Day-wise Itinerary: Kashmir Grand Explorer (9N/10D)
Discover the complete beauty of Kashmir on this ten-day Grand Explorer tour. Cover Pahalgam, Gulmarg, a traditional Srinagar houseboat on Dal Lake, and the meadows of Yusmarg, Sonmarg and Doodhpatri. End with a guided Srinagar city tour of the Mughal Gardens and local markets.
Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar and Transfer to Pahalgam
Arrive at Srinagar Airport, meet our representative and drive to Pahalgam. Depending on arrival time, stop at Pampore or the Awantipora ruins en route. On arrival, check in to the hotel and spend the evening at leisure by the Lidder River or in the local market.
Sightseeing / Activities:
- Airport pickup at Srinagar
- Drive to Pahalgam
- Pampore / Awantipora stop as time permits
- Lidder River and local market
Meal Plan: Dinner
Stay: Overnight stay in Pahalgam.
Day 2: Pahalgam Sightseeing
After breakfast, spend the day exploring Pahalgam. Guests may visit Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari by a local union cab at additional cost, subject to weather, road access and local arrangements. Later, return to the hotel and enjoy leisure time around the Lidder River and Pahalgam market.
Sightseeing / Activities:
- Optional Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari excursion
- Lidder River surroundings
- Pahalgam local market
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Stay: Overnight stay in Pahalgam.
Day 3: Pahalgam to Gulmarg
After breakfast, check out and drive to Gulmarg. Enjoy the changing valley and mountain scenery en route. On arrival, check in to the hotel and spend the remaining time at leisure in the meadows or around the local market area, subject to arrival time and weather.
Sightseeing / Activities:
- Pahalgam hotel check-out
- Scenic transfer to Gulmarg
- Gulmarg meadows and leisure time
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Stay: Overnight stay in Gulmarg.
Day 4: Gulmarg Sightseeing
After breakfast, enjoy a full day in Gulmarg. Guests may opt for the Gondola ride to Kongdoori and Apharwat, subject to ticket availability, weather and operations. Gondola tickets, pony rides, skiing and seasonal snow activities are extra. Return to the hotel after sightseeing.
Sightseeing / Activities:
- Gulmarg meadows
- Optional Gondola ride to Kongdoori and Apharwat
- Optional pony rides and seasonal snow activities at extra cost
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Stay: Overnight stay in Gulmarg.
Day 5: Gulmarg to Srinagar Houseboat
After breakfast, check out from the Gulmarg hotel and drive to Srinagar. Check in to a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake and relax in the lake surroundings. Later, enjoy the included Shikara ride, subject to local conditions and available daylight.
Sightseeing / Activities:
- Gulmarg to Srinagar transfer
- Houseboat check-in
- Included Dal Lake Shikara ride
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Stay: Overnight stay in Srinagar houseboat.
Day 6: Yusmarg Day Trip
After breakfast, check out from the houseboat and proceed for a day excursion to Yusmarg. Enjoy the open meadows, pine-covered surroundings and mountain scenery. Optional pony rides or local activities can be arranged directly, subject to local conditions. Return to Srinagar and check in to the hotel.
Sightseeing / Activities:
- Houseboat check-out
- Yusmarg meadows and mountain scenery
- Optional pony rides / local activities
- Return to Srinagar hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Stay: Overnight stay in Srinagar hotel.
Day 7: Sonmarg Day Trip
After an early breakfast, drive to Sonmarg through the scenic Sindh Valley. Enjoy the river views, mountain scenery and meadows. Guests may opt for a pony ride towards Thajiwas Glacier, subject to local access and weather. Pony rides, local transport and optional excursions are payable directly. Return to Srinagar by evening.
Sightseeing / Activities:
- Sindh Valley drive
- Sonmarg meadows and mountain scenery
- Optional Thajiwas Glacier excursion
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Stay: Overnight stay in Srinagar hotel.
Day 8: Doodhpatri Day Trip
After breakfast, proceed to Doodhpatri for a day excursion. Enjoy the green meadows, streams, pine forests and peaceful mountain surroundings. Local pony rides or transport, if required beyond the regular vehicle access point, are payable directly. Return to Srinagar by evening.
Sightseeing / Activities:
- Scenic drive to Doodhpatri
- Doodhpatri meadows and streams
- Optional local pony rides / local transport
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Stay: Overnight stay in Srinagar hotel.
Day 9: Srinagar City Sightseeing
After breakfast, explore Srinagar with visits to the Mughal Gardens, including Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi. Visit Shankaracharya Temple or Hazratbal Shrine as time permits. Later, enjoy the lakefront and time for shopping at Lal Chowk or the local markets.
Sightseeing / Activities:
- Mughal Gardens
- Shankaracharya Temple or Hazratbal Shrine
- Lakefront
- Lal Chowk / local markets
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Stay: Overnight stay in Srinagar hotel.
Day 10: Departure from Srinagar
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Srinagar Airport for your onward journey. Pickup time will be arranged according to your confirmed departure schedule. The tour ends with your airport drop.
Sightseeing / Activities:
- Breakfast and hotel check-out
- Srinagar Airport drop
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Stay: Tour ends with cherished memories.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
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Assistance on arrival at Srinagar Airport or Jammu Airport / Railway Station, as applicable.
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Airfare, railway tickets and travel insurance.
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Double-sharing accommodation in the selected hotel category, including one night on a traditional Srinagar houseboat. Total hotel nights and destinations will be as mentioned in the selected package.
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GST on the package price.
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Breakfast and dinner as per the itinerary: dinner on arrival day, breakfast and dinner on intermediate days, and breakfast on departure day.
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Gulmarg Gondola tickets, monument and garden entry tickets, camera fees and guide charges.
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One complimentary Shikara ride on Dal Lake during the tour, subject to local conditions.
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Local union cab charges for Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari in Pahalgam.
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Private vehicle for all scheduled transfers and sightseeing mentioned in the selected itinerary, according to the guest count.
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Local transport in Gulmarg or Sonmarg, snow-chain vehicles, pony rides, Thajiwas Glacier excursions, Zero Point excursions and other optional activities.
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Driver allowance, tolls and parking for the included vehicle itinerary.
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Lunch, additional meals, beverages and personal expenses such as laundry, shopping and telephone calls.
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Driver assistance and customer support throughout the tour.
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Hotel room heating or air-conditioning charges, where charged separately by the hotel.
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Welcome tea, coffee, kahwa or other welcome drink where provided by the hotel. Vegetarian, non-vegetarian or Jain meal preferences should be advised in advance.
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Vehicle use outside the confirmed itinerary or after the scheduled sightseeing is completed.
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Srinagar airport pickup and drop-off.
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Medical expenses, oxygen cylinders and any additional expenses arising from flight changes, road closures, bad weather, strikes or changes requested during the tour.
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All applicable hotel taxes (excluding government levies).
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Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions.
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| Destination | Standard | Deluxe | Super Deluxe | Premium | Nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pahalgam | Golden Heritage/ Similar | Hotel Pahalgam Dayz/ Similar | Twin Towers/ Similar | Luxury Retreat/ Similar | 02 |
| Gulmarg | G S Residency/ Similar | Gulmarg Country Side/ Similar | Gulmarg Hills/ Similar | Hotel Affarwat/ Similar | 02 |
| Srinagar Houseboat | Son of India Deluxe Houseboat/ Similar | Akbar Group of Heritage Houseboats/ Similar | Zaffer Group Premium Houseboat/ Similar | Swan Group Premium Upscale Houseboat/ Similar | 01 |
| Srinagar | Sideeq Palace/ Similar | The Stay Villa/ Similar | Karam Gold/ Similar | The Dewan/ Similar | 04 |
Note: If the mentioned hotel is not available, a similar category will be provided.
| Number of Persons | Standard | Deluxe | Super Deluxe | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02 Persons | ₹29,700 PP | ₹34,800 PP | ₹41,100 PP | ₹48,900 PP |
| 04 Persons | ₹26,550 PP | ₹31,650 PP | ₹37,950 PP | ₹45,750 PP |
| 06 Persons | ₹23,900 PP | ₹29,000 PP | ₹35,300 PP | ₹43,100 PP |
| 10 Persons | ₹22,500 PP | ₹27,600 PP | ₹33,900 PP | ₹41,700 PP |
| 12 Persons | ₹21,850 PP | ₹26,950 PP | ₹33,250 PP | ₹41,050 PP |
| Extra Person | ₹13,900 PP | ₹17,150 PP | ₹21,350 PP | ₹25,300 PP |
| Child Without Bed (CWNB) | ₹10,800 PP | ₹12,950 PP | ₹13,700 PP | ₹19,100 PP |
Note: Prices are per person in INR, based on double sharing. GST extra. Rates are not applicable during event, festive or peak surcharge periods unless specifically confirmed.
Kashmir: The Paradise on Earth
Kashmir, cradled in the northernmost tip of India and framed by the mighty Himalayas, has been celebrated for centuries as the paradise on earth. Its snow-capped peaks, shimmering lakes, emerald meadows and terraced orchards have inspired poets, emperors and travellers alike. The Valley of Kashmir, with Srinagar as its heart, remains one of the most romantic and spiritually rich destinations in the subcontinent.
Srinagar and Dal Lake
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is built around the famous Dal Lake and the Jhelum River. The lake is dotted with traditional wooden houseboats and floating gardens, and a Shikara ride at sunset is one of the most memorable experiences in India. The houseboats, known as Kashmir houseboats, are intricately carved with walnut wood and offer a unique stay experience that combines heritage, comfort and breathtaking lake views.
Mughal Gardens of Srinagar
The Mughal Gardens of Srinagar were laid out by emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Shalimar Bagh, meaning the Abode of Love, was built by Jahangir for his beloved wife Nur Jahan. Nishat Bagh, the Garden of Gladness, is the largest of the Mughal gardens with twelve terraces. Chashme Shahi, the Royal Spring, is smaller but celebrated for its natural spring and cool shade. Together they represent the finest example of Mughal garden design in the Kashmir Valley.
Shankaracharya Temple
Perched on the Gopadari Hill overlooking Srinagar, the Shankaracharya Temple is one of the oldest shrines in Kashmir. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been visited by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The temple offers panoramic views of the Dal Lake, the city and the surrounding mountains. It remains an important pilgrimage site and a symbol of Kashmir’s ancient spiritual heritage.
Pahalgam: The Valley of Shepherds
Pahalgam, located at the confluence of the Lidder River and the Sheshnag stream, is one of the most scenic towns in Kashmir. Known as the Valley of Shepherds, it serves as the base for the annual Amarnath Yatra. The nearby Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari are famous for their meadows, pine forests and clear streams. Betaab Valley gets its name from the Bollywood film Betaab, which was shot here. Pahalgam is also the starting point for several Himalayan treks.
Gulmarg: The Meadow of Flowers
Gulmarg, meaning the Meadow of Flowers, sits at an altitude of about 2,730 metres and transforms into a ski resort in winter. In summer it is carpeted with wild flowers and offers some of the best views of the Pir Panjal range. The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable car rides in the world, carries visitors up to Apharwat Peak, which remains snow-covered for most of the year. Gulmarg is also home to one of the world’s highest golf courses.
Sonmarg: The Meadow of Gold
Sonmarg, the Meadow of Gold, is named after the golden flowers that carpet its meadows in spring. Located on the road to Ladakh, it is surrounded by glaciers and snow-capped peaks. The Thajiwas Glacier, a short pony ride away, is one of the most accessible glaciers in the Himalayas. The drive through the Sindh Valley, with the river rushing alongside, is one of the most beautiful in Kashmir.
Yusmarg and Doodhpatri: Kashmir’s Hidden Meadows
Yusmarg, meaning the Meadow of Jesus, is a peaceful valley about 47 km from Srinagar, surrounded by pine forests and alpine meadows. It is believed by some that Jesus Christ once visited the valley. Doodhpatri, meaning the Valley of Milk, is a lesser-known gem with rolling green meadows, clear streams and pine groves, ideal for a quiet day trip away from the crowds. Both destinations reveal a quieter side of Kashmir that most travellers miss.
Kashmir Tour Note: Sightseeing and activities at Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg are subject to weather conditions, road access, local authority regulations and operating schedules. Gondola tickets, union cab charges, snow chains, pony rides and other optional activities are not included unless specifically mentioned in the selected package.