Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary for Amarnaath

Day 1: Immersion in Srinagar

Srinagar, India

8:00AM

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Start your day with a serene shikara ride on the beautiful Dal Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Head to Dal Lake and find a reputable shikara ride operator.
INR 500, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Mughal Gardens

Explore the Mughal Gardens, Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, known for their stunning terraced lawns, water features, and vibrant flowers.
Take a short drive to the gardens, entry tickets are available at the gates.
INR 50 per garden, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Kashmiri meal at a local restaurant, savoring dishes like Rogan Josh and Gushtaba.
Ask your guide for recommendations based on your preferences.
INR 800, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shankaracharya Temple

Visit the Shankaracharya Temple for panoramic views of Srinagar and the surrounding mountains.
Drive up to the temple, a short climb is required to reach the top.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Houseboat

End the day with a delicious dinner on a traditional Kashmiri houseboat, floating on the Dal Lake.
Return to your houseboat for a relaxing evening meal.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Exploration of Pahalgam

Pahalgam, India

9:00AM

Betaab Valley

Begin your day with a visit to Betaab Valley, named after a Bollywood movie shot here, offering picturesque landscapes and river views.
Drive or hike to Betaab Valley depending on your preference.
INR 150, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Try local Kashmiri cuisine at a roadside dhaba, enjoying dishes like Dum Aloo and Kashmiri Pulao.
Your guide can recommend a dhaba known for authentic Kashmiri flavours.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Ponies Ride in Aru Valley

Embark on a pony ride in Aru Valley, surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped peaks.
Arrive at Aru Valley and hire ponies from local operators.
INR 800, 2 hours

5:00PM

Evening Tea at Lidder River

Relax by the Lidder River with a cup of Kashmiri Kahwa, a traditional spiced tea.
Find a spot by the riverbank to unwind and enjoy the scenery.
INR 100, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Indulge in dinner at your hotel's restaurant, tasting more local delicacies before a restful night.
Head to the hotel's restaurant for a satisfying meal.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Scenic Wonders in Sonamarg

Sonamarg, India

8:00AM

Thajiwas Glacier Trek

Begin the day with an invigorating trek to Thajiwas Glacier, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glistening streams.
Drive to the base of the glacier and start your trek with a local guide.
INR 300, 3 hours

12:00PM

Packed Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch amidst the breathtaking scenery of Sonamarg, sampling local snacks and cuisine.
Find a scenic spot to lay out your picnic spread with views of the glacier.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Sledging at Thajiwas Glacier

Experience the thrill of sledging down the snow slopes of Thajiwas Glacier, fun for both kids and adults.
Rent sledges from local vendors at the glacier base.
INR 200, 1 hour

5:00PM

Tea Break at a Local Cafe

Unwind with a hot cup of Kashmiri Noon Chai at a cosy local cafe, soaking in the natural beauty of Sonamarg.
Discover a charming cafe along the main street for a tea break.
INR 150, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Return to your hotel for a hearty dinner, recounting the day's adventures in the tranquil Sonamarg setting.
Head to the hotel's dining area for a delicious meal.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Adventures in Gulmarg

Gulmarg, India

9:00AM

Gondola Ride to Phase 1

Embark on an exciting Gondola ride to Phase 1 in Gulmarg, offering panoramic views of snow-covered peaks and vast meadows.
Head to the Gondola base station and purchase tickets.
INR 700 per person, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Alpine Rafters Cafe

Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Alpine Rafters Cafe, known for its cosy ambience and mouth-watering local cuisine.
Walk to the cafe from the Gondola station for a satisfying meal.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Skiing or Snowboarding

Try your hand at skiing or snowboarding in Gulmarg's powdery snow slopes, suitable for beginners and experts alike.
Rent equipment and avail lessons from local ski shops near the Gondola area.
INR 2000 for equipment and guide, 2 hours

5:00PM

Hot Chocolate at Gondola Cafe

Warm up with a cup of rich hot chocolate at the Gondola's mountain cafe, enjoying the panoramic views as the sun sets.
Head to the cafe at Phase 1 for a cosy break.
INR 300, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Round off the day with a delectable dinner at your hotel in Gulmarg, sharing stories of your snow adventures.
Head to the hotel's dining area for a scrumptious meal.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Journey to Kargil

Kargil, India

8:00AM

Scenic Drive to Kargil

Embark on a scenic drive to Kargil, passing through picturesque valleys and small villages along the way.
Begin your journey early to enjoy the beautiful landscapes en route to Kargil.
Fuel and toll charges, 7 hours

3:00PM

Visit Mulbekh Monastery

Stop at Mulbekh Monastery to admire the ancient rock carvings and soak in the spiritual atmosphere of the monastery.
Pause your drive at the monastery and explore the surroundings.
Donation based, 1 hour

6:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Kargil and check-in at your hotel, resting and rejuvenating for the evening ahead.
Head to your selected hotel in Kargil for check-in
INR 1500, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at the hotel's restaurant, sampling local Ladakhi dishes like Thukpa and Khambir.
Make your way to the hotel's restaurant for a comforting meal.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Discover Leh

Leh, India

9:00AM

Explore Leh Palace

Begin your day with a visit to Leh Palace, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Head to the palace entrance and purchase tickets for the tour.
INR 250, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Taste local Ladakhi cuisine at a charming eatery, trying specialities like Momos and Tingmo.
Ask locals for recommendations on nearby eateries for an authentic culinary experience.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Shey Monastery

Explore the Shey Monastery, known for its ancient murals and serene ambiance, providing a glimpse into Ladakhi culture.
Drive to Shey Monastery and explore the grounds with a guide.
INR 150, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shop at Leh Market

Stroll through the bustling Leh Market, shopping for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and colourful Pashmina shawls.
Wander around the vibrant market lanes, bargaining with local vendors for unique finds.
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Rooftop Dinner at Local Restaurant

Indulge in a rooftop dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying panoramic views of Leh under the starry sky.
Head to a rooftop restaurant recommended by locals for a memorable dining experience.
INR 1000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave

Amarnath Cave, India

8:00AM

Helicopter Ride to Pahalgam

Embark on a helicopter ride from Baltal to Pahalgam, providing aerial views of the stunning Kashmir valley.
Arrive at the Baltal helipad and board your scheduled helicopter.
INR 4000 per person, 1 hour

11:00AM

Trek to Amarnath Cave

Commence the trek from Pahalgam to the sacred Amarnath Cave, a challenging yet spiritually enriching journey.
Follow the designated trekking path, guided by local trek leaders.
Free, 5 hours

4:00PM

Darshan at Amarnath Cave

Seek blessings at the Amarnath Cave, where the ice lingam of Lord Shiva is formed naturally, a revered pilgrimage site.
Join the queue for the cave darshan and immerse in the divine atmosphere.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return Helicopter Ride

Board the helicopter for a return journey from Pahalgam to Baltal, cherishing the spiritual experience of Amarnath Yatra.
Arrive at the helipad and board your designated return heli ride.
INR 4000 per person, 1 hour
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