6-day Family Friendly Itinerary for Kashmir

• Day 1: Srinagar City Tour
  20 minutes (12.0 km) from Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport

  Begin your trip by exploring the beautiful city of Srinagar with a visit to Mughal Gardens, which boasts beautiful water features and gardens, and then visit the Jama Masjid Mosque, a beautiful piece of Islamic architecture. Take a serene shikara ride on Dal Lake, and end the day by experiencing the shopping experience at Lal Chowk Market.

• Day 2: Pahalgam
  1 hour 34 minutes (92.2 km) from Srinagar

  Head to Pahalgam, a picturesque town with many activities such as horseback riding or an easy walk around the Baisaran Valley. You can also go on a hike to the beautiful Kolohoi Glacier and check out the Sheshnag Lake, a popular spot for fishing.

• Day 3: Gulmarg
  2 hours 35 minutes (52.1 km) from Pahalgam

  In the winter, Gulmarg is a mecca for skiing and snowboarding, but during the warmer months, enjoy the beautiful alpine ranges with a guided hike. You can also visit the Strawberry Valley or take a gondola ride to the summit of Apharwat Peak for panoramic mountain views.

• Day 4: Sonamarg
  3 hours 15 minutes (83.8 km) from Gulmarg

  Experience the beauty of glacial landscapes with a visit to Sonamarg, also known as "Meadow of Gold." Here you can hike the famed Thajiwas Glacier, ride horses to the panoramic Zojila Pass, and relax with a picnic beside the Vishansar Lake.

• Day 5: Sanasar
  3 hours 15 minutes (130 km) from Sonamarg

  Head next to the scenic hill town of Sanasar. Here you can see the beautiful Nag Temple, overlook the stunning Residency Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy various adventure activities. Zipline across the vast valley, hike to the famous Shanta Ridge and experience river rafting at the Chenab River.

• Day 6: Katra
  5 hours 55 minutes (267 km) from Srinagar

  End your trip with a visit to Katra, the starting point for the Vaishno Devi Temple Yatra. While waiting for your trek, explore the area by visiting the historical Baba Dhansar Temple, taking a walk to the Bhairavnath Temple, and enjoying the stunning natural beauty of the Ardh Kuari Cave.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mughal Gardens (1-2 hours, Free)
• Jama Masjid Mosque (30 minutes, Free)
• Dal Lake Shikara Ride (2-3 hours, INR 500 - INR 1000)
• Lal Chowk Market (2-3 hours, Free)
• Pahalgam's Baisaran Valley (2-4 hours, Free)
• Kolohoi Glacier Hike (6-8 hours, INR 3500 - INR 5000)
• Gulmarg Hike (5 hours, INR 1000 - INR 2000)
• Apharwat Peak Gondola Ride (2-3 hours, INR 700 - INR 1000)
• Sonamarg's Thajiwas Glacier Hike (6-8 hours, INR 3000 - INR 5000)
• Sanasar Zipline (2-3 hours, INR 300 - INR 500)
• Shanta Ridge Hike (5-6 hours, INR 1500 - INR 2000)
• Chenab River Rafting (2-3 hours, INR 1000 - INR 2000)
• Baba Dhansar Temple (2-3 hours, Free)
• Bhairavnath Temple (2-3 hours, Free)
• Ardh Kuari Cave (3-4 hours, INR 1800 - INR 3500)
• Total Estimated Costs (INR 12800 - INR 29500)

Transportation

Transportation in Kashmir ranges from private taxis to buses. For hassle-free travel, it is recommended to opt for private taxis. The total cost of transportation for this itinerary is approximately INR 25000 - INR 30000 for six days, including driver costs.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider a visit to the famous Aru Valley for trekking, or Patnitop Hill Station for a short trip. If you have less time, consider skipping the Sanasar part of the itinerary or choosing fewer activities at each destination.

Airports

The Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport (SXR) is the main airport in Srinagar, located approximately 12km from the city centre.