Kashmir Tour Package (6D/5N)

Kashmir rewards travellers who take their time, and this 6 Days 5 Nights circuit gives you room to breathe. Starting in Srinagar, you settle into houseboat life on Dal Lake, drift past floating gardens by shikara, and wander the Mughal terraces of Nishat and Shalimar. From there the journey opens out to the alpine meadows of Sonmarg and the Thajiwas glacier trail, the emerald slopes of Gulmarg reached by the famous Gondola, and the pine valleys around Pahalgam where the Lidder river runs cold and clear. A quiet day at Doodhpathri rounds off a route that balances lake, meadow, and mountain. Happy Jacks handles the drives, stays, and local know-how so you simply enjoy the Valley.

Highlights

• Houseboat stay on Dal Lake with a classic shikara ride past the floating vegetable gardens
• Mughal gardens of Srinagar: Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi against the Zabarwan hills
• Gulmarg Gondola cable car with meadow walks and views toward Apharwat and Khilanmarg
• Sonmarg day trip with the pony or trek route up to Thajiwas glacier
• Pahalgam valley circuit taking in Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and Chandanwari
• A relaxed excursion to the lesser crowded meadows of Doodhpathri along the Shaliganga
• Kashmiri Wazwan flavours, saffron, dry fruits, and handicraft browsing in the old city
• All transfers by private vehicle with a driver who knows the Valley roads and seasons

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Srinagar and Dal Lake

You land at Srinagar airport where our driver meets you and drives you into the city. After checking into your houseboat or hotel, ease into the trip with a shikara ride on Dal Lake, gliding past floating gardens and the busy waterways. Evening is free to stroll the Boulevard or browse for saffron and walnut wood craft. Overnight in Srinagar.

Day 2: Srinagar to Sonmarg and back

After breakfast you set off for Sonmarg, the Meadow of Gold, roughly a three hour drive northeast along the Sindh valley. Here you can take a pony ride or walk the trail toward Thajiwas glacier, with the Zoji La route climbing away in the distance. Soak in the alpine scenery before returning to Srinagar for the night. Overnight in Srinagar.

Day 3: Srinagar Mughal gardens and Gulmarg

This morning you tour the Mughal gardens: Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh terraced above the lake, plus Chashme Shahi and a stop at Shankaracharya or Hazratbal. Then drive around two hours to Gulmarg, the meadow of flowers. Ride the Gondola cable car toward Apharwat, walk the slopes near the Golf Course, and settle in. Overnight in Gulmarg.

Day 4: Gulmarg to Pahalgam

Enjoy a slow Gulmarg morning with time for photos or a short walk to Khilanmarg if conditions allow. Later you drive to Pahalgam, roughly four to five hours south through Anantnag and past the saffron fields of Pampore and apple orchards. Arrive by the Lidder river, check in, and unwind in the pine scented evening air. Overnight in Pahalgam.

Day 5: Pahalgam valleys and Doodhpathri route

Spend the day exploring Pahalgam by local taxi: Betaab Valley with its river meadows, Aru Valley upstream, and Chandanwari where the Amarnath trail begins. Depending on your pace and season, we plan a meadow stop or route you back toward Srinagar via the quiet Doodhpathri side. Return to Srinagar for your final night. Overnight in Srinagar.

Day 6: Depart Srinagar

After a relaxed breakfast, and a last bit of shopping for Pashmina, dry fruits, or Kashmiri tea if time allows, our driver transfers you to Srinagar airport for your onward flight. You leave the Valley with meadows, lakes, and glacier air behind you, and an open invitation to return. Trip ends.

Inclusions

• 5 nights accommodation across Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam on twin sharing basis
• Daily breakfast and dinner at your hotels or houseboat
• One night houseboat stay experience on Dal Lake, subject to availability
• All transfers and sightseeing by private vehicle with driver, as per itinerary
• One complimentary shikara ride on Dal Lake
• Airport pickup and drop at Srinagar
• All applicable toll, parking, driver allowance, and vehicle fuel
• On ground assistance from the Happy Jacks team throughout your stay

Exclusions

• Airfare and train fare to and from Srinagar
• Gondola cable car tickets at Gulmarg and any pony, sledge, or guide charges
• Local union taxi charges for Sonmarg, Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and Doodhpathri where private vehicles are not permitted
• Lunch, snacks, and any beverages not specified in inclusions
• Entry fees to gardens and monuments, personal expenses, tips, and shopping
• Any cost arising from road closures, weather, or reasons beyond our control

Pricing

FAQ

What is the best time to do this 6 day Kashmir tour?

The circuit works across seasons. April to June brings tulips, green meadows, and pleasant days. July to September is lush and comfortable. October offers autumn chinar colours, and December to February turns Gulmarg and Sonmarg into a snow landscape, though some higher roads like Zoji La may be closed.

Is the Gulmarg Gondola included in the package price?

No. Gondola tickets are bought locally and are not part of the tour cost, since fares and phase availability change with the season and demand. Our driver and team help you plan timing and reach the ticket counter, but you pay for the ride directly.

How much walking or physical activity does this tour involve?

The core sightseeing is easy and suits most fitness levels. Optional stretches like the Thajiwas glacier walk in Sonmarg or slopes in Gulmarg involve uphill effort, but you can always take a pony instead. Let us know your comfort level and we adjust the pace.

Why are some local taxi charges not included?

At spots like Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, Chandanwari, and inside Sonmarg, only registered local union taxis are allowed beyond a point. These are charged separately on the day, so we keep them out of the base price to stay transparent about what you pay.

Can I customise the itinerary or add Doodhpathri as a full day?

Yes. This is a flexible template. We can extend Doodhpathri into a dedicated day, add Yousmarg, or trim a segment to suit your dates and budget. Call us at +91-9419244962 or email info@happyjacks.co.in and we will tailor the plan for you.