7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Kashmir in October 2023

1. Day 1: Pahalgam
   From Srinagar, it takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes (86 km) to reach Pahalgam.

   Visit the beautiful Aru Valley in the morning, enjoy a horse ride in the afternoon, and in the evening, explore the local market and try some Kashmiri delicacies.

2. Day 2: Srinagar
   From Pahalgam, it takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes (93 km) to reach Srinagar.

   Take a peaceful Shikara ride on the Dal Lake in the morning. Visit the Mughal Gardens and the Shankaracharya Temple in the afternoon. In the evening, explore the local markets and try some street food.

3. Day 3: Gulmarg
   From Srinagar, it takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes (54 km) to reach Gulmarg.

   Visit the Gulmarg Gondola in the morning, enjoy skiing or snowboarding in the afternoon, and in the evening, take a walk around the beautiful Strawberry Valley.

4. Day 4: Sonamarg
   From Gulmarg, it takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes (230 km) to reach Sonamarg.

   Visit the scenic Thajiwas Glacier in the morning, enjoy river rafting in the afternoon, and in the evening, go for a picnic by the Sindh River.

5. Day 5: Yusmarg
   From Sonamarg, it takes around 4 hours and 40 minutes (182 km) to reach Yusmarg.

   Take a nature walk in the morning, enjoy a horse ride in the afternoon, and in the evening, spend some time by the stunning Nilnag Lake.

6. Day 6: Kokernag
   From Yusmarg, it takes around 3 hours and 10 minutes (120 km) to reach Kokernag.

   Visit the beautiful Kokernag Gardens in the morning, enjoy trout fishing in the afternoon, and in the evening, explore the local markets and try some Kashmiri street food.

7. Day 7: Aharbal
   From Kokernag, it takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes (37 km) to reach Aharbal.

   Enjoy the beautiful Aharbal Waterfall in the morning, go for a nature walk in the afternoon, and in the evening, have a relaxing time by the waterfall.

Recommendations

Make a side trip to the stunning Tarsar Lake during your visit to Pahalgam. You can also enjoy skiing or snowboarding at the Apharwat Peak in Gulmarg. Maximise your fun by trying adventure sports like paragliding and hot air ballooning in Sonamarg. If you have extra time, visit the beautiful Lolab Valley and the picturesque Aru Valley.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Aru Valley horse ride (2 hours, INR 1000)
• Mughal Gardens (2 hours, INR 500)
• Gulmarg Gondola (2 hours, INR 700)
• Sonamarg river rafting (2 hours, INR 1500)
• Nilnag Lake nature walk (2 hours, INR 300)
• Kokernag trout fishing (2 hours, INR 500)
• Aharbal Waterfall visit (2 hours, INR 200)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 4200