8-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Kashmir: Discover Natural Wonders and Cultural Heritage

Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar

Srinagar, India

11:00 AM

Check-in and Relax

Arrive in Srinagar and check-in to your family-friendly houseboat on Dal Lake for an unforgettable experience.
Houseboats are docked along Dal Lake, a short drive from the airport.
INR 7000, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Shamyana Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious Kashmiri lunch featuring Rogan Josh and Yakhni at this family-friendly restaurant.
Located near the Boulevard Road along Dal Lake.
INR 1500, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Take a picturesque Shikara ride on Dal Lake, exploring the floating gardens and vibrant markets.
Shikara boats are available right from the houseboat docking area.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Explore Mughal Gardens

Visit the beautiful Mughal Gardens - Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, known for their stunning floral displays.
A short taxi ride from Dal Lake.
INR 250, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at Ahdoos Restaurant

Savor traditional Kashmiri cuisine including Dum Aloo and Seekh Kebabs in a beautiful ambiance.
A well-known restaurant a short drive from the gardens.
INR 1800, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Gulmarg Day Trip

Gulmarg, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at the Houseboat

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with local breads and Sheer Chai before your day trip to Gulmarg.
Breakfast is provided on board the houseboat.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel to Gulmarg

Head to Gulmarg, known for its skiing and breathtaking views.
Private taxi service from Srinagar to Gulmarg takes about 2 hours.
INR 3000, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Gulmarg Gondola Ride

Take the iconic Gondola ride to Khilanmarg for panoramic views perfect for family photos.
Gondola station is a short walk from the main square.
INR 1000, 2.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at the Glacier Restaurant

Enjoy a meal with breathtaking views at the Glacier Restaurant, trying local specialties.
Located near the Gondola station.
INR 1500, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Gulmarg Meadow

Take a leisurely stroll in the lush meadows, perfect for children to play and enjoy nature.
Easily accessible from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Return to Srinagar

Journey back to your houseboat to rest after a delightful day.
Same taxi hired for the morning.
Included, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Pavilion Restaurant

Wrap up the day with dinner at this family-friendly site, with a variety of international dishes.
Located in the center of Srinagar.
INR 1600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Pahalgam Day Trip

Pahalgam, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Start the day with soft naan and paneer dishes at a nearby café.
Choose any local café near your houseboat.
INR 1200, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel to Pahalgam

Venture to Pahalgam, known for its lush valleys and the Lidder River.
Private taxi service to Pahalgam takes around 2.5 hours.
INR 3500, 2.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Betaab Valley

Explore the stunning Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood film, perfect for family picnics.
A short drive from Pahalgam town center.
INR 200, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Pack a Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch in the beautiful natural surroundings.
Order lunch-to-go from a local restaurant.
INR 1000, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Horse Riding in Pahalgam

Experience family-friendly horse riding along the Lidder River or surrounding hills.
Horse rentals are available at various points in Pahalgam.
INR 700, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Explore Aru Valley

Visit Aru Valley, an idyllic place perfect for leisurely walks and coordination of local wildlife.
Accessible by taxi from Pahalgam.
INR 300, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Return to Srinagar

Travel back to Srinagar to relax.
Same taxi for the entire day.
Included, 2.5 hours

9:00 PM

Dinner at The Cafe 1947

Enjoy a cozy dining experience with pizza and pasta in this family-friendly café.
Located in the center of Srinagar.
INR 1400, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Rest Day in Srinagar

Srinagar, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast on Houseboat

Savor a relaxing breakfast and take in the morning views of Dal Lake.
Breakfast prepared fresh in the houseboat.
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Shankaracharya Temple

Explore the historical Shankaracharya Temple, offering panoramic views of Srinagar.
A short cab ride from the houseboat.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Visit Local Markets

Stroll through the bustling Lal Chowk markets for shopping and cultural insights.
Located nearby Shankaracharya Temple.
Free, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Restaurant Jhelum

Indulge in an extensive range of Kashmiri dishes at this local favorite.
Located in the Lal Chowk area.
INR 1800, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Pashmina Shawl Workshop

Take a guided tour of a Pashmina shawl workshop to learn the intricate art of weaving.
Various workshops are available in the city.
INR 500, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Relax by Dal Lake

Unwind by Dal Lake and let your children feed the ducks as evening falls.
Right outside your houseboat.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Grand Mumtaz

Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring a mix of North Indian and Kashmiri dishes.
A cab ride away from Dal Lake.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Sonmarg Adventure

Sonmarg, India

6:30 AM

Early Breakfast at Houseboat

Enjoy a traditional breakfast before your early start to Sonmarg.
Breakfast served on the houseboat.
Included, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Sonmarg

Journey to the mesmerizing valley of Sonmarg known for its snow-capped peaks.
Taxi ride to Sonmarg will take approximately 2.5 hours.
INR 3500, 2.5 hours

10:30 AM

Visit Thajiwas Glacier

Experience snow activities like sledding at Thajiwas Glacier, a great spot for families.
Horse ride available from Sonmarg to the glacier.
INR 2000, 3 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Enjoy a simple yet delightful meal filled with local flavors at a roadside dhaba.
Available in Sonmarg.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore the Valley

Take a short easy trek or enjoy nature walks with your family around the beautiful valley.
Multiple trails available from Sonmarg.
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Return to Srinagar

Head back to Srinagar to relax after a fulfilling day.
Taxi will take you back to Srinagar.
Included, 2.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at NPreviousablissement

Wrap up your active day with a hearty dinner featuring various cuisines.
Located in central Srinagar.
INR 1800, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Betab Valley & Aru Basin

Aru Valley, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Houseboat

Savor a calm breakfast to start another adventurous day at Betab Valley.
Breakfast served on the houseboat.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Journey to Betab Valley

Travel back towards Pahalgam to explore the breathtaking Betab Valley.
Private taxi ride will take around 2 hours.
INR 3000, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Betab Valley

Have a family day filled with relaxation, photography, and exploring the lush landscapes.
Entrance to the valley is well-marked.
INR 200, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Picnic Lunch in the Valley

Enjoy lunch amidst nature and take in the stunning scenery.
Pack a lunch-to-go from a local eatery.
INR 1000, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Aru Valley Excursion

Visit Aru Valley for serene landscapes and a chance to see local wildlife.
Short taxi ride from Betab Valley.
INR 300, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Return to Srinagar

Travel back and relax at your houseboat before dinner.
Using the same taxi.
Included, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Wazwan

Dine in a traditional restaurant enjoying the famous Wazwan menu of Kashmiri dishes.
Located in central Srinagar.
INR 2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Dachigam National Park

Srinagar, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at the Houseboat

Breakfast served on the houseboat, preparing for an exciting day ahead.
In the houseboat dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Dachigam National Park

Head towards Dachigam National Park, home of the endangered Hangul deer.
Taxi ride will take approximately 1 hour.
INR 1000, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Wildlife Safari

Embark on a guided safari to explore the rich biodiversity and see wildlife.
Dachigam has designated safari areas.
INR 1500, 2.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Enjoy local food at a nearby dhaba after the safari experience.
Available near the park entrance.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Nature Trails

After lunch, walk along designated trails to enjoy the natural scenery.
Trail maps are available at the visitor center.
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Return to Srinagar

Return to Srinagar for a restful evening.
Same taxi will bring you back.
Included, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Mughal Dastak

Enjoy dinner amidst Mughal-inspired decor and sample various dishes.
Located near Dal Lake.
INR 2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Departure Day

Srinagar, India

8:00 AM

Farewell Breakfast

Savor a final breakfast at your houseboat, cherishing the last moments on Dal Lake.
Breakfast prepared fresh in the houseboat.
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Shopping for Souvenirs

Last-minute shopping for Pashmina shawls and Kashmir handicrafts.
Visit the local markets or shopkeepers near the houseboat.
Variable, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Check-out from Houseboat

Check-out from your houseboat and prepare for your journey back.
Check-out seamless from your houseboat.
Included, 30 minutes

12:00 PM

Transfer to Airport

Travel back to Srinagar Airport for your departure.
Taxi ride will take around 30 minutes.
INR 500, 30 minutes
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