About This Tour
Overview
Fly from Delhi over the snow ranges into the valley the Mughal emperors called paradise on earth. Begin in Srinagar, where houseboats float on Dal Lake beneath the Zabarwan mountains — cruise its mirrored waters by shikara, visit the floating vegetable gardens, and wander the Mughal gardens of Shalimar, Nishat and Chashme Shahi. Drive up to Gulmarg, the 'meadow of flowers' at 2,650 m, where the Gondola — one of the world's highest cable cars — lifts you towards the 3,979 m summit of Apharwat for staggering Himalayan views and winter skiing. Continue to Pahalgam, 'valley of shepherds', where the Lidder River runs through pine forests at the edge of the Lidderwat valley; walk to the ancient Mamleshwar Temple, ride a pony along the river, or simply soak up the meadow of Baisaran. Return to Srinagar for a final sunset on the lake, fly back to Delhi, and depart with the scent of saffron and chinar leaves.
Duration
10 Nights / 11 Days
Tour Type
Lakes · Meadows · Mountains · Private
Region
Kashmir Valley · North India
Highest Point
Gulmarg Gondola · 3,979 m
Signature Experiences
Shikara Ride · Gondola · Houseboat Stay
Languages
Kashmiri, Hindi, English
Top Experiences
Highlights
Dal Lake & Houseboats
Sleep on a carved wooden houseboat, glide past floating gardens by shikara, and watch the mountains mirror on the still water
Mughal Gardens of Srinagar
Shalimar's terraced waterways, Nishat's chinar avenues and Chashme Shahi's royal spring — the jewel gardens of the Mughal emperors
Gulmarg & the Gondola
The 'meadow of flowers' at 2,650 m and one of the world's highest cable cars — up to 3,979 m of snow and Himalayan panorama
Pahalgam's Pine Valleys
The Lidder River, pony trails to Baisaran meadow and the ancient Mamleshwar Temple in the 'valley of shepherds'
Himalayan Snow Peaks
Saffron sunsets over Nanga Parbat and the Pir Panjal range, seen from the gondola and the lakeside evenings
Delhi Bookends
Old & New Delhi's monuments and bazaars frame the journey, with both internal flights to and from the Kashmir Valley
Visual Journey
Kashmir at a Glance
What's Covered
Includes / Excludes
✓ Included
- Delhi ✈ Srinagar ✈ Delhi airfare (D2 & D9)
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver throughout the valley
- 10 nights accommodation with breakfast — incl. 1 night on a Dal Lake houseboat
- Shikara ride on Dal Lake & entrance to the Mughal gardens (Shalimar, Nishat, Chashme Shahi)
- Gulmarg Gondola (Phase 1) & Pahalgam sightseeing incl. Mamleshwar Temple
- Local guides at Srinagar, Gulmarg & Pahalgam
- Airport transfers (Delhi & Srinagar) & all road taxes
✕ Excluded
- International flights & Indian visa fees
- Lunches, dinners & beverages (unless specified)
- Gondola Phase 2 & ski equipment rental
- Pony rides & optional excursions (e.g. Betaab Valley)
- Travel insurance & personal expenses
- Tips & gratuities for guides, drivers & boatmen
Day by Day
Detailed Itinerary
Day01
Arrive Delhi
Welcome to the capital · Airport transfer
Arrival
- Namaste! Meet your guide and driver at Delhi airport and transfer to your hotel.
- Rest and acclimatise after your flight; dinner at leisure.
- Overnight in Delhi.
Day02
Delhi ✈ Srinagar (by air)
Fly over the snow ranges · Dal Lake evening
Flight
- Morning flight to Srinagar — watch the Himalayas rise below the window.
- Transfer to your houseboat or lakeside hotel on Dal Lake.
- Evening: first shikara cruise through the floating gardens and lotus beds at sunset.
- Overnight in Srinagar.
Day03
Srinagar Sightseeing
Mughal Gardens · Old City · Shikara
Full Day
- Morning: the terraced Shalimar Bagh, then Nishat Bagh and the spring-fed Chashme Shahi.
- Afternoon: the Old City — the wooden Jama Masjid, Shah-e-Hamdan shrine and the spice & saffron bazaars.
- Evening: sunset shikara ride back across Dal Lake; optional evening at the floating market.
- Overnight in Srinagar.
Day04
Srinagar → Gulmarg (by surface 50 km / 02 hrs)
The 'meadow of flowers'
Drive & Explore
- Drive up through pine forests to Gulmarg (2,650 m).
- Afternoon: walk the spring-green meadow, visit St Mary's Church, and ride the Gondola Phase 1 to Kongdori.
- Evening: bonfire and warm Kashmiri kahwa as the peaks turn gold.
- Overnight in Gulmarg.
Day05
Gulmarg at Leisure
Gondola Phase 2 · Snow & skiing
Full Day
- Full day at leisure in Gulmarg.
- Optional: Gondola Phase 2 to Apharwat (3,979 m) for a 360° Himalayan panorama, skiing or sledging in winter, or a pony ride.
- Stroll the flower meadows and local handicraft stalls.
- Overnight in Gulmarg.
Day06
Gulmarg → Pahalgam (by surface 160 km / 04 hrs)
The 'valley of shepherds'
Drive & Explore
- Drive south to Pahalgam (2,130 m), passing the Lidder River's turquoise water.
- Afternoon: walk the riverside promenade and the Mamleshwar Temple.
- Evening: sunset over the pine ridges.
- Overnight in Pahalgam.
Day07
Pahalgam & Baisaran Meadow
Pony trails · Aru Valley
Full Day
- Morning: pony ride or trek to the grassy bowl of Baisaran Meadow — 'mini Switzerland' of Kashmir.
- Afternoon: optional drive to Aru Valley or Betaab Valley (set of the film 'Betaab').
- Try trout fishing on the Lidder or simply picnic by the river.
- Overnight in Pahalgam.
Day08
Pahalgam → Srinagar (by surface 90 km / 03 hrs)
Back to the lake
Drive & Explore
- Drive back to Srinagar along the Lidder and Jhelum rivers.
- Afternoon: the Pari Mahal terrace garden and sunset over Nigeen Lake.
- Optional: evening shopping for Kashmiri pashmina, carpets and papier-mâché in the old bazaars.
- Overnight in Srinagar.
Day09
Srinagar ✈ Delhi (by air)
Fly home over the Himalayas
Flight
- Morning flight from Srinagar to Delhi.
- Afternoon at leisure in Delhi — optional Qutub Minar or Dilli Haat shopping.
- Overnight in Delhi.
Day10
Delhi at Leisure
Old & New Delhi
Full Day
- Day at leisure in Delhi.
- Optional: Humayun's Tomb, the Red Fort, or a food walk through Old Delhi's lanes.
- Pack and prepare for departure.
- Overnight in Delhi.
Day11
Depart Delhi
Airport transfer · Farewell
Departure
- Transfer to Delhi airport for your onward international flight.
- Khuda Hafiz — carry home the mirror of Dal Lake, the snow of Gulmarg and the scent of saffron.
Where You'll Stay
Suggested Stays
Delhi
5★ City Hotel — 1 Night
Central location near Connaught Place
Srinagar
Houseboat / Lakeside Hotel — 2 Nights
Incl. 1 night on a Dal Lake houseboat
Gulmarg
Mountain Resort — 2 Nights
Meadow-front rooms with pine views
Pahalgam
Riverside Resort — 2 Nights
On the banks of the Lidder River
Srinagar (Return)
Lakeside Hotel — 1 Night
Final night on Nigeen or Dal Lake
Delhi (Return)
5★ City Hotel — 2 Nights
Comfortable base before departure
We will arrange and confirm your hotel stays as per the trip and budget — hotel options are not fixed and can be customised to your preference. Contact us for details
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Kashmir?
April to October is ideal for the lakes and meadows — May–June brings apple blossoms and clear skies, while September–October tints the chinar trees gold. December–February transforms Gulmarg into a winter wonderland for snow sports and gondola rides.
Do I need a visa to visit India?
Most nationalities can apply for the Indian e-Tourist Visa online before travel. The Kashmir Valley is fully open to tourists; a valid visa plus photo ID is all that's required. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before departure.
What makes Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam special?
Srinagar is the lake city of houseboats, shikaras and Mughal gardens; Gulmarg is a high-altitude meadow with one of the world's highest gondola rides; Pahalgam is a serene pine valley beside the Lidder River, gateway to the Baisaran and Aru meadows.
What optional activities are available?
Popular additions include the Gondola Phase 2 to Apharwat, skiing and snowboarding in winter, pony rides to Baisaran, trout fishing, a Betaab or Aru Valley excursion, and shopping for pashmina, carpets and Kashmiri saffron. All can be arranged at booking.
What should I pack?
Layers are essential — a warm jacket, sweaters and scarf for the cool evenings (and heavy wool in winter), comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and sunglasses for high altitude, and a light rain shell. Carry a power bank — mountain evenings get cold and cosy.
Can I extend this itinerary?
Yes — popular extensions include adding Sonamarg and the Thajiwas Glacier, a day at Doodhpathri, a houseboat stay on Nigeen Lake, or a longer Gulmarg stay for skiing. Combine with Ladakh for the ultimate Himalayan journey. Tell us your dates and we'll tailor it.
Full Route
Tour Map