Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar + Local Sightseeing

• Arrive in Srinagar, transfer to your hotel/houseboat, and check-in.
• Visit the famous Mughal Gardens:
  • Shalimar Bagh
  • Nishat Bagh
  • Chashme Shahi
• Visit Shankaracharya Temple for panoramic views of Dal Lake.
• In the evening, enjoy a relaxing Shikara Ride on Dal Lake and explore the Floating Market.
• Overnight stay in Srinagar.

Day 2: Excursion to Gulmarg

• After breakfast, drive to Gulmarg (52 km/1.5 hrs).
• Take the world-famous Gondola Ride up to Apharwat Peak for stunning views.
• Visit Strawberry Valley and Maharani Temple.
• Optional activities: skiing (in winter), snowboarding, or a pony ride.
• Return to Srinagar for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Excursion to Sonmarg

• After breakfast, drive to Sonmarg (80 km/2.5 hrs), the “Meadow of Gold.”
• Trek or take a pony ride to the Thajiwas Glacier.
• Enjoy the serene landscape of Sindh Valley, with an optional river rafting experience on the Sindh River.
• Return to Srinagar for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Excursion to Doodhpathri

• After breakfast, drive to Doodhpathri (42 km/1.5 hrs), a lesser-known but breathtaking meadow surrounded by rolling hills.
• Enjoy a peaceful walk or picnic by the river.
• Explore the lush green landscapes and pristine beauty, ideal for photography and quiet relaxation.
• Return to Srinagar in the evening for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Transfer to Pahalgam (95 km/2.5-3 hrs)

• After breakfast, drive to Pahalgam, a charming hill station known for its beauty and tranquility.
• En route, visit the Awantipora Ruins.
• Check-in to your hotel in Pahalgam.
• Stroll along the Lidder River in the evening or explore the local market.
• Overnight stay in Pahalgam.

Day 6: Explore Pahalgam’s Valleys

• After breakfast, visit the famous valleys of Pahalgam:
  1. Betaab Valley: Known for its picturesque setting and Bollywood connections.
  2. Aru Valley: Ideal for nature walks, hiking, and peaceful exploration.
  3. Baisaran Valley: Referred to as “Mini Switzerland” due to its green meadows and pine trees.
• Optional activities: pony rides, trekking, or river rafting.
• Return to Pahalgam for an overnight stay.

Day 7: Pahalgam – Free Day for Leisure or Optional Activities

• Spend a relaxed day exploring Pahalgam at your own pace.
• Option to go for a river rafting adventure on the Lidder River.
• Take a hike or nature walk in the peaceful surroundings.
• Or simply unwind at your hotel.
• Overnight stay in Pahalgam.

Day 8: Departure from Pahalgam to Srinagar/Jammu

• After breakfast, check out and proceed to:
  • Srinagar Airport (95 km/2.5 hrs) for your flight.
  • Or, if traveling by road, head towards Jammu (250 km/7-8 hrs).
• If time allows, stop for last-minute shopping in Srinagar for Pashmina shawls, saffron, dry fruits, and Kashmiri handicrafts.

This 8-day itinerary covers all major tourist destinations in Kashmir—Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Doodhpathri, and Pahalgam—with enough time to explore the beauty of each location at a relaxed pace.