Paradise of Kashmir

Trip overview

Kashmir earned its nickname 'Heaven on Earth' for good reason. This 5-day group tour is built around three of the most breathtaking valleys in the Indian Himalayas — Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg — with plenty of time to slow down in Srinagar itself. You'll sleep on a traditional houseboat, cruise the lotus-covered lanes of Dal Lake at sunrise, and stop by the Mughal gardens that inspired emperors. Ideal for first-time visitors to India and travelers who want mountain beauty without a demanding itinerary.

Trip highlights

• Stay on a hand-carved wooden houseboat on Dal Lake
• Gondola cable car above Gulmarg's alpine meadows
• Nature walks along the Lidder River in Pahalgam
• Sonmarg — the Meadow of Gold — with views of Thajiwas Glacier
• Mughal gardens: Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh & Shankaracharya Temple

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Arrival in Srinagar + Mughal Gardens

   Arrive at Srinagar airport and transfer to your houseboat on Dal Lake. Afternoon visit to Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh (the Garden of Pleasure and Abode of All), followed by Shankaracharya Temple with its sunset view over the valley.

   🏠 Deluxe houseboat on Dal Lake✨ Sunset shikara ride
2. 2

   Day trip to Gulmarg

   Drive 53 km to Gulmarg (8,700 ft), also known as the Meadow of Flowers. Ride the world's second-highest gondola up to Kongdori for panoramic Himalayan views, explore the golf course (world's highest 18-hole course), and return to Srinagar by evening.

   🏠 Deluxe hotel / houseboat in Srinagar✨ Gulmarg Gondola cable car
3. 3

   Day trip to Pahalgam

   Full-day excursion to Pahalgam, the 'Valley of Shepherds.' Nature walks along the Lidder River, optional pony rides to Baisaran Meadow, and a picnic lunch amidst pine forests.

   🏠 Deluxe hotel / houseboat in Srinagar✨ Lidder River walks
4. 4

   Day trip to Sonmarg

   Drive to Sonmarg (9,000 ft) — the 'Meadow of Gold.' Snow-capped peaks, the Sindh River full of trout, and an optional pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier.

   🏠 Deluxe hotel / houseboat in Srinagar✨ Thajiwas Glacier
5. 5

   Departure

   Leisurely breakfast, optional last shikara ride, and transfer to Srinagar airport for your onward flight.

   🏠 —✨ Last sunrise over Dal Lake