5–7 Day Srinagar, Gulmarg & Pahalgam Itinerary: Best Places to Visit, Costs & Tips
Planning a Kashmir trip takes clarity. You need to know where to go and what to expect. Most people want to cover Srinagar along with Pahalgam and Gulmarg. This is possible in one week. But only if you have the right plan.
Many travellers feel confused. That is why a simple 5 to 7 day Kashmir itinerary helps. It gives you the correct route and shows what to do on each day. This guide is based on a real tour package. It covers all the must-visit places. It also gives you an idea of what happens each day.
Start your Kashmir trip from Pahalgam
The journey begins with your arrival in Jammu. From there you drive to Pahalgam. It is a long route but it sets the mood for the trip. Pahalgam is peaceful. It is also green and cool. The place sits by the Lidder River. You check into the hotel and rest for the evening. This is your time to take it slow.
Visit Betaab Valley and Aru Valley the next day
After breakfast you begin your local sightseeing. The first stop is Betaab Valley. This place is famous for its wide fields and clean air. It got its name from a Hindi film. But it is much more than that. It gives you a quiet space to walk or sit.
Later you head to Aru Valley. This place is calm and scenic. It is around 11 kilometres away. Aru is known for its soft meadows and wooden huts. This is where many trekking routes begin. But even if you are not trekking you can enjoy the fresh air and views. You return to the hotel by evening. Dinner is served and you sleep early.
Drive to Srinagar and check into a houseboat
The next day starts with a long drive to Srinagar. On the way you pass saffron fields and local villages. You also stop at the ruins of Awantipora. These are old temple remains from ancient times. Once you reach Srinagar you check into a houseboat.
This is a special part of the trip. The houseboat sits on Dal Lake. The water is still and clean. In the evening you go for a shikara ride. The lake reflects the sky and the city lights. You return to the boat for dinner and sleep on water for the night.
Explore Srinagar city on the next day
After breakfast you check out from the houseboat. You shift to a hotel in the city. Then the Srinagar sightseeing begins. You visit the famous Mughal Gardens. This includes Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. These gardens have flowers and fountains. There is also Chashme Shahi. That is a garden with a freshwater spring.
Later you visit Shankaracharya Temple. It sits on a hill and gives you a clear view of the lake and the town. The climb is short and easy. The temple is peaceful. You come back to the hotel in the evening. This is your time to shop. Local markets sell shawls and spices. You spend the night in the hotel.
Go to Sonmarg for snow and silence
The next morning you take a day trip to Sonmarg. It is about 90 kilometres from Srinagar. The drive is smooth and full of views. Once you reach you can hire a pony. That will take you to Thajiwas Glacier. Snow stays here for most of the year. The place feels untouched. You take photos and enjoy the cold air.
After spending time at the glacier you drive back to Srinagar. You reach the hotel in the evening. This ends your Sonmarg visit.
Shift to Gulmarg and enjoy the Gondola
Next you head to Gulmarg. It is around 60 kilometres from Srinagar. The route has rice fields and colourful houses. Once you reach Gulmarg you check into the hotel. Gulmarg is known for its flowers in summer and snow in winter. The main attraction here is the Gondola ride.
This is a cable car that takes you to Apharwat Peak. The ride is short but beautiful. You pass shepherd huts and open land. At the top you see wide mountain views. You can walk around and take photos. Later you return to the base and head back to the hotel. You rest for the night in Gulmarg.
Return to Srinagar and fly back
On the last day you pack up. After breakfast you drive back to Srinagar Airport. This takes about two to three hours. You leave early because the airport has four security checks. This creates traffic near the gate. You reach the airport and board your flight with memories of the week.
What makes this plan work
This Kashmir itinerary works because it moves at the right pace. You are not rushing from one place to another. Each location gets time. The route also makes sense. You start in Pahalgam then go to Srinagar and then end in Gulmarg.
This avoids backtracking. It also keeps travel time short on most days. The places covered are balanced. You get meadows. You get lakes. You get snow. You also get temples and old ruins.
What to check before booking your Kashmir tour package
Many packages look the same. But there are small things that make a big difference. Always ask what is included. Here are a few must-check points:
- Stay in hotels and houseboat
- Breakfast and dinner in all places
- Sightseeing with driver
- Local travel in Pahalgam by authorised taxi
- Gondola ride and pony ride are extra
Also make sure the driver is experienced. Kashmir roads are smooth but hilly. Having a good driver helps a lot. Try booking your package early. During peak season hotels fill fast. Also rates go up closer to travel dates.
Best time for this trip
You can plan this trip in summer or early autumn. April to June is good. September and October are also fine. During winter the roads remain open but weather is very cold. Snowfall can delay the trip. Choose your dates based on what you want to see. If you want green valleys then summer is better. If you want snow then winter is perfect.
Choose peace over rush
Many people try to cover too much in one trip. That takes away the peace. Kashmir is not for running around. It is for walking slowly. It is for watching rivers and breathing clean air. This plan gives you that space. You get to sit in silence. You also get to move between places without stress.
Final words
A 5 to 7 day Kashmir trip becomes special when it is planned right. From the first day in Pahalgam to the last day in Gulmarg every part of this plan gives you something. You get nature. You get history. You get comfort. You also get time to rest.
If you want a well-planned tour that covers everything from houseboats to valleys then you can explore packages from Kashmir Holiday Lab. Their plans are made for comfort and clarity. You just pack your bags and enjoy the journey.
FAQs
1. How many days are enough to visit Srinagar Gulmarg and Pahalgam?
You need at least five days. That gives you time to visit each place without any rush. A seven day plan is even better. It gives more time to rest and enjoy.
2. What is the best time to visit Kashmir for this trip?
April to June is a good time. The weather stays pleasant. September and October are also nice. Winter is cold but you can see snow in Gulmarg and Sonmarg.
3. Is the Gondola ride in Gulmarg included in the tour package?
The Gondola ride is not always included. You have to pay for it at the spot. It is better to check with the tour provider before booking.
4. Are local taxis needed in Pahalgam for sightseeing?
Yes. Outside cars are not allowed for sightseeing in Pahalgam. You will need to hire a local taxi to visit places like Betaab Valley and Aru Valley.
5. Can this trip be done with kids or older people?
Yes. The plan is simple and the travel is by road. Just make sure to go at a slow pace. Also choose hotels that are close to the main spots. That makes the trip easy for all age groups.