Airport pickup and hotel check-in. In the evening, take a relaxing Shikara ride on Dal Lake in the cool spring air.
Places on this day
Dal LakeHouseboats, floating gardens and shikara rides in the heart of Srinagar.
Spend the morning at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, set against the Zabarwan hills (see our Tulip Festival 2027 guide for expected dates). Then visit Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh in spring bloom.
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.Drive to Gulmarg, where late-season snow often remains on the upper slopes in spring. Ride the Gondola if you have tickets, then return to Srinagar.
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).
Drive through Pampore to Pahalgam and walk by the Lidder River among spring blossoms. Return to Srinagar for a night on a Dal Lake houseboat.
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.
After breakfast, transfer to Srinagar Airport with time for last-minute shopping if your flight allows.
The garden usually opens from mid-March to mid-April. In 2026 it opened on 16 March. Dates are announced each year close to the season, so check before booking flights.
Blooms typically last three to four weeks, depending on the weather. The middle of the season is usually the safest time to visit.
No. Entry tickets are paid at the garden.
Often on the upper slopes around Gulmarg in early spring, but it is not guaranteed.
