8 days itinerary for Kashmir (by Train) in June 1st week

Day 1 – Jaipur to Jammu Tawi (via train 24 hours)

Day 2 – Jammu Tawi station to Pahalgam (generally it takes 6 hour only if you are lucky enough, else it may take 11-12 hours due to landslides, traffic jams and rush depending upon weather conditions)

Visit Pahalgam in evening/night take rest and enjoy the dinner

(It’s colder than any other place in Kashmir, it was 3 degrees at night in June so pack accordingly)

Day 3 – Pahalgham sightseeing (charges depends upon sights and car you book via taxi stand), recommended :

1. Chandanwari (you’ll find a bit of snow turned into ice for photography only)

2. Betaab Valley (entry charges 100rs per person) – very beautiful, must visit for photography and enjoy the nature.

3. Aru Valley – pretty for greenery but you won’t find any snow here, pony ride recommended for some beautiful views.

Leave early for sightseeing to avoid rush and enjoy the weather as by the last destination you might feel quite cold.

Via Tavera – these 3 sights costed us 2400 which included stay for an hour on each destination.

Day 4 – leave Pahalgham for Srinagar. It was hot sunny day, no jackets required around 9 am. Journey from Pahalgam to Srinagar is of 2-3 hours might extend for an hour or so as Traffic jams are quite often here.

Have lunch at Srinagar, recommended restaurant : Ahdoo’s at Lal Chowk

Checkin at hotel post lunch

Leave for Dal Lake Shikara Ride around 5-5.15 pm to see a mesmerizing view of Sunset and Golden Lake.

Recommended: Take the ride from ghat no. 7, they might try to fool you talking about the 8-12 points to show, don’t get fooled just ask for a good round nearby Floating Market and Golden Lake it should cost around 700-800 for the ride. Rest of the points are just on the way.

Recommended : Have Kashmiri Kahwa on the way (charges 50 rs for a cup)

Dinner at any fine hotel – Ahdoo’s / Stream/ Hotel depending upon the food choices.

Weather : Hot, sunny approximately 32-35 degrees (Jackets weren’t required but safe to keep 1 light in handbag because sudden weather changes are possible due to light rains)

Day 5 – Leave for Day trip from Srinagar to Sonamarg (generally 2-3 hours might extend for couple of hour or so as Traffic jams are quite often here)

Route is beautiful with a view of snow caped mountains and Sindhu river.

Weather in morning: Hot, Sunny (Jackets weren’t required but safe to keep 1 light in handbag because sudden weather changes are possible in Sonamarg sight seeing)

Visit only if you can have a ride on Pony as car sight seeing isn’t possible in Sonamarg valleys. Take a tour of 3-4 hours and come back to Srinagar. (nights are bit cold)

Day 6 – Leave for Day trip from Srinagar to Gulmarg (generally 2-3 hours might extend for couple of hour or so as Traffic jams are quite often here)

Weather in morning: Hot, Sunny (Jackets weren’t required in morning but safe to keep 1 heavy jacket in handbag because sudden weather changes are possible in Gulmarg phase 2 sight seeing – you’ll be able to enjoy snow here)

Visit only if you can have booked Gandola ride (rope way) atleast 10 days prior as there were no bookings available due to heavy tourist rush in June. Enjoy 3-4 hours and come back to Srinagar. (nights are bit cold)

Day 7 – Srinagar sight seeing, recommended places:

1. Parimahal – beautiful place with beautiful colourful roses, you may enjoy bird’s eye view of Dal Lake, Srinagar

2. Chashmeshahi

3. Botanical Garden

4. Nishat Bagh

5. Shalimar Bagh (this is same as Nishat Bagh, so you can visit any one out of these 2)

6. Tulip Garden (this is open only for 20 days in the entire year so you need to be much lucky enough to visit it)

Have lunch and proceed for shopping at Lal Chowk and legal chowk.

Day 8 – Leave from Srinagar to Jammu Tawi/Katra for Train back to Jaipur

If you wish to buy Kesar and dry fruits specially Kashmir products then buy from Pampore area while coming back as they have the best quality and genuine products.

Recommended shop : Jannat E Kashmir

(If possible, keep a spare day at Katra if you wish to visit Mata Vaishno Devi – Prior bookings required for temple visit and for helicopter rides too, even if not then traffic jams might delay your return)

Recommended hotel : Holiday Inn, just a few miles away from Station.

Must carry : Umbrellas all the time if your handbag as rains are quite often and sudden here.

Recommended bakery in Srinagar: Crème (just below Ahdoo’s that’s the best for anytime of the day)

Things to remember:

1. Outside J&K sims doesn’t work here either carry a postpaid sim or buy one from here after reaching Jammu station.

2. Climate changes are very sudden and often.

3. Book a good car as landslides are common and roads are not so good everywhere.

4. Regular taxis are not allowed for local sight seeing, you need to book it separately from local taxi stands.

5. Be vigilant and bargain.

6. Avoid taking packages, choose wisely what you want to enjoy.