Kashmir Paradise Trip
Houseboats on Dal Lake, Mughal gardens, the Gulmarg gondola and the valleys of Pahalgam — the classic Kashmir circuit in six days.
Trip Highlights
- Shikara ride on Dal Lake
- Gulmarg Gondola — one of the highest cable cars in the world
- Thajiwas Glacier walk at Sonmarg
- Betaab, Aru and Baisaran valleys around Pahalgam
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 1
Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar
Airport to Dal Lake · ~25 km · 1 hrCheck in to a houseboat or hotel, take an evening shikara ride on Dal Lake and visit the Hazratbal Shrine on its northern shore.
Famous stops: Char Chinar island · Floating vegetable market · Boulevard Road
- 2
Day 2: Mughal Gardens of Srinagar
Srinagar local · ~35 kmSpend the day among the terraced Mughal gardens — Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh on the lakefront, then sunset views from Pari Mahal.
Famous stops: Chashme Shahi · Shankaracharya Temple · Tulip Garden (spring)
- 3
Day 3: Gulmarg day trip
Srinagar → Gulmarg → Srinagar · ~100 km · 2 hrs each wayHighest point: Apharwat ridge (gondola) · ~3,980 mDrive to Gulmarg (about 2 hours), ride the gondola to Apharwat ridge and walk the flower meadows before returning to Srinagar.
Famous stops: Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 & 2 · St. Mary’s Church · Strawberry Valley
- 4
Day 4: Sonmarg and Thajiwas Glacier
Srinagar → Sonmarg → Srinagar · ~160 km · 2.5 hrs each wayHighest point: Sonmarg · ~2,730 mHead up the Sindh Valley to Sonmarg and hike (or ride a pony) to the Thajiwas Glacier. Optional detour towards Zoji La viewpoint.
Famous stops: Sindh river valley · Gagangir viewpoints
- 5
Day 5: Pahalgam valleys
Srinagar → Pahalgam · ~90 km · 2.5–3 hrs, plus ~40 km valley circuitTransfer to Pahalgam and cover Betaab Valley, Aru Valley and Chandanwari along the Lidder river.
Famous stops: Saffron fields of Pampore · Awantipora ruins · Lidder river
- 6
Day 6: Baisaran and departure
Pahalgam → Srinagar airport · ~95 km · 3 hrsMorning pony trek to the Baisaran meadow — "mini Switzerland" — then drive back to Srinagar for your onward journey.
Famous stops: Baisaran meadow pony trek
Permits & Entry Requirements
No special permits are needed for this route. Carry a valid government photo ID for hotel check-ins and security checkpoints.
Places Covered on This Trip
Dal Lake
Hazratbal Shrine
Shalimar Bagh
Nishat Bagh
Pari Mahal
Gulmarg
Sonmarg
Thajiwas Glacier
Betaab Valley
Aru Valley
Chandanwari
Baisaran
Frequently Asked Questions
April to October. Spring (April–May) brings tulips and blooming Mughal gardens, summer (June–August) stays a pleasant 15–30°C, and autumn paints the chinar trees gold. The Gulmarg gondola also runs in winter, but that season is for skiing rather than this circuit.
No. Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam are all open to Indian and foreign tourists without permits — just carry a government photo ID (passport for foreign nationals) for hotel check-ins and security checkpoints.
Srinagar International Airport (SXR) has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other metros. By train, Jammu Tawi is the nearest major railhead, about 270 km away along NH44.
Yes — it is the signature Kashmir experience. Licensed deluxe houseboats typically cost ₹3,000–8,000 per night including breakfast; book one moored off Boulevard Road for easy shikara access.
Book Phase 1 (Kongdoori) and Phase 2 (Apharwat) tickets in advance on the official Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation website — peak-season slots sell out days ahead. Carry the e-ticket printout and reach early to beat the queue.
Six days comfortably covers Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg and the Pahalgam valleys at the pace of this itinerary. Add a day or two if you also want offbeat meadows like Doodhpathri or Yusmarg.
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