Kashmir Tour from Jammu

If you are starting from the plains, this 7 Day Kashmir tour from Jammu turns the road journey into part of the holiday. You begin at Jammu or Katra, climb through the tunnels and river gorges of the Jammu-Srinagar highway, and reach the valley to settle into a Dal Lake houseboat. Over the next few days you explore Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg at an easy pace, with time for a shikara ride, the Gondola cable car and the Lidder river. It is a comfortable, well-paced circuit for families and first-time visitors who want the scenery of the drive and the best of the valley in one trip.

Highlights

• Scenic road ascent from Jammu or Katra to Srinagar along the Jhelum and Chenab river valleys
• Two nights on a traditional Dal Lake houseboat with a sunset shikara ride
• Gulmarg day with the Gondola cable car towards Apharwat and the famous green meadows
• Pahalgam stay beside the Lidder river with excursions to Betaab Valley and Aru Valley
• Sonmarg day trip to the Thajiwas glacier and the meadows below Zoji La
• Mughal gardens of Srinagar: Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi
• Old city visits to Hazratbal shrine and the Shankaracharya hilltop viewpoint
• Airport drop or return options tailored around your onward Jammu travel

Itinerary

Day 1: Jammu or Katra to Srinagar

Meet our team at Jammu or Katra and begin the drive up the National Highway to Srinagar. The road follows the Chenab and later the Jhelum through Ramban, Banihal and the tunnels that cut travel time into the valley. It is a long, scenic day, so we keep breaks flexible. On arrival you check into your Dal Lake houseboat and rest.

Day 2: Srinagar city and Mughal gardens

After breakfast on the houseboat, spend the day exploring Srinagar. Visit the terraced Mughal gardens of Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi, all framed by the Zabarwan hills. Stop at the Hazratbal shrine on the lake shore and climb to Shankaracharya for valley views. Close the day with a shikara ride across Dal Lake.

Day 3: Srinagar to Gulmarg day trip

Drive around two hours to Gulmarg, the meadow of flowers set high above the valley. Ride the Gondola cable car towards Apharwat and Khilanmarg for sweeping mountain views, walk the rolling meadows and pass the famous high-altitude Golf Course. In winter this is prime skiing country. Return to your Srinagar houseboat by evening.

Day 4: Srinagar to Pahalgam

Travel south to Pahalgam, roughly three hours away through saffron fields and pine slopes along the Lidder river. Check in and use the afternoon for the nearby Betaab Valley or a riverside walk. Pahalgam is a relaxed base, so the pace eases here. Overnight in Pahalgam beside the sound of the Lidder.

Day 5: Pahalgam valleys

Spend a full day around Pahalgam. Take a local vehicle to Aru Valley and Chandanwari, both reached on short mountain drives from town. Betaab Valley remains a favourite for its meadows and river. There is time to walk, sit by the water or arrange an optional pony ride. Return to your Pahalgam hotel for the night.

Day 6: Pahalgam to Sonmarg to Srinagar

Head north towards Sonmarg, the meadow of gold below the Zoji La pass. On arrival you can walk or take a pony towards the Thajiwas glacier for close mountain views. After time in the meadows, drive back to Srinagar in the evening for your final night in the valley, tonight in a hotel or houseboat.

Day 7: Srinagar to Jammu departure

After breakfast, begin the return drive down the highway to Jammu or Katra to connect with your onward train, flight or road journey. Depending on your timing we can arrange an early start for comfortable connections, or a Srinagar airport drop if you prefer to fly out. Your Kashmir tour concludes here.

Inclusions

• Accommodation for 6 nights including houseboat and hotel stays as per the itinerary
• Daily breakfast and dinner at your places of stay
• All transfers and sightseeing by private vehicle from Jammu or Katra and back
• One shikara ride on Dal Lake in Srinagar
• Dedicated driver familiar with the Jammu-Srinagar highway and valley routes
• Pick-up and drop at Jammu, Katra or Srinagar airport as arranged
• All applicable toll, parking and driver charges
• On-trip support from the Happy Jacks team by phone

Exclusions

• Train or flight tickets to and from Jammu, Katra or Srinagar
• Gondola cable car tickets at Gulmarg and any entry or activity fees
• Lunches and any meals not listed in the inclusions
• Union or local taxi charges at Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg where private vehicles are not permitted
• Pony rides, guides and other personal or optional expenses
• Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions

Pricing

FAQ

How long is the road journey from Jammu to Srinagar?

The drive from Jammu to Srinagar takes most of a day along the National Highway through Ramban and Banihal. It is a scenic mountain route, and travel time can vary with weather and road conditions, so we keep Day 1 relaxed with flexible breaks.

Can this tour start from Katra instead of Jammu?

Yes. Many travellers combine Vaishno Devi at Katra with Kashmir, so we can begin your pick-up at Katra instead of Jammu. Let us know your plan and we will arrange the vehicle and timing to suit your onward drive to the valley.

What is the best time of year for this trip?

Kashmir is beautiful year round. Spring and summer bring green meadows and gardens in bloom, autumn turns the valley golden, and winter brings snow to Gulmarg for skiing. Your ideal season depends on whether you want flowers, autumn colour or snow.

Are the houseboat and hotel stays included?

Yes. The package includes six nights of accommodation with houseboat and hotel stays as set out in the itinerary, along with daily breakfast and dinner. Room categories follow the pricing tier you choose, from Standard through to Premium.

Is the Gulmarg Gondola ticket part of the price?

No. The Gondola cable car ticket at Gulmarg is not included and is paid directly on the day, as fares and availability change by phase and season. Our driver will help you reach the base station and plan your ride time.