A short spring escape timed for the tulip bloom. Wake up to the colours of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden on the shore of Dal Lake, glide across the water by Shikara and stroll through the Mughal Gardens. Then spend a day each in the meadows of Pahalgam and the snow slopes of Gulmarg, with a final morning to shop for Kashmiri crafts before your flight.
Morning: Arrive in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, and check in at your hotel. Visit the enchanting Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden and explore the vibrant colours of the tulip fields against the backdrop of the Zabarwan Range.
Afternoon: Take a tranquil Shikara ride on Dal Lake, visiting the floating gardens and local handicraft stalls, and enjoy lunch at a lakeside restaurant.
Evening: Explore the famous Mughal Gardens — Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi — and capture the sunset over Dal Lake. Return to your accommodation for a relaxing evening and a traditional Kashmiri dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel in Srinagar.
Morning: After breakfast, drive to Pahalgam, stopping on the way at the saffron fields of Pampore.
Late morning: Arrive in Pahalgam, known as the “Valley of Shepherds”. Visit Baisaran Valley, the “Mini Switzerland of India”, for its stunning views and lush greenery, and spend time by the Lidder River, where you can enjoy trout fishing (with prior permits) or simply relax by the water.
Afternoon: Visit Betaab Valley, with its green meadows and snow-capped mountains, and Aru Valley, a quaint village where you can try horse riding and trekking. Have lunch at a local restaurant or enjoy a packed lunch in one of the valleys.
Evening: Return to Srinagar. Overnight stay at the hotel in Srinagar.
Morning: Depart early for Gulmarg, enjoying the landscapes and scenic villages on the way, and visit the Drung frozen waterfall at Tangmarg.
Afternoon: Take the Gulmarg Gondola cable car up to Kongdoori (Phase 1) and Apharwat Peak (Phase 2) for breathtaking views of the snow-clad mountains. Depending on snow conditions, try skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing. Have lunch at a local restaurant or carry a packed lunch.
Evening: Visit the historic St. Mary’s Church and the Maharani Temple, then return to Srinagar. Overnight stay at the hotel in Srinagar.
Morning: After breakfast, check out and visit Srinagar’s local markets — Lal Chowk for traditional Kashmiri carpets, shawls and papier-mâché, Polo View Market for pashmina shawls and handicrafts, and, optionally, the floating market for local produce and souvenirs.
Afternoon: Enjoy authentic Kashmiri cuisine at a local restaurant before transferring to Srinagar airport for your onward journey.