Customised holidayTRKS7S
Kashmir SignatureKashmir in 7 nights
- 8 Days · 7 Nights
- India · 4 Cities
- Signature pace
- Any date you choose
Srinagar houseboat (2N)Gurez Valley (2N)Srinagar houseboat (1N)Gulmarg (2N)
View day-wise itinerary →Holiday includes
- Hotel
- Meals
- Sightseeing
- Transport
- FlightsOptional
Private car and driver throughout. Prafull plans and answers every message himself.
Holiday highlights
- Premium carved houseboat nights on quiet Nigeen Lake
- Old Srinagar on foot with a local guide: Jamia Masjid and Khanqah-e-Moula
- Over the Razdan Pass into the Gurez Valley
- Dawar village and Habba Khatoon peak on the Kishanganga river
- Gulmarg Gondola Phases 1 and 2, both included
- A free day in Gulmarg for Khilanmarg walks or winter ski lessons
Itinerary (day wise)
Seven nights for people who have seen the usual Kashmir, or want more than it. We begin slowly on a carved houseboat on Nigeen Lake, with a day on foot in old Srinagar, then cross the Razdan Pass to Gurez, a valley of log-house villages on the Kishanganga river that few visitors reach. We end with two nights in Gulmarg, an easy two hours from the airport. It suits couples, repeat visitors and photographers; Gurez is open roughly May to November.
Day 1Arrive in Srinagar – Nigeen Lake Houseboat (2 Nights)
About 18 km · 45 minutes to 1 hour from the airport
Welcome to Kashmir. Your driver meets you at arrivals and takes you to Nigeen Lake, the quieter northern arm of Dal, where a shikara carries you across to a carved cedar houseboat. Kahwa on the veranda and time to unpack. In the late afternoon you set off on a private sunset shikara ride across Nigeen and through the willow-lined channels towards Dal, past old wooden houses and the white dome of Hazratbal shrine on the far shore. Back on board, dinner is cooked by the houseboat family. Overnight on the houseboat on Nigeen Lake.
- Nigeen Lake
- Dal Lake
- Hazratbal shrine (from the water)
Prafull’s tipNigeen is calmer than Dal and has far fewer shikara sellers, so the veranda at dusk is genuinely quiet. Bring a book.
Dinner
Day 2Srinagar
A day on foot in the old city with a local guide. We start at the great Jamia Masjid, its roof held up by more than 370 deodar pillars, then walk to Khanqah-e-Moula on the banks of the Jhelum, its wooden walls painted in papier-mâché patterns. After lunch, the lanes of the old city: a papier-mâché workshop where you can watch the painters at work, copper-smiths and the bakers' shops for girda and lavasa breads. In the late afternoon we drive up to Pari Mahal, a terraced garden on the hillside, for sunset over Dal Lake. Dinner on board. Overnight on the houseboat on Nigeen Lake.
- Jamia Masjid
- Khanqah-e-Moula
- Jhelum river
- Papier-mâché workshops
- Pari Mahal
- Note: Women view Khanqah-e-Moula's interior from the doorway. Shoes come off at both mosques.
- Note: Mosques close to visitors at prayer times, especially at Friday midday prayers; we plan the walk around them.
Prafull’s tipDress modestly and carry a scarf. Ask before photographing people in the old city; most are happy to say yes.
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3Srinagar – Gurez Valley (2 Nights)
About 125 km · 5–6 hours by road via Razdan Pass
An early start north to Bandipora, with views over Wular Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in India. From here the road climbs through forest to Tragbal and over the Razdan Pass, above 3,300 m, with the Himalaya spread out behind you. Then it drops into Gurez along the Kishanganga river, past log-house villages of the Dard community, who speak Shina. The pyramid of Habba Khatoon peak comes into view above Dawar, the main village. Check in, take a short walk by the river, and settle in for dinner. Overnight in Gurez.
- Wular Lake
- Tragbal
- Razdan Pass
- Kishanganga river
- Habba Khatoon peak
- Dawar
- Note: Gurez is normally reachable only from about May to November, when the Razdan Pass is open. Outside that window we replace Gurez with two nights in Pahalgam.
- Note: Carry original photo ID for everyone; there are army checkposts on the way and we send your details ahead.
Prafull’s tipThe pass road is narrow and winding. Anyone prone to car sickness should sit in front and take something before setting off.
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4Gurez Valley
A slow day in the valley with your driver. Walk through Dawar and the neighbouring villages, with their wooden houses, stacked hay and fields of potato and maize. After lunch, follow the Kishanganga to the meadows below Habba Khatoon peak, named after the 16th-century poet-queen of Kashmir, and the spring at its foot that carries her name. There is plenty of time to sit by the river or photograph the evening light on the peak. On a clear night, step outside after dinner: with almost no light around, the stars are extraordinary. Overnight in Gurez.
- Dawar village
- Kishanganga river
- Habba Khatoon peak
- Habba Khatoon spring
- Gurez log-house villages
- Note: If the road is open, a longer drive up the Tulail valley can be added, subject to local permissions on the day.
Prafull’s tipGurez is close to the Line of Control. Ask before photographing army posts or people, and stay on the routes your driver suggests.
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5Gurez – Srinagar Houseboat (1 Night)
About 125 km · 5–6 hours by road
After breakfast we head back over the Razdan Pass, with a stop at the top for a last look into the valley and tea at Tragbal on the way down. The road descends past Bandipora and the edge of Wular Lake, and we're back in Srinagar by mid-afternoon. A shikara takes you out to your houseboat, where there's a hot bath waiting and nothing else on the schedule. Spend the evening on the veranda watching the lake go by, then a slow dinner on board and an early night. Overnight on the houseboat in Srinagar.
- Razdan Pass
- Tragbal
- Wular Lake
- Bandipora
Prafull’s tipStart by 8 am. The pass is clearest in the morning, and you'll reach Srinagar before the evening traffic.
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6Srinagar – Gulmarg (2 Nights)
About 50 km · 1.5–2 hours by road
A shikara takes you ashore after breakfast and we drive up through Tangmarg to Gulmarg, at about 2,650 m, in time for the Gondola. Phase 1 climbs to Kongdori, at about 3,080 m. Weather permitting, Phase 2 continues to Apharwat at nearly 4,000 m, with views across the Pir Panjal range and, on the clearest days, Nanga Parbat far to the north. Both tickets are booked in advance for you. Come down in the afternoon, check in, and have a quiet evening at your hotel overlooking the meadow. Overnight in Gulmarg.
- Tangmarg
- Gulmarg Gondola
- Kongdori
- Apharwat
- Gulmarg meadow
- Note: Phase 2 often closes in high wind or snow. If it's shut today, we try again tomorrow morning.
Prafull’s tipAt Apharwat, walk slowly and come down if anyone feels breathless or dizzy. At nearly 4,000 m that is common and nothing to push through.
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7Gulmarg
A free day to enjoy Gulmarg at your own pace. In summer, walk or ride a pony to Khilanmarg for a wider view of the peaks, or, from late June when the snow clears, go back up to Apharwat and walk towards the Alpather Lake viewpoints with a local guide. In winter, take a ski or snowboard lesson on the nursery slopes, or simply sledge. St Mary's Church, the Maharani Temple and the old golf course are an easy stroll from most hotels. Your driver stays with you for the day. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Gulmarg.
- Khilanmarg
- Alpather Lake
- St Mary's Church
- Maharani Temple, Gulmarg
- Gulmarg golf course
- Note: Ponies, local guides and ski lessons are paid locally; we arrange them for you.
- Note: The Alpather walk is only for fit walkers in settled weather, usually from late June to September.
Prafull’s tipAlpather is a high, rough walk from the top of Phase 2. Do it only if you're fit and the weather is settled, and always with a local guide.
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8Gulmarg – Srinagar Airport – Departure
About 55 km · 2–2.5 hours to the airport
Breakfast with a last look at the meadow and the peaks above it. Your driver takes you down through Tangmarg and the orchards to Srinagar airport, with time built in for the extra security check at the outer gate. If your flight is late in the day, we can stop in Srinagar for lunch or a last hour of shopping on the way. Your holiday ends here. Thank you for travelling with TripRoutes; we hope Gurez stays with you as long as it stays with us.
- Tangmarg
Prafull’s tipFor a flight before noon, we leave Gulmarg by 7 am. Ask the hotel for a packed breakfast the night before.
Breakfast
Tour details
Accommodation
Choose the hotel category. The same route and sightseeing in every category.
| City | Standard hotels |
|---|---|
| Srinagar houseboat2 nights | Deluxe houseboat on Nigeen Lake / or similarDouble bedroom with attached bathroom |
| Gurez Valley2 nights | Clean, simple guesthouse or tourism-department hut in Dawar / or similarDouble room with attached bathroom |
| Srinagar houseboat1 night | Deluxe houseboat on Dal or Nigeen Lake / or similarDouble bedroom with attached bathroom |
| Gulmarg2 nights | Hotel Hilltop / Pine View Resort / or similarDeluxe room with heating |
| City | Deluxe hotels |
|---|---|
| Srinagar houseboat2 nights | Super-deluxe carved cedar houseboat on Nigeen Lake / or similar |
| Gurez Valley2 nights | The best riverside cottage or camp available in Gurez / or similar |
| Srinagar houseboat1 night | Super-deluxe carved cedar houseboat on Nigeen Lake / or similar |
| Gulmarg2 nights | The Vintage Gulmarg / Grand Mumtaz Resorts Gulmarg / Heevan Retreat Gulmarg / or similar |
| City | Premium hotels |
|---|---|
| Srinagar houseboat2 nights | Heritage luxury houseboat on Nigeen Lake, walnut-panelled with only a few bedrooms / or similar |
| Gurez Valley2 nights | The most comfortable cottage available in Gurez, with heaters and extra bedding (the valley has no luxury hotels) / or similar |
| Srinagar houseboat1 night | Heritage luxury houseboat on Nigeen Lake, walnut-panelled with only a few bedrooms / or similar |
| Gulmarg2 nights | The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa / Suite at The Vintage Gulmarg / or similar |
Hotels are confirmed when you book. If a hotel is full, we give you one of the same category in the same area, and tell you before you pay.
Optional add-ons
Not in the price. Prafull can book them for you or you can pay locally.
| Experience | Approx. price |
|---|---|
| Alpather Lake walk with a local guideFrom the top of Gondola Phase 2; fit walkers only, usually late June to September. | On request |
| Ski or snowboard lesson in GulmargDecember to March, on the nursery slopes with a certified instructor; equipment on hire. | On request |
| Tulail valley drive from GurezA longer day up the valley beyond Dawar, subject to local permissions. | On request |
| Kashmiri wazwan dinner on the houseboatA traditional multi-course meal cooked on board; vegetarian version on request. | On request |
Tour information
Read this to prepare for your holiday.
Tour inclusions
- 2 nights on a Nigeen Lake houseboat, 2 in Gurez Valley, 1 more on a Srinagar houseboat and 2 in Gulmarg in the stays listed (or similar), twin sharing
- Daily breakfast and dinner, from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8 (cooked on board on the houseboat; home-style in Gurez)
- Private Dzire/Etios for 2 guests, Innova Crysta for 3–6: airport transfers and all sightseeing as per the itinerary, including the Gurez drives
- Arrival and departure transfers at Srinagar airport
- Private sunset shikara ride on Nigeen Lake, plus shikara transfers to and from the houseboat
- Local guide for the old Srinagar walking day
- Entry to Pari Mahal
- Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 and Phase 2 tickets, booked online in advance
- Help with Gurez checkpost registrations, with your details sent ahead
- Heaters and extra bedding arranged in Gurez
- Driver allowance, tolls, parking and fuel
- Prafull's day-by-day trip notes on WhatsApp
- 24/7 helpline while you travel
Tour exclusions
- Flights or trains to and from Srinagar
- GST (5%) on the package
- Ponies and local union cabs in Gulmarg, paid locally at the notified rates
- Local guide and pony for the Alpather walk
- Ski lessons and equipment hire in winter
- Lunches, snacks and drinks
- Entry tickets and guide fees other than those listed
- Tips for drivers, guides, houseboat staff and shikara-walas; porterage
- Laundry, phone calls and room heaters where the hotel charges for them
- Travel insurance, and extra costs from weather, landslides, roadblocks or road closures on the Razdan Pass
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Good to know
- Gurez is reached over the Razdan Pass, which is usually open from about May to November. Outside that window, we replace Gurez with two nights in Pahalgam.
- Phone signal in Gurez is limited and may not work on every network, and power can be patchy. Carry a power bank and tell family you may be out of touch for two days.
- Prepaid mobile connections from outside Jammu & Kashmir don't work anywhere in the region; postpaid ones do.
- Carry original photo ID for everyone. Gurez lies close to the Line of Control and has army checkposts; we handle the registrations.
- Gurez guesthouses are simple and food is home-style; pure-veg is easy, Jain meals need advance notice and some flexibility.
- Bring warm layers even in summer: nights in Gurez and Gulmarg are cold, and Apharwat is at nearly 4,000 m.
When to go
April to June, and December to February for snow. Spring and early summer bring green meadows and the Srinagar tulip garden (usually late March to April). Winter turns Gulmarg white. Late October brings golden chinar trees.
Our favourite months
Cancellation policy & payment terms
Payment terms
| To confirm your holiday | 25% of the package cost, or ₹25,000 per person, whichever is higher |
|---|---|
| 30 days before travel | Balance payment |
| Booking within 30 days of travel | Full payment at booking |
| Flights, trains and visa fees | Paid in full at booking, as the airline or authority requires |
Cancellation charges
| 45 days or more before travel | 10% of the package cost |
|---|---|
| 30–44 days before travel | 25% of the package cost |
| 15–29 days before travel | 50% of the package cost |
| 7–14 days before travel | 75% of the package cost |
| Less than 7 days, or no-show | 100% of the package cost |
- Cancellations must be sent in writing, on email or WhatsApp; the date we receive it is the cancellation date.
- Flights, trains, visa fees and non-refundable hotel or activity bookings are refunded only as their own rules allow.
- Date changes are free when made 30 days or more before travel, subject to hotel availability and any difference in price.
- Refunds are paid within 14 working days of us receiving them from the hotels and suppliers.
- No refund is possible for services not used during the holiday.
- Hotels may ask for a refundable security deposit at check-in, paid directly to the hotel.
Questions about this holiday
How much does the Kashmir Signature trip cost?
The 7-night Kashmir Signature journey starts at ₹38,000 per person on twin sharing in Standard hotels (about ₹51,500 in Deluxe and ₹72,000 in Premium hotels), land only. Flights are extra and quoted for your dates.
What is the best time for this Kashmir trip?
April to June, and December to February for snow. Spring and early summer bring green meadows and the Srinagar tulip garden (usually late March to April). Winter turns Gulmarg white. Late October brings golden chinar trees.
Can this itinerary be changed?
Yes. Every TripRoutes trip is private, so we can add or remove nights, swap Srinagar houseboat or any other stop, change hotels, or adjust the pace.
How many days are enough for Kashmir?
Five or six nights covers Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg comfortably. With four nights, focus on Srinagar and Gulmarg — our Kashmir Easy journey.
When is the best time to see snow in Kashmir?
Late December to February for snow in Gulmarg and Sonamarg. In April and May you'll still see snow on the peaks and at Gondola Phase 2.
Kashmir
Other ways to see Kashmir
4 nightsEasyKashmir Easy
- Two nights on a Dal Lake houseboat with a shikara ride
- Gulmarg and the gondola to Kongdoori
- A day trip to the Thajiwas glacier at Sonamarg
6 nightsClassicKashmir Classic
- Srinagar, Sonamarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam in one trip
- Two nights in Pahalgam's Aru and Betaab valleys
- The gondola ride above Gulmarg
Plan with Prafull
Make this holiday yours
Tell Prafull your dates and who is coming. He will send a revised plan and an exact price, usually within a few hours.
- WhatsApp +91 74800 66666
- Call +91 74800 66666
- prafull.pitale@triproutes.in
- 304, Kailash Plaza Business Park, Ghatkopar East