7-Day Family Friendly Kashmir Itinerary

Friday, October 6: Arrival in Srinagar

Welcome to Srinagar, the capital city of Kashmir! Start your trip by visiting the beautiful Dal Lake in the morning. Take a Shikara boat ride and explore the floating gardens and houseboats. In the afternoon, visit the historic Mughal Gardens, including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Boulevard Road, lined with shops and restaurants.

• Dal Lake: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Mughal Gardens: Cost Estimate - INR 100 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Boulevard Road: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Ahdoos restaurant which is known for its delicious Kashmiri cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
• For lunch, try Lhasa restaurant which offers a variety of Tibetan and Chinese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
• For dinner, visit Mughal Darbar restaurant and indulge in mouthwatering traditional Kashmiri dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.

Saturday, October 7: Gulmarg

Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, a scenic hill station known for its lush green meadows and picturesque landscapes. Start your morning with a gondola ride, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, indulge in outdoor activities like horse riding, golfing, or simply enjoying a picnic amidst nature. Wrap up the day with a visit to the Gulmarg Market for some shopping.

• Gondola Ride: Cost Estimate - INR 750-1500 per person (depending on the phase), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Outdoor Activities: Cost Estimate - Varies, Time Spent - 3-4 hours
• Gulmarg Market: Cost Estimate - Varies, Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Sunday, October 8: Pahalgam

Explore the enchanting town of Pahalgam, located in the picturesque Lidder Valley. Begin your day with a visit to Betaab Valley, known for its breathtaking beauty. Continue to Chandanwari, the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra, and enjoy the serene surroundings. After lunch, explore the Aru Valley, offering stunning views of meadows and snow-capped peaks. End the day with a leisurely walk along the Lidder River.

• Betaab Valley: Cost Estimate - INR 40 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Chandanwari: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Aru Valley: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Monday, October 9: Sonamarg

Embark on a scenic drive to Sonamarg, also known as the "Meadow of Gold." Start your day with a visit to the Thajiwas Glacier, where you can enjoy snow activities like sledging and snowboarding. In the afternoon, take a pony ride to explore the nearby valleys and lakes, such as Vishansar Lake and Krishansar Lake. Don't miss the chance to try local Kashmiri cuisine at a traditional dhaba.

• Thajiwas Glacier: Cost Estimate - INR 300 per person (including pony ride), Time Spent - 3-4 hours
• Pony Ride: Cost Estimate - Varies, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Local Dhaba: Cost Estimate - INR 200-500 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Café Chinar which offers a variety of freshly baked breads, pastries, and Kashmiri specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For lunch, visit Stream Restaurant located near the Thajiwas Glacier. They serve delicious local Kashmiri cuisine including mutton rogan josh and kashmiri pulao. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
• For dinner, try Ahdoos, a popular restaurant in Sonamarg known for its authentic Kashmiri dishes like gushtaba and rogan josh. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Tuesday, October 10: Srinagar - Dachigam National Park

Today, visit the Dachigam National Park, located near Srinagar. Explore the diverse flora and fauna of the park on a guided safari. Keep an eye out for the endangered Kashmir stag (Hangul) and other wildlife species. Enjoy a picnic amidst the natural beauty of the park. In the evening, return to Srinagar and relax with a traditional Kashmiri dinner.

• Dachigam National Park: Cost Estimate - INR 200 per person, Time Spent - 4-5 hours
• Picnic: Cost Estimate - Varies, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Traditional Kashmiri Dinner: Cost Estimate - INR 500-1000 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Wednesday, October 11: Shikara Ride and Shopping in Srinagar

Begin your day with a peaceful Shikara boat ride on the Dal Lake, enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings. Visit the floating vegetable market, where locals sell fresh produce from their boats. In the afternoon, explore the local markets of Srinagar, such as Lal Chowk and Residency Road, for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs. Indulge in some delicious Kashmiri cuisine for dinner.

• Shikara Ride: Cost Estimate - INR 500-1000 per boat, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Local Markets: Cost Estimate - Varies, Time Spent - 3-4 hours
• Kashmiri Cuisine: Cost Estimate - INR 300-800 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Thursday, October 12: Departure

Say goodbye to the beautiful Kashmir as you depart from Srinagar. Take some final moments to soak in the serene atmosphere of the Dal Lake or indulge in last-minute shopping for souvenirs. Departure from the airport with cherished memories of your family-friendly Kashmir trip.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a truly off the beaten path experience, consider visiting the quaint village of Yusmarg, nestled amidst the mountains. Enjoy horse riding, picnics, and nature walks in this tranquil setting. Another local favorite is the Kokernag Botanical Garden, famous for its beautiful gardens and freshwater springs. It's a great spot for a family outing and picnics.

Check hotel and flight prices here.