Ultimate 4-Day Kashmir Itinerary: Srinagar, Sonamarg & Amarnath Vibes 🇮🇳✨

Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar & Local Chills Morning/Afternoon: Touch down at Srinagar International Airport (SXR) and start your vacay on a high! 🙌 Get whisked away to your digs—heads up, if you can, snag a houseboat on Dal Lake for those iconic Kashmir vibes (Dal Lake, Srinagar, J&K, 190006; houseboats available via trip.com). Activities: First up, stroll through insta-famous Mughal Gardens: - Nishat Bagh (Nishat Bagh Road, Srinagar, open 9 AM–7 PM) - Shalimar Bagh (Shalimar, Srinagar, open 9 AM–7 PM) Both are straight-up gorgeous with old-school Chinar trees, fountains, and dreamy lawns. Next, climb up to the legendary Shankaracharya Temple for views that’ll blow your mind (Shankaracharya Hills, open 7 AM–8 PM; bring ID for entry). 💯 Evening: Time to get extra chill with a shikara ride on Dal Lake—float past lotus gardens and the quirky floating market. Feeling extra? Wander through Srinagar’s old city lanes or hunt down Pashmina shawls and saffron for souvenirs. Food Scene: Lunch = Get your tastebuds dancing at a local spot (try Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine, *think Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, Yakhni*). Dinner = Houseboat feast with all the trimmings—sooo good! Stay: Houseboat or hotel (book on trip.com for legit options in Srinagar). Travel Hack: Acclimatize to the altitude (1,585m). SXR airport → city center is about 15 km away, easy drive. Day 2: Sonamarg – Mountain Feels Morning: Wake up, wolf down breakfast, and bounce! Hit the road for an epic drive (80 km, ~3 hrs) through Sindh Valley to Sonamarg, a.k.a. Meadow of Gold (Sonamarg, Ganderbal, J&K, 191203). Activities: On arrival, get ready for MAJOR scenery—snowy peaks, rolling meadows, literally screensaver material. Do the Thajiwas Glacier trek (3 km from main town, open May–Oct; pony rides available) for glacier and stream views. Bonus stop: Kheer Bhawani Temple (Tulmulla, Ganderbal; open 6 AM–8 PM). Major culture points unlocked. Evening: Kick back in the pine woods—Sonamarg is perf as a base for the famous Amarnath Yatra (via Baltal). Food Scene: Lunch = Packed bites or roadside dhaba snacks. Dinner = Dig in at your hotel (most serve local + north Indian fare). Stay: Overnight at a cozy Sonamarg hotel (altitude ~2,730m; find on trip.com). Travel Hack: Road’s twisty—stack up on motion sickness meds. Nights = cold, so pack layers. Day 3: Amarnath Darshan (Heli Mode = Stress-free) Early Morning: Quick drive to Baltal base camp (15 km from Sonamarg, 30 mins). Helicopter FTW: From Neelgrath Helipad (Baltal, Ganderbal), grab a seat to Panchtarni (tickets via trip.com partners, ₹4,000–5,000, pre-book only—slots fill fast!). Activities: Land at Panchtarni, trek/pony/palki for the last stretch (6 km, alt 3,888m) to Amarnath Cave for a surreal Shivling darshan. Round trip = 4–6 hrs walking, or less with rides. Fuel up with free langar meals at Yatra camps—good vibes and good food. Evening: Glide back to Baltal by chopper, then return to your room in Sonamarg or Srinagar. Time to rest up and relive the epicness. Food Scene: Breakfast = light, keep it easy for altitude. Lunch = langar meals, warm and filling. Dinner = Hotel eats (trip.com for foodie recs!). Stay: Night in Sonamarg or bounce back to Srinagar, depending on mood (book on trip.com, plenty of options). Travel Hack: Trek is tough; helicopter helps a ton. Carry your ID, rain jacket, snacks, and positive energy. Day 4: Srinagar Sights & Bye-bye Kashmir Morning: If you’re back in Srinagar, make the most of it! Quick half-day trips: - Gulmarg (50 km, ~2 hrs from Srinagar): Gondola rides, endless green meadows, and adventure moments (Gulmarg Gondola, Tangmarg-Gulmarg Rd, open 10 AM–5 PM). - Pahalgam (Betaab Valley, rafting, ~90 km, ~2–2.5 hrs). Afternoon: Time for souvenir squad shopping—browse Srinagar’s bazaars for dry fruits, carpets, and more. Too short on time? Hit up Pari Mahal (Zabarwan Range, open 9:30 AM–7:30 PM) or Chashme Shahi Garden (open 9 AM–7 PM). Evening: Head to Srinagar Airport for your flight out (book with buffer time in case of traffic/weather!). Food Scene: Breakfast = Hotel. Lunch = Local Srinagar eatery (hunt down Wazwan faves before you jet). Money Talk: Overall trip cost (excluding flights/helicopter): ₹15,000–25,000 per person for mid-range rooms, wheels, and noms. Ready for the ultimate Kashmir adventure? This trip is all about epic mountain views, legendary temples, comfort vibes, and those unmissable houseboat nights. Book everything on trip.com and don’t forget your camera—the memories will be next level! 🚁🏔️💖