Tour Overview
The Kashmir Heavenly Valley is our most beloved Kashmir package — and it is easy to understand why. Over 7 beautifully crafted days, you will experience the very best of the Kashmir Valley: the serene waters of Dal Lake with its floating markets and iconic wooden houseboats, the flower-carpeted meadows of Gulmarg with Himalayan peaks touching the clouds, and the breathtaking river valleys of Pahalgam where Bollywood has immortalised Kashmir's natural beauty.
Beginning with a night on a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake — one of India's most memorable accommodation experiences — the tour takes you through the Mughal gardens of Srinagar, up to the alpine station of Gulmarg for the Gondola ride and mountain views, and into the verdant valleys of Pahalgam and Betaab Valley, where the Lidder River rushes through pine forests and glacial meadows.
All hotels and the houseboat are carefully selected for location, comfort and authentic Kashmiri character. A private vehicle with an experienced local driver and an English-speaking guide accompany you throughout. This is Kashmir at its most beautiful and accessible.
Tour Highlights
Dal Lake Houseboat Stay — Spend a night on a traditional decorated wooden houseboat — a truly iconic Kashmir experience
Shikara Ride — Float across Dal Lake at sunset in a hand-painted shikara through the floating markets
Gulmarg Gondola — Ride the Gulmarg Gondola — one of the world's highest cable cars — to 3,980m
Mughal Gardens — Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh in full bloom — terraced lawns, fountains and mountain views
Pahalgam Valley — Explore the lush Betaab Valley and Aru Valley — meadows, rivers and pine forests
Gulmarg Meadows — Walk through Gulmarg's alpine meadows with panoramic views of the Pir Panjal range
Sonamarg Excursion — Day trip to the 'Meadow of Gold' — glaciers, waterfalls and dramatic mountain scenery
Handicraft Shopping — Guided shopping for authentic Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri carpets and papier-mâché art
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Srinagar — Dal Lake Welcome
Arrive at Sheikh ul-Alam Airport, Srinagar. Transfer to your houseboat on Dal Lake. Welcome Kashmiri tea (Kahwa) on the deck. Evening shikara ride across the lake at sunset. Dinner on the houseboat — traditional Kashmiri wazwan. Overnight on Dal Lake houseboat.
Srinagar — Mughal Gardens & Old City
Morning shikara ride through the famous floating vegetable markets of Dal Lake. Visit Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi Mughal gardens. Afternoon in the Old City — Jama Masjid, Shah Hamdan Shrine and the artisan lanes of the bazaar. Overnight in Srinagar hotel.
Srinagar to Gulmarg — Gondola Ride
Drive to Gulmarg (2,650m). Ride the famous Gulmarg Gondola to Kongdori (Phase 1 — 3,050m) for panoramic Himalayan views. Walk through the lush Gulmarg meadows. Golf on the world's highest green (optional). Overnight in Gulmarg.
Gulmarg to Pahalgam via Srinagar
Morning at leisure in Gulmarg. Drive to Pahalgam (2,130m) via Srinagar. En route stop at the ancient Awantipora ruins. Check in to hotel. Evening walk along the Lidder River. Overnight in Pahalgam.
Pahalgam — Betaab Valley & Aru Valley
Full day exploring the valleys around Pahalgam. Visit Betaab Valley (named after the Bollywood film shot here) — a breathtaking stretch of pine-forested meadow. Continue to Aru Valley for a peaceful riverside walk. Pony rides available. Overnight in Pahalgam.
Pahalgam to Srinagar — Sonamarg Excursion
Morning drive to Sonamarg (2,800m) — the 'Meadow of Gold'. Walk to the Thajiwas Glacier (optional short trek). Return to Srinagar via the scenic Sindh Valley. Evening free for shopping in the Lal Chowk bazaar. Overnight in Srinagar.
Departure from Srinagar
Leisurely breakfast. Last-minute shopping — Pashmina shawls, saffron and dry fruits from the old market. Transfer to airport. Tour concludes with memories of paradise.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✓ Included
- 6 nights accommodation (1 night houseboat + 5 nights hotels)
- Daily breakfast & welcome Kashmiri wazwan dinner
- Gulmarg Gondola (Phase 1) tickets
- Shikara ride on Dal Lake (1 hour, sunset)
- All transfers by private AC vehicle
- English/Hindi speaking guide throughout
- All monument & garden entry fees
- Welcome Kashmiri tea (Kahwa) on arrival
✕ Not Included
- Domestic / international airfare
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Lunches throughout the tour
- Tips & gratuities
- Pony rides (optional)
- Personal shopping
- Anything not in inclusions