Family-Friendly Itinerary for a Week in Kashmir

Sunday, October 1: Arrival in Srinagar

Welcome to Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir. Start your trip by visiting Dal Lake in the morning. Take a shikara ride to explore the beautiful floating gardens and experience the local way of life. In the afternoon, head to the Mughal Gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, to witness stunning Mughal architecture and enjoy a picnic amidst pristine surroundings. As the evening approaches, visit the Hazratbal Shrine, a revered Muslim shrine on the banks of Dal Lake, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.

  • Dal Lake: Entrance fee: INR 200 per person, Shikara ride: INR 500-800 per hour (2 hours)
  • Mughal Gardens: Entrance fee: INR 30 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Hazratbal Shrine: Free entry, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Monday, October 2: Gulmarg

Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, a picturesque hill station located about 50 kilometers from Srinagar. In the morning, take the Gondola cable car ride to reach the Apharwat Peak and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful meadows and indulge in activities like horse riding, golfing, or simply relaxing amidst nature. Before heading back to Srinagar, visit the Alpather Lake, which remains frozen until late June.

  • Gondola cable car ride: Phase 1 ticket - INR 740 per person, Phase 2 ticket - INR 950 per person, Time spent: 4-6 hours
  • Alpather Lake: Free entry, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Tuesday, October 3: Pahalgam

Travel to Pahalgam, a picturesque valley known for its breathtaking landscapes. In the morning, visit Betaab Valley and enjoy a leisurely walk amidst the lush greenery, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Afterward, explore the Aru Valley, famous for its scenic beauty and adventure activities like trekking and horse riding. In the evening, take a stroll along the Lidder River and unwind amidst the serene surroundings.

  • Betaab Valley: Entrance fee: INR 300 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Aru Valley: Entrance fee: INR 100 per person, Time spent: 3-4 hours
  • Lidder River: Free entry, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Wednesday, October 4: Sonamarg

Embark on a day trip to Sonamarg, known as the "Meadow of Gold." In the morning, visit the Thajiwas Glacier, where you can enjoy activities like sledging and snowboarding (subject to availability). Explore the picturesque meadows and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. In the afternoon, go for a pony ride to explore the beautiful landscapes further. Before returning to Srinagar, visit the Nilagrad River, known for its reddish-colored water.

  • Thajiwas Glacier: Pony ride - INR 600-800, Time spent: 3-4 hours
  • Pony ride in Sonamarg: INR 500-800 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Nilagrad River: Free entry, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Thursday, October 5: Srinagar City Tour

Spend the day exploring the famous landmarks of Srinagar. In the morning, visit the Shankaracharya Temple, located on a hill offering panoramic views of the city. Afterward, explore the historic Jama Masjid, known for its beautiful architecture. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk through the bustling streets of the old city and indulge in shopping for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts. End the day with a relaxing Shikara ride on Dal Lake, experiencing the captivating sunset.

  • Shankaracharya Temple: Entrance fee: INR 25 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Jama Masjid: Free entry, Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Shopping in the old city: Cost varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Shikara ride on Dal Lake: INR 500-800 per hour, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Friday, October 6: Dachigam National Park

Explore the natural beauty of Dachigam National Park, located about 22 kilometers from Srinagar. In the morning, take a guided wildlife safari to spot rare species like the Kashmir stag (hangul), Himalayan black bear, and musk deer. Enjoy a picnic amidst the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Harwan Garden, known for its beautiful landscapes and Harwan Lake. In the evening, return to Srinagar and explore the local markets for souvenirs.

  • Dachigam National Park: Entrance fee: INR 100 per person, Safari cost: INR 1,000-2,000 per person, Time spent: 4-6 hours
  • Harwan Garden: Entrance fee: INR 10 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Saturday, October 7: Departure from Srinagar

On your last day, take some time to relax and reflect on your wonderful trip to Kashmir. If you have any spare time before your departure, you can visit the floating vegetable market on Dal Lake or explore the local cuisine by trying authentic Kashmiri dishes. Bid farewell to the scenic beauty of Kashmir and depart from Srinagar with unforgettable memories.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, visit the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, where you can spot various species of flora and fauna in their natural habitat. The Dachigam National Park also offers a chance to witness the incredible biodiversity of the region. Additionally, exploring the small villages around Pahalgam, like Aru and Betab Valley, will provide an opportunity to interact with the friendly locals and gain insights into their traditional way of life.

Check hotel and flight prices for your trip to Kashmir.

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