Family-Friendly 5-Day Itinerary for Jammu and Kashmir in October 2023

1. Day 1: Srinagar
   30 minutes (9 km) from Srinagar International Airport

   Start your trip with a visit to the world-famous Dal Lake. Enjoy a shikara ride and take in the beauty of the floating gardens and houseboats. From there, head to the Mughal Gardens to experience the stunning combination of Islamic and Persian landscaping. End the day at Jama Masjid, a beautiful mosque built in 1394 AD.

2. Day 2: Pahalgam
   2 hours 45 minutes (92 km) from Srinagar

   Take a day trip to the gorgeous valley of Pahalgam. Visit the Betaab Valley, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush greenery. Next, head to the Chandanwari and enjoy a scenic pony ride. End your day with a picnic at the Lidder River.

3. Day 3: Gulmarg
   2 hours (55 km) from Srinagar

   Wake up early and drive to Gulmarg, also known as the "Meadow of Flowers." Take a Gondola ride and enjoy the picturesque views of the Himalayas. From there, visit the Golf Course at Gulmarg, one of the highest golf courses in the world. End the day with a visit to the Alpather Lake, surrounded by snow-clad mountains.

4. Day 4: Sonmarg
   2 hours 30 minutes (79 km) from Srinagar

   Trek to the Thajiwas Glacier and enjoy the mesmerizing views of the Himalayas. From there, visit the Sind River, known for its crystal clear water and trout fishing. End your day with a visit to the Sonmarg Bazaar and pick up some souvenirs.

5. Day 5: Srinagar
   2 hours 30 minutes (72 km) from Sonmarg

   Start your day with a visit to the Hari Parbat Fort, built during the Mughal era. From there, head to the Hazratbal Mosque, known for its breathtaking views of the Dal Lake. End your final day in Jammu and Kashmir by trying some of the local delicacies at Mughal Darbar.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Dal Lake (2 hours, INR 500 per person)
• Mughal Gardens (1 hour, INR 50 per person)
• Jama Masjid (1 hour, Free)
• Betaab Valley (2 hours, INR 300 per person)
• Chandanwari (2 hours, INR 300 per person)
• Lidder River (2 hours, Free)
• Gondola ride at Gulmarg (2 hours, INR 750 per person)
• Golf Course (1 hour, INR 1000 per person)
• Alpather Lake (2 hours, Free)
• Thajiwas Glacier (3 hours, INR 400 per person)
• Sind River (2 hours, Free)
• Sonmarg Bazaar (1 hour, Free)
• Hari Parbat Fort (1 hour, INR 200 per person)
• Hazratbal Mosque (1 hour, Free)
• Mughal Darbar (1 hour, INR 500 for a family of four)

Total Estimated Costs: INR 3,800 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a hike to the Kolahoi Glacier or a pilgrimage to the holy town of Vaishno Devi. If you have less time, consider skipping Pahalgam or Gulmarg. Remember to carry woolens as the temperature can go below 0 degrees Celsius. And always check the opening and closing times of the places you plan to visit before heading out.