Kashmir Backpacking 5N/6D

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Kashmir

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Description

Included/Excluded

Tour Plan

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Overview

A fast-paced yet complete Kashmir circuit for travelers short on time but not on appetite for adventure. This 6-day version pairs the classic Dal Lake experience with day-trip excursions to Sonmarg’s Thajiwas Glacier and Gulmarg’s Gondola, plus a full day covering Pahalgam’s Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, and Chandanwari. Houseboat nights, glacier views, meadows, and a ride to 14,500 ft — all in less than a week.

Route: Srinagar → Sonmarg (Daytrip) → Pahalgam → Srinagar → Gulmarg (Daytrip) → Srinagar Departure

Tour Highlights

Sunset Shikara ride on Dal Lake, Srinagar
Day trip to Sonmarg — Thajiwas Glacier views, optional pony ride
Pahalgam — Bollywood’s favourite valley, plus Chandanwari, Betaab & Aru Valley
Gulmarg Gondola daytrip — ride to Khilanmarg (10,500 ft) and Affarwat (14,500 ft)
Leisure time for shopping in Srinagar’s local markets
Houseboat stays on Dal Lake — a Kashmir signature experience

Included/Excluded

Accommodation for 5 nights (1 nights houseboat in Srinagar, 1 night Pahalgam hotel, 3 nights Srinagar hotel) as per itinerary
Daily breakfast & dinner
All transfers and sightseeing by private vehicle as per itinerary
One Shikara ride on Dal Lake
Airport pick-up and drop
All applicable tolls, parking, and driver allowances

Gulmarg Gondola cable car tickets (weather-dependent, paid on-site)
Union/local vehicle charges at Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, Chandanwari, and Tangmarg–Gulmarg (in case of snowfall)
Adventure activities at Gulmarg — skiing, snowboarding, ATV, snow bikes, pony rides, etc.
Monument/garden entry fees not specified as included
Lunches, and any meals not mentioned in inclusions
Airfare / train fare to and from Srinagar
Personal expenses, tips, travel insurance, and anything not mentioned under inclusions
Any cost arising due to natural calamities, roadblocks, political disturbances, or force majeure conditions (borne directly by guest)

Tour Plan

Day 01 Srinagar Arrival & Local Sightseeing

Arrive Srinagar, met by our representative and transferred to the Hotel.
Post check-in, half-day sightseeing (~32 km) covering Shalimar Garden, Nishat Garden, Tulip Garden, Cheshma Shahi, Pari Mahal, and Botanical Garden.
Drive up to Shankaracharya Temple for panoramic views over Srinagar city, followed by free time for local market shopping.
Evening Shikara ride on Dal Lake.
Dinner & overnight stay in hotel in Srinagar.

Day 02 Srinagar to Sonmarg Excursion

After breakfast, full-day excursion to Sonmarg (~80 km / 2.5 hrs one-way), the "Meadow of Gold."
On arrival, optional pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier (cost not included).
Enjoy the snow-capped peaks, glacial streams, and alpine scenery before driving back to Srinagar in the evening.
Dinner & overnight stay in hotel in Srinagar

Day 03 Srinagar to Gulmarg Daytrip

Drive to Gulmarg (~55 km / 2 hrs one-way).
Note: in case of snowfall, cabs stop at Tangmarg — onward local union vehicle (Jeep 4x4/Tavera) not included.
Optional Gondola cable car ride (cost not included, weather-dependent) - Phase 1 to Khilanmarg (10,500 ft), Phase 2 to Affarwat (14,500 ft).
Optional activities available on-site: skiing, cross country, snowboarding, ice skating, snow bikes, ATV, and pony ribuides.
Evening return to Srinagar.
Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Srinagar

Day 04 Srinagar to Pahalgam

After breakfast, check out and drive to Pahalgam (~90 km / 2.5 hrs one-way).
En route, stop at Izamarg village for green meadow views, followed by saffron fields and apple orchards.
Arrive Pahalgam — famed as a favourite filming location of Indian cinema.
Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Pahalgam.

Day 05 Pahalgam to Srinagar

Check out and head toward Chandanwari (3,288 m), Betaab Valley, and Aru Valley (local union vehicle not included).
In the evening, drive back to Srinagar (~98 km / 2.5 hrs).
Free time for shopping in local markets.
Dinner & overnight stay on Houseboat, Srinagar.