The Most Popular 7 Days Itinerary to Explore Kashmir With Family

As an entrepreneur in the travel and tourism industry, the question I most faced in my career of 10 years is whether it is safe to visit Kashmir.

It is quite unfortunate that many people still consider visiting Kashmir a risky business of its past battered by insurgency. Though safety is a valid concern for tourists, today, Kashmir has come out of its radical past and is emerging as a safe tourist destination once again.

Having experienced a lot about the marvelous attractions of Kashmir, I can easily suggest lots of itineraries for Kashmir but all these must be of at least 10 days to be perfect. So it's really very difficult to suggest a perfect itinerary for 7 days Kashmir Tour Packages. However here I am trying to give some ideas for an itinerary 0f 7 Days including the most visited and safest places in Kashmir.

Day 01: Arrival at Srinagar and Local Sightseeing

Arrive at the Srinagar International Airport and take a ride to the New Srinagar city where you can find most hotels. From the airport, it is a 35 minutes drive. You will pass the Abdullah bridge which joins the banks of the Jhelum river.

Then you can go for a half-day of local sightseeing that includes the Nishat Bag and Shalimar Bag. Constructed in the Mughal era these two gardens are now becoming heritage sites to visit for tourists. With a panoramic view of the Zabarwan hills, the gardens boast lush lawns, blossoming flowers and cascading springs.

Later drive to Dal Lake, the heart of Srinagar City for a Shikara Ride. This ride trips you past some amazing aquatic life and vegetable gardens. Visit Chinar Park consisting of three islands where you can relish campfires, fishing sports in the water, musical fountains, swings, kiosks and cultural affairs at the open-air theatre.

Take a stroll on the Boulevard Road that encircles Dal Lake. This is the main road of Srinagar city where you can find all commercial things like hotels, restaurants, shops etc.

Day 02: Day Trip to Sonamarg

After breakfast, go out for a day trip to the grand hill station of Sonamarg or Sonmarg. The journey towards Sonamarg will be through a pretty countryside where you will observe rolling mountains, emerald forests, glacier-fed turquoise-coloured rivers and thriving rice fields.

You will pass the town of Kangan which is home to many picturesque villages offering scenic pastures, mesmerizing rivers and mountainous views.

Your next stopover will be at Gagangir which is built in the middle of the Sindh river. Experience the Sindh River in its full glory. Traverse the village and its surroundings. Here you can have a fun-filled Ski session in the winter months.

In Sonmarg take a 3-hour walk or pony ride to the Thajiwas Glacier. Topped by the Thajiwas mountain and surrounded by meadows, conifer trees and frozen lakes, it is one of the most beautiful sights you will ever come across. Building snowmen & enjoying a sledging ride are the most famous activities among many. You can also go for a short hike to the waterfalls that surround the Thajiwas Glacier.

Return to Srinagar by late evening for the overnight stay.

Day 03: Day Trip to Doodh-e-Pathri and Yusmarg

Today after breakfast go out for a trip to Doodhpathri, another bowl-shaped valley with carpeted green meadows, located 42 kilometres from Srinagar. A flowing stream resonates with the gentle breeze blowing through the pine trees that line the valley's boundaries. Due to the large quantities of rich milk it produces, it is also known as a "VALLEY OF MILK."

Driving to Yusmarg, later on, is a pleasure in and of itself. You'll be speechless when you see the magnificent snow-capped mountains against the backdrop of lush pastures that cover acres and dense pine forests.

Return to Srinagar by late evening for the overnight stay.

Day 04: Srinagar to Gulmarg (52 Km)

After early morning breakfast starts for a full-day tour of Gulmarg. Gulmarg is one of the most charming hill resorts in the Kashmir valley. There are many places in the journey to make a stopover to click some postcard-perfect photographs. Your journey will be through idyllic hamlets, wildflowers and the poplar trees lined on both sides of the road.

Gulmarg owns Asia's highest and longest cable car project which is commonly identified as Gulmarg Gondola.

The first phase operates between Gulmarg and Kongdori. Visit Kangdori Seven Springs which is a natural water reserve, where seven springs originate from. Walk 3 Km to visit the Meadows of Khilanmarg.

The second phase goes up to the rocky mountain of Alpatthar commencing from Kongdori. At times you will find yourself moving through clouds, making the ride a fantasy. From here, you can get a captivating panoramic view of the entire valley of Kashmir. From there proceed to visit the perennially frozen Alpatthar Lake. Enjoy the sight of some rare wildflowers blooming abound. Visit Shark Fin which is the main attraction of Mount Apharwat. The sheer slopes of Shark Fin provide the best chance to ski through the powdery white snow.

If you need a more thrilling experience then go for the third phase which has 90 chairlifts that operate from the shoulder of Mt. Apharwat to Mary's Shoulder, the highest point of the Apharwat Peak.

Visit the highest golf course in the world situated in Gulmarg.

Overnight stay at Gulmarg.

Day 05: Gulmarg to Pahalgam (150 Km)

Morning start your drive towards Pahalgam via Pampore, Awantipura and the village of Bijbehara which is famous as the Bread Basket of Kashmir. En route view the Saffron Fields at Pampore. Take photo stops at apple valleys and walnut plantations. Visit Awantipura Ruins of an 1100 yr old temple of Lord Vishnu. Visit the Ruins of Martand Sun Temple which was a Kashmiri Hindu temple dedicated to Surya and built during the 8th century.

Arrive at Pahalgam which Is a popular tourist destination and hill station of Kashmir. The sight of the pristine water of the Lidder river flowing through the rich green meadows attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. Spend a quality amount of time here.

Day 06: Pahalgam Sightseeing

Early Morning Hike to Baisaran Valley which is located just 5 kilometres from Pahalgam. It will take you around 60 minutes. You can also reach Baisaran by Pony Ride from Pahalgam.

After breakfast, depart for an excursion trip to Chandanwadi, the Starting Point of Amarnath Yatra & Betab valley. Enjoy the scenic and rocky valleys of Chandanwadi, Snow Point. Visit Betab Valley located on the way to Chandanwari. It was named 'Betaab' after the Bollywood movie of the same name! Earlier it was known as Hajan Valley. After the release of the movie, it was renamed Betab Valley as the major part of the movie was shot here.

Afternoon proceeds for a trip to Aru Valley – Aru Valley is a tourist spot 11 km from Pahalgam noted for its scenic meadows, and mountains, it is a base camp for trekking to the Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake. The village lies on the left bank of the Aru river, which is a tributary of the Lidder river.

Dinner & Overnight at the hotel in Pahalgam.

Day 07: Departure

Transfer to Srinagar Airport for your onward journey following breakfast.