Kashmir: The Paradise of the Himalayas
Jammu and Kashmir
9 days
Kashmir, often called the "Paradise in the Himalayas," is a breathtaking region in the northern part of India known for its stunning natural beauty. Nestled amid snow-capped Himalayan peaks, lush green valleys, serene lakes, and vibrant flower-filled meadows, Kashmir offers a unique blend of majestic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The region captivates visitors with its mild summers, snowy winters, and warm hospitality.
For foreigners, Kashmir is a dream destination to experience alpine adventure, tranquil houseboat stays on Dal Lake, vibrant local markets, and traditional Kashmiri cuisine. Its pristine environment, historic Mughal gardens, and peaceful villages provide a refreshing escape from the hustle of modern life. Traveling here means embracing a blend of scenic wonders and cultural treasures that create memories lasting a lifetime.
Itinerary 1
6-Night Kashmir tour (Round Trip from Delhi)
Day 1: Delhi to Srinagar
- Fly early morning from Delhi to Srinagar (about 1.5 hours).
- Transfer to a houseboat on Dal Lake the quintessential Kashmir welcome.
- Enjoy a sunset shikara ride on Dal Lake with views of the Himalayas reflected in the water.
- Dinner onboard or local restaurant with authentic Kashmiri cuisine like wazwan.
Day 2: Srinagar Local Sightseeing
- Morning visit to the Mughal Gardens (Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Chasma Shahi).
- Explore Shankaracharya Temple for panoramic valley views.
- Visit Hazratbal Shrine.
- Evening strolls and shopping at Boulevard Road by Dal Lake.
- Optional evening shikara ride or soak in local street food vibes.
- Day 3: Gulmarg Day Trip
- 2-3 hour drive to Gulmarg, known as the Meadow of Flowers.
- Ride the Gondola cable car up to Apharwat Peak for stunning snow-capped mountain views.
- In winter, try skiing; in summer, enjoy walking or horse rides in wildflower meadows.
- Return to Srinagar for overnight stay.
Day 4: Pahalgam Journey
- Drive 3 hours to Pahalgam, a serene valley by the Lidder River.
- Visit Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and Chandanwari by pony or foot.
- Option for hiking or just relaxing by the rushing riverside.
- Overnight stay in Pahalgam.
Day 5: Pahalgam Exploration & Return to Srinagar
- Spend morning exploring local markets or taking a peaceful walk.
- Afternoon drive back to Srinagar.
- Visit the floating vegetable market on Dal Lake if time allows.
- Overnight in Srinagar.
Day 6: Departure from Srinagar to Delhi
- Transfer to Srinagar airport for flight back to Delhi.
Itinerary 2
7-Night Kashmir tour (Round Trip from Delhi)
Day 1: Delhi to Srinagar
- Fly early morning from Delhi to Srinagar (about 1.5 hours).
- Transfer to a houseboat on Dal Lake the quintessential Kashmir welcome.
- Enjoy a sunset shikara ride on Dal Lake with views of the Himalayas reflected in the water.
- Dinner onboard or local restaurant with authentic Kashmiri cuisine like wazwan.
Day 2: Srinagar Local Sightseeing
- Morning visit to the Mughal Gardens (Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Chasma Shahi).
- Explore Shankaracharya Temple for panoramic valley views.
- Visit Hazratbal Shrine.
- Evening strolls and shopping at Boulevard Road by Dal Lake.
- Optional evening shikara ride or soak in local street food vibes.
- Day 3: Gulmarg Day Trip
- 2-3 hour drive to Gulmarg, known as the Meadow of Flowers.
- Ride the Gondola cable car up to Apharwat Peak for stunning snow-capped mountain views.
- In winter, try skiing; in summer, enjoy walking or horse rides in wildflower meadows.
- Return to Srinagar for overnight stay.
Day 4: Pahalgam Journey
- Drive 3 hours to Pahalgam, a serene valley by the Lidder River.
- Visit Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and Chandanwari by pony or foot.
- Option for hiking or just relaxing by the rushing riverside.
- Overnight stay in Pahalgam.
Day 5: Pahalgam Exploration & Return to Srinagar
- Spend morning exploring local markets or taking a peaceful walk.
- Afternoon drive back to Srinagar.
- Visit the floating vegetable market on Dal Lake if time allows.
- Overnight in Srinagar.
Day 6: Sonamarg Day Excursion
- Drive 2.5-3 hours to Sonamarg, Meadow of Gold.
- Pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier; marvel at snow and glaciers.
- Enjoy riverside meadows and crisp mountain air.
- Return to Srinagar for overnight.
Day 7: Srinagar Leisure and Local Discovery
- Relaxed day exploring lesser-known Srinagar spots.
- Visit Char Chinar Island on Dal Lake for a serene sunset.
- Try local street eats like tabak maaz (fried lamb ribs).
- Shopping and wandering old city lanes.
- Overnight in Srinagar.
Day 8: Departure to Delhi
- Morning shopping at Lal Chowk or floating markets.
- Fly back to Delhi in afternoon or evening.
Itinerary 3
7-Night Kashmir tour (Round Trip from Delhi)
Day 1: Delhi to Srinagar
- Fly early morning from Delhi to Srinagar (about 1.5 hours).
- Transfer to a houseboat on Dal Lake the quintessential Kashmir welcome.
- Enjoy a sunset shikara ride on Dal Lake with views of the Himalayas reflected in the water.
- Dinner onboard or local restaurant with authentic Kashmiri cuisine like wazwan.
Day 2: Srinagar Local Sightseeing
- Morning visit to the Mughal Gardens (Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Chasma Shahi).
- Explore Shankaracharya Temple for panoramic valley views.
- Visit Hazratbal Shrine.
- Evening strolls and shopping at Boulevard Road by Dal Lake.
- Optional evening shikara ride or soak in local street food vibes.
- Day 3: Gulmarg Day Trip
- 2-3 hour drive to Gulmarg, known as the Meadow of Flowers.
- Ride the Gondola cable car up to Apharwat Peak for stunning snow-capped mountain views.
- In winter, try skiing; in summer, enjoy walking or horse rides in wildflower meadows.
- Return to Srinagar for overnight stay.
Day 4: Pahalgam Journey
- Drive 3 hours to Pahalgam, a serene valley by the Lidder River.
- Visit Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and Chandanwari by pony or foot.
- Option for hiking or just relaxing by the rushing riverside.
- Overnight stay in Pahalgam.
Day 5: Pahalgam Exploration & Return to Srinagar
- Spend morning exploring local markets or taking a peaceful walk.
- Afternoon drive back to Srinagar.
- Visit the floating vegetable market on Dal Lake if time allows.
- Overnight in Srinagar.
- Day 6: Sonamarg Day Excursion
- Drive 2.5-3 hours to Sonamarg, Meadow of Gold.
- Pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier; marvel at snow and glaciers.
- Enjoy riverside meadows and crisp mountain air.
- Return to Srinagar for overnight.
Day 7: Srinagar Cultural Immersion
- Explore old Srinagar neighborhoods, handicraft bazaars.
- Visit lesser-visited sites or relax on the houseboat.
- Evening shikara ride or quiet dinner by the lake.
Day 8: Optional Day Trip or Leisure
- Option to visit offbeat spots like Doodhpathri or Naranag for peaceful meadows and ancient temples.
- Alternatively, enjoy leisure day soaking in Kashmirs tranquil vibe and concluding with your favorite experiences.
Day 9: Final Departure
- After a slow morning, transfer to Srinagar airport for your flight back to Delhi.
Includes & Excludes
Common Inclusions Across Kashmir Packages
- Welcome drinks such as saffron kahwa on arrival.
- Services of local guides or representatives for designated tours.
- Entry fees to major tourist attractions included.
- Private transportation within Kashmir by comfortable, well-maintained vehicles with experienced drivers.
- All local sightseeing visits including Mughal Gardens, Shankaracharya Temple, Dal Lake shikara ride, Gulmarg Gondola ride, Betaab Valley, Aru & Chandanwari Valleys, Sonamarg excursions with pony rides to glaciers, etc.
- Daily breakfast and some dinner meals (usually as per itinerary).
- Accommodation on a double sharing basis in hotels, resorts, and houseboats (typically including at least one night on a Dal Lake houseboat).
- Domestic flights from Delhi to Srinagar and return.
- Arrival and departure transfers between Srinagar Airport and accommodations.
Common Exclusions
- Any government-imposed taxes or fees not stated.
- Any charges arising from flight delays or cancellations, roadblocks, or unforeseen events.
- Meals other than those mentioned in the package (e.g., lunches or extra dinners).
- Guide charges where not specified.
- Entry fees for monuments or attractions not mentioned explicitly in the itinerary.
- Charges for any additional/customized tours or activities not listed in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance (highly recommended to arrange separately).
- Airfare beyond Delhi-Srinagar segment (e.g., international flights to Delhi).
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, tips, liquor, and camera fees.
Location
Price Range for Foreign Tourists (Indicative, per person)
Prices vary depending on season (summer being peak), accommodation type (standard vs. deluxe), inclusions, and group size. Packages often include domestic flight fares from Delhi, all transfers, accommodation, most meals, and sightseeing. Booking early often secures better rates.
8-Night Packages: Approximately $700 - $1,200 USD
7-Night Packages: Approximately $600 - $1,000 USD
6-Night Packages: Approximately $500 - $900 USD
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How safe is traveling to Kashmir?
A: Kashmir is considered safe for tourists, with a strong presence of tourism police and security. It is recommended to follow local guidelines, avoid restricted areas, and carry valid identification at all times.
Q: What is the best time to visit Kashmir?
A: The best time is from April to October for pleasant weather, blooming valleys, and accessible roads. Winters (December-February) are perfect for snow activities but require warm clothing and readiness for cold conditions.
Q: Are flights reliable in Kashmir?
A: Flight schedules can sometimes be affected by weather, especially in winter. Its wise to keep some flexibility in travel plans. Operators usually help reschedule if cancellations occur.
Q: Do I need any special permits?
A: For standard tourist visits, no special permits are required, but carrying your ID/passport is crucial. Some restricted zones may require permits, typically arranged by the tour operator.
Q: Can packages be customized?
A: Most operators offer flexibility to add/remove destinations, upgrade accommodations, or include extra activities to suit your interests and budget.
Terms and Conditions
Typical Terms and Conditions
- Clients bear responsibility for carrying required documents and obeying local laws and customs.
- Any dispute resolution typically follows the jurisdiction of the booking companys registered location.
- Travel insurance covering trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and baggage loss is highly recommended but usually not included.
- Tour operators reserve the right to modify itineraries for safety, weather, or operational reasons. Alternative arrangements or refunds will be offered in such cases.
- Non-refundable costs for special/discounted flights or bookings during peak seasons.
- No refund if canceled less than 7 days before departure.
- Reduced refunds with shorter notice (50% refund 20-25 days prior, 25% refund 10-20 days).
- Full or partial refunds if canceled 25-30 days before departure (e.g., 75% refund).
- Cancellation policies vary but commonly include:
- Full payment is usually required 2-3 weeks before arrival.
- A minimum deposit (about 20%-30% of the package cost) is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation.
Starts From
$ 500 USD $ 800 USD / Per Person
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Profile
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- Ankur Sodhi
- Ankur Sodhi, travel enthucist, have 13 years experience in tour and travel business. I have travelled India extensively. I am in the right position to give you a very good tour package of India
