5-Day Family Kashmir Journey: Hidden Gems and Iconic Wonders

Day 1: Welcome to Srinagar

Srinagar, Kashmir on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mughal Darbar

Start your day with authentic Kashmiri breakfast including kehwa and local breads. The restaurant opens at 8 AM and offers a family-friendly ambiance.
INR500, 1h0m

9:30am

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Experience the calm waters of Dal Lake on a traditional shikara boat with views of houseboats and floating gardens. Available from 9 AM to 6 PM.
INR600, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Mughal Gardens (Shalimar Bagh & Nishat Bagh)

Explore these beautiful terraced gardens with fountains and scenic lake views; open 9 AM to 6 PM.
INR50, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Ahdoos Restaurant

Delight in traditional dishes like Rogan Josh and Gushtaba in a warm atmosphere. Open 12 PM to 3 PM.
INR800, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Polo View Gardens

A lesser-known garden offering peaceful ambiance and stunning views of the Dal Lake less crowded by tourists.
INR30, 1h0m

4:30pm

Visit Hari Parbat Fort and Temple

Discover this historic hill overlooking Srinagar with a blend of temples, mosques, and a fort. Open until sunset.
INR20, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Chinar

Relax with a Kashmiri dinner in a cozy family-friendly environment. Opens at 6 PM.
INR900, 1h30m

Day 2: Gulmarg and Nature's Peace

Gulmarg, Kashmir on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Srinagar

Enjoy a simple breakfast before your mountain adventure.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Gulmarg

Take the scenic 2-hour drive to Gulmarg through lush greenery.
Transport INR1000, 2h0m

10:30am

Gondola Ride to Apharwat Peak

Experience panoramic mountain views on one of the world’s highest cable car rides, operating from 9 AM to 5 PM.
INR700, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Highland Park Restaurant

Sampling local Kashmiri and continental dishes with mountain vistas.
INR700, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Yousmarg Meadows

A less touristy meadow around 20 km from Gulmarg featuring open grasslands, pine forests, and gentle hikes for families.
Free, 1h30m

4:15pm

Explore Bangus Valley

Drive about 1 hour from Gulmarg to this serene and less crowded natural valley known for its untouched beauty, ideal for peaceful family walks and nature appreciation.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Drive back to Srinagar

Return to Srinagar for overnight stay.
Transport INR1000, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Mughal Darbar

Enjoy Kashmiri cuisine classics in a cozy, family setting.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 3: Pahalgam and Hidden Gems

Pahalgam, Kashmir on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel, Srinagar

Start early with traditional breakfast to prepare for the day’s journey.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Pahalgam

Scenic 3-hour drive through mountainous terrain, arriving midday.
Transport INR1500, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Betaab Valley

Explore this iconic valley’s lush beauty and crystal-clear streams perfect for family picnics.
INR30, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Heevan Pahalgam

Savor fresh local trout and Kashmiri dishes in a family-friendly spot.
INR750, 1h0m

2:30pm

Aru Village Visit

A charming, less crowded village nearby with scenic walks, pony rides, and local handicrafts, ideal for families.
INR100, 1h0m

3:45pm

Explore Lidderwat

A peaceful, less-visited natural spot near Aru Village nestled along the Lidder River with mesmerizing views and gentle trails for family relaxation.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Explore Chandanwari

Starting point for the famous Amarnath Yatra with beautiful meadows and less tourist footfall.
Free, 1h0m

6:45pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring Kashmiri and North Indian delicacies.
Included, 1h0m

Day 4: Sonamarg and Secluded Spots

Sonamarg, Kashmir on June 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel, Pahalgam

Have a hearty breakfast before the road trip.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Sonamarg

Enjoy a 3-hour mountain drive with breathtaking views en route.
Transport INR1600, 3h0m

11:30am

Explore Sonamarg Glacier and Hiking

Visit the glacier areas with light hikes for families; a refreshing experience amid pristine nature.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Glacier Bloom Restaurant

Dine on local cuisine with magnificent mountain scenery.
INR700, 1h0m

2:45pm

Visit Nichnai Waterfalls

A hidden gem close to Sonamarg, these majestic waterfalls are perfect for short treks and family photos.
INR50, 1h0m

4:00pm

Stop at Zojila Viewpoint

A scenic lookout offering spectacular views of the Zojila Pass—rarely visited by tourists on this route.
Free, 30m

4:30pm

Return to Srinagar

Drive back to Srinagar for your final evening.
Transport INR1600, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ahdoos Restaurant

Enjoy your last evening dining on exquisite Kashmiri dishes in a local favorite restaurant.
INR900, 1h30m

Day 5: Cultural Farewell

Srinagar, Kashmir on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

A relaxing breakfast to start the last day in Srinagar.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Shopping at Lal Chowk and Polo View Markets

Shop for Kashmiri handicrafts, pashmina shawls, and souvenirs; markets open around 9 AM.
Varies, 2h0m

11:30am

Haer Wali Bagh Visit

A peaceful, hidden garden with beautiful blossoms and fewer tourists, perfect for family photo ops and quiet time.
INR20, 1h0m

12:45pm

Visit Shankaracharya Temple

Climb to the hilltop temple to enjoy panoramic views and ancient architecture.
INR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Chinar Café

Light meals and bakery treats in a welcoming setting for families.
INR600, 1h0m

3:30pm

Hotel Checkout and Departure

Collect luggage and transfer to Srinagar Airport or railway station for onward journey.
Transport varies, 1h30m