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4-Day Kashmir Winter Escape from Bangalore February 24 to 27 2026

Day 1 · Tue, Feb 24
Srinagar

Arrival in Srinagar and Dal Lake Shikara Ride

6:00 AM:

Begin your journey by checking in at Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore for your morning flight to the Himalayan valley.

9:30 AM:

Arrive at Srinagar International Airport, where you will be met by your private chauffeur to begin your winter escape.

10:30 AM:

Transfer to your beautifully carved Deluxe Houseboat on Dal Lake and take a moment to admire the snow-capped peaks surrounding the water.

11:30 AM:

Enjoy a traditional welcome with a hot cup of Kashmiri Kahwa, a fragrant saffron-infused tea, served on the deck of your houseboat.

12:30 PM:

Head to the famous Ahdoos Restaurant for a traditional lunch, where you can savor the rich flavors of a multi-course Kashmiri Wazwan.

2:00 PM:

Embark on an extended Shikara ride through the intricate backwaters of Dal Lake, observing the unique lifestyle of the local community living on the water.

3:30 PM:

Visit the Meena Bazaar, a floating market where you can browse through authentic Kashmiri Handicrafts, including hand-knotted carpets and Pashmina Shawls.

4:30 PM:

Glide towards the Char Chinar, a small island in the middle of the lake named after the four majestic Chinar Trees that stand at its corners.

5:15 PM:

Capture the golden hour and a serene winter sunset from your Shikara, watching as the sun dips behind the snowy peaks of the Zabarwan Range.

6:30 PM:

Take a leisurely stroll along the vibrant Boulevard Road, where the evening lights reflect beautifully off the calm winter waters of the Dal Lake.

7:30 PM:

Savor a cozy dinner at Mughal Darbar, where you can enjoy local specialties like Mutton Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao in an authentic setting.

9:00 PM:

Return to your Deluxe Houseboat to relax by the Kangri, a traditional Kashmiri firepot, while enjoying the tranquil night silence of the Kashmir Valley.

10:00 PM:

Retire to your wood-carved suite for a restful night, dreaming of the high-altitude snow adventures awaiting you in Gulmarg tomorrow.

Day 2 · Wed, Feb 25
Gulmarg

Gulmarg Snow Adventure and Gondola Ride

7:00 AM:

Wake up to the serene morning views of Dal Lake and enjoy a final breakfast on your Deluxe Houseboat before checking out for your mountain adventure.

8:00 AM:

Depart for Gulmarg in your private vehicle, passing through the beautiful township of Tangmarg and winding roads lined with snow-heavy Deodar Trees.

9:30 AM:

Stop at the Tangmarg Viewpoint for a quick photo session and to witness the dramatic transition of the landscape into a complete winter wonderland.

10:30 AM:

Arrive in Gulmarg and check into your mountainside hotel, then gear up with rented snow boots and jackets at the Gulmarg Ski Shop.

11:30 AM:

Head to the Gulmarg Gondola base station to board the cable car for Phase 1, ascending toward Kongdoori Station at an altitude of 8,530 feet.

12:30 PM:

Continue your ascent by boarding the second phase of the Gulmarg Gondola to reach the summit of Apharwat Peak, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayan Range.

1:30 PM:

Descend back toward the base and stop for a cozy lunch at Bakshi Restaurant, known for its delicious Kashmiri Dum Aloo and steaming hot Wazwan specialties.

2:45 PM:

Make your way to the Gulmarg Golf Course, which transforms into a massive natural ski slope during winter, perfect for a fun-filled sledding or skiing session.

4:00 PM:

Visit the historic St. Mary's Church, a Victorian-era stone structure that looks magical amidst the tall, snow-laden Conifer Trees.

5:00 PM:

Walk up the small hillock to visit the Maharani Temple, also known as the Mohineshwar Shivalaya, which offers a stunning 360-degree view of the Gulmarg Meadow.

6:00 PM:

Wander through the Gulmarg Market, a charming cluster of shops where you can pick up hand-stitched Pheran garments or walnut wood souvenirs.

7:00 PM:

Warm up with a bowl of hearty soup and a selection of local kebabs at Alpine Ridge Restaurant, known for its warm hospitality and mountain views.

8:15 PM:

Return to your hotel and gather around the Bukhari, a traditional wood-burning stove, to enjoy a soothing evening of music and conversation with fellow travelers.

9:30 PM:

Enjoy a final evening view of the starlit Apharwat Peak from your balcony before tucking into your heated bed for a deep sleep in the crisp mountain air.

10:30 PM:

Rest well in your cozy mountain retreat, recharging for your upcoming journey to the lush valley of Pahalgam tomorrow morning.

Day 3 · Thu, Feb 26
Pahalgam

Pahalgam Valley Exploration and Saffron Fields

7:00 AM:

Enjoy a final hearty breakfast at your hotel in Gulmarg, savoring fresh Kashmiri Nun Chai and buttered Girda bread before departing for the next leg of your journey.

8:00 AM:

Begin your scenic drive toward Pahalgam, descending from the high-altitude meadows and passing through the lush greenery of the South Kashmir Valley.

10:00 AM:

Make a stop at the Pampore Saffron Fields, the only place in India where the world's most expensive spice is cultivated, and visit a local cooperative to learn about Kashmiri Saffron.

11:00 AM:

Visit the historic Awantipora Ruins, where you can explore the impressive stone carvings and 9th-century architecture of the Avantiswami Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

11:45 AM:

Pause at a local Kashmiri Bat Factory in Sangam to see how the world-renowned cricket bats are handcrafted from high-quality Kashmiri Willow.

12:30 PM:

Arrive in the picturesque town of Pahalgam and enjoy a hearty lunch at Dana Pani Restaurant, savoring their signature Kashmiri Rajma while overlooking the valley.

1:45 PM:

Check into your mountain retreat at Welcomhotel Pine-n-Peak and take a few moments to admire the panoramic vistas of the surrounding Pine Forests from your balcony.

2:30 PM:

Board a local vehicle to explore the breathtaking Betaab Valley, a stunning expanse of meadows and crystal-clear streams named after a classic Bollywood movie.

4:00 PM:

Head further into the mountains to visit Aru Valley, a quiet and serene village that offers incredible winter landscapes and serves as a gateway to the Kolahoi Glacier.

5:30 PM:

Take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Lidder River, capturing the soft afternoon light as it reflects off the icy waters and frost-covered river stones.

6:30 PM:

Spend some time exploring the Pahalgam Main Market, a great spot to pick up authentic Kashmiri Walnut Wood bowls and intricate Chain-stitch embroidery pieces.

7:30 PM:

Enjoy a gourmet dinner at Troutbeat, where you can sample the region's famous Lidder River Trout prepared with local Himalayan herbs.

9:00 PM:

Return to Welcomhotel Pine-n-Peak and gather around the outdoor bonfire area to share stories with other travelers under the clear Himalayan Sky.

10:15 PM:

Retire to your room and enjoy the soothing sound of the Lidder River as it flows past your window, ensuring a peaceful night's rest.

Day 4 · Fri, Feb 27
Srinagar

Mughal Gardens and Departure to Bangalore

7:00 AM:

Enjoy a final gourmet breakfast at Welcomhotel Pine-n-Peak in Pahalgam, savoring local honey and freshly baked bread while overlooking the frosty Lidder River.

8:00 AM:

Check out and begin your scenic return drive to Srinagar, capturing last glimpses of the pine-covered slopes before descending back toward the Kashmir Valley floor.

10:30 AM:

Arrive in the city and visit Shalimar Bagh, the majestic 'Abode of Love' built by Emperor Jahangir, to admire the classic Mughal Architecture and snow-dusted chinar trees.

11:30 AM:

Head to Nishat Bagh, also known as the 'Garden of Delight', to walk through its twelve terraced levels that offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the Dal Lake.

12:30 PM:

Savor a final Kashmiri lunch at Shamyana Restaurant near the banks of the lake, enjoying their famous Tabak Maaz and hot Kashmiri Roti.

1:45 PM:

Explore the peaceful grounds of Chashme Shahi, the 'Royal Spring', where you can drink the refreshingly cold mineral water that flows through its Mughal fountains.

2:45 PM:

Walk through the upscale Polo View Market on Residency Road to pick up premium Kashmiri Saffron and locally sourced dry fruits like Almonds and Walnuts.

4:00 PM:

Begin your transfer to Srinagar International Airport with your private chauffeur, taking in the last views of the snow-dusted Zabarwan Mountains.

5:30 PM:

Check in for your evening flight back to Bangalore, carrying the warmth of Kashmiri hospitality and memories of a magical winter wonderland with you.

6:45 PM:

Board your flight at Srinagar International Airport, catching a final aerial view of the twilight silhouette of the Zabarwan Range as you depart the valley.

8:30 PM:

Enjoy an in-flight meal while scrolling through your photos of the Gulmarg Gondola and the frozen wonders of Betaab Valley.

10:30 PM:

Touch down at Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, marking the conclusion of your high-altitude winter journey.

11:30 PM:

Complete your arrival formalities and head home, carrying the fragrance of Kashmiri Saffron and the warmth of your Pashmina Shawls back to the city.

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