Welcome to Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir! Start your family adventure with a visit to the beautiful Dal Lake in the morning. Take a relaxing shikara boat ride and admire the stunning scenery surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In the afternoon, explore the Mughal Gardens, including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, known for their terraced lawns, vibrant flowers, and refreshing fountains. In the evening, take a stroll along the Boulevard Road, lined with shops selling traditional Kashmiri handicrafts.
Dal Lake: Prices vary, 2-3 hours
Mughal Gardens: Prices vary, 2-3 hours
Boulevard Road: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Head to Café Coffee Day for a delicious breakfast with a view of the Dal Lake. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
For a tasty lunch, try Ahdoos restaurant which serves authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
For dinner, indulge in the multi-cuisine menu at Mughal Darbar restaurant. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
Thursday, November 16: Gulmarg
Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. In the morning, take a scenic drive to Gulmarg and witness the breathtaking landscapes along the way. Once you reach Gulmarg, indulge in various activities such as skiing, snowboarding, or simply enjoying a leisurely walk amidst the snow-capped peaks. Don't miss the Gondola ride, the highest cable car in the world, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. In the evening, relax and unwind in the tranquil surroundings of Gulmarg.
Gondola Ride: Prices vary, 2-3 hours
Skiing/Snowboarding: Prices vary, 4-6 hours
Exploring Gulmarg: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Gulmarg is Café Kashmiri Delights, serving traditional Kashmiri cuisine with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try out Shan-e-Kashmir Restaurant located in the heart of Gulmarg. They offer a diverse menu of Kashmiri, Indian, and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner, head to Gulmarg Dum Aloo, a cozy restaurant specializing in authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Indulge in their signature dish, the succulent Dum Aloo, accompanied by a range of flavorful curries. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Friday, November 17: Pahalgam
On this day, head to Pahalgam, a picturesque town surrounded by lush green meadows and snow-capped mountains. In the morning, visit the stunning Betaab Valley, known for its scenic beauty and tranquility. Enjoy a leisurely picnic amidst the breathtaking landscapes. In the afternoon, explore the Aru Valley, famous for its pristine beauty and adventure activities like horse riding and trekking. As the evening approaches, take a stroll along the banks of the Lidder River and enjoy the cool breeze.
Betaab Valley: Free, 2-3 hours
Aru Valley: Free, 2-3 hours
Lidder River: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A cozy breakfast spot in Pahalgam is Cafe Log Inn, offering a wide variety of breakfast options including delicious omelettes and fluffy pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a delicious lunch, head to Alka Salka Restaurant, a local favorite known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Try their mouthwatering Rogan Josh or Yakhni Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit Dana Pani Restaurant, offering a charming ambiance and a diverse menu. Indulge in their specialties like Dum Aloo and Wazwan. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Saturday, November 18: Sonamarg
Discover the enchanting beauty of Sonamarg, known as the "Meadow of Gold." In the morning, embark on a thrilling trek to the Thajiwas Glacier, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Enjoy the picturesque scenery and indulge in activities like sledging or horse riding. In the afternoon, visit the Zojila Pass, a high mountain pass connecting Kashmir with Ladakh, and marvel at the panoramic views. As the evening sets in, immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of the Gangabal Lake.
Thajiwas Glacier Trek: Prices vary, 4-5 hours
Zojila Pass: Free, 1-2 hours
Gangabal Lake: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Kashmir. This cozy cafe offers a variety of traditional Kashmiri dishes such as Kashmiri chai and sheer chai along with freshly baked bread and pastries. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Savor a delectable lunch at Paradise Restaurant. Known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine, this restaurant serves dishes like Rogan josh and Yakhni along with flavor-packed biryanis. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Enjoy a memorable dinner at Ahdoos Restaurant. With its elegant ambiance and extensive menu, Ahdoos offers a range of Kashmiri, Indian, and continental dishes. Don't miss the famous Kashmiri wazwan and traditional desserts. The average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Sunday, November 19: Departure from Srinagar
On your last day, take a moment to explore the local markets in Srinagar in the morning. Visit the bustling Lal Chowk and indulge in some shopping for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and souvenirs. In the afternoon, embark on a memorable Shikara ride on Dal Lake, enjoying the peaceful surroundings one last time. Bid farewell to the mesmerizing beauty of Kashmir as you depart from Srinagar in the evening.
Lal Chowk: Prices vary, 2-3 hours
Shikara Ride: Prices vary, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Mocha for a delightful start to your day. Their menu offers a variety of delicious dishes, from classic omelettes to fluffy pancakes. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
If you're looking for a place to have lunch, check out Ahdoos Restaurant. Known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine, the restaurant serves mouthwatering dishes like Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Mughal Darbar. This restaurant is famous for its traditional Kashmiri Wazwan, a multi-course meal. Savor the rich flavors of dishes like Rista and Gushtaba. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience off the beaten path, consider visiting Dachigam National Park. This stunning wildlife sanctuary is home to endangered species like the Kashmir stag and the black bear. Take a guided safari tour and witness the diverse flora and fauna in their natural habitat. Another local favorite is the Shankaracharya Temple, perched atop a hill in Srinagar. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and seek blessings at this ancient Hindu temple.
For hotel and flight bookings, you can check prices and availability here.