Paradise on Earth
Kashmir Special (Mughal Gardens, Gulmarg & Pahalgam)
Day 1 — Arrival in Srinagar
Airport pickup and transfer to your houseboat on Dal Lake. Settle in, breathe the mountain air.
Airport Pickup & Transfer
Our representative meets you at Srinagar Airport and drives you to the Dal Lake docks.
Houseboat Check-in
Board your traditional luxury carved cedar houseboat. Unpack and settle into your room.
Shikara Ride at Sunset
Take a relaxed 2-hour shikara tour around Dal Lake's floating gardens and open waters.
Welcome Wazwan Dinner
Feast on a multi-course traditional meal prepared fresh by native chefs.
💡 Local Tip:Ask your shikara wala to take you to the floating vegetable market at dawn — it's not in any brochure.
Day 2 — Meadows of Gulmarg
Asia's highest gondola and a meadow that feels like the edge of the world.
Drive to Gulmarg
A beautiful 2-hour drive winding up through pine and fir forests to the Meadow of Flowers.
Gondola Phase I & II
Ride the world's second-highest cable car up to Apharwat Peak at 13,780 ft for deep snow views.
Snow Activities
Enjoy sledging, skiing, or snow walking with a private local guide.
Meadow Walk & Lunch
Stroll along the sprawling alpine meadow golf course before heading back.
💡 Local Tip:Carry layered clothing even in summer — the top gondola station sits at 13,780 ft.
Day 3 — Valley of Shepherds
The Valley of Shepherds, where Bollywood films and trekkers both find what they came for.
Betaab Valley Visit
Walk through the stunning lush valley named after the Bollywood hit film Betaab.
Aru Valley Walk
Ascend to the quiet mountain village of Aru, starting point for high-altitude glacial treks.
Lidder River Trail
Stroll along the bank of the clear, rushing glacial waters of the Lidder River.
Local Trout Lunch
Enjoy a fresh local river trout meal prepared at a boutique riverside lodge.
💡 Local Tip:Betaab Valley is best in early morning before tour buses arrive.
Day 4 — Meadows of Gold
The Meadow of Gold, where glaciers sit close enough to touch.
Drive to Sonamarg
Follow the Sindh River highway through spectacular rocky valleys up to Sonamarg.
Thajiwas Glacier Trek
Trek on foot or take a guided pony ride up to the guided glacial shelves.
River Crossing
Cross dynamic suspended footbridges over the glacial river runoffs.
Zoji La Pass Views
Stand at high-altitude viewpoints looking out to the treacherous highway pass connecting to Ladakh.
💡 Local Tip:Don't skip the glacier — the walk from the road is under 2km and completely worth it.
Day 5 — Royal Gardens & Sanctuaries
The city's soul is in its gardens, mosques, and the smoke from kangris on winter mornings.
Mughal Gardens Tour
Visit the terraced lawns and spring-fed fountains of Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi.
Hazratbal Mosque
Admire the white marble dome sanctuary housing the holy relic, reflecting on Dal Lake.
Old City Lanes Walk
Explore the bustling bazaars, ancient wooden bridges, and architectural history of Downtown.
Kashmiri Handicraft Market
Shop directly for hand-knotted silk carpets, pashmina shawls, and wood carvings.
💡 Local Tip:Buy saffron directly from government-certified shops on Residency Road — avoid tourist traps.
Day 6 — Floating Leisure
A morning with nothing planned is the greatest luxury of any Kashmir trip.
Houseboat Breakfast on Deck
Sip hot Kehwa and enjoy eggs and local breads on the sunny houseboat deck.
Lake Floating Market Shopping
Watch shikara vendors selling saffron, shawls, and jewelry float directly to your deck.
Optional: Cooking Class
Learn the secrets of Kashmiri Rogan Josh or Yakhni from the local family cook.
💡 Local Tip:The floating flower market opens at 6AM — set an alarm once.
Day 7 — Farewell Prep
Transfer from houseboat to hotel if needed, farewell dinner, packing assistance.
Hotel Transfer & Settle
Transition from the houseboat to a boutique hotel side stay in Srinagar city.
Farewell Dinner
Review trip memories over a candlelit final dinner hosted by Earth Travels.
💡 Local Tip:Ensure all delicate souvenirs and walnut crafts are packed carefully. Ask our driver for bubble wraps.
Day 8 — Fly Home
Airport drop, end of Earth Travels service.
Airport Drop-off
Pack bags and bid farewell to Srinagar as we drop you off for your flight back home.
💡 Local Tip:Reach Srinagar Airport at least 3 hours before departure as the security checks are rigorous.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✓What's Included
- • 7 Nights handpicked hotel stays
- • All transfers & sightseeing as per itinerary
- • Daily breakfast + dinner in all properties
- • All state permit taxes, driver allowances
- • 24/7 client coordination support desk
- • Pre-booked entry tickets as per itinerary
✗What's Excluded
- • Flights (unless specified in package)
- • Lunch & beverages not specified in meals
- • Travel insurance (available as add-on)
- • Optional extreme adventure activities
- • Tips, personal laundry, telephone bills
Handpicked Stays
Sukoon Houseboat
📍 Dal Lake, Srinagar
Khyber Mountain Resort
📍 Gulmarg Heights
