Summer in Kashmir: Family-Friendly Itinerary, Travel Tips & Must-Visit Spots

Introduction

Dreaming of a summer escape to the cool Himalayas? Kashmir transforms into a lush paradise during the warmer months. Between March and June temperatures hover around 15-30°C, making it the perfect time to trade city heat for alpine meadows, calm lakes and snow-dusted peaks. In this guide we share a family-friendly itinerary, insider travel tips, cultural highlights and mouth-watering food recommendations to help you plan an unforgettable summer holiday in “Paradise on Earth.”

7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Srinagar & Houseboat Stay

• Arrive at Srinagar airport and meet your friendly Travel Execute guide.
• Check into a traditional wooden houseboat on Dal or Nigeen Lake; it’s the most relaxing way to experience Kashmiri hospitality.
• Enjoy an evening shikara ride as the sun sets over the Himalayas, then savour a home-cooked Kashmiri meal on board.

Day 2 – Explore Srinagar’s Mughal Gardens & Old City

• Start at Shankaracharya Temple for panoramic views of the valley.
• Wander through the terraced Mughal Gardens – Shalimar, Nishat and Chashme Shahi – where fountains and flowers bloom in summer.
• Visit the Hazratbal Shrine and stroll through the old city’s bustling bazaars; shop for Pashmina shawls, papier-mâché artefacts and dried fruits.
• End your day with a romantic night on the houseboat or at a boutique hotel.

Day 3 – Sonamarg & Thajiwas Glacier

• A 2-hour drive through saffron fields and villages leads to Sonamarg (“Meadow of Gold”).
• Families can picnic by the Sindh River while adventure seekers take a pony ride or trek to the Thajiwas Glacier.
• Try trout fishing and enjoy piping hot Kahwa in a meadow café.

Day 4 – Gulmarg Adventure

• Gulmarg is a ski resort that turns into a verdant golfing and hiking paradise in summer.
• Ride the famous Gulmarg Gondola, the second longest and second highest cable car in the world, to 3,980 m and soak in sweeping views of snow-capped peaks.
• Play a round of golf at the world’s highest green, go mountain biking, or simply picnic among wildflowers.

Day 5 – Pahalgam & Betaab Valley

• Drive to Pahalgam, stopping at Pampore’s saffron fields and the Avantipur ruins.
• Explore Betaab Valley (named after a Bollywood film), Aru Valley and Baisaran (“Mini Switzerland”); go river rafting on the Lidder River or take a pony ride through pine forests.
• Enjoy local Wazwan dishes at a riverside restaurant.

Day 6 – Offbeat Meadows: Doodhpathri or Yusmarg

• Choose an offbeat day trip to Doodhpathri (“Valley of Milk”) or Yusmarg. These high-altitude meadows are perfect for serene walks, family picnics and easy treks.
• Revel in panoramic views, stream-side tea and stories from local shepherds.

Day 7 – Shopping & Departure

• Spend your last morning shopping at Lal Chowk and Polo View Market for handicrafts, spices and dry fruits.
• Enjoy one last cup of noon chai before your flight home.
• Your Travel Execute team will transfer you to the airport and assist with check-in.

Travel Tips for a Perfect Summer in Kashmir

• Best Season: Summer in Kashmir begins in March and lasts until early June, offering pleasant weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Book flights and accommodation early, as this is peak season.
• What to Pack: Light woollens for cool mornings and evenings, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and a good camera. Bring rainwear if visiting in July.
• Permits & Safety: No special permits are required for major tourist areas, but carry valid ID. Check weather forecasts and road conditions, especially when travelling to Sonamarg or Gulmarg.
• Local Etiquette: Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering temples or shrines. Seek permission before photographing locals.
• Transport: Hire a car with a local driver or let Travel Execute arrange your transfers and sightseeing for a stress-free holiday.

Cultural Highlights

• Houseboats & Shikara Rides: Experience Kashmir’s unique houseboat culture on Dal and Nigeen Lakes. The ornately carved wooden boats have cosy rooms, and shikaras (gondola-style boats) ferry you through floating markets and lotus gardens.
• Mughal Gardens: These Persian-style gardens feature cascading terraces, fountains and stunning views – perfect for family picnics and photos.
• Local Crafts: Take home hand-knotted carpets, intricate papier-mâché decor, walnut wood carvings and fine Pashmina shawls.
• Festivals: Summer coincides with pilgrimages to Vaishno Devi and Amarnath. Ask our team about festival dates to add a cultural experience to your itinerary.

Flavourful Kashmiri Cuisine

• Wazwan Specialities: Savour Rogan Josh (spiced lamb curry), Yakhni (yoghurt-based lamb), Rista and Gushtaba (meatballs), Dum Aloo (baby potatoes) and Haak Saag (collard greens). These dishes are slow-cooked in aromatic spices.
• Street Eats & Snacks: Try Nadur Monje (crispy lotus stem fritters), Seekh Tujj kebabs, Butter Tea (noon chai) and sweet Kehwa infused with saffron and almonds.
• Sweet Treats: End meals with Phirni (rice pudding) or Shufta (dry fruit dessert).

Must-Visit Spots & Experiences

• Dal & Nigeen Lakes: Glide across mirror-like waters on a shikara, visit floating gardens and stay overnight on a houseboat.
• Gulmarg: Home to the record-breaking gondola, lush meadows and golfing greens.
• Sonamarg: Gateway to high-altitude treks and the pristine Thajiwas Glacier.
• Pahalgam: Gateway to Betaab Valley, Aru Valley and river rafting on the Lidder.
• Offbeat Meadows: Doodhpathri, Yusmarg and Gurez Valley offer serene escapes.
• Cultural Sites: Shankaracharya Temple, Hazratbal Shrine and Khanqah-e-Moula showcase Kashmir’s spiritual heritage.

Plan Your Summer Escape with Travel Execute

Ready to trade scorching cities for cool mountain breezes? Travel Execute crafts tailor-made Kashmir summer packages for families, travel agents and adventure seekers. From arranging houseboat stays and guided treks to booking flights and local transport, we handle every detail so you can focus on creating memories.

Contact us today to customise your Kashmir summer holiday:

📧 Email: info@travelexecute.com
📍 Location: Srinagar, Kashmir

Click the button below to chat with our travel experts on WhatsApp.