7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Kashmir and Jammu in October 2023

1. Day 1: Srinagar
   14 minutes (7.8 km) from Srinagar International Airport

   Start your trip by exploring the stunning Dal Lake. Take a shikara ride to see the floating market and enjoy charming views. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Mughal Gardens, including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. End the day with a visit to the Hazratbal Shrine.

2. Day 2: Gulmarg
   1 hour and 9 minutes (51.7 km) from Srinagar

   Enjoy a day trip to Gulmarg, known for its beautiful scenery and skiing. Take the Gondola cable car to Kongdoori Mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan range. Try horse riding, ziplining, or simply take a stroll through the pine forests.

3. Day 3: Pahalgam
   2 hours and 27 minutes (92.8 km) from Srinagar

   Drive to Pahalgam, known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Take a hike to the beautiful Betaab Valley, where Bollywood films have been shot. Experience the thrill of rafting at Lidder River. In the evening, enjoy a bonfire with family and friends.

4. Day 4: Srinagar
   2 hours and 30 minutes (94.7 km) from Pahalgam

   Return to Srinagar and start the day by visiting the Shankaracharya Temple, an ancient Hindu shrine. Afterward, explore the Old City and visit the Jama Masjid mosque and the colorful bazaars. In the evening, take a walk along the Boulevard Road and enjoy and the sunset over the Dal Lake.

5. Day 5: Sonamarg
   2 hours and 22 minutes (81.3 km) from Srinagar

   Visit Sonamarg, the meadow of gold. Take a pony ride to the Thajiwas Glacier or enjoy a white water rafting adventure. Admire the beautiful landscapes and river valleys, and visit the Gangabal Lake. End the day with a delicious wazwan dinner at a local restaurant.

6. Day 6: Jammu
   7 hours and 34 minutes (267 km) from Sonamarg

   Drive to the city of Jammu, known for its temples and shrines. Visit the Raghunath Temple, a magnificent Hindu temple complex. Explore the Bahu Fort, a historic fort located on the banks of the Tawi River. In the evening, attend the famous Aarti ceremony at the Vaishno Devi Temple.

7. Day 7: Patnitop
   2 hours and 21 minutes (107 km) from Jammu

   Take a day trip to Patnitop, a beautiful hill station known for its green meadows and snow-capped peaks. Take a hike to the nearby Shiva Garh and Nathatop peaks, enjoy paragliding and skiing, or simply admire the stunning views. End your trip with a visit to the Sanasar Lake.

Recommendations

Don't miss the chance to try the local Kashmiri cuisine, including the famous Rogan Josh and Dum Aloo dishes. Consider taking a side trip to Leh and Ladakh for amazing trekking and adventure experiences. Hire a local guide for a deeper understanding of the region's history and culture.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Dal Lake (2 hours, free)
• Mughal Gardens (3 hours, INR 75)
• Gondola Cable Car (2 hours, INR 750)
• Betaab Valley (4 hours, INR 50)
• Shankaracharya Temple (1 hour, INR 10)
• Raghunath Temple (2 hours, free)
• Bahu Fort (2 hours, INR 10)
• Thajiwas Glacier (4 hours, INR 500)
• Sanasar Lake (2 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs (per person): INR 1395

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