7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Jammu and Kashmir
Monday, August 7: Arrival in Jammu
Welcome to Jammu, the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir! Start your trip by exploring the majestic Bahu Fort in the morning, which offers panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, visit the Raghunath Bazaar, a bustling marketplace known for its handicrafts and traditional food. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the beautiful Bagh-e-Bahu garden.
Bagh-e-Bahu: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Cafe Coffee Day: Enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee and a selection of breakfast items at Cafe Coffee Day. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Punjabi Rasoi: Indulge in authentic Punjabi cuisine for lunch at Punjabi Rasoi. Their delicious thali meals are a must-try. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Tuesday, August 8: Gulmarg
Embark on an exciting day trip to Gulmarg, one of the most popular hill stations in Jammu and Kashmir. Start your day with a thrilling Gondola ride, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. Enjoy a picnic amidst the picturesque Meadows of Flowers in the afternoon. Wrap up your day by trying your hand at skiing or snowboarding in the Gulmarg Ski Resort.
Café Pine: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Pine, located in Gulmarg. This cozy café offers a variety of freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and hot beverages. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
The Himalayan Retreat: For lunch, head to The Himalayan Retreat, a charming restaurant known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Indulge in delectable dishes like Rogan Josh and Yakhni Pulao while enjoying the beautiful view from the restaurant. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Shamyana Restaurant: Enjoy a delightful dinner at Shamyana Restaurant, located near Gulmarg. This restaurant offers a wide range of Indian and Continental dishes, including tandoori kebabs and biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Wednesday, August 9: Srinagar
Head to the enchanting city of Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Begin your day with a serene Shikara ride on the picturesque Dal Lake in the morning. Explore the iconic Mughal Gardens, including Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, in the afternoon. In the evening, visit the bustling Lal Chowk market to experience the local culture and shop for souvenirs.
Shikara Ride on Dal Lake: Cost estimate - INR 500 (approx.), Time spent - 2 hours
Discover the scenic beauty of Pahalgam, known as the "Valley of Shepherds." Start your day by visiting the famous Betaab Valley, surrounded by lush greenery and snow-clad mountains. Afternoon is the perfect time to explore the serene Aru Valley, offering stunning views and opportunities for nature walks. End your day with a visit to the sacred Amarnath Cave, a holy pilgrimage site.
Embark on an adventurous day trip to Sonamarg, also known as the "Meadow of Gold." Start your day by exploring the majestic Thajiwas Glacier, where you can enjoy snow activities like sledging and skiing. In the afternoon, take a pony ride to the enchanting Vishansar Lake and enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst nature. End your day by visiting the nearby Zojila Pass, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
Travel to the scenic hill station of Patnitop, surrounded by dense forests and meadows. Start your day with a visit to Nathatop, offering panoramic views of the snow-covered peaks. In the afternoon, indulge in adventure activities like paragliding or zorbing at Sanasar. Take a leisurely walk along the Patnitop Circular Road in the evening, enjoying the cool mountain breeze.
Nathatop: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Conclude your trip with a visit to Katra, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. Start your day with an early morning trek to the holy Vaishno Devi shrine, a renowned pilgrimage site. After returning to Katra, explore the local markets in the afternoon, where you can shop for souvenirs and traditional handicrafts. In the evening, relax and unwind before departing from Jammu.
Katra Markets: Cost estimate - Varies, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Bright and cozy breakfast spot: Cafe Coffee Day. Enjoy a variety of breakfast options like sandwiches, croissants, and hot beverages. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Delicious regional cuisine for lunch: Nathu's Sweets and Restaurant. Indulge in authentic Kashmiri dishes like Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Exquisite fine dining for dinner: Falak Revolving Restaurant. Savor delectable Indian and international dishes with breathtaking panoramic views of Jammu and the surrounding mountains. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions, visit the charming village of Dachigam, located near Srinagar. It is home to the Dachigam National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Explore the park's trails, spot rare wildlife species, and enjoy a picnic amidst nature. Locals also love visiting the beautiful Mansar Lake, located near Jammu, offering boating facilities and a serene environment for relaxation.
Check out hotel and flight prices for your trip to Jammu and Kashmir here.