The journey
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Summer is when Kashmir is at its greenest, and this 6-day backpacking route is built to cover the valley's best-known places without rushing. You begin with a night on a traditional houseboat in Srinagar, then head up to the meadows of Gulmarg for a ride on one of the highest cable cars in Asia.
From there the trail moves to Pahalgam along the Lidder river, with a stop at the 9th-century Avantipur temple ruins. A full day is set aside for Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari before returning to Srinagar. The last excursion is to Sonmarg, where a pony ride takes you up to the Thajiwas Glacier.
The trip suits young travellers, friends and solo backpackers who want good value with all transfers handled in a private vehicle.
Starting price: ₹10,000 per person. Pickup and drop: Srinagar.
For bookings and enquiries, contact On Travel: Phone: +91 9220564155 Email: info@ontravel.in
Tour highlights
Night stay on a Dal Lake houseboat in Srinagar Gulmarg Gondola ride over pine forests and meadows Avantipur temple ruins on the Srinagar–Pahalgam road Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari in Pahalgam Pony ride to the Thajiwas Glacier in Sonmarg Shikara ride and Mughal Gardens in Srinagar
Your day-by-day itinerary
01Day 1: Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar – Houseboat Stay
Land at Srinagar airport and meet your driver. Check in to a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake and relax. In the afternoon visit the Mughal Gardens – Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi – and end the day with a shikara ride at sunset. Overnight on the houseboat.
02Day 2: Day 2: Srinagar to Gulmarg – Gondola Ride
After breakfast drive about two hours to Gulmarg through apple orchards and pine forests. The rest of the day is free to ride the Gulmarg Gondola, walk across the meadows or try pony rides. Overnight in Gulmarg.
03Day 3: Day 3: Gulmarg to Pahalgam via Avantipur
Head towards Pahalgam, stopping at the ruins of the Avantipur temples and the saffron fields of Pampore. Arrive in Pahalgam by evening and stroll by the Lidder river. Overnight in Pahalgam.
04Day 4: Day 4: Pahalgam Valleys and Return to Srinagar
Take a local cab to Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari, three of the most scenic spots around Pahalgam. Later drive back to Srinagar and spend the evening at the local markets. Overnight in Srinagar.
05Day 5: Day 5: Day Trip to Sonmarg
Drive along the Sindh river to Sonmarg, the 'meadow of gold'. Take a pony ride up to the Thajiwas Glacier and enjoy the snow views before returning to Srinagar in the evening. Overnight in Srinagar.
06Day 6: Day 6: Departure from Srinagar
Have breakfast and check out. You will be dropped at Srinagar airport for your journey home, ending the trip.
What is included
Private vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary Driver allowance, permits, tolls, fuel and parking Local union cab for Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari 5 nights' stay (houseboat in Srinagar and hotels on the route) Daily breakfast and dinner
What is not included
GST (5%) charged extra Meals and drinks other than those listed Gondola tickets, pony rides and other activity charges Costs arising from weather, landslides, strikes or other events beyond our control Personal expenses and tips
Accommodation
Night 1: Houseboat on Dal Lake, Srinagar Night 2: Hotel in Gulmarg Nights 3–4: Hotel in Pahalgam Night 5: Hotel in Srinagar Rooms are on a sharing basis in comfortable budget hotels or similar.
Transport
Private vehicle (Etios/Dzire or similar, larger vehicle for bigger groups) for the whole trip, with pickup and drop at Srinagar airport. Local union taxis are used inside Pahalgam valleys as required by local rules.
