7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Kashmir in October 2023

1. Day 1: Pari Mahal
   15 minutes (4.5 km) from Srinagar

   In the morning, explore the beautiful terraced garden of Pari Mahal, built in the 1600s for the Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh. In the afternoon, take a shikara ride on Dal Lake, the second largest lake in Kashmir. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kashmiri meal at Mughal Darbar.

2. Day 2: Sonamarg
   2 hours 30 minutes (80 km) from Srinagar

   Start early and spend the day in the scenic town of Sonamarg. Take a pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier, enjoy a picnic lunch by the Sindh River, and go trout fishing in the afternoon. In the evening, return to Srinagar and stroll through the historic Old City.

3. Day 3: Gulmarg
   2 hours (52 km) from Srinagar

   Spend the day in the picturesque town of Gulmarg. Take the Gondola cable car to the top of Apharwat Peak for breathtaking views of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, go on a scenic hike and enjoy a picnic lunch. In the evening, try some local delicacies at Highland Park restaurant.

4. Day 4: Mughal Gardens
   20 minutes (7 km) from Srinagar

   Visit the three famous Mughal Gardens of Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. In the afternoon, visit the Shankaracharya Temple, situated on top of a hill overlooking Srinagar. In the evening, take a leisurely walk around Dal Lake and enjoy the sunset.

5. Day 5: Yusmarg
   2 hours 30 minutes (47 km) from Srinagar

   Visit the serene meadow of Yusmarg and go on a horse ride to the Nilnag Lake. In the afternoon, enjoy a picnic lunch by the Doodh Ganga River and go on a leisurely walk through the forests. In the evening, return to Srinagar and attend a live music performance at the Tagore Hall.

6. Day 6: Dachigam National Park
   1 hour (22 km) from Srinagar

   Visit the Dachigam National Park, home to the endangered Hangul deer and many species of birds. In the afternoon, visit the Hari Parbat Fort, a historic fort with stunning views of the city. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Wazwan feast at the Ahdoos restaurant.

7. Day 7: Pahalgam
   2 hours 30 minutes (91 km) from Srinagar

   Spend the day in the charming town of Pahalgam. Visit the Betab Valley, named after the Bollywood film "Betab" that was shot here. In the afternoon, go on a scenic hike to the Kolahoi Glacier and enjoy a picnic lunch. In the evening, return to Srinagar and do some last-minute shopping at the Floating Vegetable Market.

Recommendations

Other great experiences to consider include visiting the Hazratbal Shrine, exploring the Awantipora Ruins, and attending a cricket match at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium. For a side trip, consider visiting the Doodhpathri meadow or the Lolab Valley. To maximize your fun, try different Kashmiri dishes at different restaurants and immerse yourself in the local culture. Don't forget to carry warm clothes as it can get chilly in October.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Pari Mahal (2 hours, INR 200)
• Shikara Ride on Dal Lake (2 hours, INR 500)
• Mughal Darbar (2 hours, INR 1000)
• Pony Ride to Thajiwas Glacier (3 hours, INR 1500)
• Trout Fishing in Sonamarg (2 hours, INR 1000)
• Gondola Ride in Gulmarg (3 hours, INR 2500)
• Scenic Hike in Gulmarg (2 hours, free)
• Mughal Gardens (3 hours, INR 500)
• Shankaracharya Temple (2 hours, free)
• Horse Ride to Nilnag Lake (3 hours, INR 2000)
• Doodh Ganga River (2 hours, free)
• Dachigam National Park (3 hours, INR 1000)
• Hari Parbat Fort (2 hours, INR 500)
• Wazwan Feast at Ahdoos (2 hours, INR 1500)
• Betab Valley (3 hours, INR 1000)
• Kolahoi Glacier Hike (4 hours, free)
• Floating Vegetable Market (2 hours, INR 500)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 13,500