7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Kashmir in July 2023

1. Day 1: Dal Lake
   22 minutes (13.3 km) from Srinagar Airport

   In the morning, take a Shikara ride on the Dal Lake and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Mughal Gardens and enjoy a picnic with your family. In the evening, explore the local markets and indulge in some delicious street food.

2. Day 2: Gulmarg
   1 hour 45 minutes (52.5 km) from Srinagar

   In the morning, take a scenic drive to Gulmarg and spend the day hiking, horse riding, and picnicking in the beautiful meadows. In the afternoon, take the world's highest cable car ride in Gulmarg. In the evening, visit a local restaurant for some authentic Kashmiri cuisine.

3. Day 3: Pahalgam
   2 hours 45 minutes (92 km) from Gulmarg

   In the morning, take a picturesque drive to Pahalgam and enjoy the lush green meadows, waterfalls and rivers. Visit the Betaab Valley and relax amidst the stunning scenery. In the afternoon, visit the Aru Valley and enjoy a horse ride with your family. In the evening, visit a local tea stall for some refreshing Kahwa tea.

4. Day 4: Srinagar City Tour
   1 hour (10.5 km) from Dal Lake

   In the morning, visit the historic Hari Parbat Fort and learn about the rich history of the region. In the afternoon, shop for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts such as Pashmina shawls and walnut wood carvings at the local markets. In the evening, visit the Hazratbal Shrine and witness the mesmerizing evening prayers.

5. Day 5: Sonamarg
   2 hours 20 minutes (84.5 km) from Srinagar

   In the morning, take a scenic drive to Sonamarg and enjoy the stunning views of the Thajiwas Glacier. In the afternoon, take a pony ride to explore the scenic beauty of the valley. In the evening, visit a local restaurant for some delicious Kashmiri Wazwan.

6. Day 6: Yusmarg
   2 hours 15 minutes (50 km) from Srinagar

   In the morning, take a scenic drive to Yusmarg and enjoy the beautiful meadows and snow-capped mountains. In the afternoon, take a pony ride to explore the Doodh Ganga River. In the evening, enjoy some local snacks at a tea stall.

7. Day 7: Dachigam National Park
   47 minutes (24 km) from Srinagar

   In the morning, visit the Dachigam National Park and take a guided tour to spot some endangered species such as the Hangul and the Himalayan Black Bear. In the afternoon, visit the Harwan Garden and enjoy a picnic with your family. In the evening, visit a local restaurant for some delicious Kashmiri Rogan Josh.

Recommendations

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the floating vegetable gardens at the Dal Lake. You can also take a day trip to the nearby Manasbal Lake or go on a trek to the stunning Tarsar Marsar Lake. To make your trip more fun, you can also try river rafting at the Lidder River in Pahalgam.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Dal Lake Shikara Ride (2 hours, INR 500)
• Mughal Gardens (2 hours, INR 50)
• Gulmarg Cable Car Ride (2 hours, INR 700)
• Betaab Valley (2 hours, INR 20)
• Aru Valley Horse Riding (2 hours, INR 400)
• Hari Parbat Fort (2 hours, INR 100)
• Handicraft Shopping (2 hours, INR 500)
• Sonamarg Pony Ride (2 hours, INR 1000)
• Yusmarg Pony Ride (2 hours, INR 500)
• Dachigam National Park (3 hours, INR 250)
• Total Estimated Costs (per person): INR 3,090

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