What places and attractions are covered in the Kashmir Classic (4N/5D) tour?

The classic circuit covers Srinagar (Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Cheshma Shahi, Shankaracharya Temple), a full-day trip to the snow wonderland of Gulmarg, a full-day excursion to the picturesque valleys of Pahalgam, and an overnight stay in a luxury Dal Lake houseboat.

How many nights do we spend in a hotel vs a Dal Lake houseboat?

The standard 4N/5D package includes 3 nights in a verified 3-star or 4-star Srinagar hotel and 1 unforgettable night in a handcrafted super-deluxe cedar houseboat on Dal Lake or Nigeen Lake.

Does this package include a Shikara boat ride?

Yes, a complimentary 1-hour sunset Shikara ride across Dal Lake is included, allowing you to experience the floating vegetable markets, Char Chinar island, and tranquil mountain reflections.

How do we book Gulmarg Gondola cable car tickets?

Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 (Kungdoor) and Phase 2 (Apharwat Peak) tickets must be booked online in advance due to strict daily tourist caps. Jiya Travels assists you in reserving your official Gondola tickets well ahead of your travel date to ensure you do not miss this world-famous cable car experience.

What local sightseeing is included in Pahalgam?

In Pahalgam, you visit the scenic Lidder River, saffron fields of Pampore, and Apple Orchards. For internal valleys (Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, Chandanwari), local Pahalgam taxi union vehicles or ponies can be smoothly facilitated by our team.

Do we have to share our cab with other travelers?

No, never. All Jiya Travels packages include private, dedicated vehicles (Etios/Dzire for 2-3 guests, Innova Crysta for 4-6 guests) exclusively for your travel group.

What meals are included in the Kashmir Classic package?

The package includes daily buffet breakfast and dinner (Modified American Plan - MAP) prepared fresh at your hotels and houseboat, featuring North Indian, South Indian, Gujarati, and authentic Kashmiri cuisines.

Can we add Sonamarg to this 5-day classic itinerary?

Yes, you can customize the itinerary by substituting one leisure day with a day trip to Sonamarg (Meadow of Gold) to see the Thajiwas Glacier and Sindh River.

Is the Kashmir Classic package suitable for both honeymoon couples and families?

Yes, it is our most popular all-rounder itinerary, striking an ideal balance between relaxation, scenic mountain sightseeing, cultural heritage, and romantic landscapes.

How does airport pickup and drop-off work in Srinagar?

Our private chauffeur greets you right outside Srinagar Airport (SXR) with a welcome placard, assists with baggage, and drives you straight to your hotel, with a scheduled drop back on your departure day.

Kashmir Classic Tour Package

4N / 5D

3Nights in
Srinagar
1Night in
Dal Lake houseboat

A balanced Kashmir 4 nights 5 days package, also called a 4 nights 5 days Kashmir package: a Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam tour package with a Dal Lake houseboat night. One of our most practical Kashmir 5 days packages.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Srinagar 3 nights
Dal Lake houseboat 1 night

Start date

Day 1

Srinagar Hotel Stay

Srinagar Arrival, Royal Mughal Gardens (Nishat & Shalimar Bagh) & Boulevard

Arrive at Srinagar Airport where our dedicated local chauffeur welcomes you. Drive to your hotel and start sightseeing at the world-famous Royal Mughal Gardens: Nishat Bagh (Garden of Bliss) and Shalimar Bagh (Abode of Love) overlooking Dal Lake. Enjoy panoramic valley vistas from Shankaracharya Temple hill, stroll along the vibrant Boulevard Road, and relax with an overnight hotel stay in Srinagar.

Airport Pickup & Sanitized Cab Nishat & Shalimar Bagh Sightseeing Deluxe Hotel Stay in Srinagar

Places on this day

Nishat BaghThe largest Mughal garden, built in 1633 in terraces down to Dal Lake.
Shalimar BaghMughal garden laid out by Emperor Jahangir in 1619.
Shankaracharya TempleHilltop Shiva temple with views over Srinagar, about 240 steps up.
Dal LakeHouseboats, floating gardens and shikara rides in the heart of Srinagar.

Day 2

Return to Srinagar Hotel

Pahalgam Day Trip — Lidder River, Betaab Valley, Aru Valley & Chandanwari

Depart after breakfast through the fragrant Pampore saffron fields and Awantipora ruins towards Pahalgam (Valley of Shepherds). Walk along the roaring crystal-turquoise Lidder River. Explore the breathtaking filming meadows of Betaab Valley, scenic Chandanwari (starting point of Amarnath Yatra), and alpine pine slopes of Aru Valley. Optional pony trek to Baisaran (Mini Switzerland) before a comfortable evening drive back to Srinagar.

Pampore Saffron & Apple Orchards Betaab Valley, Aru & Chandanwari Baisaran Valley (Mini Switzerland)

Places on this day

Pampore saffron fieldsKashmir's saffron town. The fields flower purple in late October and November.
Awantipora ruinsStone temples built by King Avantivarman in the 9th century.
Apple orchardsThe road to Pahalgam runs past orchards. Apples ripen from August to October.
PahalgamPine-forest town on the Lidder River, the base for Aru, Betaab and Chandanwari.

Day 3

Return to Srinagar Hotel

Sonamarg Day Trip — Meadow of Gold & Thajiwas Glacier

Scenic morning drive along the rushing Sindh River into Sonamarg, the legendary gateway to Ladakh framed by snow-covered peaks. Enjoy an exhilarating pony ride or hike to the perennial Thajiwas Glacier. Indulge in warm Kashmiri Kahwa by riverside stalls, experience fresh mountain trout dining, and capture breathtaking alpine photographs before returning to Srinagar for dinner.

Scenic Sindh Valley Highway Thajiwas Glacier Excursion Overnight Stay in Srinagar

Places on this day

SonamargThe "meadow of gold" on the Sindh River, at about 2,700 m.
Thajiwas GlacierReached on foot or by pony from Sonamarg. Snow lasts into early summer.

Day 4

Heritage Houseboat Stay

Gulmarg Gondola Ride (Phase 1 & 2) & Dal Lake Houseboat Stay

Head to Gulmarg, Asia's premier alpine bowl. Board the world-famous Gulmarg Gondola cable car: Phase 1 to Kungdoor (8,530 ft) and Phase 2 ascending Apharwat Peak at 13,780 ft for unmatched snow landscapes. Stroll through the historic pine meadows and golf course. In late afternoon, return to Srinagar to check into a luxury carved cedarwood Houseboat on Dal Lake, followed by a complimentary 1-hour sunset Shikara ride across floating gardens and Char Chinar.

Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 & 2 1-Hour Sunset Shikara Cruise Deluxe Houseboat Stay on Dal Lake

Places on this day

GulmargHigh meadow at about 2,650 m: ski slopes in winter, flowers in summer.
Gulmarg GondolaCable car to Kongdoori (Phase 1) and Apharwat (Phase 2).
Dal LakeHouseboats, floating gardens and shikara rides in the heart of Srinagar.

Day 5

Farewell & Departure

Morning Shikara Views, Craft Shopping & Airport Departure

Savor hot saffron Kahwa tea on your houseboat sun deck with early morning mist rising off Dal Lake. Depending on flight schedules, explore authentic Srinagar markets for pure Kashmiri Pashmina shawls, saffron, walnut woodcrafts, and dry fruits. Our private chauffeur ensures a smooth transfer to Srinagar Airport with unforgettable memories.

Houseboat Deck Kahwa Morning Authentic Pashmina & Saffron Craft Dedicated Airport Chauffeur Drop

Places on this day

Dal LakeHouseboats, floating gardens and shikara rides in the heart of Srinagar.

Included

Dedicated private sanitized cab throughout the 5-day tour (Sedan / SUV)
All fuel charges, toll taxes, state road taxes, parking fees, and driver allowances
3 Nights deluxe hotel stay in Srinagar + 1 Night heritage cedarwood houseboat on Dal Lake
Daily morning breakfast and dinner (MAP Meal Plan)
1-Hour complimentary sunset Shikara ride on Dal Lake
Sightseeing of Srinagar Mughal Gardens, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg as per itinerary
Pickup and departure drop transfers at Srinagar Airport
24/7 dedicated on-ground assistance and Gulmarg Gondola ticket booking guidance

Not included

Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 & Phase 2 cable car tickets (advance online booking advised)
Pahalgam union taxi for internal valleys (Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, Chandanwari)
Sonamarg local taxi for Zero Point / pony rides to Thajiwas Glacier
Snow activities, sledge rides, quad biking, and river rafting charges
Garden entry tickets, monument fees, and personal camera permits
Lunch, snacks, personal shopping, and driver tips

Good to know

Guests: Couples & Families. Customizable private tour from 2 to 12+ travelers.
Duration: 4 Nights, 5 Days. 3N Srinagar Hotel + 1N Dal Lake Houseboat.
Transport: Private Sanitized Cab. Dedicated Sedan / SUV (Etios, Dzire, Innova) with fuel & driver.
Meals: MAP (Breakfast & Dinner). Fresh daily buffet breakfast & dinner at all stays.
Only postpaid mobile connections (Jio, Airtel, BSNL) function smoothly in Jammu & Kashmir.
Gulmarg Gondola tickets are strictly issued online at www.jammukashmircablecar.com; book 2-4 weeks ahead.
Carry warm jackets and thermal innerwear even during summer months for Apharwat Peak and glaciers.