7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Kashmir in July 2023

1. Day 1: Srinagar
   30 minutes (13 miles) from Srinagar International Airport

   Visit Mughal Gardens for a morning stroll through the beautiful terraced gardens. Head to the Old City in the afternoon for a spice market tour and explore the ancient architecture. In the evening, take a relaxing shikara ride on Dal Lake.

2. Day 2: Gulmarg
   2 hours 30 minutes (34 miles) from Srinagar

   Spend the morning skiing or snowboarding on the slopes of the world-renowned Gulmarg Ski Resort. In the afternoon, take a scenic gondola ride for breathtaking views of the Himalayas. End the day with a warm cup of Kahwa (Kashmiri tea) and delicious Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine.

3. Day 3: Pahalgam
   2 hours (50 miles) from Gulmarg

   Take a leisurely morning walk along Lidder River and enjoy a picnic in the lush Betaab Valley. In the afternoon, visit Mamleshwar Temple and explore the ancient Hindu culture of the region. End the day with a relaxing spa session at a local resort.

4. Day 4: Sonamarg
   3 hours 30 minutes (70 miles) from Pahalgam

   Get an early start for a thrilling White Water Rafting experience on the Sind River. After lunch, explore the Thajiwas Glacier and take a pony ride through the stunning meadows. Enjoy a cozy bonfire in the evening with stargazing opportunities.

5. Day 5: Yusmarg
   3 hours (50 miles) from Sonamarg

   Enjoy a nature walk through the dense forests of Yusmarg and spot the local wildlife. Take a picnic lunch by the picturesque Doodhpathri Valley. In the afternoon, visit the Charar-i-Sharief Shrine and learn about the Sufi culture of Kashmir. End the day with a delicious Kashmiri Wazwan dinner.

6. Day 6: Kokernag
   2 hours 30 minutes (60 miles) from Yusmarg

   Visit the famous Kokernag Botanical Garden in the morning and learn about the region’s diverse flora and fauna. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear spring waters of Asia's largest trout fishery. In the afternoon, visit the ruins of the ancient Martand Sun Temple for a glimpse of Kashmir's rich history.

7. Day 7: Srinagar
   1 hour 45 minutes (50 miles) from Kokernag

   Visit the Shankaracharya Temple for a panoramic view of the city in the morning. Explore the local handicraft markets and purchase souvenirs for your loved ones. In the afternoon, take a ride on the Khyber Gondola and enjoy the stunning views of the Pir Panjal Range. End the day with a shikara ride on the serene Nagin Lake.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on the opportunity to try the local cuisine, especially the Kashmiri Wazwan. Consider taking a day trip to the scenic Dachigam National Park for a chance to spot the endangered Kashmiri stag. For a unique experience, try staying in a traditional houseboat on the Dal Lake. Remember to pack warm clothes for the mountainous regions and comfortable shoes for the nature walks.