5-Day Family-friendly Itinerary in Kashmir

  1. Day 1: Srinagar - Pari Mahal - Shalimar Bagh - Dal Lake
    Drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes (9.7 miles) from Srinagar International Airport

    Pari Mahal is a historic monument and a beautiful terraced garden atop Zabarwan Mountain with breathtaking views of the city. Shalimar Bagh, the Mughal Garden, is a serene landscaped garden with ornamental fountains, pavilions and pools. Conclude your day by visiting the iconic Dal Lake for a scenic shikara ride and a peaceful evening.

  2. Day 2: Gulmarg - Gondola Ride - Strawberry Valley
    Drive time: 1 hour 40 minutes (34.6 miles) from Dal Lake

    Gulmarg is known as India's winter sports capital with skiing and snowboarding being the main attractions here. Take a gondola ride to the First Phase and then continue to the Second Phase. The view is breathtaking as it looks over the entire valley. Enjoy the lush green Strawberry Valley, where you can enjoy a variety of berries, drink some kahva and click memorable pictures.

  3. Day 3: Sonamarg - Thajiwas Glacier - Khir Bhawani Temple
    Drive time: 2 hours 20 minutes (54.1 miles) from Gulmarg

    Visit the scenic Sonamarg and trek to the Thajiwas Glacier. The glacier is covered with snow, even at this time of year. Return to Sonamarg for some local shopping and have lunch before heading to the Khir Bhawani Temple. This holy shrine is dedicated to the goddess Ragnya Devi.

  4. Day 4: Pahalgam - Aru Valley - Betaab Valley
    Drive time: 2 hours 23 minutes (55.4 miles) from Khir Bhawani Temple

    Experience the lush green meadows of Pahalgam and spend time exploring the Aru Valley and the Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood movie "Betaab" that was shot here. Relax in the beauty of the valley and enjoy the fresh air.

  5. Day 5: Srinagar - Nishat Bagh - Hazratbal Shrine - Jama Masjid
    Drive time: 36 minutes (7.5 miles) from Pahalgam

    Spend your last day in Srinagar, visiting the Nishat Bagh garden first, which is one of the largest Mughal Gardens dating back to 1634. Next, visit the Hazratbal Shrine to seek blessings and end the day at the serene Jama Masjid.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Pari Mahal (1 hour, free)
  • Shalimar Bagh (1 hour, 30 INR)
  • Dal Lake (2 hours, 300 INR for a Shikara ride)
  • Gulmarg & Gondola Ride (4-5 hours, 800-1600 INR)
  • Strawberry Valley (2 hours, 500 INR)
  • Sonamarg & Thajiwas Glacier (6-7 hours, 4000-5000 INR)
  • Khir Bhawani Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Aru Valley & Betaab Valley (4-5 hours, 1500 INR)
  • Nishat Bagh (1 hour, 30 INR)
  • Hazratbal Shrine (1 hour, free)
  • Jama Masjid (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 8,330-9,830 INR for a family of 4

Useful tips

For families with more time, you can add adventurous activities like white-water rafting and paragliding in Sonamarg. On the other hand, families with less time can skip Sonamarg or Gulmarg and spend more time in Srinagar exploring other gardens and markets like Lal Chowk and Badshah Chowk.

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