An Unforgettable Kashmiri Family Vacation

  • Day 1: Srinagar
    From Srinagar International Airport 18 mins (11.2 km)

    Arrive in the beautiful city of Srinagar, known for its lakes and gardens. Spend an afternoon at the Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden, built in the 17th century and famous for its terraced layout and fountains. Take a stroll around the serene Dal Lake and spend the evening on a Shikara ride at sunset.

  • Day 2: Gulmarg
    2 h 22 mins (60.9 km) from Srinagar

    Head to the charming town of Gulmarg, which is renowned for its snow-capped mountains and lush meadows. Take the Gulmarg Gondola Cable Car to Apharwat Peak for exhilarating panoramic views of the Pir Panjal Range. Afterward, try some snow sports at the Gulmarg Snow and Ski Resort.

  • Day 3: Pahalgam
    2 h 39 mins (87.7 km) from Gulmarg

    Drive to the picturesque town of Pahalgam, known for its beautiful valleys and meadows. Visit the Aru Valley and rent horses with your family for a scenic horseback ride. Take a picnic and spend an afternoon in the beautiful Betaab Valley which has been the set for several Bollywood movies.

  • Day 4: Sonamarg
    2 h 34 mins (84.6 km) from Pahalgam

    Take a scenic drive to the mountain town of Sonamarg, also known as the "Meadow of Gold". Enjoy a trek through the beautiful Thajiwas Glacier, which is surrounded by an enchanting landscape of pine trees and beautiful natural rock formations. Experience the thrill of rafting with the family at the Sindh River as an added adventure.

  • Day 5: Srinagar
    1 h 53 mins (81.5 km) from Sonamarg

    Return to Srinagar for some visit the famous Jama Masjid Mosque before taking a shopping trip for souvenirs at the local Kashmiri markets.

  • Day 6: Sanasar
    2 h 45 mins (117 km) from Srinagar

    Travel to the serene town of Sanasar, located within the mountainous region of the state. Try your hand at paragliding with jaw-dropping views of the Kashmir Valley. Take a dip in the local natural hot springs at the Kokernag.

  • Day 7: Katra
    4 h 1 min (242 km) from Sanasar

    Travel to the town of Katra to visit the Vaishno Devi Temple, one of the holiest shrines in India. The temple can require a steep hike but a helicopter ride is also available as an alternative. Spend the evening enjoying the local decorative and delicacies.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden (1-2 hours, ₹10/person)
  • Dal Lake (1-2 hours, ₹300/hour)
  • Shikara ride (₹400 for 1 hour)
  • Gulmarg Gondola Cable Car (₹740)
  • Gulmarg Snow and Ski Resort (4-5 hours, ₹1500-2000/person)
  • Aru Valley (1-2 hours, ₹50/person)
  • Betaab Valley (1-2 hours, ₹100/person)
  • Thajiwas Glacier (2-3 hours, ₹1250/pony)
  • Sindh River rafting (₹400-500/person)
  • Jama Masjid Mosque (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Shopping for Souvenirs (₹500-₹1000)
  • Paragliding in Sanasar (15-20 minutes, ₹2000/person)
  • Kokernag hot springs (₹20/person)
  • Vaishno Devi Temple (5-6 hours, ₹1000/person)
  • Total Estimated Costs (per person): ₹11,490-13,040

Transportation

Most of the cities can be reached by car or taxi, but For longer distances, you can hire a chauffeur-driven car. Pricier and faster helicopter rides are also available, and can sometimes be the only way to reach more remote destinations. Overall costs will vary from ₹5,000-10,000 and 1-3 hours travelling time, depending on traffic and distance.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, consider visiting Ladakh to witness the stunning mountain landscapes and Buddhist monasteries. Alternatively, you can travel to the nearby country of Bhutan for a completely different cultural experience. If you have less time, consider skipping Sanasar or Sonamarg.

Airports

The Srinagar International Airport (SXR) is the main airport serving the region, situated about 14 km from Srinagar city centre.

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