Kashmir Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary

Saturday, May 11: Arrival in Srinagar

Welcome to Kashmir! Start your trip with a visit to Dal Lake in Srinagar. In the morning, take a relaxing Shikara boat ride on the tranquil waters, surrounded by beautiful Mughal gardens. In the afternoon, explore the floating markets and try local delicacies. As the evening sets in, visit the Nishat Bagh, a stunning terraced garden with breathtaking views of the lake.

• Dal Lake: Cost: Free, Time: 2-3 hours
• Floating Markets: Cost: Varies, Time: 1-2 hours
• Nishat Bagh: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Ahdoos Restaurant, a popular eatery known for its Kashmiri cuisine. Indulge in their traditional Kashmiri tea and savor their delicious kebabs. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
• For lunch, try Mughal Darbar Restaurant, which offers a wide range of authentic Kashmiri dishes. Don't miss their signature Rogan Josh and Wazwan platters. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
• For dinner, dine at Shamyana Restaurant, a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Dal Lake. Enjoy their delectable Kashmiri dum aloo and paneer tikka while taking in the panoramic views. The average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.

Sunday, May 12: Gulmarg

Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, known as the "Meadow of Flowers." In the morning, take a scenic drive to Gulmarg, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Enjoy a thrilling Gondola ride, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, try your hand at skiing or simply relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. In the evening, head back to Srinagar.

• Gulmarg Gondola: Cost: INR 700-1,200, Time: 2-3 hours
• Skiing: Cost: Varies, Time: 2-4 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Cafe Coffee Day in Gulmarg, a cozy cafe serving a variety of hot and cold beverages along with delicious pastries and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• For lunch, visit Pine View Restaurant located in Gulmarg, offering a wide range of Indian and Kashmiri dishes. Don't miss their famous Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
• For dinner, dine at Shamyana Restaurant in Gulmarg, known for its exquisite Kashmiri cuisine. Indulge in authentic dishes like Dum Aloo and Yakhni. The average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.

Monday, May 13: Pahalgam

Take a day trip to Pahalgam, a scenic hill station nestled in the valley of the Lidder River. In the morning, visit Betaab Valley, known for its lush green meadows and crystal-clear streams. Enjoy a picnic amidst nature's beauty. In the afternoon, explore the Aru Valley and indulge in horse riding or trekking. As the sun sets, head back to Srinagar.

• Betaab Valley: Cost: INR 20, Time: 2-3 hours
• Aru Valley: Cost: INR 1,000-2,000, Time: 2-4 hours

Tuesday, May 14: Sonamarg

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Sonamarg, also known as the "Meadow of Gold." In the morning, visit the Thajiwas Glacier and enjoy snow activities like sledging or snowboarding. Marvel at the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, take a pony ride to explore the nearby valleys and lakes. Return to Srinagar in the evening.

• Thajiwas Glacier: Cost: INR 500-1,000, Time: 2-3 hours
• Pony Ride: Cost: INR 500-2,000, Time: 2-4 hours

Wednesday, May 15: Srinagar City Tour

Explore the cultural and historical treasures of Srinagar. In the morning, visit the stunning Mughal gardens of Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. Immerse yourself in the architectural splendor and enjoy the serene ambiance. In the afternoon, wander through the Old City and visit the Jama Masjid, a beautiful mosque dating back to the 14th century. End the day with a relaxing Shikara ride on Dal Lake.

• Shalimar Bagh: Cost: INR 10, Time: 1-2 hours
• Nishat Bagh: Cost: INR 12, Time: 1-2 hours
• Jama Masjid: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours
• Dal Lake Shikara Ride: Cost: INR 500-1,000, Time: 1-2 hours

Thursday, May 16: Dachigam National Park

Embark on an adventurous day trip to Dachigam National Park, known for its diverse flora and fauna. In the morning, go on a wildlife safari and spot rare species like the Hangul deer and Kashmiri leopard. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the park. In the afternoon, take a leisurely hike to spot colorful birds. Return to Srinagar in the evening.

• Wildlife Safari: Cost: INR 500-1,000, Time: 3-4 hours
• Hiking: Cost: Free, Time: 2-3 hours

Friday, May 17: Departure

Say goodbye to Kashmir with cherished memories. Spend the morning exploring local markets and shopping for souvenirs like Pashmina shawls and traditional Kashmiri handicrafts. In the afternoon, visit the Hazratbal Shrine, a revered Muslim shrine located on the banks of Dal Lake. Depart from Srinagar with fond memories of your family-friendly Kashmir experience.

• Shopping: Cost: Varies, Time: 2-3 hours
• Hazratbal Shrine: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For some off the beaten path experiences, consider visiting Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, a protected area known for its rich biodiversity. Explore the enchanting meadows, forests, and alpine lakes. Another hidden gem is the Martand Sun Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to the Sun God. Marvel at the intricate architecture and soak in the spiritual ambiance. These attractions offer a unique glimpse into the natural and cultural heritage of Kashmir.

Check hotel and flight prices here.