Classic Kashmir
The complete Kashmir circuit: gardens and a houseboat night in Srinagar, a day at Gulmarg's gondola, two nights among the pines at Pahalgam, and a day trip to Sonamarg on the way back — six nights with no drive over three hours.
Day by day
Arrive and settle by the lake
Fly Ahmedabad–Delhi–Srinagar, landing by early afternoon. Our representative meets you at the airport (15 km from the city) and transfers you to your houseboat or hotel on Dal Lake. Afternoon shikara ride through the floating vegetable gardens and Nehru Park, watching the sunset over the Zabarwan hills. Settle in and rest after the flights.
Mughal Gardens and the old city
Morning visit to Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi — the three great Mughal terraced gardens, each about 20–30 minutes apart. If travelling in early-to-mid April, this is the day to add the Tulip Garden, best visited before 10 am. Afternoon at Shankaracharya Temple for the view, then a craft-emporium visit for pashmina and papier-mache. Evening free on the houseboat.
The gondola day
Drive to Gulmarg (56 km, about 1.5–2 hours). Take the Phase 1 gondola to Kongdoori (3,088 m) and, snow and weather permitting, Phase 2 up to Apharwat Peak (3,979 m) — book Phase 2 tickets in advance as they sell out and are capacity-controlled. In winter this is a full snow-play and skiing day; in summer it is cool, green meadows with the same views minus the snow at the base. Return to Srinagar by evening, or overnight in Gulmarg if the season calls for it.
Into the pines
Drive to Pahalgam (90 km, about 2.5–3 hours) via Awantipora, with a stop at the Avantiswami temple ruins if time allows. Check in and take an easy walk along the Lidder river in the afternoon. Pahalgam sits at 2,130 m in a pine valley and is noticeably cooler and quieter than Srinagar.
Betaab Valley and Aru
Full day of local sightseeing by shared taxi (private cars are restricted on some stretches): Betaab Valley, Aru Valley and, road conditions permitting, Chandanwari — the base point for the Amarnath Yatra. Pony rides are available at each stop for those who want them; agree the rate before mounting. Return to Pahalgam by evening for a relaxed dinner.
Sonamarg and back to Srinagar
Drive back towards Srinagar, detouring to Sonamarg (about 3 hours from Pahalgam via Srinagar's ring road). Short pony or shared-vehicle ride to Thajiwas Glacier viewpoint, weather permitting — this road can close after fresh snow. Continue to Srinagar for a last evening; those who prefer can shop for saffron, dry fruit and carpets at a fixed-price emporium.
Fly home
Transfer to Srinagar airport for your flight via Delhi; allow 3 hours before departure as security screening at Srinagar airport is thorough and can be slow. Keep boarding passes and ID handy — checks are frequent right up to the gate.
What's included
- Return Ahmedabad–Srinagar flights via Delhi
- 6 nights: 1 on houseboat, 3 in Srinagar hotels, 2 in Pahalgam hotel
- Private AC vehicle for Srinagar and Gulmarg legs; shared taxi for restricted Pahalgam sightseeing zones
- Daily breakfast and veg dinner
- Gondola Phase 1 ticket at Gulmarg
- Airport pickup and drop
Not included
- Lunches
- Gondola Phase 2 ticket (subject to availability, booked on the day or in advance where possible)
- Pony and sledge rides
- Travel insurance and GST 5%
Indicative cost
Per person, twin sharing
Per person, twin sharing
Per person on twin sharing, indicative, including flights via Delhi at normal fares. Winter (Dec–Feb) and the April tulip season run 15–25% higher due to demand and flight prices.