Kashmir Tour Package: A 6-Night Journey Through Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonmarg

Kashmir

Kashmir Tour Package: A 6-Night Journey Through Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonmarg

By Inej Travel | Hill Station Tour Packages | Oct 2026

There is a moment on most Kashmir trips that people remember long after the photos are sorted. It might be the first evening on Dal Lake, when the shikara slows down and the mountains turn pink behind the houseboats. It might be the drive into Pahalgam, with a river running beside the road and pine trees climbing the slopes. Or it might be the gondola in Gulmarg, when the clouds drop below you and the whole range opens up. Kashmir is a place that rewards a slower, well-planned trip, and a good plan makes the difference between a rushed checklist and a holiday you actually enjoy.

This guide walks through the Kashmir Tour Package from Inej Travel, day by day, and explains how to decide if it suits you, when to go, what to pack and how to book. It is written for first-time visitors, couples, families and friends travelling together.

TL;DR: Quick Answer

The Inej Travel Kashmir Tour Package covers four places in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonmarg, returning to Srinagar between stops. Inej Travel lists it as a 6-day package with six nights of accommodation, and the departure transfer happens on the morning after the sixth night. It includes a private air-conditioned vehicle with a driver, an English-speaking guide in Srinagar and Pahalgam, a shikara ride on Dal Lake, a gondola ride in Gulmarg, breakfast and dinner, and airport transfers. Prices depend on your dates, hotel category and group size, so none are quoted here. Contact Inej Travel for a quote based on your plans.

Table of Contents

Why Kashmir works for so many kinds of travellers
The route at a glance
Day-by-day itinerary
What is included in the package
Best time to visit Kashmir
What to pack
Getting to Srinagar
Houseboat or hotel: what to expect
Food and culture to try
Who this tour suits
Practical tips and honest notes
How to book step by step
About Inej Travel
Frequently asked questions

Why Kashmir Works for So Many Kinds of Travellers

Kashmir has a reputation as a honeymoon destination, and it deserves it, but it is far more than that. The valley has lakes for a quiet evening, gardens for a slow afternoon, meadows for easy walks, and snow for people who want a taste of winter. Because the main places are connected by road, you can see several different landscapes in one trip without a lot of packing and unpacking.

It also suits different ages. Grandparents can enjoy the gardens and the shikara ride at their own pace. Children usually love the boat, the horses and the snow. Couples find the houseboat evening memorable. Friends travelling together can mix a little adventure into the days. If you want a deeper read on the region itself, Inej Travel also has an older article, Kashmir, a Heaven on Earth, that describes the valleys, the seasons and the culture.

The Route at a Glance

The package follows a simple loop, so you do not backtrack more than you need to:

Srinagar for arrival, Dal Lake and the Mughal gardens
Pahalgam for river valleys and meadows
Gulmarg for the gondola and mountain views
Srinagar again, with a market visit
Sonmarg as a day trip, with the Thajiwas Glacier
Srinagar for the final night and departure

Distances listed in the itinerary are approximate: about 90 km from Srinagar to Pahalgam, about 140 km from Pahalgam to Gulmarg, about 60 km from Gulmarg to Srinagar and about 80 km from Srinagar to Sonmarg. Mountain roads take longer than the numbers suggest, so the drive times given in the plan are a better guide than the distance.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar and an Evening Shikara Ride

You land at Srinagar Airport, where a representative from Inej Travel meets you and takes you to your hotel. After you settle in, the evening is for Dal Lake, one of the best-known sights in Srinagar. The water is calm, the surrounding mountains are clearly visible on a clear day, and the pace is gentle, which is exactly what you want after a flight.

The package includes a traditional shikara ride. These are the small, covered wooden boats with cushioned seats that glide across the lake. Take your time, look at the floating vegetable gardens and the houseboats, and enjoy the quiet. The evening ends with dinner onboard a traditional Kashmiri houseboat, followed by an overnight stay in Srinagar.

Day 2: Srinagar to Pahalgam, via the Mughal Gardens and Saffron Fields

After breakfast, you check out and spend the morning on a sightseeing tour of Srinagar’s famous Mughal gardens. Shalimar Bagh is a landscaped garden known for its scenery and royal history. Nishat Bagh is a terraced garden with cascading fountains and tall chinar trees, and it is described as the second-largest Mughal garden in Kashmir. Both are pleasant places to walk without hurrying, and photographers usually find a lot to work with.

You then drive towards Pahalgam, about 90 km away, with a short stop at the Kashmiri saffron fields on the way. Saffron fields are most striking when they are in bloom, which depends on the season, so ask Inej Travel about timing if this is important to you. On arrival in Pahalgam you check in to your hotel, have dinner and stay overnight.

Day 3: Pahalgam Sightseeing

This is the day for river valleys and open green spaces. After breakfast you head out to see:

Betaab Valley: a popular spot with lush green landscapes, tall deodar trees and the Lidder River running through it.
Aru Valley: a scenic village that people also use for trekking, horse riding and hiking.
Chandanwari: a picnic spot among the Himalayan peaks.

A local private cab is used for Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari, and it is part of the package. In the evening, Mall Road is worth a stroll for the local market, and then you have dinner at the hotel and stay overnight in Pahalgam.

Day 4: Pahalgam to Gulmarg

After breakfast and check-out, you drive to Gulmarg, about 140 km and roughly four hours away. Gulmarg is known across India for skiing and for its wide mountain scenery. Arrive, check in, have dinner and rest. It is a travel day, so keep your afternoon light and drink enough water, especially if you are not used to higher places.

Day 5: The Gulmarg Gondola, then Back to Srinagar

The highlight of the day is the Gulmarg gondola, a cable car ride with wide views of the high Himalayan landscape. The package includes this ride. Weather affects visibility, so the views on your day depend on conditions, but even a cloudy morning can be dramatic.

In the afternoon you drive about 60 km, roughly two hours, back to Srinagar. On the way you stop at Lal Chowk, a busy historic market where you can browse dry fruits, shawls, handicrafts and snacks. You then check in at your Srinagar hotel for dinner and the night.

Day 6: Sonmarg and the Thajiwas Glacier

After breakfast you drive to Sonmarg, about 80 km and roughly three hours from Srinagar. It is described as the historic gateway on the old Silk Road. At the drop-off point, you can take a local cab or a pony ride to reach the Thajiwas Glacier, a snow-covered area at around 3,000 metres above sea level. Wear proper shoes, because the path can be slippery, and carry a warm layer even in summer.

You return to Srinagar in the evening, have dinner at the hotel and stay overnight.

Day 7: Departure

Breakfast at the hotel, then a pick-up for your transfer to Srinagar Airport and your flight home. The listing counts six nights of stay, which is why this is called a 6-day package even though the departure falls on the morning of the seventh day. When you plan flights, book your return for a time that leaves enough margin after the airport transfer.

What Is Included in the Package

According to Inej Travel’s package page, the Kashmir Tour Package includes:

All sightseeing and transfers as per the itinerary
Assistance with airport transfers
A private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced, tourist-friendly driver
A local private cab for Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari
Six nights of accommodation as per the itinerary
Breakfast and dinner
An English-speaking guide in Srinagar and Pahalgam
A shikara ride at Dal Lake
A gondola ride in Gulmarg
Parking, toll and driver allowance
All applicable taxes

Lunch, personal expenses, flights and optional activities such as pony rides are things to confirm with the team when you ask for a quote, so that there are no surprises. Always read the latest inclusions on the package page before you pay.

Best Time to Visit Kashmir

Kashmir changes character through the year, and the right time depends on what you want to see.

Spring: a good time for gardens and fresh greenery. Mornings and evenings can be cool.
Summer: pleasant, cool weather in the valley, a popular choice for families, houseboat stays and walks in meadows.
Autumn: clear skies and golden chinar leaves make it a favourite with photographers. Saffron is associated with this season.
Winter: a white landscape, with temperatures falling below freezing and snow activities such as skiing and gondola rides in Gulmarg.

Inej Travel describes Kashmir as a destination for all seasons. Whatever month you choose, check the forecast shortly before you travel, since mountain weather can shift quickly and road conditions can change after rain or snow. Tell the team what you hope to see, for example snow, saffron or gardens in bloom, and they can suggest which dates fit best.

What to Pack

Layers: even in summer, evenings and higher places are cool. A light jacket and a warm layer are useful.
Winter gear in cold months: thermals, gloves, a cap, woollen socks and a proper jacket.
Comfortable shoes: with good grip for Thajiwas Glacier and for wet or snowy paths.
Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat, since sunlight is strong at height.
Rain protection: a compact umbrella or rain jacket.
Power bank and extra batteries: cold weather drains phone batteries faster.
Personal medicines and a basic kit: including anything you take regularly.
Valid photo ID: carry the ID you used when booking, as it is often asked for at hotels and checkpoints.
Some cash: for small purchases, tips, pony rides and markets, since network and card machines can be patchy in remote spots.

Getting to Srinagar

Srinagar is well connected with the major domestic airports, and Delhi to Srinagar is served by flights as well as the Vande Bharat train, as noted on the package page. Most visitors fly in. Whichever route you pick, book early for peak months, and share your arrival details with Inej Travel so the representative can meet you at the airport on Day 1.

If you are starting from Delhi and want to add another trip, see the Golden Triangle guide for an easy way to combine regions, or look through the other hill station packages.

Houseboat or Hotel: What to Expect

Staying on a traditional houseboat is one of the signature Kashmir experiences. These boats are wooden, with carved ceilings, small sitting areas and views over the water. The package starts with dinner onboard a houseboat on the first evening, and the second morning begins with check-out from the houseboat. For other nights, you stay at hotels as per the itinerary.

A few honest notes. Houseboats are charming, but space is smaller than in a hotel room, and facilities vary from boat to boat. If a particular boat matters to you, ask for details before you travel. Hotels in Pahalgam and Gulmarg are usually chosen for their location and views, and the quality changes with the category you select.

Food and Culture to Try

Food is part of the experience. Kashmiri cooking is known for slow-cooked dishes and aromatic spices. Look for the traditional multi-course meal called wazwan, saffron tea, noon chai (the pink salted tea) and fresh bread from local bakeries. Vegetarian travellers can usually find good options, but it helps to say so when you book so that hotels are informed.

Look out for local crafts too. Shawls, papier-mache items, walnut wood pieces and copper samovars are all associated with the region, and Lal Chowk and Mall Road are good places to browse. Buy from places you trust and ask about materials before paying. Dress modestly when visiting religious places, ask before photographing people, and be patient with the pace of mountain roads. These small courtesies make a real difference.

Who This Tour Suits

Couples and honeymooners: a houseboat dinner, shikara ride and mountain scenery in one trip.
Families: short sightseeing blocks, a private vehicle and a gentle pace make travel with children and older relatives easier.
Friends: pony rides, horse riding, the gondola and the glacier add some adventure.
First-time visitors: a single plan covers the four most visited places, so you do not need to stitch together a route yourself.

It may not be the best fit if you want a long trekking trip, a deep-winter ski holiday or a very relaxed trip in one place. In those cases, tell the team what you want, and they can adjust the plan or suggest a different one.

Practical Tips and Honest Notes

Check travel advisories before you go. Conditions in the region can change, and it is sensible to look at current government and local guidance close to your travel dates.
Allow buffer time. Weather or road closures can delay drives. Avoid tight flight connections on the day of departure.
Take it slow on arrival. If you are not used to altitude, drink water, avoid heavy meals on the first evening and rest when you need to.
Carry offline maps. Mobile coverage can be inconsistent in the mountains.
Respect nature. Take your rubbish with you, especially at the glacier and in the meadows.
Confirm costs for add-ons. Pony rides, extra activities and some entry fees may be separate from the package.

How to Book Step by Step

Open the Kashmir Tour Package page and read the itinerary and inclusions.
Decide your dates and the number of travellers, including children and older family members.
Choose your preferred hotel category and tell the team about any special needs, such as vegetarian meals or a honeymoon setup.
Use the “Plan my trip” form on the page or the contact page to request a quote.
Review the quote, check what is included, and ask about payment and cancellation terms in writing.
Book your flights to Srinagar once your plan is confirmed, and share the arrival details.

About Inej Travel

Inej Travel is a travel company that offers tours across India, as well as Nepal and Thailand. Its packages range from short weekend trips and the Golden Triangle to Rajasthan, Kerala, hill stations, wildlife and luxury trains. You can read more on the Our Story page. The aim of the Kashmir package is simple: a well-organised route, comfortable transport and local knowledge, so that you can spend your time looking at mountains instead of solving logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days are needed for a Kashmir trip?

Inej Travel’s package is a 6-day plan with six nights of stay, covering Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonmarg. Departure is on the morning after the last night. If you want more time in one place, ask about changes to the plan.

Which places are covered in the Kashmir Tour Package?

Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonmarg. Highlights include Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, Chandanwari, the Gulmarg gondola, Lal Chowk market and the Thajiwas Glacier.

Is the shikara ride included?

Yes. The package includes a shikara ride at Dal Lake on the first evening, along with dinner on a traditional houseboat.

Is the Gulmarg gondola ride included?

Yes, a gondola ride in Gulmarg is part of the inclusions. Visibility and operation depend on weather conditions on the day.

Is a guide included?

The package lists an English-speaking guide in Srinagar and Pahalgam, along with a private air-conditioned vehicle and an experienced driver for the whole trip.

Which meals are included?

Breakfast and dinner are included. Lunch is not listed, so confirm this when you request your quote.

What is the best time to visit Kashmir?

Each season has its own appeal: gardens and greenery in spring, cool and pleasant weather in summer, golden leaves in autumn and snow in winter. Choose your dates based on what you most want to see.

How do I reach Srinagar?

Srinagar is well connected with major domestic airports, and Delhi to Srinagar is served by flights and the Vande Bharat train. Share your arrival time so that an Inej Travel representative can meet you.

Is the tour suitable for families and older travellers?

Many families and older travellers enjoy Kashmir because the sightseeing is mostly by vehicle, with short walks. Some places, such as the glacier at Sonmarg, involve a cab or pony ride and uneven ground, so tell the team about any mobility needs in advance.

How do I get a price?

Prices depend on dates, hotel category and group size. Fill in the “Plan my trip” form on the package page or use the contact page to get a quote.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts

Kashmir does not need to be complicated. Pick a season, choose a route that balances lakes, valleys and snow, and travel with people who know the roads. The Inej Travel Kashmir Tour Package gives you a clear plan: a shikara evening in Srinagar, gardens and saffron fields on the way to Pahalgam, valley days, the Gulmarg gondola and the Thajiwas Glacier at Sonmarg. If that sounds like your kind of trip, open the package page, send your dates and ask for a quote. Then all that is left is to pack warm layers and a good camera.

Note: This article reflects information published by Inej Travel on inejtravel.com at the time of writing. Itinerary details, pricing, and availability may vary; please contact Inej Travel directly for current details.

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