Kashmir does something to you. Maybe it's the air. Maybe it's the colour of the water in Dal Lake. Maybe it's the hospitality of houseboat owners who treat you like family. Our seven-day Kashmir journey covers Srinagar's gardens, Gulmarg's gondola, Pahalgam's pine forests, and Sonmarg's glaciers — all in one carefully paced trip.
Fly into Srinagar Airport. Transfer to your deluxe houseboat on Dal Lake. After lunch, visit the Mughal Gardens — Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. Evening shikara ride on Dal Lake to watch the sunset over the floating gardens. Overnight on houseboat.
Morning visit to Shankaracharya temple on Takht-e-Suleiman hill for panoramic city views. Visit the old quarter — Jamia Masjid, Khanqah-e-Moula. Afternoon shopping for Kashmiri handicrafts — pashmina shawls, papier-mâché, walnut wood carvings. Overnight on houseboat.
After breakfast, drive to Gulmarg (about 2 hours, 56 km). Check into your hotel. Afternoon ride the Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 to Kongdoori (8,530 ft). Optional Phase 2 to Apharwat Peak (13,780 ft) — best for snow even in summer. Overnight in Gulmarg.
Day free to explore Gulmarg at your pace. Optional activities — pony rides, golf at the world's highest golf course, ATV ride. Walk through the meadow of flowers. In winter (Dec-Feb), this is one of India's best ski destinations. Overnight in Gulmarg.
Drive to Pahalgam (about 4 hours, 145 km) via Avantipora ruins and saffron fields of Pampore. Check into hotel. Afternoon visit the Aru Valley or Betaab Valley — apple orchards, mountain streams, pine forests. Overnight in Pahalgam.
Morning visit Chandanwari (starting point of Amarnath Yatra) and Aru Valley if not covered yesterday. Optional full-day excursion to Sonmarg — visit Thajiwas glacier, ride a pony to reach the snowline. Return to Pahalgam. Overnight in Pahalgam.
Morning drive back to Srinagar (about 3 hours, 90 km). Transfer to Srinagar Airport for your return flight. Take a piece of paradise home with you.
