Why Kashmir
The one Indian destination that feels like a different country.
Houseboats on a mirror-still lake, saffron fields, alpine meadows at 2,700 m and some of the warmest hospitality you will find anywhere. Couples come for the honeymoon setting, families for the gondola and snow, and everyone for the Wazwan feast.
Things to do
Experiences not to miss
Handpicked experiences our Kashmir travellers rate highest. Tell your consultant which ones matter most to you and we will build the trip around them.
-
Shikara ride on Dal Lake
The signature Kashmir moment — a slow boat ride past floating gardens and the Char Chinar island, best at sunset.
-
Gulmarg Gondola to Apharwat
One of the highest cable cars in the world. Snow at the top almost year-round; skiing from December to March.
-
Houseboat night on Nigeen Lake
Sleep in a carved cedar houseboat with a private deck. Quieter than Dal and perfect for couples.
-
Betaab & Aru Valley, Pahalgam
Film-famous river valleys with pine forests and meadows, reached by local union cab.
-
Tulip Garden (April only)
Asia's largest tulip garden blooms for 3–4 weeks every April under the Zabarwan hills.
-
A Wazwan feast
The multi-course Kashmiri banquet — rista, gushtaba, rogan josh — followed by saffron kahwa tea.
-
Sonamarg & Thajiwas Glacier
A gentle glacier walk or pony ride from the meadow; snow play for kids even in summer.
-
Doodhpathri
An offbeat meadow a day trip from Srinagar, with far fewer crowds than Gulmarg. Ask your consultant to add a day.
Sample itinerary · 4N / 5D
A sample 4N / 5D plan
This is the classic Kashmir circuit our travellers love. Every day is customisable — add a houseboat night or Doodhpathri, or swap days around to suit your flight times.
-
Day 1
Arrival in Srinagar · Mughal Gardens & Shikara ride
Meet your driver at Srinagar airport and check in. In the afternoon visit the Mughal Gardens — Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi — on the banks of Dal Lake, then glide across the lake on a one-hour Shikara ride as the sun sets.
Overnight in Srinagar
-
Day 2
Day trip to Gulmarg · the gondola
Drive 50 km to the meadow of Gulmarg (about 1.5 h). Ride the famous Gulmarg Gondola — Phase 1 to Kongdoori and Phase 2 to Apharwat at ~13,000 ft — for snow views even in summer. Pony rides, sledging and ATVs are available in season. Return to Srinagar for dinner.
Overnight in Srinagar
-
Day 3
Day trip to Pahalgam · saffron fields en route
Head 90 km to Pahalgam along the Lidder river, stopping at Pampore's saffron fields and a cricket-bat factory. Explore Betaab Valley and Aru Valley by local union cab.
Overnight in Srinagar
-
Day 4
Sonamarg · Thajiwas Glacier · overnight in the meadow
A scenic 80 km drive brings you to Sonamarg, the 'meadow of gold'. Walk or pony-ride to Thajiwas Glacier, enjoy the Sindh river views and spend a quiet night in the mountains — the stargazing is unforgettable.
Overnight in Sonamarg
-
Day 5
Departure · Hazratbal & local shopping
After breakfast drive back towards Srinagar (about 2.5 h). If time permits, stop at Hazratbal shrine and pick up pashmina, dry fruits and Kashmiri saffron before your airport drop. Depart with memories of paradise.
Extend your trip
Popular add-ons
-
+1N
Houseboat on Dal or Nigeen Lake
A heritage houseboat night — the quintessential Kashmir stay.
-
+1N
Gulmarg stay
Sleep in the meadow; ride the gondola before the crowds.
-
+1D
Doodhpathri
A quiet meadow a day trip from Srinagar, minus the crowds.
Best time to visit
Four very different seasons. Pick yours.
-
Spring · Best
Mar – May
Tulips, blossoms and mild 10–25°C days. Snow still on Gulmarg's upper slopes.
-
Summer · Peak
Jun – Aug
Pleasant 15–30°C, perfect for families escaping the South Indian heat. Book early.
-
Autumn
Sep – Nov
Golden chinar leaves, apple harvest and crisp clear skies. Fewer crowds, great photos.
-
Winter · Snow
Dec – Feb
Snowfall, skiing in Gulmarg and frozen Dal Lake mornings. Pack serious woollens.
At a glance
Kashmir at a glance
A quick orientation so you know what kind of trip Kashmir is — and why our travellers keep going back.
- Weather
- Cool to coldSummer days 15–30°C, nights get chilly. Winter below 0°C with snow.
- Time difference
- NoneSame as the rest of India — no jet lag.
- Currency
- Indian RupeeCarry cash; ATMs are scarce in Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg.
- Language
- Kashmiri, Urdu, HindiEnglish works at hotels; drivers and guides manage Hindi/English.
- Connectivity
- Postpaid SIM onlyPrepaid SIMs from other states do not work in J&K. Hotels have Wi-Fi.
- Food
- Veg & non-veg friendlyRogan josh, yakhni, kahwa tea. Vegetarian and Jain meals easily arranged.
Getting there
Recommended flights from South India
Srinagar has no direct flights from Tamil Nadu or Kerala, so every route connects through Delhi. Delhi–Srinagar is a short 1 h 30 m hop with many flights a day.
-
Chennai
Take the first morning flight so you land by early afternoon.
-
Bengaluru
Most connection options of all South Indian cities.
-
Trivandrum / Kochi
Choose a connection with at least 2 h at Delhi.
-
Madurai / Coimbatore
One-stop IndiGo fares are usually the easiest.
Srinagar is a high-security airport: arrive 2 hours before departure and keep your government photo ID handy at every checkpoint. Your consultant will shortlist the best connection for your dates and share exact timings.
Packing checklist
Your Kashmir checklist
Kashmir is a mountain destination — a little preparation makes the trip much more comfortable. Tick these off before you travel.
What to packLayer up — mornings and evenings are cold even in summer
Documents to carryDomestic travel — no passport needed
Leave behind / avoidRules that catch visitors by surprise
- Prepaid SIM cards — they will not work in Jammu & Kashmir. Switch to postpaid before you fly or rely on hotel Wi-Fi.
- Drones — restricted in most of the valley; do not carry one without permission.
- Expecting AC vehicles — hill vehicles are non-AC and private cars are not allowed inside Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg; local union cabs or ponies take over.
- Alcohol expectations — no liquor shops in Gulmarg, Pahalgam or Sonamarg, and hotels there do not serve it.
- Heavy suitcases for day trips — gondola queues and pony rides are easier with a small backpack.
- Thin footwear — slippers and sandals are miserable on snow and wet meadows.
Good to know
Good to know before you go
Dress modestly at shrines
Cover shoulders and knees at Hazratbal and other religious sites; carry a scarf.
Gondola tickets sell out
Gulmarg Gondola tickets are booked online in advance — your consultant arranges this so you skip the queue.
Local union cabs & ponies
Rates are fixed by local unions at Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg. Our driver will guide you so there are no surprises.
Weather changes fast
A sunny morning can turn to rain by noon. Keep a jacket in the car even in May.
Try the local tea culture
Kahwa (saffron green tea) and noon chai (pink salt tea) are a must. Bakeries in Srinagar open early.
Well organised, with a warm welcome
Tourism is the heart of Kashmir — expect warm, welcoming locals. Follow your driver's advice on timings and routes. Some sites open and close at short notice, so your consultant confirms what is open for your dates.
What happens next
Share your dates. We'll build your Kashmir plan.
One of our Kashmir specialists will reach you on WhatsApp to understand your dates, group and budget — then build a personalised day-by-day itinerary with hotel options.
- Keep your travel dates and number of travellers handy.
- Tell us what matters most: honeymoon, family snow play, offbeat valleys or a houseboat stay.
- Receive your personalised quote and itinerary on WhatsApp — usually within the hour.
- Rated on Google
- 4.9 ★
- Happy travellers
- 5,000+
- Destinations
- 100+
- On-trip support
- 24/7