Kashmir is a destination that has always been associated with paradise on earth. Its breathtaking beauty is unparalleled and its ethereal landscapes leave travellers spellbound. If you’re looking to experience the best of what Kashmir has to offer, a backpacking tour is a way to go. We’ve curated the perfect itinerary that will allow you to explore the valley in all its glory.
Commence your Kashmir backpacking tour from Srinagar
The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, is the ideal starting point for your backpacking tour. Nestled on the banks of Jhelum, the city is renowned for the houseboats that float on the turquoise waters surrounding it. A houseboat experience is just one of the many authentic Kashmiri experiences that you’ll tick off your bucket list.
Explore Srinagar’s Mughal Gardens
Start your journey by visiting Srinagar’s pristine Mughal Gardens. Nishat Bagh, situated in close proximity to Dal Lake, with the Pir Panjal mountains in the backdrop, is one of the most prominent Mughal gardens in Srinagar. On the other hand, Shalimar Bagh is referred to as the crown of Srinagar and was built by Shah Jahan for his queen, Nur Jahan.
Take a Shikara ride on Dal Lake
A Shikara ride on the tranquil waters of Dal Lake is a surreal experience that provides the kind of serenity you won’t find anywhere else. Enjoy the quietude and breathtaking views while floating under blue skies.
Explore the pearl of Kashmir, Gulmarg
The hill station of Gulmarg, renowned for its ivory-clad mountains and ski slopes, is a must-visit on your backpacking trip. Gulmarg translates to meadows of flowers and the vast tapestry of greenery in summers adorned with blooming flowers makes the town live up to its name. The iconic Gondola ride, which is the second-highest cable car in the world, takes you to Kongdoori Mountain. Travellers can also indulge in various other activities such as ATV rides and pony rides in the meadows.
Visit the Crowned Jewel of Lidder Valley, Pahalgam
Pahalgam attracts tourists from all over the world with its blooming meadows and pristine rivers. The picturesque beauty of Pahalgam has earned it the title of being the crowned jewel of Lidder Valley. On your sightseeing tour, visit the quaint village of Aru Valley, nestled on the bank of the Aru river, and Betaab Valley, nestled at the centre of two Himalayan ranges, Pir Panjal and Zanskar respectively. Lastly, Chandanwari holds extreme spiritual significance due to being the starting point of the Shri Amarnath Yatra.
Experience the meadow of gold, Sonamarg
A visit to Sonamarg, also known as the meadow of gold, is a must on your backpacking trip to Kashmir. The hill station is adorned with spring flowers, coniferous forests, and meadows that spread like a tapestry beneath your feet, making it unparalleled in beauty. Opportunities for hikers to explore offbeat trails and a serene environment make Sonamarg a must-visit.
Conclusion
Kashmir offers different colour palettes in every season, ranging from ivory white to auburn gold. In the summer, you get to see a shade of Kashmir that is perhaps the most underrated, the jade green with colours of rainbows sprinkled at every distance. A backpacking trip to Kashmir will allow you to experience the valley in all its glory. So pack your bags and depart with fond memories of the trip!
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more details.
Itinerary
Day 1: Srinagar Arrival | Shikara Ride
- The group will arrive at the airport in Srinagar early in the afternoon where a brief introduction by the trip captain will be provided.
- Upon our arrival, we’ll check into our designated Houseboat. Afterwards, we’ll go for a local sightseeing tour in the afternoon. We’d visit the most prominent Mughal Gardens which were built during the reign of Mughal Emperors. We’ll visit Nishat Bagh which is nestled on the eastern bank of the Dal Lake and Shalimar Bagh which is the most beautiful Mughal garden and is also known as the Abode of Love as it was entirely built by Mughal Emperor Jehangir for his queen.
- In the evening, we’ll go for a Shikara ride in the pristine Dal Lake which is considered to be the jewel in Kashmir’s crown.
- In the evening, we’ll have dinner followed by an overnight stay in our houseboat in Srinagar.
- Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Drive to Gulmarg (50 Kilometers, 1.5 Hours Approx) | Gondola Ride
- After early morning breakfast, we’ll check out of our houseboat and we’ll head towards Gulmarg which is one of the most popular hill stations of Kashmir known for lush green grasslands and alpine slopes.
- Upon our arrival in Gulmarg, we’ll indulge in a Gondola ride that would lead us to Kongdoori Peak.
- In the evening, we’ll head back to Gulmarg where we’ll check into our hotel. Dinner followed by an overnight stay in Gulmarg.
- Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Note: Travelers can either opt for ATV rides or pony riding in Gulmarg at their personal expense.
Day 3: Drive to Pahalgam (140 Kms, 2.5 Hrs Approx) | Leisure Day
- After early morning breakfast, we’ll head towards Pahalgam which is a beautiful hill station in Kashmir known for its picturesque blooming meadows.
- Upon reaching Pahalgam, we’ll check into our hotel and then explore the local market where travellers are advised to shop for souvenirs, indulge in the local food, and more.
- Dinner followed by an overnight stay in Pahalgam.
- Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4: Pahalgam Sightseeing | Drive to Srinagar (90 Kms, 2 Hrs Drive Approx)
- After early morning breakfast, we’ll check out of our hotel and head for a sightseeing tour of Pahalgam.
- We’ll visit Aru Valley which is known for its scenic meadows. We’ll also visit the enchanting Betaab Valley which is nestled between the Pir Panjal and Zanskar ranges of the Himalayas.
- Lastly, we’ll visit Chandanwari which is the starting point for the Amarnath Yatra.
- In the evening, we’ll head back to Srinagar where we’ll check into our hotel. Dinner followed by an overnight stay in Srinagar.
- Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5: Sonmarg Excursion
- After early morning breakfast, we’ll head to Sonmarg valley which is yet another gem hidden in the embrace of Kashmir known for its green pastures that turn golden under the summer sun.
- After spending some peaceful moments in the valley, we’ll head back to Srinagar.
- Dinner followed by an overnight stay in Srinagar.
- Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Note: If due to weather conditions, a visit to Sonmarg is not possible, we’ll visit Doodhpatri instead.
Day 6: Departure from Srinagar | Trip Ends
- After early morning breakfast, we’ll check out of our hotel.
- The group will go their separate ways with fond memories according to their scheduled departures.
- Trip Ends
- Meals Included: Breakfast
Dates & Costing
| Travel Mode | Tempo Traveller or SUV |
| Triple Sharing | ₹ 22,000/- per person |
| Double Sharing | ₹24,000/- per person |
*GST @ 5% extra
Pay ₹10,000/- per person to reserve your spot and you can pay the remaining amount 15 days before the trip.
Inclusions
✔️ Airport pick and drop
✔️ Transportation in Tempo Traveler or SUV for local sightseeing.
✔️ Accommodations on sharing basis as per Itinerary.
✔️ Meal Plan: MAP Plan (Total 10 Meals – 1 Meal on Day 1 (D) + 2 Meals on Day 2 (B+D) + 2 Meals on Day 3 (B+D) + 2 Meals on Day 4 (B+D) + 2 Meals on Day 5 (B+D) + 1 Meal on Day 6 (B))
✔️ The Tour Leader will be present at all times during the tour.
✔️ Entry Tickets for Gardens
✔️ 1-hour Shikara Ride in Dal Lake.
✔️ Gondola Ride (first Phase)
✔️ Local cab for visiting Aru, Betaab Valley, and Chandanwadi (Visit to these places is subject to weather conditions).
✔️ All kinds of Permits.
✔️ Driver Allowance.
✔️ Toll Taxes and Parking Charges.
✔️ State and other Taxes.
Exclusions
❌ 5% GST
❌ Early check-in at the hotel.
❌ Adventure activities such as Skiing, Snowmobile, Sledging, ATV rides, and Horse Riding.
❌ Any other cab required for any local shopping or others which is not mentioned in the itinerary
❌ Any additional expenses of personal nature.
❌ Additional accommodation/food costs incurred due to any delayed travel.
❌ Any lunch and other meals not mentioned in Package Inclusions.
❌ Any Airfare / Rail fare other than what is mentioned in “Inclusions” or any type of transportation from Srinagar.
❌ Parking and monument entry fees during sightseeing.
❌ Additional Costs due to Flight Cancellations, Landslides, Roadblocks, and other natural calamities.
❌ Any other services not specified above in inclusions.
Cancellation Policy
Refunds in the mode of a credit note with lifetime validity shall be provided with respect to the initial booking amount for any cancellations. However,
- If cancellations are made 30 days before the start date of the trip, no cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
- If cancellations are made 29-21 days before the start date of the trip, 25% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
- If cancellations are made within 20-15 days before the start date of the trip, 50% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
- If cancellations are made within 14-0 days before the start date of the trip, 100% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
- In the case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain activities may be cancelled and in such cases, the operator will try his best to provide an alternate feasible activity. However, no refund will be provided for the same.
