Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Gurez Valley

Land in Srinagar where your driver meets you and transfers you to your houseboat on Dal Lake or valley hotel. In the afternoon, visit the terraced Mughal Gardens: Nishat Bagh along the lakeshore, Shalimar Bagh with its cypress avenues, and the hillside spring at Chashme Shahi. You can choose an optional climb to Shankaracharya Temple for city panoramas. Later, glide across Dal Lake on a wooden shikara. Dinner is included, and you sleep overnight in a Dal Lake houseboat.

Have breakfast and depart for Pahalgam, the Valley of Shepherds. On the way, stop at seasonal saffron fields and explore the ancient Awantipora Ruins. Upon reaching Pahalgam, check in to your hotel by the Lidder River. Head out to visit the meadows and clear streams of Betaab Valley and Aru Valley. You may also arrange an optional local taxi trip to snowbound Chandanwari. In the evening, browse handicrafts and dry fruits in Pahalgam market. Dinner and stay are at your Pahalgam hotel.

Eat breakfast before taking the winding road to Gulmarg, passing dense fir forests and hillside hamlets. Once you arrive, explore the expansive high-altitude meadows. You can take the Gulmarg Gondola up into the clouds or take an easy walk along open grassy slopes. Pony rides are also available locally across the meadows. In the evening, relax at your accommodation. Dinner is served at your hotel, where you spend the night.

Start early with breakfast and set out on the long drive towards remote Gurez Valley. Climb through the high altitudes of Razdan Pass, taking in the wide barren slopes and quiet vistas. Descend into the valley along the rushing Kishanganga River to reach Dawar village, characterised by carved wooden houses and pine-scented air. Spend the remaining daylight resting or taking a peaceful walk beside the riverbanks. Have dinner and stay overnight at your hotel in Gurez.

Spend the full day discovering Gurez. Take in early views of Habba Khatoon Peak, named after the famed Kashmiri poetess, and stop by the fresh Habba Khatoon Spring. Road conditions permitting, continue on an excursion into remote Tulail Valley for bird calls and secluded mountain landscapes. Return to Dawar village for a cultural walk through stone alleys and past wooden homes. Enjoy dinner and another overnight stay at your hotel in Gurez.

Following breakfast, begin the scenic return drive towards Srinagar, travelling through Bandipora with views of the surrounding ranges. Arrive in Srinagar by afternoon and settle into your hotel or houseboat. Dedicate your evening to relaxing along Dal Lake, visiting lakeside cafés, tasting traditional Kehwa, and sampling local bakarkhani bread. Dinner is provided, and you spend your final night in Srinagar at a hotel or houseboat.

Have your final breakfast in Srinagar. If your flight departure schedule permits, explore the morning Floating Market on the lake or head to Lal Chowk for last-minute shopping. Later, your private vehicle transfers you to Srinagar airport for your onward flight, concluding the tour.