Family-Friendly 5-Day Itinerary in Kashmir

Day 1: Srinagar Exploration

Srinagar, Kashmir

8:00 AM

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Start your day with a peaceful Shikara ride on Dal Lake, admiring the surrounding mountains and floating gardens.
Dal Lake is easily accessible from most hotels in Srinagar. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the Shikara boarding point.
INR 500, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Mughal Gardens

Explore the beautiful Mughal Gardens like Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, known for their stunning terraced lawns, vibrant flowers, and historic architecture.
Mughal Gardens are a short drive from Dal Lake. It takes around 15 minutes to reach.
INR 200, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Kashmiri Wazwan lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the delicious flavors of the region.
Head to a recommended restaurant in Srinagar city center, approximately 30 minutes away from the Mughal Gardens.
INR 800, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Old Srinagar

Take a leisurely stroll through the charming lanes of Old Srinagar, visiting the bustling markets and ancient mosques.
Old Srinagar is a short distance from the city center. It's best explored on foot.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Houseboat

End the day with a unique dining experience on a traditional Kashmiri houseboat, enjoying local cuisine amidst serene waters.
Return to Dal Lake for your houseboat dinner, which can be arranged by most accommodations.
INR 1000, 2 hours
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Day 2: Srinagar Adventure

Srinagar, Kashmir

9:00 AM

Shikara Ride to Floating Market

Embark on a morning Shikara ride to the famous Floating Market on Dal Lake, where local vendors sell fresh produce from their boats.
Start from your houseboat and cruise to the Floating Market area on Dal Lake. It's a 30-minute ride.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Shankaracharya Temple

Head to Shankaracharya Temple for panoramic views of Srinagar and the surrounding mountains, steeped in history and spirituality.
Drive up the hill to reach Shankaracharya Temple. It takes about 30 minutes from Dal Lake.
INR 50, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Cafe

Enjoy a light lunch at a cozy cafe in Srinagar, trying local snacks like kebabs and chai.
Choose a cafe in the city center for a relaxed lunch break, about 20 minutes from Shankaracharya Temple.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Water Skiing on Dal Lake

Experience the thrill of water skiing on Dal Lake, with trained instructors guiding you through this exciting water sport.
Head back to Dal Lake for your water skiing session, which can be arranged through local operators. It takes 15 minutes to reach.
INR 1000, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, trying Kashmiri specialties like Rogan Josh and Dum Aloo.
Choose a recommended restaurant in Srinagar for an authentic meal. It's a 15-minute drive from Dal Lake.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Gulmarg Excursion

Gulmarg, Kashmir

9:00 AM

Gondola Ride to Phase 1

Start your day with a Gondola ride to Phase 1 in Gulmarg, offering stunning views of the snow-covered peaks and lush meadows.
Travel by car from Srinagar to Gulmarg (about 2 hours). The Gondola base station is easily accessible from the parking area.
INR 700, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Skiing or Snowboarding

Engage in skiing or snowboarding activities in Gulmarg, known for its excellent slopes and winter sports facilities.
Rent equipment at the Gondola base station and head to the designated skiing areas. Instructors are available for beginners.
INR 1500, 3 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at a Mountain Cafe

Relish a hot meal at a cozy mountain cafe in Gulmarg, enjoying the scenic views of the Himalayas while dining.
Choose a cafe near the skiing area for a convenient lunch break.
INR 600, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Sledging in Snow

Have fun sledging in the snow-covered slopes of Gulmarg, a thrilling activity for both kids and adults.
Rent a sled from local vendors near the skiing areas and enjoy sliding down the gentle slopes.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Leisure Time

Spend the evening at leisure, exploring the local markets or relaxing amidst the picturesque surroundings of Gulmarg.
Take a stroll through the market area or simply unwind in the natural beauty of Gulmarg.
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling dinner at your hotel in Gulmarg, savoring a mix of Kashmiri and continental dishes for a delightful dining experience.
Head to the hotel restaurant for a cozy dinner setting, perfect for winding down after a day of activities.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Pahalgam Adventure

Pahalgam, Kashmir

9:00 AM

Visit Betaab Valley

Explore the scenic Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood movie 'Betaab' filmed here, surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped mountains.
Travel from Gulmarg to Pahalgam by car (approximately 4 hours). Betaab Valley is a short drive from the town center.
INR 100, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Rafting on Lidder River

Embark on an exciting rafting adventure on the gushing waters of the Lidder River in Pahalgam, experiencing thrilling rapids and scenic landscapes.
Join a rafting tour from the designated meeting point along the riverbank. Safety gear and instructions will be provided.
INR 800, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Riverside Restaurant

Enjoy a riverside lunch at a local restaurant in Pahalgam, relishing authentic Kashmiri cuisine with the soothing sound of the river as your backdrop.
Choose a restaurant overlooking the Lidder River for a tranquil dining experience.
INR 700, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Horse Riding in Baisaran

Embark on a horse riding excursion in the picturesque meadows of Baisaran, surrounded by pine forests and panoramic vistas.
Arrange for a horse ride at the entry point to Baisaran and explore the scenic beauty of the region.
INR 500, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Local Shopping

Shop for souvenirs and handicrafts at the bustling markets of Pahalgam, known for their unique Kashmiri products and traditional items.
Explore the market streets of Pahalgam, browsing through stalls selling local crafts and specialties.
Variable, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty dinner at your hotel in Pahalgam, sampling a variety of Kashmiri dishes and international cuisines for a delightful dining experience.
Head to the hotel's dining area for a relaxing dinner, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Scenic Sonamarg

Sonamarg, Kashmir

9:00 AM

Thajiwas Glacier Trek

Embark on a trek to Thajiwas Glacier, a sparkling sheet of ice nestled amidst the lush green meadows of Sonamarg, offering breathtaking views.
Travel from Pahalgam to Sonamarg by road (approximately 3 hours). The base point for the Thajiwas Glacier trek is easily accessible.
INR 300, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Picnic Lunch at Glacier

Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch at Thajiwas Glacier, surrounded by the majestic Himalayan peaks and the tranquil beauty of nature.
Find a picturesque spot near the glacier for a relaxing picnic amidst the stunning landscapes of Sonamarg.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Horse Riding in Meadow

Experience horse riding in the lush meadows of Sonamarg, exploring the verdant landscapes and enjoying the cool mountain air.
Rent a horse from local operators near Thajiwas Glacier and leisurely ride through the meadows.
INR 400, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Zoji La Pass

Drive to Zoji La Pass for panoramic views of the rugged mountains and deep valleys, a thrilling experience at one of the highest passes in the region.
Hop on a local transport or hire a private car to reach Zoji La Pass from Sonamarg. The journey takes about 1 hour.
INR 200, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Local Dinner Delights

Relish local dinner delights at a cozy eatery in Sonamarg, trying Kashmiri breads like Kebabs and Tandoori Roti for a flavorful meal.
Choose a restaurant in Sonamarg town for an authentic Kashmiri dinner experience.
INR 700, 1 hour
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