10-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary Exploring the Best of Jammu and Kashmir

Day 1: Jammu Exploration

Jammu, India on April 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Gulshan Bakery

Kickstart your day with fresh bakery items and local tea at this popular family-friendly bakery in Jammu.
INR200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Raghunath Temple

Explore this prominent Hindu temple complex, a significant spiritual site for locals and tourists alike, reflecting traditional architecture.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Bahu Fort and Gardens

Enjoy the historic fort accompanied by well-maintained terraced gardens, perfect for family strolls and photo opportunities.
INR50, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Krishna Dhaba

Savour traditional Dogri cuisine with vegetarian friendly dishes in a casual, family-friendly setting.
INR500, 1h

3:00pm

Mubarak Mandi Palace

Visit this beautiful complex showcasing royal architecture and history, a cultural highlight of Jammu.
INR100, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Apna Sweets

End your day with a family dinner featuring local sweets and snacks in a cozy ambiance.
INR300, 1h

Day 2: Srinagar Arrival & Dal Lake

Srinagar, India on April 21, 2025

7:30am

Drive from Jammu to Srinagar

Enjoy a comfortable 7-hour scenic drive north towards Srinagar with mountain views en route.
INR3000, 7h

3:00pm

Check-in at houseboat on Dal Lake

Experience the unique stay on a traditional houseboat perfectly suited for families with captivating lake views.
INR5000, 1h

4:30pm

Shikara ride on Dal Lake

Relax with a peaceful 1-hour boat ride across Dal Lake, witnessing floating gardens and markets, very enjoyable for all ages.
INR600, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ahdoos Restaurant

Dine on authentic Kashmiri dishes like Rogan Josh and Gushtaba in a family-friendly and traditional setting.
INR1200, 1h30m

Day 3: Srinagar Gardens & Culture

Srinagar, India on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chai Jaai

Enjoy hearty breakfast with locally made bread and tea at this cozy cafe loved by families.
INR350, 1h

9:30am

Visit Shalimar Bagh

Explore this grand Mughal garden with beautiful fountains and flower beds, perfect for family nature walks.
INR100, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Nishat Bagh

Just steps from Shalimar, this terraced garden offers spectacular views of Dal Lake and mountains.
INR100, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mughal Darbar

Taste delicious kebabs and traditional Kashmiri wazwan dishes in a family-friendly ambiance.
INR1000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Hazratbal Shrine

Learn about local culture at this important religious site situated on the lake’s edge; visit respectful and take in views.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Shopping at Lal Chowk Market

Browse handicrafts and souvenirs, including famous Kashmiri woollens and paper mâché items.
Variable, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Chinar

Enjoy refined Kashmiri and North Indian cuisine in an elegant yet family-friendly setting near Dal Lake.
INR1500, 1h30m

Day 4: Gulmarg Adventure

Gulmarg, India on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Drive from Srinagar to Gulmarg

Travel for about 2 hours north to Gulmarg, famed for its stunning meadows and mountain activities.
INR1200, 2h

10:30am

Breakfast at The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa

Enjoy a luxurious and family-friendly breakfast with panoramic views of the Gulmarg meadows.
INR800, 1h

11:30am

Gulmarg Gondola Ride

Take Asia’s second-longest cable car to Kongdoori and Apharwat peaks; kids enjoy the thrilling views and fresh air.
INR700, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Bakshi Restaurant

Sample local dishes and snacks, perfect for fueling up after the morning activities.
INR600, 1h

3:30pm

Walk through Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve

Explore trails with the family, spotting unique flora and maybe local wildlife in a calm environment.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Pine Palace

Enjoy a hearty dinner with family-friendly options like grilled meats and vegetarian dishes.
INR1000, 1h30m

Day 5: Pahalgam Nature

Pahalgam, India on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Drive from Gulmarg to Pahalgam

Scenic 4-hour drive to Pahalgam, known for stunning valleys and family-friendly nature walks.
INR1500, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dana Pani

Enjoy traditional Kashmiri and Mughlai flavors in a relaxed environment suitable for families.
INR800, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Betaab Valley

Spend the afternoon enjoying this picturesque valley with easy walking paths and peaceful river views ideal for children.
INR50, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Pahalgam Town

Relax and explore the small shops and cafes in the town center with family-friendly snacks.
Variable, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Pine Palace Pahalgam

Dine on local and Indian dishes with a warm, comfortable atmosphere for kids.
INR1000, 1h30m

Day 6: Pahalgam Day Hikes

Pahalgam, India on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a nourishing breakfast including local breads and fruits to prepare for a day outdoors.
Included in stay, 1h

8:30am

Trek to Aru Valley

An easy and family-friendly trek offering spectacular views and fresh air, suitable for kids with some walking stamina.
Free, 3h

12:00pm

Picnic lunch in Aru Valley

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch amid beautiful meadows and rivers, bonding time for the family.
Self-arranged, 1h

1:30pm

Return to Pahalgam

Leisurely walk back to the town, stopping by shops or cafés as desired.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Rest and local sightseeing

Relax or explore nearby temples and local culture in town.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Heevan

End the day dining on diverse family-friendly dishes in a calming setting.
INR900, 1h30m

Day 7: Sonamarg Journey

Sonamarg, India on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Drive from Pahalgam to Sonamarg

Embark on a roughly 4-hour drive to Sonamarg, famous for alpine meadows and rivers.
INR1500, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at local dhaba

Enjoy simple, authentic meals such as freshly made roti and vegetable dishes suited for children.
INR400, 1h

2:00pm

Thajiwas Glacier visit

Take a short trek or pony ride to the glacier for an exciting experience; safe and enjoyable for families.
INR300, 2h

5:00pm

Explore local market

Shop for local souvenirs and handicrafts in a peaceful setting.
Variable, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Glacier Heights

Enjoy fresh trout fish dishes and family-friendly Indian meals with mountain views.
INR1200, 1h30m

Day 8: Sonamarg Exploration

Sonamarg, India on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

A wholesome breakfast featuring fresh bread, eggs, and local fruits to energize for the day.
Included, 1h

9:30am

River rafting on Sind River

Family-friendly rafting sessions arranged with expert guides, perfect for a thrilling yet safe adventure.
INR1500, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Sonamarg

Relish light meals and refreshing drinks that appeal to both adults and kids.
INR600, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Nilagrad River confluence

Explore this beautiful meeting point of rivers with gentle strolls and photography opportunities.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Relax at hotel

Enjoy downtime with family in comfortable surroundings.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Glacier Heights

Try regional delicacies and kid-friendly dishes to round off your day.
INR1200, 1h30m

Day 9: Return to Srinagar

Srinagar, India on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Drive from Sonamarg to Srinagar

Morning 2-hour drive back to Srinagar to revisit preferred spots or relax.
INR1200, 2h

10:30am

Visit Shankaracharya Temple

Explore this hilltop temple with panoramic views of Srinagar, suitable for families with older children due to some steps.
INR50, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Shamyana Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed lunch serving delicious Kashmiri and North Indian dishes perfect for all family members.
INR1000, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at the houseboat

Enjoy leisure time on the houseboat with stunning views, ideal for rest after several days of travel.
Included, 3h

6:00pm

Evening walk at waterfront

Take a gentle stroll along Dal Lake promenade, soaking in the serenity and local vibe.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ahdoos Restaurant

Savour your final dinner in Kashmir with a variety of family-friendly dishes in a welcoming atmosphere.
INR1500, 1h30m

Day 10: Departure from Srinagar

Srinagar, India on April 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at houseboat

Enjoy a light breakfast and final moments by the lake before departure.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Srinagar Airport

Head to the airport approximately 1 hour before your flight for timely departure.
INR800, 1h