We(family of 3persons) had been to srinagar in the last week of Aug-2014 just before the flash floods that occurred in J&K.
We had stayed at Hotel KayZee located in the central area of srinagar(near to lal chowk).
To describe about the hotel, rooms were average type which accomodates not more than 2 persons, however, we took an extra bed. People looking for budget hotel can rely on this(orelse hotel regal palace which is newly constructed – for which I have no experience to describe). They charged us Rs 2250/- per day inclusive of breakfast and dinner. The breakfast and dinner were awesome – 3 different curries for rotis and rice, dal & curds…all of which is unlimited and served separately to the table. And to mention veg salad too…?. The staff of hotel were cordial enough.
The management of the hotel had arranged for transport for us for 4N/5 days – toyota qualis for Rs 1800/- per day(excluding parking and toll)
1st day: after arrival from airport, local sight seeing(visit to parks and shikara ride)
2nd day: visit to sonamarg, plz beware of the cheaters. Due to local unions, our vehicles are not allowed for local sight seeing over there. We are forced to hire a vehicle or pony(horse) ride. However, if u decide to go by vehicle(local union car) plz do not give more than 1000/- for which they start from Rs 6000/-(unfortunately, we spent Rs 4000/- on the same). For food, Hotel Glacier is good enough. Back to srinagar
3rd day: after reaching gulmarg, plz do not take pony ride untill gondola(rope way to the mountains charged Rs 600/- & 1400/- respectively for different phases) for which u can do a walk(kilometer or less). Back to srinagar
4th day: visit to pahalgam, we had stayed at AKSA resorts(one night stay)which was the best locations we had stayed during our trip.The hotel is located in the middle of the forests and next to the river stream. They charged us Rs 3000/- inclusive of dinner and breakfast. Food was quite good. During local visits plz contact the authorised local union vehicles for which they charge nominally- to show 3 places they took Rs 1800/-. Back to srinagar.
5th day: to shankaracharya temple & back to airport. Plz note here that, leave as early as possible to the airport due to many checking ponts to which u literally get fed up.
If u r a non-veg lover, do visit mughal durbar restaurant for kashmiri wazwan(a mutton dishes of 7 varieties) for Rs 560/-+ taxes… near to Hotel kayZee appr 500 mtrs.
For shopping- do @ lalchowk. Do not purchase anything on the road side they cheat u in multiples of 5 to 10 times….
Note: pre-paid sim wont work in the state of J&K, only post-paid?(most imp thing)
Contact details:
Hotel kayzee:+91- 9419009463
Driver Fiaz:+91-9596386484(reliable person)
Hope all the above meets ur requirement. Enjoy ur trip.