Seven days in the Kashmir Valley: Dal Lake shikara, Mughal gardens, the Gulmarg gondola and Pahalgam, with a houseboat night.
This week in the Kashmir Valley is built around three bases. You start in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, where Dal Lake has shikara boats, floating gardens and cedar-wood houseboats, and the Mughal gardens of Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh sit along the shore. One night is spent on a houseboat, so you see the lake in the evening and early morning. A day trip goes to Gulmarg, a meadow resort at about 2,650 m, home to a two-stage gondola that climbs towards Apharwat; how far you can go depends on conditions and ticket availability on the day. You then move to Pahalgam, a town on the Lidder River at around 2,200 m, with meadows such as Betaab Valley nearby, for two nights. The last night is back in Srinagar for shopping and a spare buffer before departure. Sonamarg can be added as an optional day trip, subject to road and weather conditions. Spring and summer, roughly March to October, suit the valley and meadows, while Gulmarg holds snow from about December to February. Check current travel advisories before booking, as the situation in parts of the region can change quickly.
Arrive at Srinagar airport and transfer to Dal Lake. Check in to a houseboat and take an evening shikara ride past the floating gardens. Overnight on the houseboat.
Visit Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, the Mughal gardens on the lake shore, and spend time in the old city markets for shawls and crafts. Check in to a hotel in Srinagar in the afternoon. Overnight in Srinagar.
Drive to Gulmarg, about 56 km from Srinagar, and ride the gondola as far as conditions and tickets allow. Allow time for the meadows or, in winter, the snow. Return to Srinagar for the night.
Travel by road to Pahalgam, on the Lidder River, with stops en route as time permits. Check in and take a short walk by the river. Overnight in Pahalgam.
Spend the day around Pahalgam, visiting Betaab Valley and other nearby spots by local vehicle, with access depending on local rules and conditions on the day. Pony rides and walks are available at your own cost. Overnight in Pahalgam.
Return to Srinagar by road, with an optional Sonamarg day trip instead if road and weather conditions allow and the supplier offers it. Evening free for shopping or a last lake walk. Overnight in Srinagar.
Breakfast and check out. Transfer to Srinagar airport for your onward flight, allowing extra time for security checks.
Our visa desk prepares the documents, books the appointment and tracks the application until your passport is back. Allow for the processing time when you fix your dates. Visa desk: +91 97278 86777.
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Itinerary last updated 20 October 2026.
