Kashmir Classic — Srinagar, Gulmarg & Pahalgam
5 nights / 6 daysSrinagar · Gulmarg · Pahalgam
Overview
This is the itinerary we recommend to first-time visitors. It covers the three places every Kashmir trip should include — Srinagar's lakes and gardens, Gulmarg's gondola and meadows, and Pahalgam's Lidder valley — at a pace that leaves room to actually enjoy them. You stay two nights in Srinagar (one on a houseboat), one night in Gulmarg and two in Pahalgam. All transfers are by private cab with drivers we work with year-round.
Day-wise itinerary
1Arrival in Srinagar — houseboat check-in
Our driver meets you at SXR airport. Afternoon shikara ride on Dal Lake and evening at leisure on your houseboat. Dinner on board.
2Srinagar — Mughal gardens & old city
Nishat and Shalimar gardens, Chashme Shahi, then Hazratbal and a walk through the old city. Overnight at hotel.
3Srinagar → Gulmarg
Morning drive (2 hrs). Gondola Phase 1 & 2 (tickets pre-booked by us), afternoon in the meadow. Overnight in Gulmarg.
4Gulmarg → Pahalgam
Drive via saffron fields of Pampore and Avantipora ruins. Evening walk along the Lidder river. Overnight in Pahalgam.
5Pahalgam — Aru, Betaab & Chandanwari
Full-day local circuit by union taxi (pre-arranged). Optional pony ride to Baisaran meadow. Overnight in Pahalgam.
6Pahalgam → Srinagar airport
Morning drive to SXR (3 hrs) with a stop for bakery and saffron shopping. Departure.
What's included — and what isn't
Included
- 5 nights accommodation (1 houseboat + 4 hotel) with breakfast and dinner
- Private cab for all transfers and sightseeing (excl. union-taxi routes)
- 1-hour shikara ride on Dal Lake
- Gulmarg gondola tickets arranged before you land
- All tolls, parking, driver charges
- 24×7 on-ground support from our Srinagar office
Not included
- Flights to/from Srinagar (we can book these separately)
- Union taxi at Pahalgam & Gulmarg local points
- Pony rides, sledging and personal expenses
- Lunch, entry tickets to gardens
- Anything not listed in inclusions
Where you'll stay
Srinagar: Deluxe houseboat on Dal Lake + 3★ hotel near Dalgate. Gulmarg: 3★ hotel near the market. Pahalgam: riverside 3★ resort. Upgrades to 4★/5★ available — ask us on WhatsApp.
Questions we get about this trip
Is this package customisable?
Completely. Dates, hotel category, and route order can all change — tell us what you have in mind on WhatsApp and we re-quote the same day.
What is the best month for this itinerary?
April to June for gardens and pleasant weather, September–October for autumn colours, December–February if you want snow in Gulmarg (carry heavy woollens).
Do you handle flight bookings too?
Yes — we are a full ticketing agency. Share your cities and dates and we quote flights along with the package.
