5N / 6D · Kashmir
Srinagar → Sonamarg → Gulmarg → Pahalgam → Srinagar
Arrive at Srinagar airport and transfer to your hotel. Srinagar, at 1,730 m on both banks of the Jhelum, is the heart of the Kashmir valley. Proceed for a sightseeing tour of the Mughal Gardens — Chashme Shahi, Nishat, Pari Mahal and Shalimar Bagh — followed by a visit to a local handicrafts emporium for hand-knotted silk carpets, shawls and jewellery. In the evening enjoy a relaxing 1-hour shikara ride on the famous Dal Lake. (If you arrive in the evening, local sightseeing shifts to the next day.)
Full-day trip to Sonamarg (2,740 m), 'The Meadow of Gold' and the gateway to Ladakh, 84 km from Srinagar amid colourful mountains and thick pine forests. Thajiwas Glacier lies 3 km south — slopes sprinkled with alpine flowers and forests of fir, sycamore and birch. Sonamarg is also the Baltal-side entry point for the holy Amarnath Cave.
Drive to Gulmarg, the 'Meadow of Flowers', discovered by a 16th-century Kashmiri poet and today one of India's premier hill and ski resorts. The Gondola cable car climbs to the Kongdoori meadows and on to the Apharwat ridge at about 14,000 ft — Himalayan views in summer, downhill skiing in winter.
Drive to Pahalgam (2,133 m), the 'Valley of Shepherds' and a trekkers' paradise beloved of the Indian film industry. En route visit the Awantipora ruins and the saffron fields of Pampore. In Pahalgam choose visits to Chandanwari, Betaab Valley and Aru (direct payment) or explore locally by pony.
After breakfast explore Pahalgam at leisure, then transfer to Srinagar for a night aboard a deluxe houseboat on Dal Lake.
After breakfast, transfer from Srinagar to the airport to catch your onward flight — with sweet holiday memories. Our service terminates.
Child below 5 years stays free; 5 years and above chargeable. · Booking & cancellation policy: see terms & conditions.