Family Friendly Nature Exploration in Jammu and Kashmir

Day 1: Lakes and Gardens

Srinagar, India

8:00AM

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Start your day with a peaceful Shikara ride on Dal Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
The Shikara can be accessed from the Dal Lake's shore. It's a 20-minute drive from the city centre.
INR 500, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Mughal Gardens

Explore the beautiful Mughal Gardens like Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, known for their stunning architecture and serene surroundings.
The gardens are located within 30 minutes drive from Dal Lake.
INR 150 (combined ticket for both gardens), 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Kashmiri cuisine at a local restaurant overlooking the gardens.
Ask your guide for recommendations near the Mughal Gardens.
INR 400, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Old City Markets

Take a stroll through the bustling markets of Srinagar to shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
The markets are a short walk from the gardens.
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Houseboat

End your day with a traditional dinner on a houseboat on Dal Lake, enjoying the tranquillity of the surroundings.
Your tour guide can arrange a Shikara ride to the houseboat.
INR 1000 per person, 2 hours
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Day 2: Mountains and Adventure

Srinagar, India

9:00AM

Drive to Gulmarg

Embark on a scenic drive to Gulmarg, known for its lush meadows and perfect slopes for skiing and snowboarding.
It's a 2-hour drive from Srinagar to Gulmarg.
INR 1000 (round trip), 2 hours

11:00AM

Gondola Ride

Experience the world's second-highest operating cable car ride in Gulmarg, offering panoramic views of the snow-covered peaks.
The Gondola station is easily accessible from the parking area.
INR 700 (phase 1 ticket), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Relish a hot meal at a local restaurant in Gulmarg, known for its Kashmiri Wazwan.
Ask the Gondola staff for recommendations nearby.
INR 500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Skiing or Snowboarding

Try your hand at skiing or snowboarding on the gentle slopes of Gulmarg under expert supervision.
Rent equipment from the shops near the Gondola station.
INR 2000 onwards, 3 hours

6:00PM

Return to Srinagar

Head back to Srinagar and relax after a day of mountain adventures.
Drive back to Srinagar takes around 2 hours.
INR 1000 (round trip), 2 hours
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Day 3: Valley Exploration

Pahalgam, India

8:00AM

Drive to Pahalgam

Start your day with a picturesque drive to Pahalgam, known for its scenic beauty and the Lidder River.
It's a 2.5-hour drive from Srinagar to Pahalgam.
INR 1200 (round trip), 3 hours

11:00AM

Visit Betaab Valley

Explore the famous Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood movie 'Betaab' shot here, offering stunning views of the valley.
The valley is a short drive from Pahalgam town.
INR 50 (entry fee), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Riverside Cafe

Enjoy a riverside lunch at a local cafe, savouring Kashmiri Pulao and Kebabs.
There are many cafes along the Lidder River offering scenic views.
INR 600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Aru Valley

Visit the picturesque Aru Valley, known for its meadows and snow-capped peaks, ideal for a leisurely walk.
Aru Valley is a short drive from Pahalgam town.
INR 100 (entry fee), 2 hours

6:00PM

Check-in to a Riverside Hotel

Relax and unwind at a riverside hotel in Pahalgam, listening to the soothing sounds of the Lidder River.
Your hotel is located near the main market area of Pahalgam.
INR 3000 per night, Ongoing
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Day 4: Glaciers and Waterfalls

Sonamarg, India

9:00AM

Drive to Sonamarg

Embark on a scenic drive to Sonamarg, also known as the 'Meadow of Gold', surrounded by glaciers and pristine lakes.
It's a 4-hour drive from Pahalgam to Sonamarg.
INR 2000 (round trip), 4 hours

1:00PM

Visit Thajiwas Glacier

Trek or take a pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier, a cascading silvery river of ice set amidst lush green meadows.
The glacier is accessible by a short trek or pony ride from the main market area.
INR 300 (entry fee), 2 hours

3:00PM

Picnic by the River

Enjoy a picnic by the gushing Sindh River, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and pine forests.
There are many picnic spots along the riverbank easily reachable from the glacier.
INR 200 (picnic essentials), 2 hours

5:00PM

Back to Pahalgam

Return to Pahalgam and relax at your riverside hotel after a day of exploring glaciers and waterfalls.
Drive back to Pahalgam takes around 4 hours.
INR 2000 (round trip), 4 hours
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Day 5: High Altitude Beauty

Leh, India

8:00AM

Flight to Leh

Take a flight to Leh to explore the high-altitude desert and stunning monasteries of Ladakh.
The flight from Srinagar to Leh takes around 1 hour.
INR 5000 (one way per person), 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Leh Palace

Explore the historic Leh Palace, offering panoramic views of the town and the Stok Kangri mountain range.
Leh Palace is located in the heart of Leh town.
INR 250, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Try some delicious local Tibetan dishes for lunch in Leh to get a taste of the region's cuisine.
Ask locals for recommendations in the main market area.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Shanti Stupa

Visit the iconic Shanti Stupa, a white-domed Buddhist stupa offering panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding mountains.
Shanti Stupa is a short drive from the main town.
Free entry, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at a Rooftop Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Leh, marvelling at the sunset over the Himalayas.
There are many rooftop restaurants in Leh offering great views.
INR 800, 2 hours
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Day 6: Monasteries and Landscapes

Leh, India

9:00AM

Visit Thiksey Monastery

Explore the grand Thiksey Monastery, a beautiful complex perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of the Indus Valley.
Thiksey Monastery is around 20 km from Leh town.
INR 30 (entry fee), 2 hours

11:00AM

Drive to Hemis Monastery

Head to Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, known for its annual Hemis Festival.
Hemis Monastery is located around 40 km from Leh town.
INR 50 (entry fee), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Savour a traditional Ladakhi lunch at a local restaurant near Hemis Monastery.
There are eateries serving local cuisine near the monastery.
INR 500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Magnetic Hill

Experience the gravity-defying phenomenon at Magnetic Hill where vehicles appear to move uphill on their own.
Magnetic Hill is around 30 km from Leh town.
Free entry, 1 hour

5:00PM

Sunset at Pangong Lake

Witness the mesmerising sunset at the famous Pangong Lake, known for its changing colours and serene beauty.
Pangong Lake is around 160 km from Leh town, and it's best to hire a private car for the journey.
INR 500 (entry fee), 4 hours
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