Kashmir is one of the most beautiful holidays in India, and a well-planned trip makes all the difference. With five or six nights you can see the four highlights properly: Srinagar and Dal Lake, the snow and Gondola at Gulmarg, the river valleys of Pahalgam and the glacier views of Sonamarg. This guide gives a day-by-day plan, the best time to go and a clear idea of cost.
Best Time to Visit Kashmir
April to June is spring and early summer, with green meadows, mild days and the tulip garden in Srinagar in bloom for a few weeks. July to September is clear and pleasant. October and November bring autumn colours and the saffron season. December to February is winter, with snow in Gulmarg and Sonamarg and very cold nights.
How to Reach Kashmir
Fly to Srinagar; there are direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai, and connecting flights from most Indian cities. Trains also run to Srinagar via Jammu and Katra. Our packages start and end at Srinagar airport, where your private cab picks you up.
Kashmir 5-Night Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar, evening shikara ride on Dal Lake
- Day 2: Srinagar to Gulmarg, Gondola ride and snow
- Day 3: Gulmarg to Pahalgam via the Pampore saffron fields
- Day 4: Aru and Betaab valleys in Pahalgam by local taxi
- Day 5: Pahalgam to Srinagar, Mughal gardens on the way
- Day 6: Departure from Srinagar airport
Kashmir 6-Night Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar, shikara ride and houseboat night
- Day 2: Srinagar city, Mughal gardens and the old city
- Day 3: Day trip to Sonamarg and the Thajiwas glacier
- Day 4: Srinagar to Gulmarg, Gondola ride
- Day 5: Gulmarg to Pahalgam
- Day 6: Pahalgam valleys, then back to Srinagar
- Day 7: Departure from Srinagar airport
Kashmir Trip Cost
| Package | Nights | Price from (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Kashmir on a Budget | 4N/5D | ₹13,499 |
| Kashmir Valley Explorer | 5N/6D | ₹19,499 |
| Kashmir Honeymoon with Houseboat | 5N/6D | ₹22,999 |
| Kashmir Family Holiday | 6N/7D | ₹21,999 |
| Paradise on Earth: Complete Kashmir | 6N/7D | ₹24,999 |
These prices are per person on double sharing, based on our packages at the time of writing (October 2026). They include hotels, breakfast and dinner, a private cab for the trip and Srinagar airport pickup and drop. Flights or trains to Srinagar are extra.
- Local costs to plan for
- Gulmarg Gondola tickets
- Pahalgam union taxi for Aru, Betaab and Chandanwari
- Sonamarg local taxi or pony to the glacier
- Shikara rides beyond the included one
- Pony and sledge rides
Private cabs from outside are not allowed to some valleys in Pahalgam and Sonamarg, so local taxis are part of every Kashmir trip. We tell you the current rates before you book.
Houseboat or Hotel
A night on a Dal Lake houseboat is a highlight, especially for couples. Most travellers do one houseboat night and stay in hotels for the rest of the trip, which is warmer in winter and closer to the day trips.
Tips for a Smooth Kashmir Trip
Book Gondola tickets online a few days ahead in peak season. Carry a photo ID, as there are routine security checks. Prepaid mobile connections from outside the region may not work, so a postpaid number is better. Dress in layers, since mornings and evenings are cool even in summer. Our local team follows current advisories and adjusts the plan if any spot is closed.
Final Word
Five or six nights is the right length for a first trip to Kashmir. Tell us your dates, city and group size, and we will send two or three plans with hotel and houseboat names and the exact price on WhatsApp.