Srinagar Gulmarg 3-Day Itinerary - Family Friendly

Day 1: Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Morning: Explore Srinagar

Start your trip in Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir. In the morning, visit the beautiful Dal Lake, known for its serene beauty and shikara boat rides. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and take a leisurely boat ride to explore the floating vegetable market and the enchanting Mughal gardens along the lake's shores.

• Dal Lake: Estimated cost - Boat ride: ₹500 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Mughal Gardens: Estimated cost - Entry fee: ₹50 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• Kashmiri Kitchen: Enjoy a traditional Kashmiri breakfast at Kashmiri Kitchen, where you can savor authentic local dishes like kashmiri tea, haak saag, and kashmiri pulao. The average cost for a meal is about 200 rupees per person.
• Shamyana Restaurant: For a delicious lunch, head to Shamyana Restaurant, known for its mouthwatering Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine. Try dishes like rogan josh, kebabs, and dum aloo. The average cost for a meal is about 500 rupees per person.
• Mughal Darbar: End your day with a sumptuous dinner at Mughal Darbar, a famous restaurant known for its delectable kebabs and biryanis. Don't miss their signature dish, the Mughal Darbar special biryani. The average cost for a meal is about 800 rupees per person.

Afternoon: Indulge in Local Cuisine

For lunch, head to one of the traditional Kashmiri restaurants to savor the authentic flavors of the region. Try dishes like Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and Kashmiri Pulao. Afterward, visit the Hazratbal Shrine, a sacred Muslim shrine known for its architectural beauty and serene ambiance.

• Hazratbal Shrine: Estimated cost - No entry fee, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• Try the traditional Kashmiri breakfast at Shamyana Restaurant, where you can enjoy mouthwatering Rogan Josh omelette and freshly baked bread. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
• Savor the authentic Kashmiri cuisine at Mughal Darbar Restaurant for lunch, known for its flavorful Yakhni and fragrant Kashmiri Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about ₹700 per person.
• Indulge in a delightful dinner experience at Ahdoos Restaurant, offering a wide variety of Kashmiri delicacies like Dum Aloo and Goshtaba. Average cost for a meal is about ₹1000 per person.

Evening: Enjoy a Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

As the evening sets in, embark on a peaceful shikara ride on Dal Lake. Admire the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, floating gardens, and historic houseboats. Watch the sunset over the lake, creating a magical atmosphere. End the day with a delicious dinner at a lakefront restaurant.

• Shikara Ride: Estimated cost - ₹700 for 1 hour, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Day 2: Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Morning: Visit Gulmarg

On the second day, make your way to Gulmarg, a picturesque hill station located around 50 kilometers from Srinagar. Enjoy the scenic drive through the lush green meadows and pine forests. Once you reach Gulmarg, take a ride on the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable car systems in the world, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks.

• Gulmarg Gondola: Estimated cost - Phase 1: ₹740 per person, Phase 2: ₹950 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to the Gulmarg View Restaurant, located near the Gulmarg Gondola. This cozy eatery offers a variety of fresh and delicious Kashmiri breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• If you're looking for a quick lunch option, try the Pine-n-Peak Restaurant. It is known for its tasty snacks and quick bites. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• For dinner, indulge in the exquisite dining experience at the Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa. This upscale restaurant offers a range of Indian and international cuisines with a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.

Afternoon: Explore Gulmarg's Natural Beauty

In the afternoon, explore the natural beauty of Gulmarg. Take a leisurely stroll through the meadows, enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You can also try horse riding or simply relax and have a picnic amidst nature.

• Exploring Meadows: Estimated cost - Horse riding: ₹500 per hour, Time spent: 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Cafe Coffee Day where you can enjoy a variety of freshly-brewed coffees and delicious breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
• For lunch, visit Shanaz Restaurant which offers a diverse menu of Indian, Kashmiri, and Mughlai cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
• For dinner, indulge in fine dining at Cloves Restaurant, known for its exquisite Kashmiri cuisine and elegant ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Evening: Visit the Strawberry Valley

As the evening approaches, visit the picturesque Strawberry Valley in Gulmarg. This hidden gem is known for its strawberry fields and offers a peaceful and idyllic ambiance. Enjoy a cup of fresh strawberry juice and savor the tranquil surroundings.

• Strawberry Valley: Estimated cost - Entry fee: ₹100 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Day 3: Thursday, August 17, 2023

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Cafe Coffee Day, located near Strawberry Valley. This cozy cafe offers a range of breakfast options including sandwiches, pastries, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
• For lunch, visit Shanawaz Restaurant, a popular spot for delicious Mughlai cuisine. They serve delectable kebabs, biryanis, and curries. The average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
• For dinner, try Cloves Restaurant, known for its exquisite Kashmiri cuisine. Enjoy traditional dishes like Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao in a cozy setting. The average cost for a meal is about INR 600 per person.

Morning: Explore the Floating Vegetable Market

On your last day, head back to Srinagar and visit the unique floating vegetable market on Dal Lake. Witness the vibrant colors and bustling activity as local vendors sell a variety of fresh vegetables from their boats. Immerse yourself in the local culture and capture some memorable photographs.

• Floating Vegetable Market: Estimated cost - No entry fee, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Café Arabica which offers a variety of delicious Kashmiri and international breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• For lunch, try Ahdoos Restaurant known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. From mouthwatering biryanis to kebabs, the average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
• For dinner, visit Mughal Darbar Restaurant, a popular choice for its delectable Mughlai and North Indian dishes. Savor their flavorful curries and kebabs, with an average cost of about 800 INR per person.

Afternoon: Discover Shankaracharya Temple

In the afternoon, visit the Shankaracharya Temple, a prominent Hindu temple located on the Shankaracharya Hill. Climb the steps to reach the temple, which offers panoramic views of Srinagar and the surrounding mountains. Explore the temple complex and learn about its historical and religious significance.

• Shankaracharya Temple: Estimated cost - No entry fee, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Cafe Coffee Day, a popular chain cafe located near the Shankaracharya Temple. Enjoy a variety of breakfast options, from sandwiches to pastries. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• For lunch, try Ahdoos Restaurant, a well-known eatery in Srinagar. This restaurant offers a wide range of authentic Kashmiri cuisine, including Rogan Josh and Yakhni. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
• For dinner, visit Mughal Darbar Restaurant, an iconic restaurant famous for its Mughlai and Kashmiri dishes. Indulge in their delicious kebabs, biryanis, and traditional Wazwan preparations. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Evening: Enjoy a Houseboat Stay

End your trip to Srinagar with a unique experience of staying on a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake. Enjoy the mesmerizing views, comfortable accommodation, and warm hospitality. Indulge in a delicious Kashmiri dinner prepared by the houseboat staff while enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

• Houseboat Stay: Estimated cost - Starts from ₹3,000 per night, Time spent: Overnight stay

Restaurants

• Breakfast: Shamyana Restaurant

A charming restaurant located near Dal Lake, Shamyana offers a delightful breakfast experience with a variety of options including traditional Kashmiri cuisine and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.

• Lunch: Ahdoos Restaurant

Known for its delectable Kashmiri cuisine, Ahdoos Restaurant is a popular lunch spot in Srinagar. The menu features authentic Kashmiri dishes such as Rogan Josh and Yakhni alongside Indian and Mughlai specialties. Average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.

• Dinner: Mughal Darbar

Mughal Darbar is a renowned restaurant in Srinagar that offers a wide range of Mughlai and North Indian cuisine. Enjoy the flavorsome kebabs, biryanis, and curries in a cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about INR 700 per person.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When visiting Srinagar, make sure to explore the beautiful Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, both Mughal gardens that offer a peaceful retreat amidst nature. You can also take a day trip to Sonamarg, a stunning valley known as the "Meadow of Gold," located around 80 kilometers from Srinagar. Sonamarg is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts with options for trekking, horse riding, and river rafting.

For a family-friendly outing, consider visiting the Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden during the spring season when it comes alive with thousands of colorful tulips in bloom. Another offbeat attraction is the Pari Mahal, a historic monument that offers panoramic views of Srinagar and serves as a perfect spot for a picnic.