Kashmir
Houseboats on a mirror of a lake
What a trip to Kashmir actually looks like.
Dal Lake at sunrise, saffron fields in Pampore, and deodar forests climbing toward Gulmarg's snowline. The pace is set by the season — spring gardens, summer meadows, and a first snow that changes the whole valley by October.
Four places worth building the trip around.
The highlights our planners come back to most when they build a Kashmir itinerary.
Dal Lake Houseboats
A night or two on a traditional houseboat, with shikara rides across the lake at sunrise and sunset.
Gulmarg Gondola
One of the world's highest cable cars, climbing over pine forests to snow-covered meadows.
Mughal Gardens
Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh — terraced gardens built beside the lake, best walked in the late afternoon.
Pahalgam & Betaab Valley
Pine-forested valleys along the Lidder River, and the starting point for several Kashmir treks.
A seven-day route through Kashmir.
Arrive in Srinagar
Check into your houseboat on Dal Lake, with an evening shikara ride.
Srinagar's Mughal Gardens
A slow day through Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and the old city's spice markets.
Drive to Gulmarg
Check into a mountain stay, then ride the gondola up toward Apharwat Peak.
Gulmarg to Pahalgam
A scenic drive through the Kashmir countryside, arriving by the Lidder River.
Pahalgam & Betaab Valley
A day exploring Betaab Valley and Aru Valley, with time by the river.
Return to Srinagar
A final evening on the houseboat and a walk through Srinagar's old city.
Departure
Free morning before your onward flight from Srinagar.
Ready to plan your Kashmir trip?
Send us your dates and we'll turn this into a first-draft itinerary within one business day.
