Kashmir: Houseboat, Meadow and Gondola

What we work through with you

1. Your dates and priorities

   Tell us when you want to visit Srinagar, Gulmarg & Pahalgam, who is travelling and what you would change in the outline below.

2. The route and pace

   We discuss the 6D / 5N starting itinerary, your preferred stays and how much you want to fit in. Any changes depend on availability and are agreed in your written plan.

3. Your written quote

   Review the final arrangements, total price, inclusions and payment and cancellation terms before booking. An enquiry does not reserve this trip.

The route we start from

These are the stages published for this package. A stage can cover part of a day or several days; it is not a separate travel day.

1. Stage 01

   Day 1 — Srinagar

   Fly into Srinagar, which is at 1,585 metres and cool even in summer. The Mughal gardens in the afternoon, Nishat and Shalimar, terraced down to the lake with chinar trees and running water. Then a shikara on Dal Lake as the light goes, which is slow, quiet and the image of Kashmir everyone carries.

2. Stage 02

   Day 2 — Houseboat

   A day on the water. The floating vegetable market happens at dawn if you are willing, the lotus gardens are worth an hour, and the houseboats themselves are carved cedar from the 1920s and 30s. The night is on one, which is a genuinely different experience from any hotel.

3. Stage 03

   Day 3 — Gulmarg

   Up to Gulmarg, about two hours and 1,100 metres higher, through pine forest and meadows. The gondola is the second-highest cable car in the world: phase one to Kongdoori, phase two to Apharwat at 3,980 metres, where there is snow on the ground well into summer.

4. Stage 04

   Day 4 — Pahalgam

   Across to Pahalgam, a longer drive through saffron fields at Pampore and the willow groves where cricket bats are made. The town sits where two rivers meet at about 2,200 metres, and it is quieter and greener than Gulmarg.

5. Stage 05

   Day 5 — The valleys

   The valleys above Pahalgam by local taxi, which is the only vehicle permitted. Betaab valley, named after the film shot there, Aru further up, and Chandanwari at the snout of the trail to Amarnath. All three are meadow, pine and river, and none of them takes long.

6. Stage 06

   Day 6 — Home

   Back to Srinagar for the flight home, with time for the old city and a walnut-wood or pashmina shop on the way if you want something to carry back. Five nights, one houseboat, one gondola to nearly four thousand metres.

What this package lists

Use these inclusions and exclusions when reviewing your quote. The displayed price starts from ₹49,999 per person; your written quote confirms the total for your dates and arrangements.

Read this package’s booking terms →