Kashmir

Arrive at Srinagar Airport and transfer to your houseboat on Dal Lake. Afternoon visit to Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, the terraced Mughal gardens built by Emperor Jahangir. Evening 1-hour shikara ride through floating gardens and lotus beds at sunset. Dinner on board with Kashmiri wazwan. Overnight houseboat.

💡 Agree on the shikara fare before boarding — 300 to 500 rupees for one hour is the standard rate.

Early morning at the Dal Lake floating vegetable market where farmers paddle produce across the water, best seen between 6 and 8 AM. Visit Jama Masjid in the old city and browse bazaars for saffron and Kashmiri shawls. Afternoon climb to Shankaracharya Temple for a panoramic view of the entire Srinagar valley. Overnight houseboat.

💡 Jama Masjid is closed to visitors during Friday prayer from 12 to 2 PM.

2-hour drive to Gulmarg, the Meadow of Flowers at 2650 metres. Take the Gondola cable car to Kongdori and Apharwat Peak at 3980 metres, snow-covered for most of the year. Skiing and snowboarding in winter, horse riding and walks in summer. Return to Srinagar for dinner on houseboat. Overnight houseboat.

💡 Book Gondola tickets online 2 to 3 days in advance — they sell out fast in peak season.

2.5-hour drive along the Sindh River to Sonmarg, the Meadow of Gold. Pony ride or short trek to Thajiwas Glacier with dramatic ice walls visible even in summer. Hot chai and Maggi at riverside dhabas on the way back. Return to Srinagar. Overnight houseboat.

💡 The pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier is recommended in summer — the path is too muddy to walk easily.

2.5-hour drive through saffron fields to Pahalgam, the Valley of Shepherds. Visit Betaab Valley, the green meadow filming location of the 1983 Bollywood film, and Chandanwari for snow views. Walk along the Lidder River and explore Aru Valley, a base for high-altitude treks. Overnight Pahalgam.

💡 Fresh Kashmiri trout is the local speciality in Pahalgam — order it at your hotel or any riverside restaurant.

Drive back to Srinagar and spend the afternoon at Lal Chowk and Polo View Market for Kashmiri carpets, paper mache, and dry fruits. Visit a craft emporium to watch artisans creating hand-knotted carpets and pashmina shawls. Farewell Kashmiri dinner with gushtaba, the royal meatballs in yoghurt gravy. Overnight Srinagar.

💡 Buy saffron only from government-certified shops — always check for KPS certification on the packaging.

Final breakfast with Kashmiri kahwa and sheermal saffron bread. Transfer to Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport. End of tour.

💡 Reach Srinagar airport at least 2.5 hours early — security checks are thorough and take time.