Kashmir in November 2023: Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Srinagar
   20 minutes (10 km) from Srinagar International Airport

   Begin your trip with a visit to the beautiful Mughal Gardens - Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi. In the afternoon, take a relaxing shikara ride on Dal Lake. In the evening, explore the local markets of Srinagar for souvenirs and authentic Kashmiri cuisine.

2. Day 2: Gulmarg
   2 hours and 30 minutes (53 km) from Srinagar

   Visit Gulmarg - the meadow of flowers. Take a gondola ride to the highest point of the mountain for stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas. In the afternoon, try skiing or snowboarding at the Gulmarg ski resort. In the evening, enjoy a warm cup of kahwa, a traditional Kashmiri tea.

3. Day 3: Pahalgam
   3 hours and 30 minutes (97 km) from Gulmarg

   Explore the lush green valley of Pahalgam and visit the Betaab Valley, Aru Valley and the Chandanwari temple. In the afternoon, go for a horse ride in the scenic meadows. In the evening, enjoy a bonfire with barbeque and local music.

4. Day 4: Sonamarg
   3 hours and 30 minutes (126 km) from Pahalgam

   Visit the picturesque Sonamarg also known as the Meadow of Gold. Take a pony ride to the Thajiwas Glacier for breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks. In the afternoon, visit the Gangabal Lake and Krishnasar Lake for a peaceful boat ride. In the evening, enjoy a warm bowl of Kashmiri dum aloo, a traditional potato dish.

5. Day 5: Kokernag
   3 hours and 30 minutes (102 km) from Sonamarg

   Visit the Kokernag Botanical Garden and enjoy the cool breeze of the springs. Take a dip in the mineral-rich waters to rejuvenate your body. In the afternoon, take a hike to the nearby Koker Nag Waterfall. In the evening, grab a cup of kahwa and enjoy the scenic beauty of Kokernag.

6. Day 6: Yusmarg
   2 hours and 50 minutes (47 km) from Kokernag

   Visit Yusmarg, a hidden gem of Kashmir. Take a pony ride to the Nilnag Lake and enjoy the serene beauty of nature. In the afternoon, take a trek to the famous Sunset Peak for stunning views of the sunset. In the evening, enjoy a local Kashmiri dinner with traditional music.

7. Day 7: Dachigam National Park
   30 minutes (15 km) from Srinagar

   Visit the Dachigam National Park, home to the endangered Hangul deer. Take a guided tour of the park to spot various wildlife species. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Harwan Garden, a popular picnic spot. In the evening, enjoy a cup of Kashmiri kahwa tea while relaxing in the beautiful garden.

Recommendations

Consider taking a day trip to the stunning Lolab Valley for a peaceful getaway. You can also indulge in adventure activities like white-water rafting, paragliding, and trekking. To maximize your fun, try attending local festivals like the Tulip Festival, Kheer Bhawani Mela and Gurez Festival.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mughal Gardens (2 hours, Free)
• Shikara Ride (2 hours, INR 500)
• Gulmarg Gondola Ride (2 hours, INR 750)
• Skiing/Snowboarding at Gulmarg (4 hours, INR 2500)
• Betaab Valley (2 hours, INR 100)
• Pony Ride at Pahalgam (2 hours, INR 500)
• Thajiwas Glacier (2 hours, INR 1000)
• Kokernag Botanical Garden (2 hours, INR 20)
• Yusmarg Pony Ride (2 hours, INR 600)
• Dachigam National Park (3 hours, INR 250)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 5840

Check hotel and flight prices here.