A Memorable Family-Friendly Trip to Kashmir: 7-Day Itinerary
Embark on a remarkable journey to Kashmir, a paradise on Earth, with your family. This itinerary is designed to take you through the enchanting landscapes and culturally rich sights of Kashmir, creating unforgettable memories along the way. Check the link for hotel and flight prices.
Thursday, October 19: Exploring Iconic Srinagar
Begin your Kashmir adventure by exploring the iconic city of Srinagar. In the morning, visit the famous Dal Lake, where your family can enjoy a peaceful Shikara boat ride amidst breathtaking views. Afternoon calls for a visit to the beautiful Mughal Gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, showcasing stunning architecture and vibrant floral displays. Wrap up the day by taking a leisurely walk along the beautiful Boulevard Road, dotted with local shops and eateries.
Dal Lake Boating: INR 500 per boat, 2 hours
Mughal Gardens: Entry fee INR 30 per person, 2-3 hours
Boulevard Road: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For a hearty breakfast in Srinagar, head to Café Coffee Day located on Boulevard Road. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and a variety of breakfast options starting from around ₹150 per person.
For a delightful lunch experience, visit Shamyana Restaurant near Dal Lake. This family-friendly restaurant offers a menu of Indian and Kashmiri cuisine with average meal costs around ₹400 per person.
For a delicious dinner in Srinagar, try Ahdoos Restaurant located on Residency Road. This iconic restaurant serves a range of Kashmiri specialties, and an average meal here costs about ₹600 per person.
Friday, October 20: Tranquility in Gulmarg
Escape to the serene setting of Gulmarg, a popular hill station known for its picturesque meadows and thrilling adventure activities. Start your day by taking a scenic gondola ride, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains. Adventure enthusiasts can try their hand at skiing or snowboarding in the afternoon. Wrap up the day by enjoying a peaceful walk amidst the colorful flowers at Gulmarg's famous golf course.
Gondola Ride: INR 700-900 per person, 2 hours
Adventure Activities: INR 1,000-2,000 per person, 2-3 hours
Gulmarg Golf Course: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For a hearty breakfast, head to Highland Park Restaurant, located near the Gulmarg Gondola. Indulge in a traditional Kashmiri breakfast with dishes like nun chai and Kashmiri tea. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
When it's time for lunch, check out Bakshi Dhani, a popular restaurant serving authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Try their signature dish, Rogan Josh, and savor the flavors of tender lamb cooked in rich spices. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at The Cloves Restaurant, known for its cozy ambiance and delectable Kashmiri and Mughlai dishes. Don't miss their signature dish, Kashmiri Wazwan, a multi-course meal showcasing the region's culinary diversity. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Saturday, October 21: Charming Pahalgam
Explore the charming town of Pahalgam, nestled in the lap of Himalayas, offering breathtaking landscapes and tranquil surroundings. Begin your day by visiting the awe-inspiring Betaab Valley, named after a Bollywood movie. Enjoy a leisurely horse ride in the picturesque Aru Valley during the afternoon. End your day by taking a peaceful stroll by the sparkling Lidder River.
Betaab Valley: INR 50 per person, 2 hours
Aru Valley Horse Ride: INR 800 per person, 2 hours
Lidder River Walk: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Log Inn, known for its hearty omelettes and freshly baked pastries. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Dana Pani Restaurant, offering a variety of Kashmiri dishes and Indian-Chinese fusion cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a luxurious dinner at Nathus Rasoi, famous for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine, including mouthwatering kebabs and fragrant biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Sunday, October 22: Majestic Sonmarg
Relish in the beauty of Sonmarg, known as the "Meadow of Gold." In the morning, embark on a thrilling hike to the breathtaking Thajiwas Glacier, surrounded by magnificent peaks. Spend the afternoon exploring the enchanting meadows and captivating waterfalls of Baltal Valley. End your day with a peaceful picnic near the Sindh River.
Thajiwas Glacier Hike: INR 2,000 per person, 4-5 hours
Baltal Valley Exploration: Free, 2-3 hours
Picnic near Sindh River: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day, a cozy cafe located in the heart of Sonmarg. Enjoy their freshly brewed coffee and mouthwatering breakfast options like sandwiches and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, dine at Paradise Restaurant, a popular eatery known for its delicious Kashmiri cuisine. Try their signature dish, Rogan Josh, a flavorful mutton curry served with fragrant basmati rice. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Troutbeat Restaurant, a charming riverside restaurant offering a variety of cuisines including Indian, Continental, and Chinese. Indulge in their delectable grilled trout fish accompanied by aromatic biryani. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, October 23: Historical Sights of Srinagar
Dive deeper into the history and culture of Srinagar by visiting its historical landmarks. Begin your morning by exploring the grandeur of the Mughal-era architecture at the famous Jama Masjid. In the afternoon, experience the intricately designed wooden architecture of the Shankaracharya Temple. End your day with a visit to the enchanting Hazratbal Shrine, housing a revered relic.
Jama Masjid: Free, 1-2 hours
Shankaracharya Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Hazratbal Shrine: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Coffee Day. This cozy cafe offers a range of breakfast options, from freshly brewed coffee to crispy croissants. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Mughal Darbar. Indulge in authentic Kashmiri cuisine like Rogan josh and Kashmiri pulao. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Shamyana Restaurant. This riverside restaurant offers a serene ambiance and a menu featuring delectable Kashmiri dishes. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
Tuesday, October 24: Mesmerizing Doodhpathri
Discover the mesmerizing beauty of Doodhpathri, a lesser-known gem of Kashmir. Begin your day by enjoying a scenic picnic at the lush green meadows and clear streams. In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling horseback ride, exploring the majestic landscapes. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surrounding pine forests before returning to Srinagar.
Picnic at Doodhpathri: Free, 2 hours
Horseback Ride: INR 500 per person, 2 hours
Exploration of Pine Forests: Free, 1-2 hours
Wednesday, October 25: Farewell to Kashmir
On the final day of your family-friendly trip to Kashmir, take some time to explore local markets and pick up souvenirs in Srinagar. Visit the bustling Lal Chowk area for a variety of shopping options. Indulge in traditional Kashmiri cuisine at a local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon, bid farewell to the stunning landscapes as you head to the airport, taking with you cherished memories of your time in Kashmir.
Shopping at Lal Chowk: Prices Vary, 2 hours
Lunch at a Local Restaurant: INR 500 per person, 1 hour
Departure: Time Varies
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions in Kashmir, consider exploring the serene Lolab Valley, known for its untouched beauty and stunning vistas. Spend a day picnicking near the enchanting Manasbal Lake, known as the 'supreme gem of all Kashmir lakes.' Additionally, immerse yourselves in the local culture and traditions by attending a Kashmiri folk music and dance performance in Srinagar.