Kashmir: 7-Day Family Tour with Houseboat Stay & Private Car

Summary

Valleys, gardens and laughter on a family journey through Kashmir

You’ll drift on a shikara across Dal Lake, wander Mughal gardens beneath Zabarwan peaks, sip chai in Sonamarg’s chill air, ride ponies through Pahalgam’s meadows, and watch shepherds wave from Gulmarg’s heights. With private transport and houseboat nights included, you’ll have space for both laughter and quiet moments—Kashmir lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Li was still laughing about my attempt at “Shalimar” when we stepped off the plane in Srinagar — I think I got the “sha” all wrong. Our driver, Imran, waved us over with this gentle smile and we piled into his car, windows down to let in that cool mountain air. The drive from the airport felt like flipping through postcards: Jehlum river glinting under the Abdullah bridge, old men selling bread from baskets tied to their bikes. We wandered Nishat and Shalimar gardens with Imran pointing out which flowers were just coming into bloom (hyacinths? I can never remember). The fountains made this soft hissing sound and there were kids chasing each other around the grass. Later, that shikara ride — gliding past floating vegetable gardens while someone nearby fried snacks on a tiny stove. The smell of oil and lake water mixed together in a way that’s hard to describe but I still think about it.

The day trip to Sonamarg was longer than I expected (I think it was nearly three hours?), but the scenery kept changing: rice paddies, pine forests, then suddenly these icy peaks showing up behind clouds. We stopped for tea at Mammar — sweet, milky chai in chipped cups — and Imran told us about trout farms and how his cousin once caught one “as long as my arm.” At Gagangir, we got out just to feel the chill coming off the river Sindh; my daughter tried to touch a patch of leftover snow and ended up with soaked shoes. In Sonamarg itself we took horses up towards Thajiwas Glacier (my legs are still recovering) and watched local kids running errands for shopkeepers in the market. It was loud but kind of comforting.

Pahalgam was different again — more relaxed maybe? The road there wound past saffron fields (they really are purple if you catch them at the right time) and old ruins at Avantipura where goats wandered between stones. There was this bakery stall outside Bijbehara selling bread straight from a tandoor; honestly, I’d go back just for that bread alone. In Pahalgam we walked along the Lidder river as dusk fell and everything smelled like pine needles and woodsmoke. The next morning we rode ponies out to Betaab Valley; my son named his horse “Rocket,” which suited neither its speed nor its mood.

I won’t pretend Gulmarg wasn’t cold — even in June there was this sharp wind up by Afarwat mountain after we took the gondola cable car. Shepherds waved from their huts below as we floated over patches of wildflowers and sheep trails. We tried horse riding again (I’m still not good at it) out to Strawberry Valley where someone handed us strawberries so sweet they tasted almost unreal. Our last night felt quiet; maybe everyone was tired or maybe it was just that feeling you get before leaving somewhere you’ve only just started to understand.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Srinagar sightseeing

• Arrive at Srinagar Airport
• Drive through New Srinagar city
• Visit Mughal gardens Nishat and Shalimar
• Take 2-hour shikara boat ride
• Dinner and overnight on houseboat

Day 2 — Day trip to Sonamarg

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Sonamarg via Kangan and Mammar
• Stop for tea at Mammar trout farm
• Walk or horseback ride to Thajwass glacier
• Visit Sonamarg town market
• Drive back to Srinagar
• Overnight at Srinagar hotel

Day 3 — Drive to Pahalgam and nature walk

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Pahalgam via Pampore and Anantnag
• Check in at Pahalgam hotel
• Nature walks in Pahalgam
• Overnight at Pahalgam hotel

Day 4 — Pahalgam sightseeing and leisure

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Chandanwari and Betaab valley
• Horseback ride to Baisaran meadows
• Leisure time in Pahalgam
• Overnight at Pahalgam hotel

Day 5 — Drive to Gulmarg and local tour

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Gulmarg via Tangmarg
• Check in at Gulmarg hotel
• Short tour around Gulmarg meadow
• Overnight at Gulmarg hotel

Day 6 — Gulmarg sightseeing and activities

• Breakfast at hotel
• Ride Gondola cable car to Afarwatt peak
• Take photos of mountain ranges
• Horse riding to Strawberry valley
• Dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 7 — Departure and airport transfer

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to airport with city stopover
• Assistance with luggage at airport
• Drop off outside terminal gate

Top questions

How many days is this Kashmir family tour?

The tour lasts 7 days including arrival and departure days.

Is accommodation included during the tour?

Yes, accommodation is included each night—sometimes in hotels, sometimes on a houseboat in Srinagar.

Does this Kashmir tour include private transport?

Yes, private transport is provided throughout the trip including airport pickup and drop-off.

What activities are included in Srinagar?

You’ll visit Mughal gardens like Nishat & Shalimar plus enjoy a shikara boat ride on Dal Lake.

Are meals included on this Kashmir family tour?

Dinner is included on some nights; breakfast is generally provided at hotels or houseboats.

Can children join this Kashmir family tour?

Yes, it’s suitable for families with children of all ages.

What places will we visit besides Srinagar?

You’ll also visit Sonamarg (day trip), Pahalgam (overnight), Gulmarg (overnight), plus stops in villages along the way.

Is horse riding part of this Kashmir itinerary?

Yes, optional horse rides are available in Sonamarg (to Thajiwas Glacier), Pahalgam (to Baisaran/valleys), and Gulmarg (to Strawberry Valley).

What’s included

Your week includes airport pickup and drop-off by private car, all ground transfers between Srinagar, Sonamarg, Pahalgam and Gulmarg with your driver-guide always ready for small detours or tea breaks; overnight stays at hotels or houseboats; daily breakfast plus some dinners; sightseeing tours like Mughal gardens entry fees; a shikara boat ride on Dal Lake; plus plenty of time for walks or pony rides if you want them.