7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary to Amarnath in July 2023
Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar
11 minutes (6.2 miles) from Srinagar International Airport
Start your trip in the beautiful city of Srinagar. In the morning, take a relaxing Shikara ride on Dal Lake and visit the famous Mughal Gardens. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant streets of the Old City and indulge in some local Kashmiri cuisine. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kashmiri folk music performance.
Shikara Ride on Dal Lake: Estimated cost: ₹500 per hour, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
Exploring Old City: Cost: Free, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
Kashmiri Folk Music Performance: Cost: Free, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
Day 2: Sonamarg
2 hours 30 minutes (80 miles) from Srinagar
Embark on a day trip to Sonamarg, known as the "Meadow of Gold." In the morning, visit the Thajiwas Glacier and enjoy a pony ride. In the afternoon, go for a leisurely hike in the picturesque meadows and have a picnic with your family. In the evening, return to Srinagar.
Head to the charming town of Pahalgam. In the morning, explore the scenic Betaab Valley and enjoy horse riding. In the afternoon, visit the serene Aru Valley and take a leisurely stroll along Lidder River. In the evening, return to Srinagar.
Visit the enchanting hill station of Gulmarg. In the morning, take a gondola ride to Kongdori and enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. In the afternoon, go for a thrilling sledging experience on the slopes. In the evening, explore the local markets and try some authentic Kashmiri tea.
Gondola Ride to Kongdori: Estimated cost: ₹1000 per person, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
Sledging: Estimated cost: ₹500 per person, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
Exploring Local Markets: Cost: Varies, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
Embark on the holy Amarnath Yatra. Start early in the morning from Srinagar and reach the Pahalgam Base Camp. Complete the necessary registration and medical check-up. Spend the day acclimatizing and preparing for the trek.
Travel to Pahalgam Base Camp: Estimated cost: ₹1500 (round trip), Estimated time: 2-3 hours
Registration and Medical Check-up: Cost: Free, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
Acclimatization and Preparation: Cost: Free, Estimated time: Full day
Day 6: Amarnath Yatra - Holy Cave
6 hours trek from Pahalgam Base Camp
Continue your Amarnath Yatra and trek to the holy Amarnath Cave. Seek blessings and witness the natural ice lingam. After darshan, start your descent back to the Pahalgam Base Camp in the evening.
Trek to Amarnath Cave: Cost: Free, Estimated time: 6-8 hours
Darshan at Holy Cave: Cost: Free, Estimated time: 1-2 hours
Descent to Pahalgam Base Camp: Cost: Free, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
Day 7: Departure from Srinagar
11 minutes (6.2 miles) from Srinagar International Airport
Conclude your journey in Srinagar. Spend the morning exploring any missed attractions or shopping for souvenirs. In the afternoon, bid farewell to the beautiful valley of Kashmir and depart from Srinagar.
Shopping for Souvenirs: Cost: Varies, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
Departure from Srinagar: Estimated cost: ₹500 (taxi to airport), Estimated time: 30 minutes
Recommendations
While in Amarnath, consider exploring nearby attractions such as Aishmuqam Shrine and Chandanwari. For day trips, you can visit Gulmarg for skiing or take a scenic drive to Doodhpathri Valley. To maximize your fun, carry essential trekking gear for the Amarnath Yatra and try local Kashmiri delicacies like Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao.