Kashmir with family: lake, glacier and valleys

Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar

Srinagar

• Shikara ride on Dal Lake · 2 h. Hourly rates per boat are posted at the ghats on Boulevard Road; agree the route (Char Chinari, the floating gardens, Nehru Park) before you set off. Sunset is the classic time.
• Hazratbal shrine and the Nigeen shore · 1.5 h. The white marble shrine on the lake's north shore; remove shoes, dress modestly, and note that women may enter only part of it.

Local tip: Hourly rates per boat are posted at the ghats on Boulevard Road; agree the route (Char Chinari, the floating gardens, Nehru Park) before you set off. Sunset is the classic time.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Srinagar

Srinagar

• Shalimar, Nishat and Chashme Shahi gardens · 4 h. Terraced 17th-century Mughal gardens along the lake's east shore, each with a small entry fee. Add Pari Mahal above Chashme Shahi for the view over Dal.

Local tip: Terraced 17th-century Mughal gardens along the lake's east shore, each with a small entry fee. Add Pari Mahal above Chashme Shahi for the view over Dal.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Doodhpathri meadows day trip

Srinagar

• Doodhpathri meadows day trip · 7 h. About 2h from Srinagar via Budgam: wide meadows, pine forest and the Shaliganga river. Pony rides from the parking area follow posted rates; carry lunch as food is basic.

Local tip: About 2h from Srinagar via Budgam: wide meadows, pine forest and the Shaliganga river. Pony rides from the parking area follow posted rates; carry lunch as food is basic.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Srinagar → Sonamarg

Sonamarg · Srinagar to Sonamarg, Car ~2.5h

• Thajiwas glacier walk or pony ride · 3.5 h. About 3 km from the taxi stand to the glacier's snout and snowfields; walk it or take a pony at the posted rate.

Local tip: About 3 km from the taxi stand to the glacier's snout and snowfields; walk it or take a pony at the posted rate.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Sonamarg → Pahalgam

Pahalgam · Sonamarg to Pahalgam, Car ~4.5h

• Betaab valley · 2.5 h. A riverside park in a green bowl named after the film shot here; combine it with Chandanwari in one union-taxi trip.

Local tip: A riverside park in a green bowl named after the film shot here; combine it with Chandanwari in one union-taxi trip.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Explore Pahalgam

Pahalgam

• Aru valley · 3.5 h. A 12 km union-taxi ride up the Lidder to open meadows and a small village; base for longer treks with a guide.
• Rafting on the Lidder · 2 h. Mostly grade II–III stretches near Yannar from about May to August; operators provide helmets and jackets — insist on them.

Local tip: A 12 km union-taxi ride up the Lidder to open meadows and a small village; base for longer treks with a guide.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Explore Pahalgam

Pahalgam

• Chandanwari snow point · 3 h. A snow bridge often lasts into early summer. Reserved for pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra; check access locally.
• Lidder riverside walk and Mamleshwar temple · 2 h. Walk along the river from the town to the small stone Mamleshwar Shiva temple across the bridge.

Local tip: A snow bridge often lasts into early summer. Reserved for pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra; check access locally.

Open day 7 route in Google Maps

Day 8: Depart from Pahalgam

Pahalgam

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.