A Week in Kashmir: A Family-Friendly Adventure

Monday, November 13: Arrival in Srinagar

Start your trip by arriving in Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir. In the morning, visit the famous Dal Lake and take a shikara ride to explore its charming floating gardens and houseboats. In the afternoon, head to the beautiful Mughal Gardens, such as Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, known for their stunning terraced lawns, fountains, and vibrant flowerbeds. As the evening sets in, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Boulevard Road, lined with shops and cafes, offering mesmerizing views of the lake.

  • Dal Lake: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Mughal Gardens: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Boulevard Road: Free, 1-2 hours
Tuesday, November 14: Gulmarg

Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, a picturesque hill station renowned for its snow-capped peaks and scenic beauty. In the morning, take a gondola ride to the top of Apharwat Peak, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. Enjoy various activities like skiing, snowboarding, or simply playing in the snow. In the afternoon, explore the charming meadows and gardens of Gulmarg, perfect for a family picnic amidst nature's tranquility. Wrap up the day by visiting the Gulmarg Golf Course, one of the highest golf courses in the world.

  • Gondola Ride: INR 700-1,200 per person, 4-6 hours
  • Exploring Meadows and Gardens: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Gulmarg Golf Course: INR 500 per person, 1-2 hours
Wednesday, November 15: Pahalgam

Travel to Pahalgam, a serene town situated in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. In the morning, visit Betaab Valley, a picturesque spot surrounded by lush greenery, snow-capped mountains, and the Lidder River. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the river or indulge in activities like horse riding or river rafting. In the afternoon, explore the Aru Valley, known for its scenic beauty and meandering streams. End the day by visiting the Chandanwari, the starting point of the famous Amarnath Yatra.

  • Betaab Valley: INR 20 per person, 2-3 hours
  • Aru Valley: INR 50 per person, 2-3 hours
  • Chandanwari: INR 50 per person, 1-2 hours
Thursday, November 16: Sonamarg

Visit Sonamarg, a beautiful hill station known as the "Meadow of Gold." In the morning, embark on a scenic drive to reach Sonamarg, enjoying breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks. Explore the Thajiwas Glacier, accessible by pony rides, offering enchanting vistas of glaciers, meadows, and streams. In the afternoon, indulge in adventurous activities like river rafting or trout fishing in the Sindh River. In the evening, stroll through the local markets and try some traditional Kashmiri cuisine.

  • Thajiwas Glacier: INR 2,000-2,500 for pony rides, 3-4 hours
  • River Rafting: INR 500-1,000 per person, 2-3 hours
  • Exploring Local Markets: Variable cost, 1-2 hours
Friday, November 17: Srinagar Shopping

Spend the day exploring the vibrant markets of Srinagar. In the morning, visit the bustling Lal Chowk, a popular commercial center, and browse through its shops offering a wide range of handicrafts, textiles, and traditional Kashmiri products. In the afternoon, explore the Residency Road Market, known for its beautiful carpets, shawls, and papier-mâché items. Don't forget to visit the floating vegetable market on Dal Lake, where local farmers sell their produce from boats. End the day with a relaxing shikara ride on Dal Lake.

  • Lal Chowk: Variable cost, 2-3 hours
  • Residency Road Market: Variable cost, 2-3 hours
  • Floating Vegetable Market: Free, 1-2 hours
Saturday, November 18: Dachigam National Park

Embark on an exciting wildlife adventure at Dachigam National Park, located near Srinagar. In the morning, explore the park's diverse flora and fauna, including the endangered Hangul (Kashmir Stag) and numerous bird species. Enjoy a peaceful picnic surrounded by nature's beauty. In the afternoon, take a guided nature walk to spot wildlife and learn about the park's conservation efforts. End the day by visiting the ancient Hari Parbat Fort, offering panoramic views of the city.

  • Dachigam National Park: INR 150 per person, 4-6 hours
  • Guided Nature Walk: INR 500-1,000 per person, 2-3 hours
  • Hari Parbat Fort: INR 20 per person, 1-2 hours
Sunday, November 19: Departure

Conclude your trip to Kashmir with beautiful memories. Spend the morning relaxing and enjoying the scenic views. Depart from Srinagar, bidding farewell to the enchanting beauty of Kashmir.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Srinagar, don't miss the opportunity to visit the quaint village of Doodhpathri, located about 42 kilometers from the city. Known as the "Valley of Milk," this hidden gem offers breathtaking meadows, gushing streams, and captivating landscapes. It's a perfect spot for a family picnic and to immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of nature. Another local favorite is the Yousmarg, a charming hill station situated in the Badgam district. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dense forests, Yousmarg offers scenic hiking trails, horse riding, and serene picnic spots for a memorable family outing.

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