8-Day Family-Friendly Kashmir and Vaishno Devi Itinerary: Scenic Wonders and Spiritual Experiences

Day 1: Arrival and Local Exploration

Srinagar, Kashmir on June 8, 2025

9:00am

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Enjoy a peaceful Shikara boat ride on Dal Lake, soaking in the beautiful reflections of the surrounding mountains and houseboats. Great for all ages and offers a gentle introduction to Kashmir’s beauty.

INR600 per Shikara, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Mughal Gardens

Explore the historic Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, famed for their Mughal architecture and floral artistry, giving insight into Kashmir's rich cultural heritage.

INR100, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Ahdoos Restaurant

Famous for authentic Kashmiri cuisine, Ahdoos offers delicious meals like Rogan Josh and Gustaba, perfect for experiencing local flavours.

Approx. INR600 per person, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Hazratbal Shrine

A serene spiritual site on Dal Lake's northern shore, perfect for a calm afternoon visit.

Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Chinar

Enjoy a relaxed dinner serving both Kashmiri and continental options, suitable for the family.

Approx. INR700 per person, 1h30m

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Day 2: Gulmarg Adventure

Gulmarg, Kashmir on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Srinagar

Start the day with a wholesome breakfast featuring traditional and western options to energise for the day ahead.

Included in accommodation, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Gulmarg (approx. 2h)

A scenic drive to the famed hill station nestled in the Himalayas known for its meadows and gondola rides.

Private vehicle cost varies, 2h0m

11:15am

Gulmarg Gondola Ride

Board the two-stage gondola – one of Asia's highest cable cars – for panoramic views and access to high-altitude meadows. Suitable for families, with safety protocols in place.

INR700 per adult, INR450 per child, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa

Enjoy fine dining with views of Gulmarg's stunning landscapes and a menu featuring global and local dishes.

Approx. INR800 per person, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk through Gulmarg Meadows

Leisurely family walk through flower-strewn meadows perfect for photographs and gentle exploration.

Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to Srinagar

Drive back for overnight stay at Srinagar.

2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Mughal Darbar

Try local delicacies such as kebabs and traditional breads in a family-friendly setting.

Approx. INR600 per person, 1h30m

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Day 3: Pahalgam Nature

Pahalgam, Kashmir on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at the hotel

Start early with a hearty breakfast to prepare for a day of exploration.

Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Pahalgam (3-hour drive)

Enjoy the panoramic views en route to this tranquil valley known for its lush greenery and river streams.

3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Dana Pani, Pahalgam

Offering tasty local and Indian cuisine in a relaxed, kid-friendly ambiance.

Approx. INR500 per person, 1h0m

1:30pm

Betaab Valley Visit

Stroll in this scenic spot named after a Bollywood movie, perfect for family photography amid striking rocky landscapes and greenery.

INR50 per person, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Aru Village

A peaceful village close by with opportunities for light trekking and horse riding, ideal for the kid and adults alike.

Horse riding approx. INR400 per ride, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Heevan Pahalgam

Dine on local and continental dishes in a cosy setting perfect for families.

Approx. INR700 per person, 1h30m

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Day 4: Sonamarg Day Trip

Sonamarg, Kashmir on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a nutritious breakfast before the day trip.

Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Sonamarg (2-hour drive)

Travel to the ‘Meadow of Gold’, famous for its scenic glaciers and river rafting opportunities.

2h0m

10:30am

River Rafting or Pony Ride

For a family-friendly adventure, opt for gentle river rafting or ponies rides along the Sind River (confirm age suitability for the kid).

Rafting approx. INR600 per adult, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at local dhaba

Enjoy simple, rustic food featuring wholesome vegetable and meat dishes typical of the region.

Approx. INR300 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Thajiwas Glacier

A short trek or pony ride takes you to this spectacular glacier offering spectacular views and photo opportunities.

Entry free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Srinagar

Drive back and rest for the evening.

2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Lentil, Cucina Italiana

Experience a change of pace with acclaimed Italian dishes in a family-friendly restaurant.

Approx. INR800 per person, 1h30m

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Day 5: Travel to Jammu

Jammu, India on June 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast and prepare for onward travel.

Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel Srinagar to Jammu by private vehicle (approx. 7 hours)

Relax and enjoy the changing landscapes on this longer drive to Jammu city, the gateway to Vaishno Devi.

Private coach cost varies, 7h0m

4:00pm

Check-in at Jammu hotel and rest

Rest and refresh after the long journey with free time in the evening.

2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at KC Diner

Savour popular local and North Indian dishes in a comfortable setting suitable for families.

Approx. INR600 per person, 1h30m

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Day 6: Katra and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi

Katra, Jammu and Kashmir on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Jammu hotel

Early breakfast to start the spiritual journey at Vaishno Devi.

Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Katra (1.5 hours)

Drive to Katra town, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.

1h30m

10:00am

Check-in at Katra hotel and rest

Settle in and prepare for the trek or helicopter trip to the shrine.

1h0m

11:30am

Light lunch in Katra town

Eat at local eateries offering simple North Indian food to fuel up before the pilgrimage.

Approx. INR300 per person, 1h0m

1:00pm

Vaishno Devi Shrine Visit (Trek or Helicopter)

Start the 12 km trek from Katra to the shrine; families can opt for horses or palanquins for the child and elders. Helicopter services are also available, but require prior booking.

Trek free; Helicopter INR2200-3500 per person one-way, 5h0m (including darshan and return)