Kashmir Tour
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- Experience of a More than two decade
- Personal Touch & Professional Service
trip info
Duration
5 days
Max Altitude
1850m
Difficulty
Moderate
Starts from
Srinagar
Trips Ends at
Srinagar
Activity
Tours
Accommodation
Meals
Included
Weather
25 °C
Group Size
Best Season
Spring & Autumn
Region
No Region
Experience the serenity of Dal Lake on a traditional Shikara while floating among the gardens and activities on the lake.
Stay amid Kashmiri heritage on a houseboat with intricately carved woodwork and a bird's eye view of the lake.
In winter, ski, and in summer, golf at Gulmarg, the highest green golf course in the world.
Walk and explore the green meadows and virgin streams in Pahalgam, a great area for exploring nature, trout fishing, and trekking.
Take in the views of 'Meadow of Gold' and views with the potential for glacier treks.
Explore the historic Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, the most beautiful example of Mughal-garden landscaping you can find.
Shop to your heart's delight at the bazaars - affordable, high-end Pashmina shawls, hand-knitted carpets, and handcrafted goods.
Savor traditional Kashmiri food with the Wazwan, a multi-course feast.
Kashmir Tour Overview
Kashmir is located in the northernmost region of India and is also referred to as "Paradise on Earth." It's a popular destination for tourists with its unspoiled beauty of nature and heritage. The region provides diverse topography; there are snow-covered mountains, fertile valleys, serene lakes, and picturesque gardens.
A visit to Kashmir would include the summer capital Srinagar, charming with its Dal Lake, where visitors can indulge in a Shikara ride gliding over the placid waters drinking in garden landscape after Mughal patterns and the Pir Panjal range looming large in the background. To be housed in a retro houseboat here would be a dash of culture with luxury.
This takes one to Gulmarg, another fine resort town, one of India's top skiing destinations, also having the world's highest green golf course. For skiing lovers across the globe, Gulmarg comes alive in winter as it gets blanketed with snow.
In summer, its meadows are alive with the blooming of wildflowers, adding to the majesty of trekking and walking amidst nature.
Also, Pahalgam is famous for its beautiful meadows and the confluence of the Lidder River. This is considered to be the doorway for many trekking routes and offers river rafting, too. Nearby, the popular Betaab and Aru Valleys are enticing sights that paint the world with panoramic views, along with much-needed peacefulness.
Sonamarg, 'Meadow of Gold', is famed for its very captivating beauty, which serves as a base for various trekking routes, including that of the Thajiwas Glacier. The Sindh River, flowing through the valley, additionally affords opportunities for trout fishing and picnicking.
Besides this, Kashmir is also a tourist spot that is diverse both culturally and historically. From items ranging from Pashmina shawls and hand-knotted carpets to wood crafts, centuries of centuries-old traditions are a testament to honing artistry. Cuisines also range from Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Kashmiri Feast of Old, and Wazwan, which give one a taste of Kashmiri flavours.
A trip to Mughal gardens like Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh will treat you to a thrill ride of architectural beauty of Mughal times. The serenity of Shankaracharya Temple combined with that of Shrine of Hazratbal leaves infinite amounts of peacefulness to the experience altogether.
All of this is a perfect blend of adventure, rest, culture, and beauty, hence offering every tourist memory that will remind him of it throughout life.
Difficulty Level of Kashmir Tour
Kashmir tours are apt for any type of traveler in terms of age and fitness level, and range from sit-back-and-enjoy-together variety to moderately physical. It's a walkable city center, particularly Srinagar, planned for modern tourists.
Some of these attractions involving less effort, appropriate for first-timers, are the boat ride by Shikara on Dal Lake and the sightseeing of the Mughal gardens. Gulmarg or Pahalgam is suitable for both kinds of venues, which are recreational outings and adrenaline-filled ones.
The Gulmarg gondola tour facilitates easy travel to higher altitudes, and distant tourists are able to enjoy the view with a bird's eye perspective without an exhausting trek.
In contrast, skiing in Gulmarg in winter requires only minimal body fitness and familiarity with the game fundamentals. There are introductory ski lessons, but one can observe whether he or she is physically prepared or not before jumping into action.
Pahalgam provides a day or two of leisurely trekking and then weeks of longer long treks, such as along the trek to Betaab Valley, which would be less tiring and most relaxing for many a traveler.
A high-altitude trek or a trek to deep inside interior areas would require more physical training and stamina, however. To take part in such events, an individual needs to acclimatize as well as have good stamina for the event.
It will be beneficial for any interested individual in trekking or undertaking miscellaneous demanding activities so that he is able to enhance his fitness level for the trip. Exercise can include cardiovascular training, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Endurance will be created, and the risk of injury will decrease.
In some places, elevation has to be taken into account: Gulmarg is approximately 2,650 meters or 8,694 elevation meters above sea level. That's where the visitors will experience mild elevation symptoms of breathlessness or lassitude.
Precautions will involve sipping plenty of water, refraining from liquor intake, and taking a break for a while on arrival there to acclimatize.
Preparation for Kashmir Tour
A proper preparation makes the journey to Kashmir more enjoyable. Some of the major points are:
Clothing: Climatic conditions in Kashmir are seasonal. Summer (April to June) is light woollen and light cotton clothing suitable for daytime, but nights are cold; therefore, a light jacket comes in handy. Winters (December to February) are sub-zero, especially at Gulmarg, and for which heavy woollens, thermal wear, water-proof jacket, gloves, mufflers, and insulated boots have to be brought. Autumn or spring season will need layering due to fluctuating temperatures.
Footwear: Comfortable footwear for pleasant walks to gardens, markets, and hiking. In rainy weather for hiking or skiing, waterproof boots might also be recommended.
Travel Essentials: Pack your shades, sun cream, lip balm, and moisturizers to safeguard your skin from intense sun and dryness, where there is significant height. A refillable water bottle will provide sufficient hydrating water. Don't leave your personal medicine, a minimum first-aid kit, and your medicine, assuming that there might be no health facility at your destination.
Documents: You must have identification documents, passports, foreign tourist visas, and government identification. If you will be visiting places that are closed to tourists, such as Ladakh and areas near the borders, you must have special permission; in general, and generally speaking, your tour operators can arrange this on your behalf in most instances and in most cases.
Cash and Connectivity: Srinagar is very easy to ATMs, although maybe not in the more remote areas. Have some cash in small denominations. Mobile phone connectivity is great in the big tourist towns, although some of the smaller tourist towns will have no signal. Post-paid Jammu & Kashmir SIMs are better than prepaid SIMs from other states.
Health and Acclimatization: In case you are traveling to high-altitude places like Gulmarg or Sonamarg, then acclimatization is advised so that you do not fall prey to altitude sickness. Drink lots of water, don't drain the body on the initial couple of days, and eat light food.
Cultural Sensitivity: Be sensitive to local cultures and local customs. Dress lightly when visiting temples, and prior to taking photos of local residents, be certain to ask their permission first. A few polite words in Kashmiri or Urdu to people will also make a big difference.
Best Time to Go on a Kashmir Tour
Spring (from March to early May):
This is the season full of life when the almond, cherry, and tulip blooms create a kaleidoscope of colors in the landscape. The Tulip Garden in Srinagar, which is the largest in Asia, looks glorious from late March to April.
The temperature is 7 to 20 degrees, ideal for walking around Mughal gardens, to ride on a Shikara or moving around Mughal gardens. The climate is ideal, far-away peaks of mountains shimmer under sun with white blankets of snow on top of them, offering a magical contrast to valleys that have blossomed out.
Summer (from May to August):
This is the period when tourism reaches its peak across the board, be it in Srinagar, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, or Gulmarg. With temperatures between 15-30 degrees Celsius, this time of the year is perfect for trekking, river rafting, and golfing, to pony rides.
The meadows are at their best, rivers flowing full, making the entire region extravagantly beautiful. This is also the time for thousands to flock to the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage.
Autumn (September to November):
It is the autumn season, more specifically, the months from September to November, which is apparently referred to as the "golden season." Kashmir is more beautiful in autumn. Chinar trees brighten in the vivid reds, oranges, and golds, especially in the gardens of Srinagar and beside the banks of Dal Lake.
The weather is crisp and cool, with temperatures ranging from 10 degrees to 23 degrees Celsius. It is at this time of the year when the landscape is spectacular without the summer throngs; it is a quieter time to visit.
Winter (December to February):
This season seems magical for snow lovers. The Gulmarg destination comes up for skiing, snowboarding, and snow trekking. The most magnificent view of snow-covered peaks is visible from the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world.
Below-freezing temperatures are common in January, turning the area into a complete winter wonderland. Dal Lake of Srinagar offers a spectacular view of being partially frozen, while houseboat stays are very warm with traditional heating.
A Typical Day in Kashmir Tour 4 Nights 5 Days
Each day of the Kashmir tour is of the same pace, with a relaxed travel and with just enough flexibility to soak in the beauty of the destination. The day begins at around 7:00 AM with a wake-up call, and one is greeted with a hot cup of traditional Kashmiri Kahwa or plain tea.
Breakfast at 8:00 AM with local breakfasts like Girda (bread), omelets, and fruits. Breakfast is followed by luggage loading, and one departs in one's designated group for the day's outing.
They depart at 9:00 AM, either to Pahalgam, Gulmarg, or Sonmarg or for a relaxed day excursion tour around Srinagar. The guide indicates what the day's plan is and the highlights of the day on the way.
There is a lunch break at noon, i.e., at around 1:00 PM, at a viewpoint or at a local restaurant where one is served traditional Kashmiri food; the tour continues with day outings to favorite destinations, picturesque meadows, riverside, or places of historical interes,t depending on the day's schedule.
Late afternoon, at 4:00 PM, tea and snack break is arranged in a scenic location. The return journey to the residence begins around sunset. At 6:30 PM, the tourists arrive at the houseboat or hotel, where they can relax and refresh themselves.
From 8:00 to 9:00 PM, dinner is arranged, and the dinner is optional, and veg and non-veg meal facilities are available.
Evening is peaceful in the evening after dinner as the guests stretch, sit back and relax, take a leisurely walk on Dal Lake, or sit idle and recollect the day.
Every detail of all tomorrow's happenings is told by the guide in the evening so that everyone may get themselves geared up for yet another wonder-struck day in Kashmir.
Read More: Kashmir Travel Guide - Himalayan Trekkers
Itinerary Detail
What is Included / Not Included
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Accommodation (3-star standard)
5-night and 4-day Kashmir Tour Package provides 3-star hotel accommodations at Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg.
The hotels combine the contemporary sophistication of the amenities of the facilities and the Kashmiri ethos of comfort style for a respectful sojourn. Srinagar hotel rooms are antique architecturally, with heating and garden or lake facing.
Sonamarg Hotel provides home-like quality furniture in the rooms with Wi-Fi facilities, room heaters, and hot water in the bathroom of the room.
Hotels in Pahalgam come with valley view locations and soft beds, and they have restaurants with local and multi-cuisine.
3-star Hotels in Gulmarg provide good accommodation levels within wooden-decorated rooms, heating systems, and a close location to adventure sports.
At each destination, tourist places that tourists visit, a 24-hour room service hotel is offered, and restaurants offer traditional Kashmiri cuisine. We offer a 24-hour business center at the hotel as well for leisure travelers and adventure travelers, as well as providing a medium and comfortable experience during the tour.
Single Supplementary:
For seekers of space and privacy, we have a single supplement amenity on our Kashmir tour. The guest gets the luxury of a private room throughout the tour, along with extra comfort and luxury. Single or single-minded, this amenity ensures an undisturbed and peaceful stay in tastefully decorated 3-star hotels.
Solo room amenities include the luxury of bedding, in-house bathroom facility, heating arrangements, and views according to the area. In Srinagar, even solo room travelers enjoy the luxury of houseboats' tranquility, an achievement in itself.
Room service, laundry facilities, and self-care also aid the comfort level of solo travelers. It is most suitable for travelers who enjoy solo traveling and additional comforts without shared staying.
The supplement offers the individual traveler an equal luxury experience to group travelers, thus rendering his/her trip in Kashmir as convenient and comfortable as that of theirs.
Meals in the Kashmir Tour 4 Nights 5 Day
In the 5-Day Kashmir Tour, food is offered in the package, so it is a hassle-free and comfortable experience for travelers. There will be a combination of tasty and traditional Kashmiri food, along with other food prepared to cater to various needs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Each day starts with a healthy breakfast, so say the choice of old-fashioned Kashmiri bread (sheermal, barkhans), fruits, eggs, parathas, and tea or coffee. Breakfast would be at the houseboat or hotel, a peaceful start to your day, and lovely views.
One may enjoy plenty of Kashmiri and Indian food, such as bread and rice, rogan josh, rajma chawal, and dum aloo. In a house tour or restaurant in the nearby local area, one may enjoy lunch, or even the tourists may enjoy prosperity-filled Kashmiri dishes.
Dinner, too, is great, typically a traditional Wazwan spread, traditional multi-course Kashmiri Goshtaba, rasta, yakhni, and Nadru yakhni specialty cuisine. Continental and vegetarian food as well.
Because the meals are included in the package, travelers have the benefit of enjoying the best of Kashmiri cuisine absolutely free, enriching their tour further and making it even easier and more satisfying.
Drinking Water in Kashmir Tour 4 Nights 5 Days
For your 5-day Kashmir package tour, bottled drinking water is offered as part of the package itself. The tour provides safe and hygienic bottled drinking water easily accessible at all times on your tour while sightseeing, eating, or traveling from one place to another. Bottled drinking water is easily provided to all tourists in comfort and worry-free.
Free bottled water is also provided within the package, but bottled water can be purchased if needed. Water is provided with the meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the evening at a hotel or restaurant nearby. On the sightseeing tour, your guide or driver will arrange water to keep you hydrated as you sightsee the valleys, lakes, and mountains of Kashmir.
Additionally, boiled or filtered water at hotels and restaurants is provided for safe drinking. Packaged mineral water is also accessible to international tourists from supermarkets and local shops. Since water to drink is provided at your convenience as part of your package, you can relax and take in the sights of Kashmir without worrying about dehydration.
Mobile Reception and Internet Access
In Kashmir, tourists usually don't have any problems with mobile network coverage during their 5 days of traveling because every major telecom is available in Srinagar, including Airtel, Jio, Vodafone Idea, and BSNL. No coverage or patchy coverage exists in the hills and countryside.
There will be a prepaid SIM available for visitors, which one can buy from an authorized dealer (with a valid photo ID, i.e., Aadhar card or passport). Postpaid connections are possible as well (but may require more paperwork).
There are no guarantees of network connections, and even if visitors had SIM cards from another carrier, the possibility of obtaining network connections or coverage would probably not be too great.
Internet, 2G, 3G, and 4G connections is available in Kashmir in most of the areas. The local administration can suspend or restrict access to slower speed or total loss of connection temporarily, particularly at times of civil disturbance or security threat.
Downloading the required data, like a map and timetable, before traveling will be a wise move to minimize the chance of a connection issue.
Free Wi-Fi services are available in some hotels, restaurants, and cafes near tourist spots. And, there are internet cafes in towns that do not charge much to use high-speed internet. Surfing on public Wi-Fi networks while using the internet on a virtual private network (VPN) is recommended for secure browsing.
Electric Plugs and Adapters
In Kashmir, as in the rest of India, the voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. C, D, and M-type plugs are used.
All the nations in Europe use plug C, which is two round pins. Plug D is three round, triangular pins, and plug M is three but larger. Foreign visitors who have different plug types will require their corresponding plug adapters so that they can use these sockets to plug their devices.
Verify the voltage requirement of your electronic device before traveling. The most recent electronic items are provided with various voltages (typically 100V to 240V) and frequencies (50Hz/60Hz) they can handle.
If your device input is 'INPUT: 100- 240V, 50/60 Hz,' you can use it all over the world with a plug adapter. But if your device is single voltage (i.e., 120V), you need a voltage converter so that you can use it in Kashmir safely.
Do remember that transformers and voltage converters each have a maximum rated power, also. Do not use any device you wish to use at or below that in an attempt to save for potential hazards.
So that you will not have to carry a load of adapters, you can buy a universal travel adapter that will accommodate C, D, and M types of plugs. You can even buy adapters with USB slots so that you can charge more than one device simultaneously.
Group Joining/Fixed Departure for the Trip
Group Joining Kashmir Tour
A Kashmir group tour is best for solo travelers or small groups of people who want to socialize with other tourists. This is the one in which you join an already-formed group, and thus a socially fulfilling and economically viable experience.
You will have other tourists along with you to share experiences and memories. It is a fixed itinerary, the highlights being Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg.
Its advantages include shared transport at cost-saving rates for each, guide services, and shared activities, making the entire trip convenient. It is ideal for tourists who prefer companionship and would enjoy splitting the expenses and traveling with the natural grandeur of Kashmir.
Fixed Departure Kashmir Tour
Fixed departure Kashmir tour offers a fixed date and a well-planned 4-night, 5 days tour. The package tour is ideal for the traveler who likes a fixed tour and does not want to face the hassle of planning.
The package tour offers meals, accommodation, transportation, and guided tours for a hassle-free tour. The benefit of guaranteed departures, professional tour planning, and seeing the best of Kashmir, i.e., Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, and white-dot mountains. Best for those tourists who like to have a trouble-free, professionally planned vacation with all arrangements taken care of.
Private Trip
A private Kashmir tour offers you total freedom and a personalized experience since you have the opportunity to take your own tour and itinerary along with your group.
Unlike group tours, you won't have to endure other tourists traveling with you; more personalized and bespoke.
You can stay as long as you want on Dal Lake, more off-the-beaten-path locations, secret spots, or longer, more relaxed trips to the sites if you'd prefer.
Your host will also be with you at all times, providing their undivided attention and knowledge of Kashmir's history, culture, and geography. It is perfect for families, couples, and friends who prefer to have a tailored, stress-free, and luxurious travel experience.
Packing List
We've given an indicative packing list for your 5-day Kashmir journey so that you can travel comfortably and safely.
Because of the unstable weather of Kashmir, dress accordingly—pack warm clothing, waterproof clothing, and country walking shoes. Do not leave anything crucial, such as sunglasses, hats, medications, cosmetics, and photography gear, so that memories are not left behind.
In order to pack fashionably, we have proceeded to make a full checklist printable in PDF below. Read this travel guide cover to cover so that you can enjoy the best of Kashmir's breathtaking scenery, rich cultural heritage and memories with the assurance that you've got all the information required for trouble-free and enjoyable travel.
Booking Procedure
After you have booked the Kashmir Tour (5 Days) with us, we will email you a proforma invoice and a traveler's information form. To book your tour with us, kindly pay 20% of the entire cost of the trip as an advance or full payment in advance by your own choice of payment method, i.e., wire transfer, online transfer, or PayPal.
For the balance, you can pay it in advance of the tour through wire transfer, credit/debit card, PayPal, internet payment, or cash, according to your convenience.
Please be advised that bank internet transfers normally are credited to our account between 1-2 working days. Bank wire transfers normally take 3-5 working days. When your payment is received, we will inform you accordingly by notice and issue you an official invoice.
To avoid any delay in processing your booking, we suggest prepayment. If you should require assistance or have a question while booking, we have team members available to assist you to ensure your experience is as smooth and easy as possible.
Cancellation Policy
If the participants take the step to cancel the Kashmir journey, the following standards shall apply:
Cancellation occurs 6 months prior to the travel date: shall retain 20% of the trip booking deposit.
Cancellation occurs 3 months prior to the travel date: shall retain 25% of the trip of the booking deposit.
Cancellation occurs 2 months from the travel date: shall retain 50% of trip deposit.
Cancellation occurs less than 1 month from the travel date: shall retain 100% of trip deposit.
If travelers must postpone the trip for unavoidable reasons, their trip deposit will be held and may be used toward a different tour that is booked within a three-year timeframe.
Note: Prices will still be different depending on the pricing driven by the market at the time of reserving the new tour. If we cancel the tour for whatever reason, the travelers will receive a 100% refund of their tour deposit regardless of advance cancellation of their tour.
FAQ
General
Will it be safe to visit Kashmir?
Will it be safe to visit Kashmir?
Yes, Kashmir is also very safe for visitors, but, better to stay informed about the news and travel warnings. You also need to always maintain normal common-sense precautions that you would take anywhere when traveling.
How are the road conditions driving between the 3 sites?
How are the road conditions driving between the 3 sites?
Srinagar-Gulmarg (54 km) road, Pahalgam (87 km) road, and Sonamarg (79 km) road are excellent, but it will take between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the road traffic. It is best to go to such places by taxi, which is also very easy.
Is staying on a houseboat recommended?
Is staying on a houseboat recommended?
Yes, if you can stay in a houseboat, you should do so because it gives some experience of the culture of Kashmir. The houseboats have all the modern amenities, but a hotel will be cozier in winter because they may be warm.
Are vegetarian meals available?
Are vegetarian meals available?
Yes, vegetarian cuisine is also available here in Kashmir because most restaurants and hotels will have vegetarian cuisine. I would just recommend that you inform the restaurant/hotel that you are a vegetarian.
Do I need permits for the Tour?
Do I need permits for the Tour?
All of the major tourist destinations in Kashmir are not required any special permit. However, some offbeat locations on the borders of Kashmir may require a permit. It is always advisable to consult a local government or tour operator, as has been suggested earlier.
What is the local Currency?
What is the local Currency?
Kashmir's currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs are found in the larger towns. If you travel to rural tourist villages, you may want to take plenty of cash with you.
Do I need to tip?
Do I need to tip?
Even though tipping is not mandatory, it will be greatly appreciated. If you are eating at a restaurant where no service charge is added, then 10% would be fine. It is also not necessary to tip your guide and/or driver, depending on the service provided.
Do I need a local guide to visit the site of concern in Kashmir?
Do I need a local guide to visit the site of concern in Kashmir?
You don't necessarily require a local guide, but if you do have one then it will definitely be a more interesting experience with information in the background and local perspective. A guide will also help you in the situations where language starts to become an issue for you. Just ensure that the person you are hiring is registered and a highly respected guide.
Will I see Kashmir handicraft traditional products available for sale there?
Will I see Kashmir handicraft traditional products available for sale there?
Yes, Kashmir is renowned for handicrafts, i.e., Pashmina shawls, carpets, and papier-mâché articles. Purchase good quality in local Srinagar markets such as Lal Chowk and Polo View Market. Purchase them from the authorized markets or government emporia so that there would be no second thoughts about their authenticity.
What are the numbers to call for an emergency in Kashmir?
What are the numbers to call for an emergency in Kashmir?
Call 100 in case of police emergencies and 102 in case of medical emergencies. It would also be advisable to have in hand the emergency contact number of your nation's embassy or consulate in India.
