Chinar House
Srinagar, Kashmir
Chinar House is in central Srinagar, so the city and the valleys are easy to reach. Dal Lake is 25 to 40 minutes away. Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg are each a full day out.
You can see the main sights in one or two days. Leave time for traffic and a proper meal rather than rushing between stops.
A shikara is a small wooden boat, paddled by a boatman. A ride takes you past houseboats and floating gardens, with the Zabarwan hills behind.
Agree the price, route, and length of the ride before you get in. Go at sunrise to see the floating vegetable market.
Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh are the two best known, with terraced lawns, water channels, and old chinar trees beside Dal Lake. Chashme Shahi is smaller and quicker to see.
With children or older parents, two gardens in a day is plenty.A terraced garden on the hillside above Dal Lake, with one of the best views over the lake and the city.
Go in the late afternoon on a clear day and stay for sunset. Check the closing time first.
A large tulip garden near Dal Lake, below the Zabarwan hills. It opens for only a few weeks each spring, while the tulips are in bloom.
The dates change every year, so check that it is open before you plan around it.Narrow lanes, old wooden houses, the Jamia Masjid, and bazaars selling dry fruits and saffron.
Dress modestly, and plan mosque visits around prayer times.Take a morning shikara ride, visit two Mughal gardens, and finish at Pari Mahal for sunset. In spring, add the Tulip Garden if it is open.
Leave after an early breakfast. Ride the Gondola if it is running, walk in the meadows, and be back in Srinagar for dinner.
Keep the last day easy. Walk the old city and its markets, stop for kahwa, and end with a Wazwan dinner.
Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg each take a full day. Do one per day, and leave early so the drive back is not rushed.
What you will see: wide meadows, pine forest, and the Gulmarg Gondola, a cable car up the mountain.
From the house: about 53 km, 1.5 to 2.25 hours each way.
Buy Gondola tickets only on the official site, jammukashmircablecar.com. Pony and guide prices are fixed by the tourism department, so ask to see the rate list.
What you will see: the Lidder River, and Betaab and Aru valleys a short drive further up.
From the house: about 96 km, 2.5 to 3.5 hours each way.
To reach Aru, Betaab, or Chandanwari, visitors usually switch to a local Pahalgam taxi. It costs extra, at rates set by the tourism department.
What you will see: the Sindh River, pine forest, and Thajiwas Glacier, reached on foot or by pony.
From the house: about 84 km, 2.5 to 3.5 hours each way.
The road also carries Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in summer, so traffic can be heavy. Start early.
Wazwan is Kashmir's traditional feast: many slow-cooked meat dishes, served one after another. Save it for a relaxed evening, not the night of a long drive.
Mutton in a rich red gravy, coloured with Kashmiri chillies.
Soft mutton meatballs in a red gravy. A Wazwan staple.
Large, soft mutton meatballs in a yoghurt gravy. Traditionally the last dish of a Wazwan.
Lamb ribs, simmered and then fried until crisp. Good for sharing.
A mild yoghurt curry, flavoured with fennel and cardamom.
Kashmiri barbecue: meat grilled on skewers over charcoal, eaten with chutney and bread.
Lotus stem. Cooked in yakhni, or fried as a crisp snack.
Green tea brewed with saffron, cinnamon, and cardamom, topped with almonds.
A short list, grouped by the kind of meal you want. It is not a ranking. Hours and quality change, so check recent reviews or call before you go.
Call ahead if you are a large group.
Other places use similar names, so check the address before you set off.
Ask a local which stall is good at the moment.
It can get crowded. Check recent reviews before you go.
Expect a wait at peak meal times.
Easy to pair with a shikara ride or the gardens.
A good break from meat-heavy Kashmiri meals.
It can get busy around tea time.
Call ahead to book and to check entry for people not staying at the hotel.
Call ahead to check opening hours and whether non-guests can come in.
4.95 from 43 reviewsGuest favouriteSuperhost
Check dates on Airbnb (opens in a new tab)See current dates, prices, and policies on Airbnb. Check-in after 2 pm, checkout by 12 pm, up to 5 guests.
4.9543 reviews
Check dates on Airbnb (opens in a new tab)