Kashmir: 5-Day Srinagar, Gulmarg & Pahalgam Tour with Dal Lake

Summary

Dal Lake mornings, Mughal gardens walks and Gulmarg heights

You’ll wake to Dal Lake’s hush, wander centuries-old Mughal gardens, ride Gulmarg’s gondola into mountain air, and sip tea beside Pahalgam’s riverbanks. With a local guide and all logistics sorted—hotels, transport, breakfast and dinner—you’ll get close to Kashmir’s quieter rhythms before you even realize it.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the smell of wet earth when we stepped out near Dal Lake — it’s everywhere in Srinagar after a night rain. Our driver, Imran, grinned as he helped with our bags. He kept saying “you’ll see,” every time I asked what was next. We drifted on a shikara past floating gardens and kids waving from their boats. The Mughal Gardens weren’t just pretty — there was this old couple quietly tending roses in Nishat Bagh, and for a second I forgot we were tourists at all. My shoes got muddy but no one cared.

Gulmarg felt like another world. The drive wound through Tangmarg — small stalls selling chai and walnuts — then suddenly there was snow (even in April). The gondola ride up made my stomach flip; I tried to act cool but Imran noticed and laughed. At the top it was so quiet you could hear the wind over the ice. There were families picnicking on the slopes, and someone offered us kahwa from a thermos. It tasted smoky and sweet at once — I still think about that warmth in my hands.

Pahalgam came after hours of winding roads past saffron fields and tiny bakeries (the bread here really is something else). Our guide Liyaqat pointed out mountain trails trekkers love — he said he’d hiked them as a kid. We walked along the Lidder River, skipping stones until my arm hurt. In the evening we sat outside our hotel with tea while sheep wandered by; it felt like time slowed down here or maybe just stretched sideways.

Back in Srinagar, Jamia Masjid’s wooden pillars glowed gold in late afternoon light. A group of boys played cricket nearby — one waved at us mid-swing. Hari Parbat fort looked stern above everything but inside it was oddly peaceful. Our last night we ate too much rogan josh and watched lights flicker across Dal Lake from our window. Leaving felt abrupt but somehow right — Kashmir does that to you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Srinagar city tour

• Arrive at Srinagar
• Check-in at hotel near Dal Lake
• Visit Mughal Gardens
• Walk in Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh
• Visit carpet weaving factory
• Visit Shankaracharya Temple
• Overnight stay at hotel

Day 2 — Travel to Gulmarg and gondola ride

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Gulmarg via Tang Marg
• Check-in at Gulmarg hotel
• Take Gondola cable car ride
• Return to Gulmarg
• Overnight stay at hotel

Day 3 — Journey to Pahalgam and exploration

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Pahalgam via Pampore, Avantipura, Bijbehara
• Pass through Anantnag city
• Explore Pahalgam valley and Lidder River
• Check-in at Pahalgam hotel
• Overnight stay at hotel

Day 4 — Return to Srinagar and sightseeing

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive back to Srinagar
• Visit Jamia Masjid and Hari Parbat fort
• Enjoy Shikara ride on Dal Lake
• Overnight stay at hotel

Day 5 — Departure from Srinagar

• Breakfast at hotel
• Transfer to airport
• Board flight to next destination

Top questions

How long is the drive from Srinagar to Gulmarg?

The drive from Srinagar to Gulmarg is about 52 km and usually takes around 2 hours depending on road conditions.

Is breakfast included during the Kashmir tour?

Yes, breakfast (and dinner) are included each day as per the itinerary.

Are hotel pickups provided for this tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Srinagar is included at the start of the tour.

What activities are included in Gulmarg?

The tour includes a gondola cable car ride in Gulmarg with views over the mountains.

Do I need to arrange my own transport between cities?

No, private vehicle transport between all destinations is included throughout the trip.

Is there a local guide during the trip?

Yes, a local driver/guide accompanies you throughout your Kashmir tour.

Are vegetarian meal options available?

Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay in hotels as listed in the itinerary for each destination.

What’s included

Your days include private vehicle transfers between Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam with an experienced local guide-driver throughout; hotel accommodation each night; daily breakfast and dinner; entry fees for included sites; a shikara boat ride on Dal Lake; fuel surcharges; light refreshments such as coffee or tea along the way; plus all taxes and handling charges covered so you can focus on soaking up Kashmir’s atmosphere instead of logistics.