Paradise on Earth
Kashmir
Tour Package
Dal Lake Houseboat · Gulmarg · Pahalgam · Sonamarg
🌙 6 Nights · 7 Days
📍 From Chandigarh
⭐ 5.0 Rating
👥 Group & Private
🛶 Dal Lake Houseboat
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Route:
Chandigarh▶
Srinagar▶
Dal Lake Houseboat▶
Gulmarg▶
Pahalgam▶
Betaab Valley▶
Sonamarg▶
Chandigarh Return
About This Tour
Experience Heaven on Earth
Kashmir — "Gar Firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast, hameen ast-o hameen ast-o hameen ast" (If there is paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here) — so said the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, and nothing has changed since. AK Tours & Travel brings you a premium 7-day Kashmir experience crafted to show you the very best of this paradise valley.
From floating on the famed Dal Lake in a traditional wooden houseboat to galloping through snow at Gulmarg's world-class ski resort, walking through the meadows of Pahalgam, and witnessing the golden sunrise at Sonamarg — our Kashmir package is a complete journey through one of the world's most breathtaking destinations.
Tour Highlights
What Makes This Special
Dal Lake Houseboat Stay
Sleep on a traditional ornately carved wooden houseboat anchored on the serene Dal Lake — one of the most unique accommodation experiences in the world.
Mughal Gardens
Explore the 400-year-old Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi — terraced Persian-Mughal gardens overlooking Dal Lake in full bloom.
Gulmarg — Ski & Gondola
Ride Asia's highest cable car (Gondola) at Gulmarg (2,650m) — sweeping views of the Himalayas and Pakistan border. Snow activities all year on the slopes.
Pahalgam Valley
The "Valley of Shepherds" — lush green meadows, the Lidder River, Betaab Valley (DDLJ fame) and Aru Valley. Pony rides and river rafting available.
Sonamarg — Golden Meadow
The "Meadow of Gold" — surrounded by glaciers, wildflowers and rushing streams. Thajiwas Glacier trek and Zoji La Pass views. Absolutely stunning.
Shankaracharya Temple
Perched 1,000 ft above Srinagar on a rocky hill — the oldest temple in Kashmir (2,500 years old) with panoramic views of the city and Dal Lake.
Day-by-Day Plan
Complete 7-Day Itinerary
1
Day 1
Chandigarh → Srinagar (via Jammu)
📍 ~630 km · 12 hrs drive OR Fly to Srinagar
Depart Chandigarh early morning. Drive via Pathankot, Jammu and the scenic Banihal Tunnel (or Jawahar Tunnel) into the Kashmir Valley. Alternatively, take a morning flight from Chandigarh to Srinagar (1 hr). Arrive Srinagar and transfer directly to your traditional Dal Lake houseboat. Evening Shikara (gondola boat) ride on Dal Lake — float past floating vegetable markets, lotus gardens and the iconic Char Chinar island. Overnight on houseboat.
2
Day 2
Srinagar Local Sightseeing
📍 Mughal Gardens · Dal Lake · City Tour
Full day Srinagar sightseeing. Morning visit to the magnificent Mughal Gardens — Shalimar Bagh (Garden of Love, 1619 AD), Nishat Bagh (Garden of Joy) and Chashme Shahi (Royal Spring). Proceed to the ancient Shankaracharya Temple (2,500 years old, perched 1,000 ft above the city). Visit Hazratbal Mosque — Kashmir's most sacred mosque housing a relic of Prophet Muhammad. Afternoon at Lal Chowk and local shawl emporiums. Second night on Dal Lake houseboat.
3
Day 3
Gulmarg Day Trip
📍 ~52 km from Srinagar · 1.5 hrs
Full day excursion to Gulmarg (2,650m) — "The Meadow of Flowers" and India's premier ski destination. Ride the world-famous Gondola cable car (Phase 1 to Kongdori at 3,100m, Phase 2 to Apharwat at 3,980m) for jaw-dropping Himalayan panoramas including Nanga Parbat (8,126m). Enjoy snow activities — sledging, skiing, snowboarding (seasonal). Optional pony ride through the meadows. Return Srinagar by evening. Shift to hotel for night 3.
4
Day 4
Srinagar → Pahalgam
📍 ~95 km · ~3 hrs drive
After breakfast, drive to Pahalgam (2,130m) — the stunning "Valley of Shepherds" along the Lidder River. En route visit Avantipura ruins (9th century Shiva temple). In Pahalgam, explore the beautiful Betaab Valley (filming location of DDLJ and dozens of Bollywood films) and Aru Valley (gateway to Kolahoi Glacier). Optional Lidder River white water rafting and pony ride to Baisaran (Mini Switzerland of Kashmir). Overnight in Pahalgam.
5
Day 5
Pahalgam → Sonamarg → Srinagar
📍 Pahalgam → Srinagar (~95 km) → Sonamarg (~87 km)
Drive from Pahalgam back to Srinagar, then continue to Sonamarg (2,730m) — the "Meadow of Gold", named for its golden wildflowers. Stunning alpine scenery with glaciers, snow-fed streams and towering Himalayan peaks. Visit the Thajiwas Glacier by pony or on foot — one of Kashmir's most accessible glaciers. Views of Zoji La Pass (the gateway to Ladakh). Return Srinagar by evening. Overnight hotel.
6
Day 6
Tulip Garden + Free Day · Srinagar
📍 Srinagar Leisure Day
Morning visit to the world-famous Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden (Asia's largest tulip garden — open March–April, 1.5 million tulips in bloom). If visiting off-season, explore Pari Mahal (Fairy Palace ruins with panoramic Dal Lake views). Afternoon completely free — explore the old city's carpet weaving workshops, papier-mâché artisans, and saffron bazaars. Evening farewell Shikara cruise on Dal Lake at sunset. Final night in Srinagar hotel.
7
Day 7
Srinagar → Chandigarh
📍 Fly / Drive · Departure Day
Early morning — final sunrise over Dal Lake from the ghat. Breakfast and hotel checkout. Transfer to Srinagar Airport for your flight back to Chandigarh (or begin the scenic 12-hour drive back). Pick up last-minute pashmina shawls, Kashmiri dry fruits, saffron and walnut wood handicrafts from the airport shops. Tour concludes. Until next time, Kashmir awaits you again.
Package Details
What's Included
✓ Inclusions
- Pickup & drop from Chandigarh
- Private AC vehicle throughout
- 2 nights Dal Lake traditional houseboat
- 4 nights 3★ / 4★ hotel (Srinagar & Pahalgam)
- Daily breakfast + dinner (13 meals)
- Shikara ride on Dal Lake (included)
- All sightseeing as per itinerary
- Expert local Kashmiri guide
- All fuel, tolls & driver allowance
- Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 ticket
- 24/7 dedicated trip manager support
✕ Exclusions
- Flight Chandigarh–Srinagar (if flying)
- Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2 (optional)
- Pahalgam pony rides & ATV charges
- Lidder River rafting (optional)
- Lunch & personal expenses
- Betaab / Aru Valley entry fees
- Tulip Garden ticket (seasonal)
- Tips to driver / guide
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Anything not in inclusions above
Photo Gallery
Kashmir Through the Lens
When to Visit
Best Season for Kashmir
Spring
March – May
8°C – 22°C
Best season! Tulip Garden (Asia's largest) in full bloom in March–April. Valley turns lush green. Gulmarg snow still present. Absolutely magical.
Summer
June – August
15°C – 28°C
Peak tourist season. Pleasantly cool, perfect escape from India's heat. All roads open. Dal Lake, Gulmarg and Sonamarg at their most vibrant.
Autumn
Sep – November
5°C – 20°C
Chinar trees turn golden red — Kashmir's most photogenic season. Fewer crowds, clear skies, apple harvest. Highly recommended for photography.
Winter
Dec – February
–5°C – 8°C
Snow-covered paradise. Gulmarg is India's best ski destination in winter. Dal Lake partially freezes. Magical atmosphere — for the adventurous!
Travel Smart
Essential Tips for Kashmir
What to Pack
Warm layers (even in summer — nights are cold!), comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses. Light woolens for evenings on Dal Lake. Rain jacket for monsoon months.
Connectivity
Prepaid SIM cards from rest of India don't work in J&K. Buy a local Jio or Airtel SIM at Srinagar airport. WhatsApp and internet work normally. Our guide stays connected throughout.
Cash & Payments
Carry sufficient cash — UPI and cards are accepted in Srinagar hotels and main shops but Pahalgam and Sonamarg are mostly cash-only. ATMs available in Srinagar city.
Safety & Security
Kashmir is very safe for tourists. Our team monitors ground conditions 24/7 and has contingency plans. We've been running Kashmir tours successfully for 10+ years.
FAQ
Got Questions? We Have Answers.
Yes, Kashmir has been very safe for tourists for many years now. Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg receive millions of visitors annually. Our team monitors ground conditions in real-time and has been running successful Kashmir tours for 10+ years. We have never had a safety incident on any of our tours.
Yes! Chandigarh airport has direct flights to Srinagar (approx 1 hour). IndiGo, SpiceJet and Air India operate this route. The drive alternative takes 12 hours via Jammu and is a very scenic journey. We handle transfers at both ends. Please mention flight preference in your enquiry.
The Dal Lake houseboat is one of the world's most unique accommodation experiences. These traditional wooden boats (carved cedar wood) are anchored in the lake and feature ornate interiors, sit-out decks, multiple bedrooms and attached bathrooms. You are ferried to/from the houseboat by a small Shikara. It's magical — especially the morning views over the misty lake.
The Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden (Asia's largest) is open only during March–April when 1.5 million tulips are in full bloom. The exact dates vary by year depending on snowmelt. If you're visiting during this period, this is an absolute must-see. Outside this window, the garden is closed but the rest of Kashmir is equally beautiful year-round.
Kashmir is arguably India's most romantic honeymoon destination! We offer a dedicated Honeymoon Kashmir package with decorated houseboat, rose petals on arrival, candlelight dinners, couple Shikara rides, and a complimentary cake. Please mention "Honeymoon" in your enquiry for upgraded arrangements.
Ready to Experience Paradise?
Book Your Kashmir Journey
Our travel specialist will call you within 2 hours with a personalised Kashmir itinerary and the best available price. No hidden charges — ever.
