Heaven on Earth: 7-day Kashmir tour

Srinagar

Day 1: Welcome boat ride on Dal Lake

Upon arrival at Srinagar Airport in Budgam, you'll be transferred to your houseboat. Take some time to settle down and savour a hot cup of kahwa, a saffron-enriched and almond-supplemented drink, before a charming evening shikara ride on the waters of Dal Lake. 

The shikara boats are about 4.5m long, with a canopy for shade and heavily cushioned seats. Relax and stretch out, feeling like a royal as you embark on this picturesque journey. Two boatmen will be aboard, taking you through the backwaters; they'll most likely be sporting traditional dress, a hubble-bubble pipe, and a constant supply of embers in their kangris.

Srinagar

Day 2: Tour Srinagar's Mughal gardens

After breakfast, check out from your houseboat and check into your hotel. Then, you'll embark on a sightseeing tour of Srinagar's stunning Mughal gardens: Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi, and Pari Mahal.

These gardens were built during the Mughal Empire, and feature Islamic-style architecture that was heavily influenced by the Charbagh structure of Persian gardens. Marvel at the gardens' rectilinear layouts, comprising walled enclosures and typical features such as pools, fountains, and canals.

Spend the rest of the day at your own pace, before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Srinagar - Sonmarg - Srinagar

Day 3: The wonders of Sonmarg

After breakfast, drive through the local villages and hills to reach Sonmarg, also known as the 'Meadow of Gold'. Here, enjoy a day of horseback riding and local sightseeing at your own pace, before returning to your hotel in Srinagar to unwind.

Located at an altitude of 3,000m above sea level, 87km northeast of Srinagar, Sonmarg is yet another spectacular highlight on your itinerary. The drive to get there is also scenic, as you're steeped within the countryside scenes of Kashmir and the sprawling Sindh Valley.

Gulmarg

Day 4: Nature & adventure in Gulmarg

After breakfast, drive to Gulmarg. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a gondola ride up to the high slopes - the views across snow-capped peaks and fields is unlike anything you've seen before!

Gulmarg is located at an altitude of 2,590m, in a small valley with the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas as its backdrop. This area is under snow for six months of the year and is particularly popular for its skiing and pony-trekking adventures. It even has one of the best natural golf courses in the world, should you prefer to take things at a slower pace. If you're a wildlife-lover, you'll find plenty of birdwatching opportunities across Gulmarg's flower-filled meadows.

Pahalgam

Day 5: Journey to Pahalgam

In the morning after breakfast, you'll drive to the town of Pahalgam, stopping en-route to visit scenic saffron fields, the Avantipura Ruins, and the Anantnag Sulphur Springs.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely walk through the pine forest along the banks of the Lidder River. A wonderful back-to-nature escape is on the cards for the afternoon, before it's time to return to your hotel for the night.

Pahalgam

Day 6: Enjoy a day in nature

After a delicious breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Pahalgam's great outdoors. You'll have the opportunity to visit the village of Aru and the splendid valley that stretches out around it. Continue on to the scenic neighbourhood of Chandanwari, before standing in awe amidst the lush forested landscape of the Betaab Valley. 

The evening will be free for you to spend at leisure - it'll be your last night exploring Kashmir, so be sure to make the most of it!

Pahalgam - Srinagar

Day 7: Time to say goodbye

Enjoy a last breakfast at your hotel, before being transferred to Srinagar Airport to catch your flight home. Safe travels!