Kashmir Snow Retreat

Experience the pinnacle of a Kashmir winter vacation with our expertly curated 6-day itinerary. Journey through Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, discovering frozen waterfalls, snow-covered peaks, and authentic cultural treasures. This detailed day-by-day guide includes essential travel tips, local transport rules, and entry fee information, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable Himalayan snow adventure.

Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar – Mughal Gardens & Heritage Tour

Your Kashmir tour package begins at the Srinagar airport, where our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. (Standard check-in is 2:00 PM; early check-in is subject to availability).

After freshening up, embark on a Srinagar local sightseeing tour to uncover the city’s spiritual and architectural gems:

• Khanqah-e-Moula: Visit the oldest wooden monument in Srinagar, a sublime example of traditional Kashmiri craftsmanship.

• Pathar Masjid: Explore this unique Mughal-era architectural site built entirely of stone.

• Hazratbal Dargah: Seek blessings at this revered Muslim shrine on the northern banks of Dal Lake.

• Mughal Gardens: Stroll through the terraced lawns and vibrant flowerbeds of the iconic Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh.

• Shankaracharya Temple: Drive to this ancient hilltop temple for a panoramic, breathtaking view of the entire Srinagar city and Dal Lake.

Evening: Enjoy a warm dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Srinagar.

Hotel: Siddique Palace or similar (3-Star Deluxe)

Day 2: Srinagar to Gulmarg – The Frozen Drung Waterfall

After breakfast, check out and start the scenic drive to Gulmarg, India's premier winter sports destination.

En route, your vehicle will stop at Tangmarg. From here, you have the exclusive opportunity to visit a true hidden gem:

• Drung Frozen Waterfall: Board a local union vehicle (payable directly) to witness the spectacular, completely frozen Drung Waterfall, a breathtaking natural wonder.

After this experience, return to Tangmarg and transfer to a chained vehicle (payable directly, shared seat basis), the only mode of transport to Gulmarg during peak winter snow. Arrive in Gulmarg, check into your hotel, and enjoy the serene alpine evening.

Hotel: Royal Park or similar (3-Star Deluxe)

Day 3: Full Day in Gulmarg – Gondola Ride & Snow Adventures

Dedicate a full day to the thrill of a Gulmarg winter holiday. After breakfast, prepare for an exhilarating day.

• Adventure to the Gondola: Take an ATV ride (payable directly) from your hotel to the Gulmarg Gondola base.

• Gondola Cable Car Ride: Experience the world-renowned, two-phase Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world (tickets not included, subject to weather).

  • Phase 1: Gulmarg to Kongdoori (10,500 ft).

  • Phase 2: Kongdoori to Affarwat Peak (14,500 ft), offering jaw-dropping Himalayan views.

• Snow Activities: Indulge in a variety of optional snow sports like skiing, snowboarding, and sledding directly on the slopes.

Evening: Return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Gulmarg.

Day 4: Gulmarg to Pahalgam – Saffron & Cricket Bat Trail

Post breakfast, check out and take a chained vehicle back to Tangmarg to meet your private car for the journey to the serene Pahalgam Valley.

En route, immerse yourself in Kashmir’s rich artisanal heritage:

• Pampore Saffron Fields: Stop at the world-famous Pampore village to meet farmers and shop for authentic, high-quality Kashmiri Kesar (saffron).

• Bat Factories: Witness the traditional craft of willow bat-making and understand why Kashmir produces the finest cricket bats.

• Optional Detour: If time allows, visit the ancient Martand Sun Temple and Aishmuqam Dargah for a glimpse into history and panoramic valley views.

Arrive in Pahalgam, check into your hotel, and enjoy the peaceful riverside atmosphere.

Hotel: River Edge or similar (3-Star Deluxe)

Day 5: Pahalgam Valley Excursion & Houseboat Stay

After an early breakfast, check out and embark on an excursion to Pahalgam's stunning valleys, known for their Bollywood movie backdrops.

• Betaab Valley & Aru Valley: Hire a local union vehicle (payable directly) to explore these picturesque valleys, where lush green landscapes meet crystal-clear rivers, all set against a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains.

Later, drive back to Srinagar (approx. 2 hours) and check into your deluxe houseboat on Dal Lake. In the evening, unwind with your complimentary 1-hour VIP Shikara ride, gliding past floating gardens and ornate houseboats.

Hotel: Deluxe Houseboat

Day 6: Departure from Srinagar

After a final breakfast on the lake, our representative will transfer you to Srinagar Airport. Depart with cherished memories of your Kashmir Snow Retreat.

Essential Travel Information & Local Transport Guide

Understanding Kashmir’s transport system ensures a smooth journey. The following costs are not included in the package and are payable directly.

Local Union Vehicle & Activity Charges

• Sonamarg (Day Trip):

  • To visit Thajiwas Glacier: Pony ride approx. ₹1,500 – ₹2,000 per person.

  • To visit Zero Point (weather permitting): Union cab approx. ₹6,100 – ₹7,000 per vehicle (shared).

• Gulmarg:

  • Chained Vehicle: (Tangmarg to Gulmarg, essential in peak winter): ₹1,000 – ₹1,600 per vehicle (shared).

  • ATV Ride: To Gondola base: ₹1,500 – ₹2,000 per person.

  • Pony Ride: To Gondola base or local sightseeing: ₹300 – ₹500 per person.

  • Guide Charges: ₹1,000.

  • Gondola Cable Car Tickets:

    • Phase 1: ₹810 + service charge per person.

    • Phase 2: ₹1,010 + service charge per person.

• Pahalgam:

  • Union Vehicle for Aru, Betaab, and Chandanwari Valleys: ₹1,600 – ₹2,500 per vehicle (shared).

  • Betaab Valley Entry Fee: ₹100 per person.

Monument & Garden Entry Fees

• Mughal Gardens (Nishat, Shalimar, Badamwari): ₹24 per person, per garden.

Hotel Details & Booking Conditions

Accommodation (3-Star Deluxe Package)

• Srinagar: Siddique Palace or Similar

• Gulmarg: Royal Park or Similar

• Pahalgam: River Edge or Similar

• Srinagar Houseboat: Deluxe Category

Critical Notes for Your Booking

• Validity: Rates are valid for travel from November 2024 to February 2025.

• Minimum Guests: A minimum of 2 passengers traveling together is required.

• Blackout Dates: The quoted rates are not valid for Diwali, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. A separate festive surcharge will be applicable.

• Hotel Substitution: Rates are tied to the specified hotels. Any change in hotel or room category due to unavailability will result in a revised price.

• Driver as Guide: Our fleet of well-trained drivers will serve as your local guide, providing rich insights throughout the tour.