7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Kashmir in December 2023

1. Day 1: Srinagar
   30 minutes (15.4 km) from Srinagar International Airport

   Visit the famous Dal Lake, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kashmir, and experience a shikara (traditional boat) ride.

2. Day 2: Srinagar
   20 minutes (9.8 km) from Dal Lake

   Explore the historic Mughal Gardens, which were built by the Mughal Emperors in the Persian style. Visit the beautiful Nishat Garden, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi Garden.

3. Day 3: Gulmarg
   1 hour 46 minutes (49.1 km) from Srinagar

   Visit Gulmarg Ski Resort, the largest ski resort in Asia, and enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports activities.

4. Day 4: Pahalgam
   2 hours 29 minutes (94.7 km) from Srinagar

   Visit the Aru Valley, a picturesque village located near Pahalgam, and go for a scenic walk or horseback ride. Visit the Betaab Valley, a popular Bollywood film location.

5. Day 5: Sonamarg
   3 hours 14 minutes (85.4 km) from Pahalgam

   Explore Thajiwas Glacier, located near Sonamarg, and enjoy a snow sled ride. Visit the Zojila Pass and Baltal Valley for beautiful views of the Himalayas.

6. Day 6: Leh
   8 hours 41 minutes (429.3 km) from Sonamarg

   Visit the Pangong Tso, one of the largest saltwater lakes in Asia, located in the eastern Himalayas. Take a guided tour of the historic Leh Palace.

7. Day 7: Leh
   19 minutes (4.1 km) from Leh Palace

   Visit the Shanti Stupa, a white-domed Buddhist stupa located on a hilltop near Leh, and enjoy a panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains. Take a stroll around the Main Bazaar to shop for souvenirs.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Dal Lake Shikara ride (2 hours, INR 500-700)
• Mughal Gardens entrance fee (2 hours, INR 60 per person)
• Gulmarg Ski Resort lift ticket (1 day, INR 1500-2000)
• Aru Valley guided horseback ride (3 hours, INR 500-700)
• Thajiwas Glacier snow sled ride (2 hours, INR 500-700)
• Pangong Tso guided tour (2 hours, INR 1500-2000)
• Leh Palace entrance fee (1 hour, INR 30 per person)

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Hemis National Park or a trek to the Tarsar Marsar Lake. If you have less time, skip the Gulmarg Ski Resort and spend more time exploring Pahalgam or Srinagar. Be sure to check weather and road conditions in advance, especially in winter.