Mystical Kashmir

MYSTICAL KASHMIR

Discover the enchanting paradise of Kashmir on this weaving through Srinagar’s serene houseboats, Pahalgam’s lush valleys, Sonmarg’s golden meadows, and Gulmarg’s snowy peaks. Immerse yourself in breathtaking natural beauty, ancient ruins, and cultural wonders for an unforgettable escape.

DAYS

NIGHTS

Locations

DELHI
SRINAGAR
PAHALGAM
SONMARG
GULMARG

Highlights

Stunning Natural Beauty: Explore Kashmir’s breathtaking landscapes, from the serene houseboats of Srinagar to the snow-capped peaks of Gulmarg and the golden meadows of Sonmarg.
Rich Cultural Heritage: Visit iconic Mughal Gardens, ancient Avantipur temple ruins, and Delhi’s historic landmarks like Qutub Minar, Red Fort, and Jama Masjid.
Unique Experiences: Enjoy a pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier, a gondola ride to Apharwat Snow Point, and the charm of Pahalgam’s saffron fields and film-famous valleys.

ITINERARY

Meeting & greeting at the airport and transfer to hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Delhi - Srinagar (By Air)

After breakfast, transfer to Delhi Airport to connect flight to Srinagar. Upon arrival at Srinagar, transfer to houseboat.

Later, visit Mughal Gardens, Nishant Bagh (Garden of Pleasure) & Shalimar Bagh (Adobe of Love). Evening shall be free for leisure.

Overnight stay at the House Boat.

Srinagar - Pahalgam - Srinagar (100 km / 3 hrs)

After yummy breakfast at the houseboat, drive to Pahalgham , 2440 m above sea level. On the way to Pahalgham visit the saffron fields and 1100 years old ruins of Avantipur temple.
Pahalgham is popular for Film Shooting Locations & Natural Charm of the Valley.
Overnight stay at Hotel.

Srinagar - Sonmarg - Srinagar (80 km / 3 hrs)

After scrumptious breakfast at the houseboat, full day
excursion tour to Sonmarg (It is known as Meadow of Gold, at an altitude of 9,200 ft. above sea level, surrounded by Majestic Glaciers. It is also known as Gateway to Ladakh). Here, take a pony ride up to the Thajiwas Glacier, where snow remains round the year. Later, drive back to Srinagar.
Overnight stay at the House Boat

Srinagar - Gulmarg - Srinagar (55 km / 2 hrs)

After refreshing breakfast at the houseboat, full day excursion tour to Gulmarg (It is one of the most beautiful summer resort in the valley, at an altitude of 8,500 ft. It is also popular for its summer Golf Course & for Skiing during winter season.) Spend the day at the picturesque mountains or take the cable car ride (Gondola Ride) to Khilanmarg or Apharwat Snow Point. Later Drive Back to Srinagar.
Overnight stay at the House Boat.

Srinagar - Delhi (By Air)
Delhi - Onward Destination

After a palatable breakfast, transfer to airport to connect flight for Delhi.
Post lunch, proceed to Qutub Minar (the 6th century temple complex with a rust-free Iron Pillar & tallest structure of the 11th century to the ultra-modern chrome and glass skyscrapers).Visit India Gate (War Memorial), drive past President House (formerly Viceroy's residence). Also visit Raj Ghat (Cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi),
Red Fort and Jama Masjid.
Later, transfer to airport for departure.

TOUR ENDS AS YOU LEAVE FOOTPRINTS AND TAKE MEMORIES

Click here to download PDF of detailed itinerary.

Some important things to keep in mind before travelling on this itinerary:

Currency: ₹ INR

Time Zone: GMT + 5.5 HRS

Driving Side: Left

Drinking Water: Opt for Bottled Water

Emergency phone: Ambulance: 102; Fire: 101; Police: 100, 103 (traffic accident)

Voltage: 220 V

Power Sockets commonly available:

Power socket type C Power socket type D Power socket type M

Here are some basic Kashmiri phrases that a traveler should know before embarking on this itinerary:

Hello / Greetings: Salaam (same in Urdu; universally understood) or Namaskar (Hindi, also used).
Thank you: Shukriya (Urdu/Hindi, widely used) or Shukur (Kashmiri).
Please: Meherbani (Kashmiri) or Kripya (Hindi).
How much is this?: Yi kya chu mol? (Kashmiri) or Iska kya daam hai? (Hindi/Urdu).
Where is…?: Yith kati chu…? (Kashmiri) or Yeh kahan hai? (Hindi/Urdu).
Yes / No: Aas / Na (Kashmiri) or Haan / Nahi (Hindi/Urdu).
Help: Madad (Urdu/Hindi, understood in Kashmir) or Hath (Kashmiri).
I don’t understand: Me chus na samajh (Kashmiri) or Mujhe samajh nahi aaya (Hindi/Urdu).
Good morning: Subhuk su (Kashmiri) or Subah bakhair (Urdu) / Namaste (Hindi).
Goodbye: Khuda hafiz (Urdu, commonly used) or Alvida (Hindi).

Here are some local cuisines to try in these regions:

Rogan Josh: A signature Kashmiri dish, this aromatic lamb curry is cooked with a vibrant red sauce made from Kashmiri red chilies, yogurt, and spices like fennel and saffron. It’s a staple in Srinagar and pairs perfectly with rice or naan.
Gushtaba: A festive dish often served at special occasions, these are tender meatballs made from minced mutton, simmered in a creamy yogurt-based gravy flavored with cardamom and spices. Try it at a local restaurant in Pahalgam or Srinagar.
Dum Aloo: A vegetarian delight, these baby potatoes are cooked in a spicy, tangy yogurt-based curry with Kashmiri spices. It’s widely available and a great option for a meal on the houseboat in Srinagar.
Yakhni: A delicate mutton or chicken dish cooked in a fragrant yogurt-based broth with fennel, cardamom, and cloves. Its subtle flavors make it a comforting choice, especially in cooler areas like Gulmarg.
Kahwa: A traditional Kashmiri green tea infused with saffron, almonds, cinnamon, and cardamom. It’s a warming drink perfect for sipping in Sonmarg’s chilly meadows or after a day of sightseeing.
Modur Pulao: A sweet pulao made with rice, dry fruits, nuts, and saffron, offering a unique balance of sweet and savory flavors. It’s a great side dish to try in Srinagar or Pahalgam.
Nadru Monje: Crispy fritters made from lotus stem (nadru), a local specialty often served as a snack in markets or roadside stalls in Srinagar.

Here are some fun facts about this itinerary:

Srinagar Houseboats: Originated in British era as floating homes due to land ownership restrictions.
Mughal Gardens: Shalimar Bagh, built by Jahangir in 1619, nicknamed “Abode of Love” for Nur Jahan.
Pahalgam’s Bollywood Link: Betaab Valley named after the 1983 film Betaab shot there.
Sonmarg’s Name: Means “Meadow of Gold” for its glowing meadows at 9,200 ft.
Gulmarg Gondola: One of the world’s highest cable cars, reaching 13,780 ft, plus home to the highest golf course.
Delhi’s Iron Pillar: 1,600-year-old Qutub Minar pillar that doesn’t rust, a metallurgical mystery.
Pahalgam Saffron: Kashmir’s saffron fields yield premium “red gold,” needing 150,000 flowers per kilogram.