Arrive at Sheikh ul-Alam (Srinagar) airport and transfer to a pre-booked houseboat or hotel on Dal Lake — this is the central base for the trip and great for settling in after travel.
Taste classic Kashmiri cuisine (rogan josh, gushtaba, kahwa) at Ahdoos; good for first authentic meal and centrally located near Boulevard Road. (Opens 11:00am–11:00pm)
Take a 1–2 hour shikara ride to see floating gardens, local life and sunset reflections — a must-do and excellent for photos (operators run day-long; confirm with host).
Enjoy a relaxed dinner on the houseboat or book a small Wazwan tasting for the group; ask the host to arrange Kashmiri dishes and Kashmiri chai (availability varies by host).
Drive east along the Jhelum and the Srinagar-Leh highway to Sonamarg (~2–2.5 hours). The drive is scenic with mountain vistas; plan for short stops en route.
Explore or pony-trek to Thajiwas Glacier (seasonal accessibility applies) for snow/ice views and alpine meadows — activity lasts 1–2 hours on foot or by pony.
Early breakfast before a day of meadows and short rides; confirm pony/ride bookings the night before if you plan to use them (operators start ~8:00am).
Ride the Gulmarg Gondola to Kongdoori and Apharwat (Phase 1 & 2); timings typically start ~9:00am and run into afternoon, but check seasonal operations before booking.
Visit Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh (usually open ~9:00am–6:00pm) — formal terraces and lakeside gardens built by Mughal emperors, great for relaxed strolling and photos.