Classic Kashmir: Lakes,
Meadows & Valleys

The valley at an easy pace, with a night in each place

This is the unhurried Kashmir. Two nights in Srinagar first, for Dal Lake, a shikara at sunset and the Mughal gardens, then a night up in Gulmarg so the meadow and the Gondola are not squeezed into a day trip, and a night by the Lidder river in Pahalgam before Betaab Valley, Aru and Chandanwari. The last night is back in Srinagar, close to the airport.

It is built for families and couples who want to see the famous places without long days in the car. You travel in a private vehicle with your own driver, every night includes breakfast and dinner, and the hotel category is chosen with you when we quote.

What you will remember

• A shikara ride on Dal Lake at sunset, past the floating gardens and houseboats
• Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi, the Mughal gardens above the lake
• A night in Gulmarg, with the Gondola up to the snow when it runs
• An evening on the Lidder riverfront in Pahalgam
• Betaab Valley, Aru Valley and Chandanwari in one day
• Pashmina, saffron and dry fruit from the Srinagar markets

1. Day 1 Arrive, and a shikara on Dal Lake Srinagar

   Your driver meets you at Srinagar Airport and takes you to the hotel or houseboat. After you have settled in, the afternoon is for Dal Lake: a shikara ride through the floating gardens and houseboats with the mountains behind, and a walk along the lakeside promenade and markets if there is time. Dinner and the night at the hotel.

   • Dal Lake and the shikara ride, best at sunset
   • The Boulevard Road promenade and local markets

   • Srinagar, chosen hotel category
   • Dinner
2. Day 2 The Mughal gardens and the markets Srinagar

   After breakfast, a day of Srinagar sightseeing: the three Mughal gardens, the view from Shankaracharya Temple if time and weather allow, and the markets for Kashmiri handicrafts, Pashmina shawls, dry fruit and saffron. Dinner and the night at the hotel.

   • Nishat Bagh, terraced lawns and fountains over Dal Lake
   • Shalimar Bagh and its Mughal terraces
   • Chashme Shahi and its natural spring
   • Shankaracharya Temple, subject to time and weather
   • Optional: Hazratbal Shrine, a walk along Boulevard Road, or a Kashmiri lunch

   • Srinagar, chosen hotel category
   • Breakfast & dinner
3. Day 3 Up to the Meadow of Flowers Srinagar to Gulmarg

   Breakfast, then the drive to Gulmarg, about 50 to 60 km and two to three hours depending on the road, through pine forest and mountain slopes. The main meadow comes first, with the Himalayan backdrop, then the Gulmarg Gondola when it is running, with the higher phase an option in season for the snow peaks. Snow play or skiing in winter, easy walks in summer. Check in at your Gulmarg hotel for dinner and the night.

   • The Gulmarg meadow
   • Gulmarg Gondola, subject to weather and operation
   • Snow play and skiing in winter; walks in summer

   • Gulmarg mountain resort or hotel
   • Breakfast & dinner
4. Day 4 Across to the Lidder river Gulmarg to Pahalgam

   After breakfast, the long drive across the valley to Pahalgam, four to six hours with stops, through changing countryside. Pahalgam sits among pine forest and mountains on the Lidder river. Check in, then time for the riverfront and the local market, with a stroll along the permitted riverside stretches. Dinner and the night at the hotel.

   • The Lidder riverfront and Pahalgam market
   • Optional on the way: the saffron fields of Pampore or the Awantipora temple ruins, if time allows

   • Pahalgam valley-side hotel or resort
   • Breakfast & dinner
5. Day 5 Betaab, Aru and Chandanwari, then back to Srinagar Pahalgam to Srinagar

   Breakfast, then the three valleys around Pahalgam: Betaab Valley with its meadows and streams, Aru Valley for the views, and Chandanwari up the road, as time and road conditions allow. Lunch at a local restaurant or packed for the day. In the afternoon the drive back to Srinagar, check in, dinner and the night.

   • Betaab Valley
   • Aru Valley
   • Chandanwari, subject to time and the road

   • Srinagar, chosen hotel category
   • Breakfast & dinner
6. Day 6 Departure Srinagar Airport

   Breakfast and check-out, a little last shopping if your flight allows, then the private transfer to Srinagar Airport.

   • Breakfast
   • Private airport drop

What is included

The inclusions for your travel dates and hotel category are confirmed in writing on your quotation.

The nights

• SrinagarHotel or houseboat in your chosen category2 + 1 nights
• GulmargMountain resort or hotel1 night
• PahalgamValley-side hotel or resort1 night

Two nights in Srinagar at the start and one before departure. The split of nights can be changed to suit your budget and flight times; the hotels are named on your quotation.

A look at the route

Before you book

• The Gondola. Tickets are paid separately, and the ride depends on weather and operations on the day. Skiing equipment and pony rides are also charged on the spot.
• Pahalgam sightseeing. Local rules require union vehicles for some of the valley roads; those charges are paid locally. Betaab, Aru and Chandanwari all depend on time, weather and the road.
• Shikara. The ride is at your own cost unless you ask us to add it; sunset is the time to take it.
• Nights. The 3-1-1 split assumes one night in Gulmarg and one in Pahalgam. Tell us if you would rather base yourself in Srinagar and we will rework the days.