Kashmir Paradise – 5 Nights / 6 Days

Trip overview

This itinerary covers the four highlights of the Kashmir Valley at a comfortable pace, starting with a night on a traditional houseboat. Breakfast and dinner are included throughout, so you only need to think about lunch stops along the way.

Highlights

• A night on a carved cedar houseboat and a shikara ride on Dal Lake
• The Mughal Gardens — Nishat, Shalimar and Chashme Shahi
• Gulmarg Gondola and snow activities
• Betaab and Aru valleys in Pahalgam, and Thajiwas Glacier in Sonamarg

Day-wise itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar – houseboat stay

Pick-up from Srinagar airport and transfer to your houseboat on Dal or Nigeen Lake. Enjoy a sunset shikara ride past floating gardens and markets. Dinner and overnight on the houseboat.

Day 2: Srinagar to Gulmarg (about 2 hours)

Drive to Gulmarg through apple orchards and pine forests. Ride the Gulmarg Gondola (tickets at your own cost) to Kongdori, or on to Apharwat for snow. Overnight in Gulmarg.

Day 3: Gulmarg to Pahalgam (about 4 hours)

Drive to Pahalgam, stopping at the saffron fields of Pampore and the ruins of the Avantipur temples. Evening by the Lidder River. Overnight in Pahalgam.

Day 4: Pahalgam sightseeing to Srinagar

Explore Betaab Valley, Aru Valley and Chandanwari by local union cab (at your own cost), then return to Srinagar in the evening. Overnight in Srinagar.

Day 5: Sonamarg day trip

Full-day excursion to Sonamarg along the Sindh River. Take a pony ride or local cab to Thajiwas Glacier. Return to Srinagar for the night.

Day 6: Srinagar sightseeing and departure

Visit the Mughal Gardens and Shankaracharya Temple (time permitting), then drop at Srinagar airport.

Good to know

• Prepaid SIM cards from outside Jammu & Kashmir don’t work here — carry a postpaid number.
• Local transport unions operate at Pahalgam and Sonamarg, so outside cabs can’t drive to some viewpoints. We share current rates before you travel.
• In winter, Sonamarg may be replaced with Doodhpathri if the road is closed by snow.

Package FAQs

Can I add a honeymoon special?

Yes — flower decoration, a cake and a candlelight dinner on the houseboat can be added.

Is this package available in winter?

Yes. From December to February, we plan snow activities in Gulmarg and adjust the route to road conditions.