Kashmir is referred to as the “Paradise on Earth,” one of the most captivating places to travel to in India. The 5 Day Itinerary and things to do in Kashmir were created to showcase this majestic Himalayan region for its Adventure, Culture, and Natural Beauty, and give you the complete Kashmir Travel Experience – from Lake Experiences to Mountain Activities and everything in Between! Each part of the itinerary has been designed to give you an incredible opportunity to truly experience all that Kashmir has to offer during your visit!
Your adventure in Kashmir starts as soon as you arrive at the Srinagar International Airport. Once picked up from the airport and checked into your houseboat on the famous Dal Lake, take some time to settle into this beautiful area.
Things to do in Srinagar on Day 1:
Your first stop in Srinagar should be Lal Chowk Market, where you can shop for authentic Pashmina shawls, saffron, and traditional handicrafts while enjoying great conversations with friendly vendors. Next, visit Polo View Market for the best souvenirs and a chance to experience genuine Kashmiri culture. Don’t miss out on the Float Market Tour, an amazing chance to see floating markets on Dal Lake, where vendors use traditional boats to sell their fresh produce and flowers.
Book a tranquil Shikara ride (costing between ₹400-600 per hour) on Dal Lake during the golden hour. This experience is one of the most traditional things to do in Kashmir and lets you float on the pristine, calm waters while enjoying incredible views of the snow-capped Zabarwan Mountains. Watch the sun go down and change the colours of the sky with vivid oranges and reds, and see the lights of houseboats glowing in the distance against the beautiful backdrop of Kashmiri architecture.
Gulmarg is a top hill station in Kashmir with great appeal year-round. The summer sees amazing meadows blooming with flowers across its hills, while during winter it becomes one of the best skiing destinations in the world. Make your visit as enjoyable as possible by either booking a full-day cab (Rs 2,500 and up) or joining a guided tour.
Things to do in Gulmarg:
A Gondola ride to Khillanmarg via a 3-stage gondola ride is fun and exciting and takes you up 3,680 metres above sea level (the highest point in Asia). Each part of the ride provides unique views of the area and the surrounding mountains and pine trees. Go to the hills where you will find thousands of wild flowers growing and take a photo with Nanga Parbat (the world’s 9th-highest mountain) in the background. Play golf at the highest golf course in the world, located at an elevation of 2,650 metres and take home great photos. Winter sports enthusiasts can sign up for skiing lessons (1 hour at around ₹2,000) or go sledging down the snowy slopes.
Try Kashmiri food at a nearby restaurant for a truly authentic experience; dish choices include Rogan Josh, Yakhni (traditional meat broth) or Kashmiri Pulao (Kashmiri-style rice dish). Your guide or hotel staff can provide you with several good local options.
Pahalgam (pronounced as both ‘Pa-Hal-Gyum’ and also ‘Pahalu-Gyum’) is situated in Anantnag District, a district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Pahalgam presents the purest form of the beauty of Kashmir and is a location of adventure, faith and natural splendour combined into one single location. Pahalgam will give you the most varied types of experiences on your holiday in Kashmir.
Things to do in Pahalgam:
Make sure you go and see the famous Betaab Valley. The movie “Betaab“ was filmed in this valley. You will see green meadows, rushing streams and snow-capped peaks. You’ll have to pay an entry fee of ₹100 per person to visit this valley. Alternatively, there is free access to Aru Valley (for trekking) – Aru Valley has wonderful opportunities for horse riding and camping for all nature lovers. Paddle down the pristine waters of the Lidder River while trying your hand at river rafting for some adventure. Or check out the very picturesque Baisaran Valley (also known as Mini Switzerland), which is located 16 km from Pahalgam and is snow-capped in the wintertime. When you are in Pahalgam, please take the time to meet and speak to the warm and welcoming people of Kashmir and experience their culture, history and lifestyle.
Sonamarg, which means “Meadow of Gold,” lies 84 km from Srinagar (2.5 hour’s drive) in Kashmir and is referred to as the trekking capital of the Valley & attracts adventure enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy peaceful solitude in Nature.
Things to do in Sonamarg:
Take an easy 1.5-hour pony trek to the Thajiwas Glacier with spectacular views of the Glacier as the views change dramatically due to season changes. Explore many alpine meadows; professional guides provide many different trekking options for beginners to advanced trekkers. The multi-day trekking option, Kolahoi Meadows Trek, is available for experienced trekkers; the trek provides spectacularly beautiful views of Kolahoi Peak and pristine meadows. Try your luck at trout fishing in the clear mountain streams. Take many Instagram-worthy pictures throughout the day of the wildflowers, the glaciers, and the mountain panoramic views.
Pro Tip: Leave Srinagar early in the morning (5-6 AM) to maximise your daylight hours in Sonamarg, resulting in better opportunities for trekking and photographs.
The last day of your tour will be spent exploring Srinagar’s culture and shopping for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts before heading home.
Things to do in Srinagar on Day 5:
Start by visiting Nishat Bagh, also known as Garden of Joy, and Shalimar Bagh, Contextual Gardens with UNESCO World Heritage Site Status. A beautiful setting situated on the terrace stabilised hillside features lawns and fountains with stunning views of the nearby mountains. Please plan on bringing approximately 30 – 40 people to enter. Learn about the historical Pari Mahal palace ruins with their terraced gardens overlooking Dal Lake. Prior to your return trip home, shop at Lal Chowk to purchase traditional Kashmiri Pashmina shawls, saffron, carpets, and other unique items.
spring (March-May), summer (June-August), autumn (September-October), and winter (November-February); each of these seasons has its own advantages and disadvantages. During spring, one can see beautiful tulips in bloom at the Tulip Garden in Srinagar, as well as pleasant temperatures for exploring and sightseeing. The months of spring are during peak season, and rooms should be booked in advance. Summer has clear skies with excellent weather for trekking and outside activities. The months of autumn have the most comfortable weather and are very enjoyable due to the many trees and foliage changing colour. Autumn is an excellent season to visit for the first time. Winter is the peak skiing season, as many people go to the mountains for skiing.
Always travel with registered guides and licensed taxi drivers. Keep your identity papers with you at all times. Avoid travelling alone after dark in unfamiliar areas. Verify local weather forecasts before travelling to hill stations. Obtain altitude sickness medication only from reputable pharmacies. Before leaving for Kashmir, ensure that you have purchased travel insurance that covers all aspects of your trip. Be aware of local news and current travel advisories before travelling to the region. Throughout your travels in Kashmir, please respect the culture and traditions of the local people. When booking accommodations, only make your reservations through a reputable online travel agency, and only use registered taxi services for transportation.
FAQs About Kashmir 5-Day Itinerary
Q: Is Kashmir a safe place for tourists?
Yes, Kashmir is a safe place to travel to in 2025, and it has a very well-developed tourism industry with a good level of security built into most of the main places where tourists are travelling to. Places like Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam get many visitors every day. You should take care to be aware of your surroundings and avoid travelling into remote areas alone, and check for updated travel advisories. Always travel with a registered guide and always make sure you book any accommodation with reputable providers or platforms. There are many thousands of tourists who safely visit Kashmir on a monthly basis, which means it is a well-established travel destination.
Q: How much to budget for a 5-day trip to Kashmir?
Your budget will be dependent on your travel style. An entry-level budget will be around ₹20,000-25,000 per person, including basic accommodation and local transportation. Mid-range budget travellers would typically expect to spend between ₹30,000 and ₹ 40,000, including 3-star hotels and guided tours of the area. A luxury budget will typically start at ₹50,000+, including luxury houseboats and fine dining. Accommodation will likely be the largest portion of your overall costs (30-40%), followed by transport and activities.
Q: What is the best way to get to Gulmarg and Pahalgam?
The best way to travel around the Gulmarg and Pahalgam area is to hire a private cab with a driver (costing ₹2,500-3,500 per day) for ultimate convenience. Alternatively, for lower costs, you can book a shared ride through a rideshare service (₹600-800 per person per ride) to save money while travelling. Make sure to pre-arrange pickups from the airport and hotels. Using a private cab allows for much more flexibility and safety, as well as a better opportunity to meet with and interact with the locals during your entire trip.
In summary, this thoroughly described 5-day Kashmir itinerary provides an ideal overview of everything that “Paradise on Earth” has to offer – there’s the beautiful serenity of staying in a Dal Lake houseboat; the exhilarating thrill of a Gulmarg gondola ride; the exhilaration of the valleys at Pahalgam; the relaxing atmosphere of the meadows at Sonamarg. The value of each destination adds to the total experience of visiting Kashmir.
By carefully outlining a daily itinerary with real-world costs and safety concerns, you are assured to book your trip with confidence and satisfaction – regardless of whether you are a first-time traveller or if you are a repeat visitor. The 5-day itinerary will allow you to witness the magic of Kashmir.
Are you ready to make your Kashmir dreams come true? We at WellWorthHolidays will work with you to plan your holiday in Kashmir that will match both your travel style and budget. Our expert consultants have extensive knowledge of this beautiful areafrom local secrets to logistical expertise. By choosing a Well Worth Holidays Kashmir package today, you will receive a free consultation for your travel planning. Your journey to Paradise on Earth starts here!
