5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Kashmir in August 2023

1. Day 1: Srinagar
   10 minutes (5.2 km) from Srinagar International Airport

   In the morning, visit the beautiful Mughal Gardens, including Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. Enjoy a boat ride on Dal Lake in the afternoon and explore the floating markets. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll in the vibrant local markets of Srinagar.

2. Day 2: Gulmarg
   1 hour 45 minutes (55.2 km) from Srinagar

   Spend the morning in Gulmarg, a paradise for nature lovers. Take the Gondola cable car ride for stunning mountain views. Enjoy horse riding or a scenic walk in the meadows. In the afternoon, try your hand at golfing or indulge in a picnic amidst nature. End the day with a serene walk around the Alpathar Lake.

3. Day 3: Pahalgam
   2 hours 30 minutes (94.8 km) from Gulmarg

   Start your day in Pahalgam with a visit to the breathtaking Betaab Valley. Explore the enchanting Aru Valley and enjoy a pony ride. After a picnic lunch, visit the iconic Chandanwari. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Lidder River and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings.

4. Day 4: Sonmarg
   2 hours 30 minutes (79.6 km) from Pahalgam

   Begin your day in Sonmarg by visiting the Thajiwas Glacier. Enjoy activities like snowboarding or sledging on the glacier. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque meadows and take a pony ride to the beautiful Krishnasar Lake. End the day by witnessing the breathtaking sunset over the Zoji La Pass.

5. Day 5: Dachigam National Park
   1 hour (24.5 km) from Srinagar

   Spend the morning exploring the rich biodiversity of Dachigam National Park. Take a wildlife safari to spot endangered species like the Kashmir stag and Himalayan black bear. Enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst the scenic landscapes. In the afternoon, visit the ancient Hari Parbat Fort for panoramic views of the city. End your trip with some souvenir shopping in Srinagar.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting the famous Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar, taking a day trip to the scenic Yusmarg, or experiencing the thrill of river rafting in Lidder River. To maximize your fun, make sure to savor the delicious Kashmiri cuisine, try traditional Kashmiri outfits for a memorable photoshoot, and interact with the friendly locals to learn about their rich culture and traditions.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Srinagar Mughal Gardens (2-3 hours, entry fee: INR 50 per person)
• Dal Lake boat ride (2-3 hours, starting from INR 500 per shikara)
• Gulmarg Gondola ride (2-3 hours, starting from INR 700 per person)
• Pony ride in Pahalgam (1-2 hours, starting from INR 500 per person)
• Thajiwas Glacier visit in Sonmarg (3-4 hours, entry fee: INR 25 per person)
• Dachigam National Park safari (3-4 hours, entry fee: INR 200 per person)
• Hari Parbat Fort visit (1-2 hours, entry fee: INR 50 per person)

Total Estimated Costs: Prices vary, but expect to spend around INR 2,500 per person for attractions and activities throughout the itinerary.

For hotel and flight bookings, you can check here to find the best prices and availability.