Exploring the Beauty of Kashmir - A Family Friendly Itinerary
Tuesday, November 14: Arrival and Srinagar
Welcome to Kashmir! Begin your journey by arriving in Srinagar, the capital city. In the morning, take a relaxing Shikara ride on Dal Lake, surrounded by stunning mountain vistas. Explore the famous Mughal gardens, such as Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, in the afternoon. As the evening approaches, don't miss the opportunity to visit the vibrant local markets for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.
Dal Lake Shikara Ride: Cost approximately INR 500 per hour, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Nishat Bagh: Cost approximately INR 20 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Shalimar Bagh: Cost approximately INR 20 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Local Markets: Cost varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Coffee Day, located near Dal Lake. Enjoy a variety of freshly brewed coffees and delicious pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 200 rupees per person.
For lunch, visit Ahdoos Restaurant, known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Try the famous Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 500 rupees per person.
For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at Shamyana Restaurant. Savour mouth-watering Kashmiri Wazwan dishes, prepared with traditional recipes. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 rupees per person.
Wednesday, November 15: Gulmarg
Embark on a picturesque journey to Gulmarg, known as the "Meadow of Flowers." In the morning, experience the thrill of skiing and snowboarding in the winter season or enjoy a cable car ride to Kongdori in other seasons. Treat yourself to a sumptuous lunch at one of the local restaurants. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk amidst the lush green meadows and soak in the breathtaking scenery. Capture unforgettable family moments with a fun-filled game of golf or pony rides. Wrap up the day with a relaxing horse-drawn carriage ride.
Skiing/Snowboarding/Cable Car Ride: Cost approximately INR 1500 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Cost varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Exploring Meadows: Cost varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Golf/Pony Rides: Cost approximately INR 500 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Horse-drawn Carriage Ride: Cost approximately INR 400 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Thursday, November 16: Pahalgam
Discover the scenic beauty of Pahalgam, also known as the "Valley of Shepherds." Start your day with a visit to the iconic Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood film "Betaab." Enjoy a tranquil picnic amidst lush greenery. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along the Lidder River and visit the picturesque Aru Valley. Admire the stunning views of snow-capped mountains. End your day with a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
Betaab Valley: Cost approximately INR 100 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Picnic: Cost varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Lidder River Walk: Cost varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Aru Valley: Cost approximately INR 50 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Dinner at a Local Restaurant: Cost varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Pahalgam Café: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Pahalgam Café, located near the Betaab Valley. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and a variety of delicious breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
River View Restaurant: For lunch, head to River View Restaurant, situated by the Lidder River. Indulge in authentic Kashmiri cuisine while enjoying the scenic view. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Mountain Bistro: Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Mountain Bistro, offering a wide range of cuisines in a cozy ambiance. Don't miss trying their signature Kashmiri dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Friday, November 17: Sonamarg
Experience the mesmerizing beauty of Sonamarg, the "Meadow of Gold." Start your day with a thrilling pony ride to the Thajiwas Glacier, surrounded by snow-covered peaks. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the picturesque landscapes. In the afternoon, explore the local markets and indulge in some souvenir shopping. Marvel at the stunning sunset views from the banks of the Sindh River before heading back to Srinagar.
Pony Ride to Thajiwas Glacier: Cost approximately INR 700 per person, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Packed Lunch: Cost varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Exploring Local Markets: Cost varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Sindh River Sunset: Cost varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Saturday, November 18: Yusmarg
Escape to the enchanting Yusmarg, a hidden gem nestled in the lap of nature. Begin your day with a delightful picnic amidst the lush green meadows and crystal-clear streams. Take a leisurely walk to Charari Sharief, a sacred shrine. Indulge in horse riding or simply relax and enjoy the serene surroundings. Capture beautiful family photographs against the backdrop of the majestic mountains. Return to Srinagar in the evening.
Picnic at Yusmarg: Cost varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Walk to Charari Sharief: Cost varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Horse Riding: Cost approximately INR 300 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Photography: Cost varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Sunday, November 19: Departure
It's time to bid farewell to the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir. Depart from Srinagar with cherished memories of your family-friendly trip. Don't forget to collect souvenirs and handicrafts as a reminder of this incredible journey.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
One of the lesser-known attractions in Kashmir is the Doodhpathri Valley. This hidden gem offers serene landscapes, flowing rivers, and the opportunity to witness local shepherds grazing their flocks. It's a perfect spot for a family picnic and a peaceful day surrounded by nature. Another local favorite is the Hazratbal Shrine, a revered Islamic shrine located on the banks of Dal Lake. It's a place of tranquility and spirituality, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and witness religious rituals.
For more information on hotel and flight prices, you can check here.