8-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Kashmir

Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar

Srinagar, India

10:00AM

Check-In at Houseboat

Experience the unique charm of staying on a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake.
Reach the houseboat via a shikara ride from the shore, enjoying the serene views.
INR 6000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Ahdoos

Savour authentic Kashmiri cuisine at Ahdoos, a famous local restaurant.
Take a taxi to the restaurant from the houseboat.
INR 1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Enjoy a peaceful shikara ride on Dal Lake, where you'll see floating gardens and local fishermen at work.
Return to the houseboat and hire a shikara nearby.
INR 1200, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Mughal Gardens

Visit the stunning Mughal Gardens, including Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, known for their terraced lawns and beautiful landscaping.
Take a taxi to the gardens, which are about 30 minutes away.
INR 1000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Chatti

End your day with a family-friendly dinner at The Chatti, renowned for its quiet ambiance and delicious food.
Travel back to Srinagar city centre by taxi.
INR 1800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Pahalgam Adventure

Pahalgam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Houseboat

Enjoy a hearty breakfast on your houseboat before heading to Pahalgam.
Have a leisurely meal and check-out.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Pahalgam

Travel to Pahalgam, known for its lush landscapes and adventure opportunities.
Hire a taxi for the approximately 2.5-hour scenic drive.
INR 3500, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Troutbeat

Have lunch at Troutbeat, offering fresh trout dishes amidst picturesque surroundings.
Located near the riverbank, a short walk from your starting point.
INR 1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Betaab Valley

Visit Betaab Valley, famous for its beautiful landscapes and Bollywood film shoots; enjoy a picnic in nature.
Drive 30 minutes to the valley from trout restaurant.
INR 900, 2 hours

4:00PM

Horse Ride

Take a family-friendly pony ride up to Baisaran, often referred to as ‘Mini Switzerland’.
Hire ponies upon arrival at Betaab Valley.
INR 2000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Hilltop

Enjoy dinner at the Hotel Hilltop, which offers a variety of dishes for all ages.
Return to Pahalgam town center and walk to the hotel.
INR 1500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Nature and Adventure in Pahalgam

Pahalgam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Relish a delightful breakfast at your hotel, preparing for an adventurous day.
Enjoy a buffet-style breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Rafting on Lidder River

Embark on an exciting white-water rafting experience on the Lidder River, suitable for families.
Guided tours can be booked through local agencies.
INR 3000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Aru Valley

Take a short trip to Aru Valley, known for its stunning views and lush surroundings.
A quick drive of about 15 minutes will get you there.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Restaurant at Aru

Savour a local meal with views of the Aru Valley's beauty.
On-site dining at the restaurant.
INR 1300, 1 hour

2:30PM

Walking Trail

Take a leisurely family walk along the scenic trails in Aru Valley.
Enjoy direct access to trails from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Pahalgam Market Visit

Explore the local market to shop for handicrafts and souvenirs.
Drive back to Pahalgam town center.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Paradise

Enjoy a cozy dinner featuring delectable Indian cuisine at The Paradise restaurant.
Located in Pahalgam town, within walking distance.
INR 1500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Gulmarg Adventure

Gulmarg, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing to Gulmarg.
Have a leisurely meal before checking out.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Gulmarg

Travel to Gulmarg, renowned for its ski slopes and scenic beauty, suitable for families.
It’s about a 2-hour drive from Pahalgam.
INR 3500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Khyber

Dine at The Khyber, a luxury hotel offering exquisite dining options and gorgeous mountain views.
Located centrally in Gulmarg itself.
INR 2000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Gulmarg Gondola Ride

Take the famous Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, for panoramic views.
The gondola station is just a short walk from the restaurant.
INR 1300, 2 hours

4:00PM

Nature Walk in Gulmarg

Enjoy a family-friendly nature walk among the lush meadows and pine forests.
Trails are accessible from the gondola point.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Hilltop

Relish dinner at The Hilltop restaurant, offering a variety of cuisines.
Located in Gulmarg, walkable distance from your earlier activities.
INR 1500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Skiing Fun at Gulmarg

Gulmarg, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, gearing up for a fun skiing session.
Enjoy the buffet breakfast before heading out.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Skiing Lessons

Book a family skiing lesson with an instructor to learn and have fun together.
There are ski schools available on-site.
INR 4000, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Bowl

Dig into some delicious snacks and meals at The Bowl, appealing to kids and adults alike.
Located near the gondola base.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Snow Activities

Indulge in various snow activities including tubing and snowman building.
Activities are organized in the same area where you had lunch.
INR 2000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relaxation and Hot Drinks

Unwind in a cozy café with some hot chocolate or Kashmiri tea.
Take a short walk to nearby cafes.
INR 800, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Canadian

Enjoy Canadian cuisine-inspired dishes for dinner at Hotel Canadian.
Located in Gulmarg, easily accessible from your earlier activities.
INR 1800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Sonamarg Excursion

Sonamarg, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast at the hotel before departing to Sonamarg.
Enjoy a quick meal at the buffet.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Sonamarg

Take a picturesque drive to Sonamarg, known as the ‘Meadow of Gold’.
The drive will take approximately 2.5 hours.
INR 3500, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Thajiwas Glacier

Take a pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier, where you can enjoy the stunning vistas and snow.
Pony rides can be arranged upon arrival in Sonamarg.
INR 2500, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Taste delicious local dishes at a dhaba, enjoying the riverside views.
Located conveniently in Sonamarg.
INR 800, 1 hour

3:00PM

Nature and Photography

Spend time in nature, capturing beautiful moments as a family amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Explore pathways and indulge in photography.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Drive Back to Gulmarg

Return to your hotel in Gulmarg for a relaxing evening.
Travel back the same scenic route.
INR 3500, 2.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Hilltop

Conclude your day with dinner at the Hilltop, rounding off an adventurous outing.
Easily reachable from your accommodation.
INR 1800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Return to Srinagar

Srinagar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savour breakfast at the hotel in Gulmarg before your journey back to Srinagar.
Enjoy a buffet spread after packing up.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive Back to Srinagar

Travel back to Srinagar, enjoying the beautiful landscapes one last time.
A scenic 2-hour journey.
INR 3500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Lhasa Hotel

Have lunch at Lhasa Hotel, known for its Tibetan dishes in a cozy environment.
Located in the heart of Srinagar.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Shankaracharya Temple

Explore Shankaracharya Temple for spiritual vibes and panoramic views of Srinagar.
The temple is a short drive from Lhasa.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Local Craft Shops

Spend your afternoon exploring local craft shops for Pashmina shawls and carpets.
Return to the city center to shop.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Barbeque Nation

Spend your last night enjoying a family dinner at Barbeque Nation, popular for its grill dishes.
Located conveniently in Srinagar.
INR 2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Departure from Srinagar

Srinagar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at your hotel and relax before your journey home.
Enjoy a casual meal while packing.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Last-Minute Shopping

Take time for any last-minute shopping for souvenirs.
Head to Lal Chowk for various shops.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Check-Out and Departure

Check out of your hotel and prepare for your flight home.
Arrange your transport to the airport through your hotel.
INR 1000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability