE
DAY 6: TRAVEL TO CHANDANWARI
DAY 7: TRAVEL BACK TO SRINAGAR
DAY 1:ARRIVAL AT SRINAGAR AIRPORT AND EXPLORING THE CITY:-Srinagar,the quietest city of Kashmir,is also its most famous tourist destination. Airways is the most efficient way to reach Srinagar. Srinagar has good connectivity with the rest of our country.However,if you want to keep your budget low,you can opt for a train traveling to Udhampur,Jammu Tawi or Katra.All these places are just 5 to 7 hours away from Srinagar.From this place,the most convenient way to reach the capital of Kashmir is to hire a cab or self-driving, which will cost you Rs.1,800 to Rs.2,000.The summer capital of Kashmir,This place is also home to the most famous Mughal Gardens. This garden was built by the famous Mughal emperor ‘Shah Jahan’.You can next visit Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden and be mesmerized by the shower of colorful flowers.Similarly,then you can see Shalimar Garden and Nehru Garden.There are many amazing things that you can do in the city of Srinagar.You can also go on a shikara ride on the famous Dal Lake.The lake is also known as ‘Lake of Flowers’, ‘Jewel of Srinagar’ and ‘Jewel in the Taj of Kashmir.
DAY 2 SIGHTSEEING IN SRINAGAR:-After finishing breakfast you can start your day by visiting Chashme Shahi Garden and Pari Mahal Garden.All these gardens are situated on the banks of Dal Lake.You can also visit Shankaracharya Temple.The temple is also known as Jyeshteshwar temple and is situated on the Shankaracharya hill.You can also get some stunning views of the lush green hills and mountains from this point.In Srinagar,you will also find opportunities for paragliding and trekking.You can also go for skiing and horse riding.To explore the local life,you can also visit the local market.You can also buy some Kashmiri pashminas,woolen clothes,carved wooden boxes, Kashmiri carpets, wicker baskets,silver jewelry,embroidered scarves and saffron.The most famous places to shop for these are Lal Chowk,Raghunath Bazaar,Badshak Chowk,Polo View Market and Residency Road.Now you can return to your hotel and have a pleasant night stay.
DAY 3 TRAVEL TO GULMARG AND EXPLORING THE PLACE:-After your morning breakfast,you can head towards Gulmarg,which is known as the ‘Meadow of Flowers’.It is at a distance of about 51 kms from Srinagar.You can either book a taxi or self-drive to this place.This place is heaven for skiers.Cable Car Ride in Gulmarg This place is a must visit for any tourist on their trip to Kashmir.From vibrant flowers to snow-capped mountains,this place is a perfect paradise for any adventure seeker.You can also try the local cuisine by visiting any of the local dhabas.If the weather permits,you can go for mountain biking,trekking and skiing.You can also take a gondola ride which will give you a panoramic view of the entire valley.It gets dark very early in Gulmarg and hence it is best to visit the place after dinner with your family or friends.You can also take a trek to Aphrawat Peak.If you have time,you can also go to Yusmarg.If you want,you can also give a chance for fresh water fishing here.If not for the trip to Apaharwat,you can opt for a 10-km trek to the Sand-e-Safed valley.It is basically the home of the frozen lake.
DAY 4 Travel to SONAMARG AND EXPLORE THE PLACE:-After completing your breakfast,you can proceed to Sonmarg which is located about 80 kms from Srinagar.Sonmarg is basically a hill station which is situated in the North East of Srinagar. Sonmarg is known as ‘Meadow of Gold’.The Sindh river makes this place extremely popular for Mahseer fishing as well as trout.You can also take a pony ride in any of the glaciers for fun in the snow.The place is situated at an altitude of 9,186 feet in front of crystal clear blue sky and natural meadows.Post your lunch;You can visit the Kheer Bhavani temple.It is situated in the middle of a natural spring.Gadsar Lake in Sonmarg is situated at an altitude of 16,400 feet.The special thing about this lake is that it remains frozen throughout the year. Sonmarg is surrounded by snow-capped mountains as well as alpine flowers.The place is also famous for the beautiful walnut orchards which are a must visit.You must visit Thajiwas Glacier and try horse riding and pony rides.If you have time,you can visit Vishansar Lake as well as Kishansar Lake. One of the best things to do in Sonmarg is the Gaganbal Trek.It can be started from either of the two lakes
DAY 5 TRAVEL TO PAHALGAM AND EXPLORE THE PLACE:-After your morning breakfast,you can check out from the hotel and drive to Pahalgam which is located about 31 km away from Sonmarg.Pahalgam is popularly known as the ‘Valley of the Shepherds’. It is situated at the confluence of the Lidder River and the streams flowing from Shishnag Lake.On the way you can also visit Avantipura ruins.This is an ancient temple which is more than 1100 years old. The temple is built in the honor of Lord Vishnu and was built by King Avantivarman. On reaching Pahalgam,you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings.You can walk to Baisren,which is located at a distance of 2 km from Pahalgam.The place has a beautiful small village surrounded by deodar as well as deodar forest which offers very pleasing views.If you have time,you can also visit Mamleshwar Temple,Betab Valley and Kolahoi Glacier.All these places offer a panoramic view of the beautiful valley.
DAY 6 TRAVEL TO CHANDANWARI:-Chandawari is located at a distance of about 15 kilometers from Pahalgam.It is a famous glacial point.This place also serves as the starting point of the holy Amarnath Yatra.Situated at an elevated position,this place is an isolated place to stop and enjoy some time amidst nature.Visit the famous Sheshnag Lake that flows through this district.It is one of the ancient pilgrimage centers of Hindus.Then,you can visit Panchtarni,another popular tourist and pilgrimage site.It actually serves as a rest camp for the Amarnath Yatra.Here you can also try local cuisine.You can indulge in authentic mutton rogan josh with traditional bread here.You can also try the famous Kashmiri Phirni,a famous dessert.Here you can participate in a lot of activities like climbing,trekking,palanquin ride, horse riding and snow sledding.
DAY 7 TRAVEL BACK TO SRINAGAR:-After enjoying breakfast in the morning,you can head back to Srinagar.Srinagar is located at a distance of about 100 kms from Chandwari.After checking in at the hotel,you can proceed to Nishat Bagh.This place is also popularly known as the ‘Garden of Happiness’. The latter is the larger of the two gardens.It has an impressive plantation of poplar trees on its highest terrace.Both gardens are built on a symmetrical plan of central waterways with fountains that divide a series of garden terraces.Nishat Bagh was built by Asif Khan in 1632 AD,who was Jahangir’s brother-in-law.If you are fond of bird watching then you can visit Manasbal Lake.Afterwards,you can also visit Hazratbal Masjid which is the only domed mosque in the city.You can also visit Jamia Masjid which is situated in the heart of old Srinagar city.
