Seven-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Shrinagar Kashmir
Thursday, October 5: Arrival in Shrinagar
Welcome to Shrinagar! After arriving at the airport, transfer to your hotel and settle in. In the morning, take a relaxing Shikara ride on Dal Lake, surrounded by picturesque mountains. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Mughal Gardens, including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. In the evening, explore the local markets for handicrafts and souvenirs.
Shikara Ride on Dal Lake: Cost: INR 500 per hour, Time Spent: 2 hours
Mughal Gardens: Cost: INR 50 per person, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Kathi Junction located near Dal Lake. Enjoy their delicious and affordable Indian breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, visit Mughal Darbar in the heart of Shrinagar. Indulge in their traditional Kashmiri cuisine and mouthwatering kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
For dinner, try Pearl Continental Bakery & Restaurant known for its cozy ambiance and delectable continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Friday, October 6: Gulmarg
Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, a scenic hill station known for its breathtaking landscapes. In the morning, enjoy a Gondola ride to the top of Apharwat Peak for panoramic views. Afterward, try your hand at skiing or simply relax amidst the snow-capped mountains. Return to Shrinagar in the evening.
Skiing: Cost: Equipment rental starting from INR 500, Time Spent: Optional
Restaurants
Ridge View Café: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Ridge View Café, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Alpine Terrace: For lunch, head to Alpine Terrace, a cozy restaurant serving delicious Kashmiri cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
The Chinar Garden: Indulge in a flavorsome dinner at The Chinar Garden, known for its serene ambiance and delectable Indian and Continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 1200 INR per person.
Saturday, October 7: Pahalgam
Explore the scenic town of Pahalgam, situated on the banks of the Lidder River. In the morning, visit the picturesque Betaab Valley and enjoy a leisurely walk amidst the lush greenery. Afterward, take a pony ride to Chandanwari and witness the stunning beauty of snow-capped mountains. Return to Shrinagar in the evening.
Betaab Valley: Cost: INR 20 per person, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Pony Ride to Chandanwari: Cost: Starting from INR 700, Time Spent: 4-5 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Log Inn. This cozy cafe offers a variety of options such as pancakes, omelettes, and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Mama's Kitchen. This family-friendly restaurant serves scrumptious Indian and Kashmiri dishes, including Rogan josh and Kashmiri pulao. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 400 per person.
End your day with a flavorful dinner at Ahdoos Restaurant. Known for its Kashmiri cuisine, Ahdoos offers delectable dishes such as Yakhni and Dum Aloo. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 600 per person.
Sunday, October 8: Sonmarg
Embark on an adventurous day trip to Sonmarg, known as the "Meadow of Gold." In the morning, visit Thajiwas Glacier and marvel at its enchanting beauty. Enjoy activities like sledging and horse riding amidst the snow. In the afternoon, explore the mesmerizing meadows and take in the breathtaking views. Return to Shrinagar in the evening.
Thajiwas Glacier: Cost: INR 200 per person (including pony ride), Time Spent: 4-5 hours
Sledging and Horse Riding: Cost: Starting from INR 500, Time Spent: Optional
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in the Sonmarg area is Café Snow Land, offering a variety of delicious Kashmiri and continental dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Ahdoos Restaurant in Srinagar, known for its traditional Kashmiri cuisine. The restaurant offers a wide range of options, including tasty vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, try Mughal Darbar Restaurant in Shrinagar, serving authentic Kashmiri and Mughlai cuisine. The restaurant offers a cozy ambience and live music performances. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, October 9: Manasbal Lake and Dachigam National Park
Start your day by visiting Manasbal Lake, often called the "Gem of Kashmir." Enjoy boating on the crystal-clear waters and witness the beautiful lotus blooms. In the afternoon, head to Dachigam National Park for a wildlife safari and spot rare species like the Kashmir stag. Return to Shrinagar in the evening.
Manasbal Lake: Cost: INR 200 per person (boating), Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Dachigam National Park: Cost: INR 50 per person, Time Spent: 3-4 hours
Tuesday, October 10: Srinagar City Tour
Explore the rich cultural heritage of Srinagar by visiting popular attractions. Start your day by visiting the historic Shankaracharya Temple, situated on a hilltop. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Old City and visit landmarks like Jama Masjid and Hazratbal Shrine. Enjoy a relaxing Shikara ride on Nigeen Lake in the evening.
Shankaracharya Temple: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Old City Tour: Cost: INR 200 per person (guide recommended), Time Spent: 3-4 hours
Shikara Ride on Nigeen Lake: Cost: INR 500 per hour, Time Spent: 2 hours
Wednesday, October 11: Doodhpathri and Yusmarg
Discover the serene beauty of Doodhpathri and Yusmarg on a day trip from Shrinagar. In the morning, visit Doodhpathri and enjoy a picnic amidst the green meadows and gushing streams. In the afternoon, head to Yusmarg and indulge in activities like horse riding or simply relax in the tranquil surroundings. Return to Shrinagar in the evening.
Doodhpathri: Cost: INR 300 per person (pony ride included), Time Spent: 4-5 hours
Yusmarg: Cost: INR 500 per person (horse riding), Time Spent: 3-4 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a truly off the beaten path experience, venture to the nearby village of Achabal. Explore the beautiful Achabal Gardens, known for its Mughal architecture and serene ambiance. Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the garden's terraces and marvel at the intricate fountains. This hidden gem is perfect for nature lovers and provides a tranquil escape from the city.
For a taste of local cuisine, head to Ahdoos Restaurant in the heart of Shrinagar. Indulge in mouthwatering Kashmiri specialties like Rogan Josh (lamb curry) and Yakhni Pulao (fragrant rice dish). The restaurant also offers vegetarian options, ensuring there's something for everyone in the family.
Remember to check KAYAK for the best deals on flights and hotels in Shrinagar.