Kashmir Summer Trip Plan 2026

• ✓Arrive at Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR)
• ✓Check into a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake
• ✓Afternoon Shikara ride through floating gardens and lotus blooms
• ✓Visit Mughal Garden — Shalimar Bagh (entry ₹30)
• ✓Evening Kahwa tea on the houseboat deck

🍽️ Lunch at Mughal Darbar, Dinner on houseboat

• ✓Morning visit to Nishat Bagh — 'Garden of Delight' with 12 terraces
• ✓Explore Chashme Shahi — the smallest but most charming Mughal garden
• ✓Visit Shankaracharya Temple — panoramic views from 1,000 feet
• ✓Afternoon at Hazratbal Shrine — white marble mosque on Dal Lake
• ✓Evening shopping at Lal Chowk for Pashmina shawls and saffron

🍽️ Breakfast on houseboat, Lunch at Ahdoos, Dinner at Shamyana

• ✓Drive to Gulmarg (56km, 2 hours)
• ✓Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 — ride to Kongdoori (₹800)
• ✓Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2 — ascend to 3,979m (₹1,600, if open)
• ✓Horse riding through alpine meadows and wildflower fields
• ✓Visit St. Mary's Church — one of India's oldest churches in the hills

🍽️ Breakfast in Srinagar, Lunch at Gulmarg, Dinner at hotel

• ✓Drive to Pahalgam via Anantnag (140km, 4 hours)
• ✓Explore Betaab Valley — lush green meadow surrounded by peaks
• ✓Visit Aru Valley — starting point for Kolahoi Glacier trek
• ✓Pony ride along Lidder River through pine forests
• ✓Evening bonfire at Pahalgam riverside camp

🍽️ Breakfast at Gulmarg, Lunch in Pahalgam, Dinner at riverside camp

• ✓Drive to Sonamarg — 'Meadow of Gold' (120km via Srinagar bypass)
• ✓Visit Thajiwas Glacier — short trek to the glacier base (2km)
• ✓Enjoy the wildflower meadows and mountain streams
• ✓Return to Srinagar airport for evening flight
• ✓Or extend for the Great Lakes Trek (7-day add-on)

🍽️ Breakfast at Pahalgam, Lunch at Sonamarg, Dinner at airport