Introduction:
Do you often wait till the last minute to decide where to go on vacation? Well if you’re thinking of Kashmir – look no further. We have the perfect four places to visit on your last minute Kashmir vacation all researched right here.
Kashmir often referred to as “Paradise on Earth,” lived up to every expectation during our 7-day trip. With serene landscapes, majestic mountains, and historical charm, this was a vacation that left an indelible mark on our hearts. Traveling with my husband and four other adults, we embarked on a journey that took us through the most iconic destinations in the region—Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg. Here’s a recount of our unforgettable adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar – The Venice of the East
We arrived at the Srinagar airport and were warmly welcomed by our driver. We planned it so we arrived during the daylight hours so we could take in the maximum scenic sights!
Our first stop was Gulmarg, a picturesque town known for its lush meadows and incredible views. We took in breathtaking views of the mountains on our incredible drive to Gulmarg. We spent the evening relaxing and soaking in the cool mountain air after check in at our hotel.
Day 2: Exploring Gulmarg – The Meadow of Flowers
Gulmarg is a quaint town nestled in the mountains. During winter it was a famous skiing destination at one time. Even today it is a travel destination. Its altitude means the climate is great even in April-May.
Gulmarg boasts Asia’s highest cable car, the Gulmarg Gondola, and we couldn’t miss it! We rode to Kongdoori Mountain and marveled at the incredible snow-capped peaks surrounding us.
For thrill-seekers, this is also a great place to try skiing or snow biking. Make sure to book at least two months in advance if you know you’re going as it gets booked up really quickly during the tourist season.
We drove around Gulmarg taking in the sight of the beautiful snow capped mountains and green pastures all around. We visited a meadow where there was horse riding. It was crowded with tourists! The parking lot was full of cars and buses. But horses are available for your 30 min ride through incredible meadows and valleys. Your horse is always guided by the groomer so you’re safe.
Gulmarg National Park
This is another beautiful attraction for your travel itinerary to Kashmir. The scenery changes with the seasons. The wildflowers growing in the meadows and the views of the snow-capped mountains all around you is spectacular.
Even in April we saw people try tobogganing down the snow still on the mountain slopes. There were people in tents selling hot instant noodles to the adventure seekers. Don’t ask me where they got the water for the noodles from! I have no idea… During winter you can try skiing and snow boarding if you’re feeling adventurous!
Pandavas Temple, Baramulla
The Pandavas Temple in Baramulla, Kashmir, is an ancient and historically significant site believed to be connected to the Pandavas from the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. It is said that the Pandavas spent some time in the Kashmir valley during their exile, and this temple is thought to be one of the places associated with their stay.
Located in Baramulla, the ruins of the temple offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich mythological and cultural history. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Kashmir Valley, the temple is not only a spiritual site but also a serene spot for reflection. It is a hidden gem for those interested in history, mythology, and scenic landscapes.
Later in the evening we checked into a serene hotel in Pahalgam for the night.
Day 3: Pahalgam – Nature’s Paradise
The town of Pahalgam is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. We started our day by visiting the Aru and Betab valleys, where rolling meadows and crystal-clear rivers took our breath away. We even had the option to ride ponies, which added a touch of adventure. Another warning that this place is also crowded with tourists in cars and buses!
The rest of the day was spent wandering through the scenic landscapes and soaking in the peaceful surroundings.
After a restful night in Pahalgam, we traveled back to Srinagar. Srinagar must be one of the four places to visit on your last minute Kashmir vacation
On the way we stopped for some shopping at one of the many shops selling saffron and the famous kahwa tea.
Kahwa Tea – The Saffron-Infused Elixir
The shop we stopped at had a tea brewing platform right outside the shop. They poured us cups of kahwa tea! It was delicious!
It was an unforgettable experience! This traditional Kashmiri tea is more than just a beverage—it’s an essential part of the region’s culture and hospitality.
Kahwa is a fragrant green tea made with a blend of saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and almonds. The golden saffron threads give the tea its distinctive color and a subtle, aromatic flavor. It’s often served with crushed almonds and sometimes garnished with dried rose petals for a luxurious finish. What makes it truly special is the warmth and richness it imparts, especially when served on a chilly morning by Dal Lake.
While the tea is traditionally enjoyed without milk, some versions include it, making the flavor richer and creamier. Either way, Kahwa is the perfect companion to Kashmir’s cool climate and scenic beauty.
We couldn’t resist buying a few traditional woolen shawls. The intricate craftsmanship and warmth of these shawls were irresistible.
We also picked up some saffron, known as the finest in the world, adding a touch of Kashmiri essence to our kitchen back home. The beautiful saffron flower grows well here. Only the stamen is picked for its fragrance. The honeybees that thrive near these fields yield a unique saffron flavored honey which you can also buy in the shop.
In addition to the woolen shawls and saffron, some of us also bought a variety of local nuts, including walnuts and almonds, which are famous in Kashmir. The fresh, high-quality nuts added another delightful souvenir from our trip, perfect for us to enjoy with friends and family.
The shop we visited was happy to ship our purchases by road to our home. We pay and give details of our address and the parcel arrived home within a day of reaching back home! No worry about paying for excess baggage on the flight back.
Day 4: Srinagar – Beautiful and Unique
Sights & Sounds of Srinagar
We checked in to the hotel in Srinagar and had a restful evening.
We spent the next day visiting local sights in Srinagar. The beautiful Tulip Garden and the serene Shankaracharya Temple were definite highlights.
Shankaracharya Temple
The next morning the first thing we did was visit the Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar. We knew there would be a walk up the slopes of the mountain to reach the temple and a flight of stairs to climb. Our taxi driver dropped us a short distance away from the temple and we walls about a kilometer to reach the stairs of the temple.
A really lovely sight awaited us – there were CRPF personnel distributing breakfast to all the devotees! They were rolling puris, frying them and serving the puris with channa gravy. We also were given a flavored rice to accompany the feast. We will be forever grateful to them for their generosity.
The Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar, perched atop Shankaracharya Hill, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built around 371 B.C., the temple offers panoramic views of the picturesque Dal Lake and the surrounding valley. It is named after the philosopher and saint Adi Shankaracharya, who visited the site. The temple holds great spiritual and historical significance. Its ancient stone architecture and tranquil surroundings make it a must-visit for both devotees and travelers seeking serenity in Kashmir.
We started out to the temple at 7 am and finished our visit at around 10 am. There was a fast moving line to go inside the temple. We were entertained by the spectacular views of Srinagar from the top of the hill while waiting in line.
Mughal Gardens, Srinagar
Next we set out to explore Srinagar’s famous Mughal gardens. Shalimar, Nishat, and Chashme Shahi gardens are perfect examples of Mughal architecture and their love for nature. Each garden was uniquely beautiful, with vibrant flowers, cascading fountains, and the Himalayan backdrop.
Day 5 Tulip Garden, Srinagar
We visited at the perfect time for the tulip season which is between March and April.
The Tulip Garden in Srinagar, also known as Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, is Asia’s largest tulip garden. It is located at the foothills of Zabarwan Range. It showcases vibrant tulip varieties each spring. The garden attracts tourists and locals alike, offering a stunning display of colors against the backdrop of the Himalayas. We had a fun day photographing ourselves with the colorful tulips and the fountains at the center of the garden.
Our friendly driver said we could not leave Kashmir without trying the famous wazwan. He took us to a restaurant deep inside the market area of Srinagar to try authentic wazwan. It lived up to its reputation – we had the most delightful variety of non vegetarian dishes accompanied by fragrant rice served on enormous plates. It was a lot of fun sharing the treats!
In the afternoon, we strolled through the Dal Lake market, browsing for handicrafts, shawls, and souvenirs to bring home.
Houseboat on Dal Lake
Our day ended at the stunning Dal Lake. We went boating on the lake in the famous gondolas that lived up to their reputation. It was serene to glide through the lake. Flowers and souvenir boats came up to the boat for sales! It was a unique experience.
We checked into a traditional houseboat for an authentic Kashmiri experience.
Sadly the experience didn’t live up to its old reputation. The houseboat needed renovations and the owners were talking about the difficulty to get permissions for the same. They were very kind though and provided us food and looked after our comfort as best they could.
Day 6: A Day Trip to Doodh-e-Pather
On day six, we headed to the lesser-known yet stunning Doodh-e-Pather, a valley famous for its green meadows and towering pine trees. Often called the “Valley of Milk” due to the rich milk produced by the cattle grazing here, this place was peaceful and pristine. A picnic in the meadows made this visit truly special.
We took a taxi into the surrounding valley and stopped at a beautiful sparkling creek. The sound and sparkle remain fresh on my mind long after my holiday in Kashmir.
Some of or team rode horses into the valley. Of course we couldn’t get enough of the beautiful scenery!
On the way back to Srinagar, we stopped at a colorful umbrella-shaded snack place. The locals dot the countryside along the road with their colorful umbrellas selling their speciality food. Our local vendor family of three were simple folk. They gave us delicious hot bajra rotis with chutneys.
Day 7: Departure
Our final day was bittersweet as we prepared to leave this beautiful valley. After breakfast, we made our way to the airport, leaving behind the memories of Dal Lake, the green pastures of Gulmarg, and the enchanting gardens.
Final Thoughts:
This journey to Kashmir was everything we hoped for and more. We hope you find the four places we selected useful for your last minute Kashmir vacation plans. Each moment was filled with beauty and adventure. Having been to both the Swiss Alps and the Colorado Rockies I agthat nature has blessed Kashmir with a spectacular beauty. It truly is a paradise, and our memories from this trip will remain with us forever.
