Kashmir, a place where every moment seems to be painted with hues of serenity and beauty. Nestled in the northernmost part of India, Kashmir is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and pristine valleys. A journey to Kashmir is akin to stepping into a realm of surreal beauty, where every turn unveils a new vista that captivates the soul.
I have here a very practical 6 days Kashmir itinerary for a budget trip with family to help you plan that trip awesome! From exploring the iconic Dal Lake to embarking on thrilling adventures amidst the towering mountains, this itinerary is designed to immerse you in the essence of Kashmir, ensuring an unforgettable experience that will linger in your memories for years to come.
Is 6 Days Enough for a Kashmir Trip with Family
Home to some of the most beautiful valleys, situated on the foothills of the Himalayas, Kashmir is in every sense the paradise on earth. In your lifetime you should visit Kashmir at least once to witness this mesmerizing beauty.
Kashmir has some of the most stunning Mughal Gardens, some of the largest serene lakes, and is a very culturally vibrant region. Be it the gentle swaying of the shikaras on the Dal Lake or the joy of relishing a large platter of wazwan with your family or the fun in having a snowball fight on the mountains of Gulmarg, Kashmir offers some of the best experiences to make a family trip memorable.
One of the first questions that come to your mind while planning a trip to Kashmir is how many days are needed for the Kashmir trip? There is so much to explore and you don’t want to miss out on anything. While you may not be able to cover all the tourist spots, six days is enough for a Kashmir trip with family to cover the most popular destinations in Kashmir.
In a six days trip to Kashmir, you can explore Srinagar, Pahalgam Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Doodhpathri. So, without much ado, let me take you through my 6 days itinerary for Kashmir trip with family.
6 Day Itinerary for a Kashmir Trip with Family
In Kashmir, if you are on a self-planned trip, it is best to hire a vehicle and a driver for your entire trip. What you need to do is to call your Srinagar hotel and ask them to arrange a vehicle for your entire trip. Ask your hotel receptionist to provide you with the phone number of the driver.
You then need to call this driver personally and once again confirm him for your entire period of your stay. If you are lucky, you may get a very enthusiastic driver who wouldn’t mind doubling up as a driver cum guide for you.
A trip to Kashmir involve a lot of planning and also knowing the safety and regulatory measures applicable to the place. Check out my comprehensive guide on how to plan a Kashmir trip.
Day 1: Srinagar
On the first day of your trip to Kashmir, you will arrive in Srinagar by flight. There are no international flights to Srinagar. Most flights to Srinagar reach the city either in the morning or early afternoon. If you reach Srinagar in the morning, you can cover Nishat Garden, Dal Lake, and Shalimar Garden comfortably on your first day in Kashmir.
Related post: Srinagar Travel Guide
Nishat Garden
Start your day with a trip to Nishat Garden, the “Garden of Joy”, one of the most popular Persian gardens in Srinagar. Spread over 47 acers, this garden is divided into twelve terraces, overlooking the mighty Zabarwan Range on one side and serene Dal Lake on the other.
The garden is a beautiful landscape of flowerbeds, rhododendrons, and tall pine trees. We were too tired when we got there after the early morning flight. However, the aesthetics of the garden, coupled with the music from the soft gurgle of the water channel flowing across the terraces were enough to calm our senses.
An interesting activity to do in Nishat Garden is to get yourself snapped in Kashmiri attire. Here you will find a shop with Kashmiri clothing, headdress, jewelry, and some props. They will dress you up and click beautiful photographs with the garden as the backdrop. You can get yourself photographed in Kashmiri outfit in any of the gardens in Srinagar. We chose to get ours from Nishat Garden as we were so excited to get the Kashmiri outfit picture.
After clicking the photo, you will need to wait for about half an hour or so to get the prints. You can either spend this time strolling through the park or head for a lunch. There are several restaurants and food joints right outside Nishat Garden and I would suggest you have your lunch from there as our next stop for the day is right across Nishat Garden.
Shikara Ride on Dal Lake
One of the most popular attractions in Srinagar is shikara ride on Dal Lake. A shikara is a small ornate boat made of cedar wood that Kashmiri traders use to conduct trade and transport their good across the large lakes on Srinagar. In the wake of early tourism, the shikara boatmen started taking tourists on the shikara boats to get them across to the other side of the 22 kilometers wide lake.
These boatmen loved to talk. They would point to different attractions you could spot while riding on a shikara, while the traders would sail past them with vegetable or flowers to take them to the market across the lake. This tradition gave birth to what we get in the shikara ride experience today.
There are many “ghats” or shikara boarding points all around Dal and other lakes in Srinagar. When you approach the peddler at a ghat, the first thing they would do is to quote a ridiculously high charge for a shikara ride. You will then have to put your haggling skills to their best use and bring it down to a reasonable price. Anywhere between Rs. 600 to Rs. 1000 is a good price. Up to four adults and two children can ride on a single shikara boat.
As you gently glide on the lake in your shikara, traders of the Dal Lake Floating Market approach you with tea, handicrafts, shawls and what not! The panoramic view of the lake and the Zabarwan Range and the snow-capped Himalayas farther away make for a spectacular view.
Shalimar Bagh
The final stop on your day one in Kashmir in this itinerary is Shalimar Garden. Largest and most famous Mughal Garden in Kashmir, Shalimar Garden was built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife in 1619. Later, in 1630, Jehangir’s son, Shah Jahan, who built Taj Mahal, expanded and transformed it manifold to make it what we see today.
Unlike Nishat Garden where the flowerbeds and shrubs are the main attraction, Shalimar Garden has a lot of trees. The leaves on the chinar trees turn orange and yellow in the autumn months making it a great place to experience fall, while cherry and almond blossoms make it a sight to behold in spring.
We were really exhausted by the time we got to Shalimar Garden and so we just found ourselves a nice clean spot and sat there quietly for a couple of hours. I would suggest you to not plan anything more than these three attractions on your first day as there will be considerable travel on all days you are going to spend exploring places other than Srinagar.
Day 2: Pahalgam
Pahalgam is a beautiful valley destination to the east of Srinagar located just about 90 kilometres away. There is plenty to explore in Pahalgam so start your trip as early in the morning as you can.
There are four different valleys to visit in Pahlagam called Baisaran Valley, Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and Chandanwadi. In order to reach Bisaran Valley, you will need to take a horse-riding activity from the Pahalgam taxi stand and the horsemen will try to charge you exorbitant rates.
Of course, you can negotiate, but when we visited Baisaran Valley, we felt that it was not worth the money we paid or the dangerous path we rode the horses to reach there. As I mention in my Pahalgam tourist scams blog, I would suggest you to skip by Baisaran Valley and do just the ABC trip.
In order to visit Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and Chandanwadi, you will need to book a separate taxi from the Pahalgam taxi stand. The rates are standard and will be displayed on a board next to the booking counter.
You have to pay at the counter and get the taxi designated to you. You can visit all three places or just Betaab Valley and Chandanwadi depending upon your time. I would suggest you reach early so that you can cover all three.
Aru Valley
Aru Valley is a beautiful natural with plenty of greenery and streams flowing through it. You can spend some quality time here with your family. You can spot shepherds, sheep, and local population moving around in their daily lives here. It is a vast expanse of land and if you would like to explore it really well, you can even take horse rides for additional charges.
If you wish to spend a night in Pahalgam on your trip, note that Aru Valley has several good options.
Betaab Valley
Betaab Valley is a gated park with a postcard-like view of a stream flowing through a meadow of willow and pine trees. It is a picnic spot with tree houses, picnic huts, and a small amusement park for little children.
You need to purchase tickets at the entrance counter to explore the gated valley. This was very different from all the other places we saw in Kashmir because this park had a large area with a lot of willow trees.
The entry fee for Betaab Valley is Rs. 100 for adults and Rs. 50 for children between the age of 6 and 12 years. Entry is free for children below the age of 6.
Chandanwadi
Chandanwadi is located higher up in a mountain terrain and the road to reach there may not be the best roads you have travelled to, but you wouldn’t want to miss it for the views. Chandanwadi, is located approximately 16 kilometers from Pahalgam and at 9500 feet above sea level. At Chandanwadi, you have steep mountainous slopes as it is so higher up.
During the winter months and all the way till May, you will find snow here. Get the gumboots at the shops at the entrance and head on to the steep snowy mountain. You can get sledge right here as well, but I would suggest you keep all your snow activities to Gulmarg and Sonamarg.
Tourist Attractions on the Way to Pahalgam
The route to Pahalgam offers more tourist sites than Pahalgam itself. Some of the stopping points on the way to Pahalgam are apple orchard, saffron field, cricket bat making factory, saffron emporium, and mustard field. Your driver will stop at each of these points and let you have your time taking pictures here.
If you are visiting Pahalgam in the spring, the most beautiful sight you will see on this route will be a mustard field. The bright yellow bloom on the plants turn acres of land yellow, which stand in stark contrast to the bright green mountains and blue sky.
Another interesting spring attraction enroute Pahalgam is apple orchards. You can stop by the roadside orchards to take photos of apple blossom and also get apple juice and homemade apple jams. If you are visiting in early autumn (August to October) you can pluck apples and take them back home for a throwaway price.
For all seasons, a visit to a cricket bat making factory is a must visit on the way to Pahalgam. All the professional cricket bats that are made in India are manufactured in Kashmir using the Kashmiri willows. Stop by one of these factories and if you are lucky, a factory worker will even offer you a free guided tour of the cricket bat making process.
In the evening, return to Srinagar and spend the night there. On the third day visit Gulmarg.
Day 3: Gulmarg
Gulmarg, often referred to as the “Meadow of Flowers,” is a breathtaking hill station and ski resort located in the Pir Panjal range. Renowned for its lush green meadows, snow-covered landscapes, and the iconic Gulmarg Gondola, the highest cable car in the world, Gulmarg is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Located just over 50 km from Srinagar, Gulmarg is a one-and-a-half hours drive from the capital city.
On the way to Gulmarg, your driver will stop at some view points like Strawberry Valley if it is the season. The real fun is when you reach there! The Gondola ride is to two destinations, Kungdoor (Phase 1) and Mount Apharwat (Phase 2).
After a fun day in Gulmarg, you can choose to stay in Gulmarg or return to Srinagar. Everything is expensive in Gulmarg, be it food or accommodation, so if you are on a budget family trip to Kashmir, best return to Srinagar.
Day 4: Doodhpathri
Doodhpathri, a lesser-known gem in the Kashmir Valley, is a pristine meadow surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped mountains. Often referred to as the “Valley of Milk,” Doodhpathri is characterized by its rolling hills, gushing streams, and a serene ambiance.
It is said that the famous saint of Kashmir Sheikh-Ul-Aalaam” when pricked the ground here after his prayers in search of water, instead of water, milk oozed out from the ground. He told the milk that he could not use it and at once the milk transformed into water. The water flowing through the meadow is milky white in color.
Away from the bustling crowds, it offers a tranquil retreat for those seeking solace in nature, making it an ideal destination for picnics, trekking, and unwinding amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Kashmir.
At Doodhpathri too, you can expect horsemen. It is not too far from the parking spot, so you can just walk till there.
Doodhpathri does not have amenities for accommodation. You will need to drive back to Srinagar for the night.
Day 5: Sonamarg
Sonamarg is a rustic meadow situated roughly 80 kilometres north of Srinagar. It is a two hour drive and on a day trip here, you can go visit the Thajiwas Glacier.
It is fairly easy to reach Thajiwas Glacier. At the taxi point Get your gumboots and anything woolen you would like to rent and then go up the mountainous terrain ahead of you. Between December to May, you will find the place covered in snow while for the rest of the year, it is a beautiful green meadow.
Thajiwas Glacier is a viewpoint that is located roughly three kilometres from the taxi stand. You will need to walk this distance and depending upon your speed and the weather conditions, it could take anywhere from 45 minutes to one-and-a-half hours to reach there. At Snow Point, from where you can spot the glacier, you can enjoy some tea and Maggie.
Snow activities like skiing and sledging are available here as well So if for some reason you are not able to visit Gulmarg, you can partake in these activities here in Sonamarg.
Kashmir 6 Day Itinerary – Alternate Day 5: Srinagar
If you do not feel like including Sonamarg in your itinerary I would suggest making use of that day exploring Srinagar. The three places you can check out on the additional day in Srinagar are Hari Parbat, Jamia Masjid, and Hazratbal Shrine.
Hari Parbat
Hari Parbat is a Fort built in the 18th century by the Mughal emperor, Akbar. The fort is a massive structure, with several ramparts, gates, and watchtowers. Hari Parbat is located atop a hill that is home to an ancient temple, a Gurudwara and other structures, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Dal Lake.
It is located high up on a hill and you will need to walk and climb many stairs to reach there. It is a very stunning structure, but most tour packages and taxi drivers who act as drivers do not take you unless you insist. We went up there and loved it!
Jamia Masjid
Jamia Masjid in Srinagar is a historic mosque located in the heart of the city, known for its exquisite architecture and cultural significance. Constructed in the 14th century, the mosque’s grandeur is characterized by its towering spires, impressive domes, and a vast courtyard. It stands as a symbol of religious diversity and harmony, attracting visitors and worshippers alike who come to admire its intricate details and experience the tranquility within its walls.
Hazratbal Shrine
The Hazratbal shrine, nestled on the northern shores of Dal Lake in Srinagar, holds immense religious importance for the Muslim community. The shrine houses the revered relic believed to be the hair of Prophet Muhammad. This sacred place of worship draws pilgrims from across the region, and its pristine white marble architecture against the backdrop of the picturesque lake creates a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
Kashmir 6 Day Itinerary – Day 6: Srinagar
On the sixth and final day, you can take a relaxed tour of Srinagar covering Shankracharya Temple, Chasma Shahi, and Pari Mahal. You can wind up this trip by early afternoon and spent some time shopping for souvenirs.
Shankracharya Temple
Perched atop a hill overlooking the scenic city of Srinagar, the Shankracharya Temple, also known as the Jyeshteshwara temple, is a significant Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in the 9th century by Adi Shankara, the temple’s elevated location offers panoramic views of the Kashmir Valley and Dal Lake.
You will need to ascend a flight of steep steps to reach the temple, and upon arrival, you are not only greeted by the religious sanctity but also by the breathtaking vistas that make the journey to the temple an experience in itself.
Chasma Shahi
Chashma Shahi, nestled in the Zabarwan Range, is a Mughal garden renowned for its natural spring believed to possess healing properties. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, the garden showcases terraced levels adorned with vibrant flowers, fountains, and cascading water channels.
The pristine spring water, revered for its purity, adds to the tranquility of the surroundings, making Chashma Shahi a serene retreat where visitors can relax amidst lush greenery and enjoy the therapeutic ambiance.
Pari Mahal
Pari Mahal, meaning “Fairies’ Abode,” is a historical terraced garden located above Chashma Shahi. Built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, Pari Mahal offers stunning views of Srinagar and the Dal Lake.
The garden is characterized by its unique architectural blend of Islamic and Persian styles, featuring arched doorways, well-maintained terraces, and water channels. Once a center for astronomical studies, Pari Mahal in Srinagar stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Mughal era and provides a peaceful setting for visitors to explore history and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.
Wrapping it Up
Kashmir, with its timeless beauty and warm hospitality, has a way of leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of its visitors. From the tranquil boat rides on Dal Lake to the exhilarating treks amidst the Himalayan vistas, make each day of your trip a tapestry woven with moments of wonder and awe.
Although six days may never be enough to visit every tourist spot in Kashmir, it is sufficient to cover the most popular destinations in Kashmir, including Gulmarg, Doodhpathri, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg.
I hope this Kashmir itinerary for 6 days for family helps you plan your trip efficiently.
