Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar Transfer to Hotel (35 mins Drive) | Local Sightseeing
Upon your arrival at Srinagar International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative, who will assist and escort you to your waiting vehicle. The 35-minute drive to your hotel takes you through the heart of New Srinagar, passing the Abdullah Bridge, which connects the banks of the Jhelum River, meandering toward the north-western frontier of Kashmir. After hotel check-in, proceed for local sightseeing, including visits to the famous Mughal Gardens: Cheshma Shahi (Royal Spring), Nishat Bagh (Garden of Pleasure), Shalimar Bagh (Abode of Love). These beautiful gardens, laid out in the 16th century, line the banks of Dal Lake in central Srinagar. You'll also visit the Shankaracharya Temple, located on a hilltop and offering panoramic views of the city, Dal Lake, and the Jhelum River. En route, visit a handloom centre famous for Pashmina and Shahtoosh shawls and world-renowned Kashmiri carpets.
Overnight Stay in Srinagar
Day 2: Explore Srinagar
Explore the timeless beauty of Srinagar, beginning with a Shikara ride on Dal Lake, gliding past floating gardens and the lively floating market. Visit the elegant Mughal Gardens — Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi — each offering manicured lawns and panoramic lake views. Later, stroll through the Pari Mahal terraces for sunset views of the city and lake.
Overnight Stay at Srinagar
Day 3: Srinagar to Pahalgam (90 km / 2.5–3 hrs)
A scenic drive along the Lidder River takes you through picturesque valleys and saffron fields. En route, visit Awantipora Ruins and Anantnag Sulphur Springs, or stop at Apple Orchards and Bat Factories near Pampore. The journey offers breathtaking countryside views and glimpses of Kashmiri village life.
Overnight Stay at Pahalgam
Day 4: Explore Pahalgam
Discover the scenic charm of Pahalgam, a valley of shepherds surrounded by pine forests and rivers. Visit Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, and Chandanwari—each known for stunning mountain views and picnic spots along the Lidder River. You can also enjoy pony rides or nature walks along the riverside meadows.
Overnight Stay at Pahalgam
Day 5: Pahalgam to Gulmarg (140 km / 4-5 hrs) | Gulmarg Excursion
Travel through the scenic heart of Kashmir as you pass Anantnag, Bijbehara, and Srinagar city outskirts. En route, admire stretches of paddy fields, river valleys, and distant mountain ranges. The final ascent to Gulmarg offers panoramic views of meadows and snow-clad peaks.
Overnight Stay at Gulmarg
Day 6: Gulmarg to Srinagar (50 km / 2 hrs)
A delightful drive from Gulmarg to Srinagar offers panoramic views of pine forests and lush valleys. En route, enjoy the scenic countryside and, if time permits, visit the Tangmarg Market or Drung Waterfall before returning to Srinagar. Later, transfer to Srinagar Airport / Railway Station for your onward journey
End of Tour
FAQs
Kashmir Valley (Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg):
March to October (Spring & Summer for flowers, greenery, and pleasant weather).
December to February (Winter for snow and skiing in Gulmarg).
July to August is a good time to visit for the Amarnath Yatra
Thajiwas Glacier in Sonmarg offers snow even during early summer (May–June).
Jammu Region (Vaishno Devi, Patnitop):
October to April (Pleasant climate for pilgrimage and leisure).
Yes, the tourist areas in Jammu & Kashmir are generally safe and secure. The Indian Army and local authorities ensure the safety of visitors. Always check travel advisories and stay in touch with your tour operator.
Indian citizens: No permit is required for most tourist destinations.
Foreign nationals: Require a permit for certain border areas (like Nubra Valley, if visiting Ladakh).
Kashmir Valley and Jammu are open without restrictions.
Kashmir Valley: Srinagar (Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens), Gulmarg (skiing), Pahalgam (Betaab Valley), Sonamarg (Thajiwas Glacier).
Jammu Region: Vaishno Devi Temple (Katra), Patnitop, Shivkhori Cave Temple, Bhaderwah.
Enjoy Shikara rides, Gondola rides, trekking, camping, paragliding, skiing, river rafting, shopping for pashmina, carpets, saffron, walnuts and more.
By Air: Srinagar and Jammu airports are well-connected to major Indian cities.
By Train: Jammu Tawi and Udhampur are major railway stations.
By Road: NH44 connects Jammu with the rest of India. Private taxis, buses, and shared cabs are available.
Luxury: The LaLiT Grand Palace, Khyber Resort (Gulmarg), Vivanta Dal View (Srinagar).
Mid-range: Welcome Heritage Gurkha Houseboats, Hotel Heevan.
Budget: Guesthouses, budget hotels, homestays in almost every major town.
Houseboats: Unique stays on Dal and Nigeen Lake in Srinagar.
Prepaid SIMs from outside J&K do not work in Kashmir Valley due to security restrictions.
Postpaid connections (Airtel, Jio, BSNL) work well.
Internet is available but may be slower or subject to temporary restrictions.
Wi-Fi is available at hotels.
Summer (Apr–Oct): Light woolens, sunglasses, sunscreen, walking shoes.
Winter (Nov–Feb): Heavy woolens, gloves, thermal wear, snow boots.
Rain protection (umbrella or raincoat) for unpredictable showers.
Valid ID proof and photocopies.
It’s highly recommended, especially during peak seasons (May–June, December–January). Advance bookings ensure availability for hotels, vehicles, and guides. Helicopter tickets for Vaishno Devi should be booked early. Gondola rides to be booked online in advance, especially during peak tourist season and snow months.
Local guides are available for gardens, shrines, and city tours. Houseboat hosts also help plan itineraries.
Carry your personal medications.
Altitude sickness is rare in Kashmir but carry preventive meds for higher altitudes.
Drink only bottled or filtered water.
Stay hydrated and avoid overeating during treks.
Some of the useful emergency contacts are,
Tourist Police (Srinagar): +91-194-2455161;
Jammu & Kashmir Tourism: 0194-2502270;
Ambulance: 102;
Police: 100;
Fire: 101
Try the Wazwan Thali (multi-course Kashmiri feast), Gushtaba, Tabak Maaz, Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, Yakhni, Kashmiri Kehwa and Noon Chai (Pink tea)
Jammu offers Rajma-Chawal, Kalari cheese, and Kachalu chaat.
Vegetarian and Jain options are also available at most places.
Respect religious sentiments, especially near mosques and temples.
Dress modestly in villages and religious places.
Ask permission before photographing locals, especially in rural areas.
Yes, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam receive heavy snowfall between December and February, ideal for snow sports.
ATMs are available in major towns.
Card payments are accepted in hotels and restaurants in cities, but in remote areas, carry adequate cash.
Srinagar is known for its beautiful Dal Lake, houseboats, Mughal gardens, Shikara rides, Kashmiri handicrafts, and wazwan cuisine.Some of the top attractions are Dal Lake & Nigeen Lake;
Mughal Gardens (Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi);
Hazratbal Shrine;
Shankaracharya Temple;
Floating vegetable market;
Local bazaars (Lal Chowk, Polo View)
Yes, houseboats are available on Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake. They range from budget to luxury and include meals and Shikara access. A stay of 2–3 nights is ideal to explore key sights and enjoy the lakeside charm.
Gulmarg is known as India’s top skiing destination. It’s famous for its Gondola cable car, snow activities, and alpine scenery. Some of the main attractions are
Gondola Ride (Asia’s highest cable car);
Kongdoori & Apharwat Peak;
St. Mary’s Church;
Gulmarg Golf Course;
Snow activities (skiing, snowboarding, sledging)
Pahalgam is known for lush valleys, river views, Betaab Valley, trekking, horse riding, and as a base for the Amarnath Yatra. Some of the main attractions are
Betaab Valley;
Aru Valley;
Chandanwari (starting point of Amarnath Yatra);
Lidder River;
Pony rides and river rafting.
Stay for 2 nights minimum to enjoy all major valleys and relaxation time.
Yes, pony rides are safe and common for reaching Aru, Betaab, and Baisaran valleys. Negotiate and fix prices in advance.
Sonamarg is known as the ‘Meadow of Gold’, famous for Thajiwas Glacier, snow-capped mountains, and base for treks like Kolahoi Glacier. Some of the main activities are
Pony rides to Thajiwas Glacier;
Trekking and camping;
Snow play (seasonal);
Scenic drives and photo stops;
The Baltal base camp, located near Sonamarg, is one of the starting points for the Amarnath Yatra.
For stay, good hotels are there, but limited. Options include basic guesthouses and a few resorts. Advance booking is advisable during season time.
Yes, Sonamarg is around 80 km (2.5 hours) from Srinagar and is popular as a day excursion.
Adventure & Thrill
Culinary & Food
Culture, Heritage & History
Lakes & Rivers
Mountain & Hill Stations
Nature & Wildlife
Pilgrimage & Spiritual
Scenic Drives
Shopping & Local Markets
Spa & Wellness Retreats
Water Sports Adventures
