Gulmarg Snow Holiday 4N/5D

Begin your first day in Srinagar with a traditional shikara ride on Dal Lake and a stroll through the Mughal Gardens of Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. Later, drive to Gulmarg, winding through pine forests and meadow country, and take an evening walk around the golf course with views of the Pir Panjal range. Overnight stay at your hotel in Gulmarg.

Day two begins with an early departure from Srinagar, heading west along the valley floor before the road begins to climb through pine forests toward Gulmarg. The drive winds past rice fields and apple orchards, with the Pir Panjal range gradually filling the horizon. On arrival in Gulmarg, take the gondola cable car in two stages up to Kongdoori and beyond, where the views open onto snowfields and distant peaks. A gentle walk along the meadow trails follows, passing the old stone church of St Mary and the colonial-era golf course, the highest in the world, before a leisurely lunch in the meadow.

The afternoon is kept unhurried to allow acclimatisation to the altitude. Stroll around the bowl-shaped meadow, watch the pony handlers at work, and visit the small Maharani Temple perched on a knoll above the green. As evening settles, the light turns golden over the surrounding ridges, a fine time for photographs. Note that the day's plan stays in Gulmarg rather than Gurez, since the onward route and next day's skiing both centre here.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Gulmarg.

Begin your day early with a hearty breakfast at Hotel Pine Spring Gulmarg before heading to the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable car rides in the world. Take the first phase up to Kongdoori, where the snow-covered slopes open up before you. If you are skiing, this is where you strap on your gear and warm up on the gentler runs with an instructor, learning the basics of balance and turns on the powdery snow. Beginners can spend the morning on these lower slopes, while more confident skiers can continue to the second phase toward Apharwat Peak for longer, steeper descents and sweeping views of the Pir Panjal range.

Break for lunch back in the meadow area, then spend the afternoon at leisure on the snow. You can try snowboarding, take a sled ride, or simply stroll around the bowl-shaped meadow and watch the skiers come down. For a quieter experience, walk toward the old St Mary's Church and the historic Gulmarg Golf Course, both scenic spots even under winter snow. As evening approaches, return to the hotel to rest and warm up.

End the day with a relaxed dinner and an early night, as tomorrow you will drive back from Gulmarg to Srinagar. Overnight stay at Hotel Pine Spring Gulmarg.

After breakfast, check out of the Gulmarg hotel and begin the scenic drive back to Srinagar, descending through pine forests and past meadows with the Pir Panjal peaks behind you. On arrival in the city, settle into Hotel Dal View Residency before heading out for a gentle afternoon around the Dal Lake area. Take a relaxed shikara ride on the lake, gliding past floating gardens and houseboats, with the Zabarwan hills rising in the background.

Later, visit the Mughal gardens on the lake's eastern shore. Nishat Bagh, laid out in terraces above the water, offers long views across the Dal, while Shalimar Bagh, a short drive further along, is quieter and greener, with its central water channel and old chinar trees. Spend time wandering the paths and taking in the autumn colours if the season allows.

In the evening, return to the hotel and take a short walk along the lakefront boulevard, watching the light fade over the water. Dinner can be a simple meal of Kashmiri specialties such as rogan josh or dum aloo at a local restaurant near the Dal. Settle in for the night at Hotel Dal View Residency, with an early start planned for tomorrow's departure.

On your final morning in Srinagar, begin with a relaxed shikara ride on Dal Lake, gliding past the floating gardens and houseboats as the morning light settles on the water. Afterwards, visit the Mughal-era Nishat Bagh, the Garden of Pleasure, with its terraced lawns and chinar trees framing views of the lake, then continue to the nearby Shalimar Bagh to stroll its shaded pathways and water channels.

Later, head into the old city to see the Jama Masjid with its wooden pillars and courtyard, and stop at the Hazratbal Shrine on the western shore of Dal Lake, a serene white marble site facing the water. If time allows before your departure, wander through the lanes of the old bazaar for a last look at local crafts and papier-mache work.

With your Srinagar sightseeing complete, transfer to the airport for your onward journey, carrying with you the memories of Kashmir's lakes, gardens and mountains from the past five days.