Kashmir

The Kashmir Valley is a broad, fertile bowl ringed by the Pir Panjal and Great Himalayan ranges, with the Jhelum river winding through its centre. Rice fields, walnut and chinar trees, saffron farms and willow-lined streams fill the valley floor, while the surrounding mountains hold meadows, glaciers and pine forest. It is one of the most loved destinations in India for honeymooners and families, and with good reason.

Most trips are built around four bases, each with its own character:

• Srinagar, the summer capital, with Dal Lake, houseboats, shikara rides, Mughal gardens and an old city full of shrines and craft workshops.
• Gulmarg, a high meadow known for its gondola, winter skiing and summer flowers.
• Pahalgam, set along the Lidder river, with pine forests and the Aru and Betaab valleys close by.
• Sonmarg, the meadow of gold, on the road towards Ladakh with the Thajiwas glacier above it.

Because the distances are short, a typical plan is to stay in Srinagar and either day-trip or stay overnight in the other three. Gulmarg is roughly 1.5–2 hours from Srinagar, Sonmarg around 2.5–3 hours and Pahalgam around 2.5–3 hours. Day trips to Doodhpathri, Yusmarg or the saffron fields of Pampore add variety.

Kashmiri hospitality is famous, and so is the food. Try kahwa, the saffron-scented green tea, the multi-course wazwan feast and fresh breads from local bakeries. Shopping for pashmina, papier-mâché, walnut-wood carving and carpets is part of the experience, ideally from established shops.

Our Kashmir tour covers Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam at an easy pace, and the Kashmir honeymoon package adds an extra night on Dal Lake. First-time visitors may find our Kashmir guide for first-timers helpful. We keep an eye on local conditions and advisories and will always tell you honestly if a plan needs to change.

Spring (March–May): The valley comes alive with blossom, and the tulip garden in Srinagar usually opens from late March into April. Pleasant days and cool nights make this an excellent time to visit.

Summer (June–August): Warm in Srinagar and comfortable in Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg. Peak season for families. The Amarnath Yatra in July–August makes Pahalgam and Sonmarg busier, with extra security arrangements.

Autumn (September–November): Chinar trees turn red and gold, saffron fields bloom around late October and early November, and the air is crisp and clear. A wonderful season for photography.

Winter (December–February): Cold, with snow in Gulmarg and often in Srinagar too. Skiing season in Gulmarg. Some roads close after heavy snowfall and days are short, but the valley is beautiful under snow.

By air: Srinagar International Airport is the gateway, around 12–14 km from the city centre. There are direct and one-stop flights from Mumbai and Pune, and frequent flights via Delhi. We arrange Srinagar airport transfers.

By train: Jammu Tawi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra are the main railheads for long-distance trains, including those from Maharashtra. Trains now run onward into the valley from Katra to Srinagar on the new line through the mountains.

By road: Srinagar is roughly 250–270 km from Jammu on the national highway, around 7–9 hours depending on traffic and road work. The highway can close briefly after snow or landslides in winter and the monsoon.

Once in Srinagar, private cabs are the best way to reach Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg, and we plan routes so you spend more time sightseeing and less time on the road.