Kashmir: Houseboats & Alpine Meadows

The classic Kashmir journey, done slowly and privately. Begin on a heritage houseboat on Nigeen Lake, then move between the three great meadows — Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg — with time to walk, ride and simply sit with the view.

Highlights

• Two nights on a luxury houseboat on quiet Nigeen Lake
• Dawn shikara to the floating vegetable market
• Gondola ride towards Apharwat in Gulmarg
• Picnic lunch in the Aru valley
• A private wazwan supper with a Srinagar family

The journey

1. Days 1–2

   Arrival on the water

   Met at Srinagar airport and transferred to your houseboat on Nigeen. An afternoon shikara through the lotus channels, then two unhurried days for the Mughal gardens, the old city and the craft workshops of downtown.

   Overnight: Houseboat, Nigeen Lake

2. Day 3

   The floating market

   An early shikara to the vegetable market at first light, back for breakfast on deck. Afternoon free, or a walk up to Hari Parbat for the view across the city.

   Overnight: Houseboat, Nigeen Lake

3. Days 4–5

   Up to Gulmarg

   Drive through apple country into the high meadow. Ride the Gondola, walk to the Alpather side or simply settle in by the fire.

   Overnight: Mountain resort, Gulmarg

4. Days 6–7

   The Lidder valley

   Across the valley to Pahalgam. A picnic in Aru, a walk through Betaab, an evening by the river.

   Overnight: Riverside lodge, Pahalgam

5. Day 8

   Sonamarg & departure

   A morning at Sonamarg beneath Thajiwas Glacier before the drive back to Srinagar for your flight.

Where you’ll stay

When this journey works best

Places on this journey

Srinagar & Dal Lake, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg