Family-Friendly 4-Day Itinerary in Kashmir

Saturday, October 21: Srinagar

Start your trip by arriving in Srinagar, the capital city of Kashmir. In the morning, visit the beautiful Shalimar Bagh, a Mughal garden known for its stunning architecture and vibrant flower beds. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Dal Lake in the afternoon, where you can admire the surrounding snow-capped mountains and charming houseboats. In the evening, explore the local markets and indulge in some souvenir shopping.

• Shalimar Bagh: Entrance fee - INR 50, Time spent - 2 hours
• Dal Lake boat ride: INR 500 per hour (approx.), Time spent - 2 hours
• Local markets: Cost varies, Time spent - 2 hours

Sunday, October 22: Gulmarg

Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, a picturesque hill station known for its enchanting meadows and snow-capped peaks. Start your morning with a scenic Gondola ride, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. In the afternoon, engage in fun-filled activities like horse riding or take a leisurely walk amidst the beautiful meadows. Wrap up your day with a visit to the Alpather Lake, surrounded by snowy mountains.

• Gondola ride: INR 750 for Phase 1, INR 950 for Phase 2 (approx.), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Horse riding: INR 500 per hour (approx.), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Alpather Lake: Entrance fee - INR 10, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Café Chinar located in the heart of Gulmarg. This cozy café offers a variety of delicious breakfast options such as freshly baked croissants, fluffy pancakes, and aromatic Kashmiri chai. The average cost for a meal is about 200 rupees per person.
• For lunch, visit Greenz Restaurant, a popular local eatery known for its delectable Kashmiri cuisine. Enjoy traditional dishes like Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, and Kashmiri Pulao. The average cost for a meal is about 400 rupees per person.
• For dinner, indulge in a culinary feast at The Highland Park Restaurant. This upscale venue offers a wide range of international and Kashmiri dishes, allowing you to savor flavors from around the world. The average cost for a meal is about 800 rupees per person.

Monday, October 23: Pahalgam

On this day, visit the charming town of Pahalgam, known for its scenic beauty and lush green valleys. Start your morning with a visit to the picturesque Betaab Valley, where you can enjoy leisurely walks amidst the stunning surroundings. In the afternoon, explore the awe-inspiring Aru Valley and indulge in adventurous activities like river rafting. End your day with a visit to Chandanwari, the starting point of the famous Amarnath Yatra.

• Betaab Valley: Entrance fee - INR 10, Time spent - 2 hours
• Aru Valley: Entrance fee - INR 10, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Chandanwari: Entrance fee - INR 10, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Tuesday, October 24: Sonamarg

Conclude your trip by visiting the breathtaking Sonamarg, known as the "Meadow of Gold." Start your morning with a thrilling pony ride to the Thajiwas Glacier, a stunning glacier surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In the afternoon, indulge in a picnic by the picturesque Sindh River or try your hand at fishing. Spend your evening exploring the local markets and savoring delicious Kashmiri cuisine.

• Thajiwas Glacier pony ride: INR 700 per hour (approx.), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Picnic by Sindh River: Cost varies, Time spent - 2 hours
• Local markets: Cost varies, Time spent - 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While in Kashmir, make sure to visit the Nigeen Lake, a serene and less crowded alternative to Dal Lake. Enjoy a peaceful shikara ride and embrace the tranquility of the surroundings. Another hidden gem is the Dachigam National Park, home to endangered species like Kashmir stag and Himalayan black bear. Embark on a wildlife safari and experience the region's rich biodiversity. These hidden gems offer a unique and unforgettable experience for the whole family.