Kashmir

Kashmir is the valley you have been dreaming of, a stretch of the Himalayas where mirror-still lakes, saffron fields, pine forests and snow peaks sit close together. Base yourself in Srinagar beside Dal Lake, then fan out to Gulmarg for the Gondola, Pahalgam for the Lidder river, Sonmarg for the Thajiwas glacier and quieter corners like Doodhpathri and Gurez. Add Mughal gardens, houseboat nights, warm Kashmiri hospitality and a plate of wazwan, and you have a trip that rewards you in every season. Happy Jacks Tours & Travels plans it all end to end for you.

Things to do

• Stay overnight on a Dal Lake houseboat and take a shikara ride at dawn
• Ride the Gulmarg Gondola towards Apharwat for snow and sweeping views
• Walk the pine trails and Lidder riverbanks around Pahalgam and Aru Valley
• See the Thajiwas glacier at Sonmarg on foot or by pony
• Wander the Mughal gardens, Nishat, Shalimar and Chashme Shahi, in Srinagar
• Escape the crowds in the meadows of Doodhpathri or remote Gurez Valley
• Taste a traditional wazwan feast and shop for pashmina, walnut wood and saffron

Best time to visit: March to October is the sweet spot. Late March to mid April brings tulip blooms and spring greenery, May and June are mild and lush, July and August stay pleasant while the plains swelter, and September and October glow with autumn chinar. December to February is cold and snowy, ideal if you want Gulmarg skiing and a white valley.

How to reach: Fly into Srinagar International Airport, the main gateway, with direct flights from Delhi and other major cities. You can also reach the valley by road via Jammu on NH44 through the Banihal tunnel, or by train to Jammu or Banihal and onward by taxi. From Srinagar, every destination in this guide is an easy day drive, and Happy Jacks can arrange airport pickup and a full itinerary.