5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Srinagar in June 2023

1. Day 1: Dal Lake
   23 minutes (6.8 km) from Srinagar International Airport

   In the morning, take a shikara ride on Dal Lake to see the floating vegetable market. Then visit the Shankaracharya Temple for panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Mughal Gardens, including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kashmiri dinner on a houseboat.

2. Day 2: Pari Mahal, Chashme Shahi and Hazratbal Mosque
   30 minutes (10.8 km) from Dal Lake

   In the morning, visit Pari Mahal, a historic monument and garden. Then head to Chashme Shahi, known for its beautiful fountains and waterfalls. In the afternoon, visit Hazratbal Mosque, a revered Islamic shrine that houses a relic believed to be a hair from the Prophet Muhammad's beard. In the evening, enjoy local street food in Lal Chowk.

3. Day 3: Yusmarg
   1 hour 38 minutes (47.7 km) from Hazratbal Mosque

   Take a day trip to Yusmarg, a charming meadow surrounded by mountains. You can enjoy horse riding, trekking, and picnicking in this scenic location. In the evening, head back to Srinagar and explore the bustling markets of Residency Road.

4. Day 4: Gulmarg
   2 hours 31 minutes (52.1 km) from Yusmarg

   Take a day trip to Gulmarg, a popular ski resort in winter and a beautiful hiking destination in summer. Ride the gondola to the summit for panoramic views of the Himalayas. In the evening, return to Srinagar and visit the Hari Parbat Fort, an ancient fort that offers stunning views of the city.

5. Day 5: Wular Lake and Manasbal Lake
   2 hours 29 minutes (74.4 km) from Hari Parbat Fort

   Take a day trip to Wular Lake, the largest freshwater lake in India, and Manasbal Lake, known for its lotus flowers and birdwatching opportunities. In the evening, return to Srinagar and do some last-minute shopping at Badshah Chowk.

Recommendations

If you have more time, consider visiting Sonamarg, a scenic mountain town known for its trekking trails and natural beauty. You can also take a day trip to the charming town of Pahalgam, which offers horse riding, fishing, and hiking opportunities. To maximize your fun, try local Kashmiri cuisine, including Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, and Yakhni.

For side trips, you can visit the beautiful Lolab Valley, the historic ruins of Martand Sun Temple, or the scenic Tarsar Marsar Trek. If you're interested in handicrafts, visit the local markets to find hand-woven carpets, papier-mache products, and intricate woodwork.

Lastly, it's important to respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.