Nights aboard a Dal Lake houseboat
Srinagar’s houseboats, Pahalgam’s valleys, Sonmarg’s golden meadows and Gulmarg’s snow peaks.
Highlights
Nights aboard a Dal Lake houseboat
Pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier, Sonmarg
Gondola to Apharwat snow point, Gulmarg
Day by day
On arrival in Delhi, our representative meets and greets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. Overnight in Delhi.

After breakfast, fly from Delhi to Srinagar and transfer to your houseboat. Later, visit the Mughal Gardens: Nishat Bagh, the Garden of Pleasure, and Shalimar Bagh, the Abode of Love. The evening is free at leisure. Overnight on the houseboat.

After breakfast, drive to Pahalgam (100 km · about 3 hrs), 2,440 m above sea level, stopping at the saffron fields and the 1,100-year-old ruins of the Avantipur temple. Pahalgam is loved for its natural charm and is a favourite film location. Overnight in Pahalgam.

After breakfast, a full-day excursion to Sonmarg, the “Meadow of Gold”, at 9,200 ft and surrounded by glaciers; it is also known as the gateway to Ladakh. Take a pony ride up to Thajiwas Glacier, where snow remains all year round, then drive back to Srinagar (80 km · about 3 hrs each way). Overnight on the houseboat.

After breakfast, a full-day excursion to Gulmarg (55 km · about 2 hrs), one of the valley’s most beautiful resorts at 8,500 ft, known for its summer golf course and winter skiing. Spend the day in the mountains or ride the Gondola cable car to Khilanmarg or the Apharwat snow point. Drive back to Srinagar. Overnight on the houseboat.

After breakfast, fly to Delhi. After lunch, visit Qutub Minar with its rust-free Iron Pillar, India Gate, and drive past the President’s House and Parliament House. Also visit Raj Ghat, the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, then transfer to the airport for your departure.

Important information
Basic Kashmiri
Taste of the region
Aromatic lamb curry with Kashmiri red chillies, yogurt, fennel and saffron.
Tender mutton meatballs in a creamy, cardamom-scented yogurt gravy.
Baby potatoes in a spicy, tangy yogurt curry; a houseboat favourite.
Mutton or chicken in a delicate yogurt broth with fennel and cloves.
Green tea with saffron, almonds, cinnamon and cardamom.
Crispy lotus-stem fritters sold in Srinagar’s markets.
Did you know
Houseboats began in the British era as floating homes, because outsiders could not own land.
Shalimar Bagh was built by Jahangir in 1619 for Nur Jahan, earning it the name “Abode of Love”.
The name means “Meadow of Gold”, for its glowing meadows at 9,200 ft.
Kashmir’s “red gold” needs around 150,000 flowers for a single kilogram.
Let us know how we can help
Tell us your dates and group size. We’ll tailor this 6-day route and send you a quote.