Family-Friendly 3-Day Itinerary for Kashmir

  1. Day 1: Shalimar Bagh
    20 minutes (6.1 km) from Srinagar

    Enjoy a leisurely stroll with your family in the beautifully designed Shalimar Bagh. Located on the right bank of the Dal Lake, this terraced garden is known for its fountains, flowers, and stunning views. The garden was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1619 as a gift for his queen Nur Jahan, and is an excellent place for kids to run and explore. Make sure to take photos at the picturesque Chinar trees and the stone pavilions.

  2. Day 2: Gulmarg Ski Resort
    2 hours 11 minutes (55.2 km) from Srinagar

    Suggest your family take the scenic drive to Gulmarg Ski Resort and experience a Kashmiri adventure. Located among the Himalayas, it is the perfect place to visit with family for a day of skiing or snowboarding, snowshoeing, and camping. Don't miss the Gulmarg Gondola ride, which is one of the world's highest cable cars and offers stunning views of the mountain peaks and the valley below. There are also several authentic Kashmiri restaurants where you can try local cuisines.

  3. Day 3: Dal Lake
    15 minutes (5.4 km) from Srinagar Airport

    On your final day, take a shikara ride at the famous Dal Lake. It is a must-visit location for families who are visiting Kashmir and is considered a Jewel of Srinagar. Witness the daily activities of locals around the lake, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains, gardens, and houseboats. Kids will be delighted by the floating gardens which comprise of radishes and cucumbers and the highest human construction on the lake, Hazratbal Shrine, which is a pilgrimage for local Muslims.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Shalimar Bagh (1-2 hours, free)
  • Gulmarg Ski Resort (4-5 hours, INR 5000)
  • Dal Lake Shikara Ride (3-4 hours, INR 700)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 5700

Useful tips

If you have more time, you can visit the Pari Mahal, Khilanmarg, Nishat Garden, and Sonmarg by adding an extra day. For foodies, recommend visiting Wazwan to satiate your tastebuds with some Kashmiri delicacies such as Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo and Sheer Chai. In case you have less time, recommend visiting the remaining places in the itinerary at a faster pace so that you can cover all the must-see spots in the beautiful Kashmir Valley. Also, make sure to pack warm clothes during winter trips as the temperature can drop drastically.

0