Morning: Arrive at Srinagar Airport and transfer to your houseboat on Dal Lake. Settle in, enjoy a refreshing cup of chai while the mist lifts off the water.
Afternoon: Glide across the lake on a traditional Shikara ride, taking in the floating gardens and the iconic Char Chinar island. Afterwards, wander through the fragrant rose beds of the Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh Mughal Gardens.
Evening: Stroll along the lakeside promenade, sampling local street food such as kebabs and kahwa. Return to your houseboat for a sunset dinner featuring Kashmiri wazwan.
Book a HotelMorning: Visit the hilltop Shankaracharya Temple for panoramic views of the city and the lake. Explore the ancient carvings and enjoy a peaceful moment above the bustling town.
Afternoon: Explore the bustling markets of Old Srinagar, where you can shop for pashmina shawls, hand‑crafted papier‑mâché, and aromatic spices. Take a short break at a local café for a plate of aromatic pilaf.
Evening: Experience a traditional Kashmiri dinner at a heritage house, accompanied by live folk music and storytelling about the valley’s rich history.
Book a HotelMorning: Drive to the snowy resort town of Gulmarg, renowned for its breathtaking alpine scenery. Board the world‑famous Gulmarg Gondola (KMS) for a thrilling ascent to the highest point in the Himalayas.
Afternoon: Arrive at Khilanmarg for a gentle hike among blooming meadows, offering spectacular vistas of the surrounding peaks. Return via the gondola for a brief stop at the ski slopes (optional snow‑shoeing).
Evening: Head back to Srinagar, enjoying a relaxed dinner at a lakeside restaurant while reflecting on the day’s high‑altitude experiences.
Book a HotelMorning: Journey to the scenic town of Pahalgam, nestled along the banks of the Lidder River. Begin with a walk to the tranquil Betaab Valley, famed for its emerald meadows and cinematic landscapes.
Afternoon: Embark on a short horse ride through pine forests to the picturesque Aru Valley, soaking in the fresh mountain air. Enjoy a riverside picnic with locally prepared trout.
Evening: Return to Srinagar, stopping at a local orchard to taste fresh apples and walnuts before a leisurely night at your houseboat.
Book a HotelMorning: Depart early for Sonamarg, the “Meadow of Gold”, where snow‑capped peaks frame the valley. Start the Thajiwas Glacier trek, a moderate hike that leads to glittering ice formations.
Afternoon: After descending, enjoy a traditional Kashmiri lunch by the Sindh River, sampling yak‑butter tea and local breads. Begin the drive back to Srinagar for final souvenir shopping.
Evening: Transfer to the airport for your departure, carrying memories of Kashmir’s serene lakes, soaring mountains, and vibrant culture.
Book a HotelIf you wish to extend your stay, consider adding an extra day in Gulmarg for skiing or a day in the remote village of Yusmarg for untouched meadows. To shorten the trip, you can combine Day 4 and Day 5 by visiting either Pahalgam or Sonamarg only, reducing travel time while still experiencing the iconic valleys.