Kashmir rewards the well-planned traveller. This 7-day itinerary — crafted by our Srinagar-based team — covers Dal Lake, Pahalgam's meadows, Sonmarg's glacier, and Gulmarg's famous Gondola in exactly one week.
Quick Overview
- Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
- Best Season: April – October
- Difficulty: Easy
- Covers: Srinagar, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Gulmarg
Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar — Dal Lake Welcome
Arrive at Srinagar's Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport. Transfer to a deluxe houseboat on Dal Lake in a private vehicle. Afternoon shikara ride through the lake's famous floating vegetable and flower markets. Welcome dinner on the houseboat deck under the stars.
Day 2: Srinagar Sightseeing
Early morning at the floating flower market (6–8 AM) — a magical sight most tourists miss. Visit the Mughal gardens: Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, built by Emperor Jehangir in the 17th century. Afternoon: Shankaracharya temple for panoramic valley views, followed by the old city's Jamia Masjid and the Lal Chowk handicraft market.
Day 3: Srinagar to Pahalgam
A scenic 3-hour drive via the Sindh valley. Stop at the Awantipora ruins (9th-century Hindu temple) and the saffron fields of Pampore. Check in to a riverside resort in Pahalgam. Evening nature walk along the crystal-clear Lidder river.
Day 4: Pahalgam — Betaab Valley and Aru
Full day excursion in Pahalgam. Betaab Valley — made famous by Bollywood — is a lush bowl of green surrounded by pine forests. Then to Aru Valley, even more remote and peaceful. Pony rides through both valleys are highly recommended.
Day 5: Pahalgam to Gulmarg via Sonmarg
Drive to Sonmarg (3 hrs) for a morning pony ride to the Thajiwas Glacier — even in summer there is snow here. Picnic lunch at the glacier base. Afternoon drive to Gulmarg (2.5 hrs). Evening stroll through the famous wildflower meadows.
Day 6: Gulmarg — Gondola and Alpine Summit
The centrepiece of any Kashmir trip. Take the Gondola to Kongdori (Phase 1) and Apharwat Peak at 4,200 m (Phase 2) — views stretch to Nanga Parbat on clear days. Afternoon horse ride through Gulmarg's legendary golf course meadow.
Day 7: Gulmarg to Srinagar and Departure
Leisurely morning in Gulmarg. Drive back to Srinagar (2 hrs). Last-minute shopping for saffron, Pashmina shawls, and Kashmiri walnut wood crafts at the Polo View Market. Transfer to the airport with a heart full of Kashmir.
What's Included in Most Packages
- Houseboat stay on Dal Lake (2 nights)
- Resort accommodation in Pahalgam (2 nights) and Gulmarg (2 nights)
- All transfers in private AC vehicle
- Gondola tickets (Phase 1 and 2) in Gulmarg
- Pony rides in Pahalgam and Sonmarg
- Shikara ride on Dal Lake
- Breakfast and dinner throughout
This itinerary is the basis for our Honeymoon in Heaven and Family Kashmir Explorer packages.
