India · Mountain Exploration

5-Day Kashmir Tour from Srinagar with Dal Lake and Gulmarg

5 Days Round trip from Srinagar Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Enjoy a shikara boat ride on Dal Lake in Srinagar
  • 02 Visit Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and the Mughal Gardens in Srinagar
  • 03 Ride a pony to Thajiwas Glacier in Sonamarg
  • 04 Hop on the Gulmarg Gondola, one of Kashmir's best mountain experiences
  • 05 Go river rafting on the Lidder River in Pahalgam
  • 06 Shop for woollens, Pashmina shawls, and handicrafts in Pahalgam

Explore Kashmir, the "Switzerland of India," over 5 days from Srinagar, taking in panoramic landscapes, lakes, gardens, and mountain towns. Enjoy a famous shikara boat ride on Dal Lake, visit the heavenly Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, and continue to Sonamarg for a pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier. Experience the Gulmarg Gondola high in the hills, then head to Pahalgam for river rafting on the Lidder River and shopping for woollens, Pashmina shawls, and handicrafts in the valley.

With the Himalayas in the backdrop and the gentle gurgles of the lake, this houseboat-cruising experience is truly unforgettable.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Srinagar, Anantnag, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Srinagar and Dal Lake Shikara Ride

  • Arrive at Srinagar Airport/Railway Station, meet your tour representative, and enjoy an assisted transfer to your pre-booked hotel.

  • Check in, settle in, and rest at the hotel. On the banks of the Jhelum River, amidst a plethora of colourful flowers, lies Srinagar, the summer capital of Kashmir. Dry fruits, Kashmiri handicrafts, shikaras, and wooden mosques are a few of the things that make Srinagar nothing less than a paradise. Vast stretches of the Himalayas outline the borders of the city in epic grandeur.

  • In the evening, take a shikara ride on Dal Lake with your Indian tour guide. As the second-largest lake in Kashmir, Dal Lake is very popular in India and beyond. Its banks are lined with blooming Mughal-era gardens, hotels, and hamlets. With the Himalayas in the backdrop and the gentle gurgles of the lake, this houseboat-cruising experience is truly unforgettable.

  • Further, enjoy a smooth stroll through Chashmi-e Shahi (Royal Spring), Shalimar Bagh (Abode of Love), and Nishat (Garden of Pleasure), located in the Mughal Gardens. Nishat Park, the second-largest garden in the Kashmir Valley, has 12 terraces with spectacular details. Chashmi-e Shahi is exquisitely crafted with an Iranian theme, and the park design is inspired by Persian gardens. The spring flowing down in terraces is a special attraction, and this marvel is not to be missed.

  • Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

2
Day 02

Drive to Sonamarg and Visit Thajiwas Glacier

  • Leave for a drive to Sonamarg, which literally means "Meadow of Gold."

  • On arrival, check in at your pre-booked hotel and relax. The town is located at an altitude of 2,800 meters and overlooks popular peaks and glaciers such as Amarnath Peak, Kaolhoi Glacier, Machoi Peak, and Sirbal Peak.

  • Go for a pony ride that offers an incredible sightseeing experience. Hire a horse or pony to reach Thajiwas Glacier, which is carpeted with clear, white snow all year round.

  • Indulge in fun activities with your loved ones and click endless memorable photographs of the mesmerizing scenery. The climate of Sonamarg is always pleasant, whether in summer or winter.

Stay overnight at the hotel.

3
Day 03

Travel to Gulmarg and Ride the Gondola

  • Proceed to Gulmarg. The town's name literally means "Meadow of Flowers," and it truly stands up to its name. It is perched at an altitude of 2,730 meters. CNN regarded Gulmarg as the "Heartland of Winter Sports of India" and rated it as Asia's seventh-best ski destination. Several movies such as Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Bobby, Highway, Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, and Haider have been shot here because of its exemplary beauty.

  • Enjoy a ropeway or a pony ride to Khilanmarg. The Gulmarg Gondola is the highest and longest cable ropeway in Asia and one of the best experiences in Kashmir. This cable car ride is divided into two stages and takes you to and from Kongdoori Mountain, which is close to Apharwat Peak. The panoramic views from the top are simply stunning. There are various other adventure activities awaiting you here, including rock climbing, skiing, and trekking.

  • Indulge in golfing at one of the world's highest 18-hole golf courses.

  • Return to the hotel by evening and stay overnight.

4
Day 04

Pahalgam Riverside Leisure, Rafting, and Shopping

  • Leave for Pahalgam. On the banks of the Lidder River, Pahalgam is a popular hill station in the valley. Trekkers and nature lovers find this town to be a pure delight. In fact, many trekking circuits start from Pahalgam. About 90% of its total area is covered with forests and rich vegetation. Pahalgam is also close to a number of attractions such as the Avantipur ruins, Anantnag, Betaab Valley, and more.

  • Relax on the river banks, basking under the cold rays of sunshine, or take short treks to nearby trekking spots.

  • Avid adventurers can partake in river rafting on the Lidder River. Angling is another interesting activity offered here.

  • In the evening, indulge in a shopping spree and get your hands on superb souvenirs such as woollens, Pashmina shawls, wooden objects, handicrafts, and more.

  • Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

5
Day 05

Departure Transfer to Srinagar

  • Have breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out.

  • Enjoy an assisted transfer with your Kashmiri guide to Srinagar Airport/Railway Station.

Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Thajiwas Glacier, Gulmarg Gondola

Where this trip takes you

Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Thajiwas Glacier, Gulmarg Gondola

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Srinagar 5 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Shikara boat ride on Dal Lake, Srinagar

  • Visit to Shalimar Garden, Nishat Bagh, and Mughal Garden in Srinagar

  • Pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier in Sonamarg

  • Gondola cable ride in Gulmarg

  • River rafting in Pahalgam

  • Breakfast and dinner

  • Welcome drinks

What's Not Included

  • Soft and hard beverages

  • Lunches

  • Gondola cable car tickets

  • Horse ride in Gulmarg and Pahalgam

  • Horse ride in Sonamarg

  • Laundry services

  • Tips for the driver

  • Personal call services

  • Visit to Betaab Valley

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Srinagar
Tour start
Srinagar
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Srinagar.

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