Family Friendly 6-Day Srinagar and Sonmarg Itinerary for July 2024

1. Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar
   30 minutes (10 miles) from Srinagar International Airport

   Welcome to Srinagar! You'll have a relaxing afternoon to settle in and get acclimated to your surroundings. In the evening, head to Boulevard Road for a leisurely stroll along the Dal Lake, followed by dinner at the popular Mughal Darbar restaurant, known for its delicious Wazwan cuisine.

2. Day 2: Shikara Ride, Mughal Gardens, and Old City Tour
   15 minutes (3 miles) from Dal Lake

   Start your day with a peaceful shikara ride on Dal Lake, enjoying views of the surrounding mountains. Afterward, visit the enchanting Mughal Gardens, including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. In the afternoon, explore the bustling alleyways and intricate architecture of the Old City. Be sure to visit the Jama Masjid and Hazratbal Shrine.

3. Day 3: Gulmarg
   2 hours (34 miles) from Srinagar

   Today you'll take a scenic drive to Gulmarg, known for its snow-capped peaks and scenic gondola ride. Take the gondola to the top of the mountain for breathtaking views, followed by horseback riding or a picnic. Head back to Srinagar in the evening for dinner at Ahdoos, a popular restaurant specializing in Kashmiri cuisine.

4. Day 4: Sonmarg
   2 hours (50 miles) from Srinagar

   Today, take a day trip to the charming town of Sonmarg, known for its picturesque valleys and glaciers. Start your day with a visit to the Thajiwas Glacier, followed by a hike to the stunning Vishansar Lake. In the evening, head back to Srinagar for dinner at Mughal Darbar.

5. Day 5: Amarnath Yatra
   3 hours (80 miles) from Srinagar

   Today embark on the Amarnath Yatra, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimages. The yatra involves a 14km trek to the Amarnath Cave, where an ice stalagmite forms a natural Shivling. The trek can take anywhere from 6-9 hours, depending on your fitness level. Spend the night in a tent or nearby hotel.

6. Day 6: Return to Srinagar
   3 hours (80 miles) from Amarnath Cave

   After an early morning visit to the Amarnath Cave, head back to Srinagar. Spend your final evening shopping for souvenirs at Lal Chowk or trying out street food at the Hazratbal Food Street.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting Pahalgam, a charming town known for its scenic beauty and vibrant culture. Other must-try experiences include sampling kahwa (traditional Kashmiri tea) and watching a live demonstration of the art of papier-mache. For a side trip, consider visiting Leh, the capital of the Ladakh region, known for its stunning Himalayan landscapes and unique culture.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Shikara Ride (2 hours, INR 700/person)
• Gondola Ride in Gulmarg (2 hours, INR 700/person)
• Amarnath Yatra (2 days, INR 12,000/person)
• Dinner at Mughal Darbar (1.5 hours, INR 1,500)
• Dinner at Ahdoos (1.5 hours, INR 1,500)
• Shopping at Lal Chowk (2 hours, variable)
• Street food at Hazratbal Food Street (2 hours, variable)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 16,100/person

Check out hotel and flight prices here: https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo