"Honestly, Zanskar felt like another world! Standing in front of Gombo Rangzan and doing the hike to Phuktal Monastery were absolute highlights. The roads are rugged, but our trip…""Honestly, Zanskar felt like another world! Standing in front of Gombo Rangzan and doing the hike to Phuktal Monastery were absolute highlights. The roads are rugged, but our trip lead and drivers handled everything so smoothly. Warm homestays, great food, and amazing group vibes throughout. Truly grateful to the Awara Banjara team!"
6 Days Kashmir Snow Experience: Gulmarg Gondola & Houseboat Stay
Srinagar — Gulmarg — Drung — Pahalgam — Aru Valley — Betaab Valley — Chandanwari — Yusmarg / Doodhpathri — Srinagar
About This Trip
Embark on a magical winter journey through the heart of Kashmir. Experience the perfect blend of tranquility and snow-filled adventure, featuring an iconic houseboat stay on Dal Lake, thrilling rides on Asia’s highest Gondola in Gulmarg, frozen wonders at Drung Waterfall, and scenic exploration of Pahalgam's valleys alongside a trek to Yusmarg.
Itinerary
- Land in Srinagar, the summer capital of Kashmir, and enjoy a warm local welcome to the mountains.
- Transfer to a traditional, intricately carved wooden heritage houseboat on the iconic Dal Lake.
- Wander through the breathtaking Mughal Gardens, including Nishat Bagh (Garden of Joy) and Shalimar Bagh (Garden of Love).
- Soak in the golden hour serenity during a 1-hour sunset Shikara ride across the mirrored waters.
- Begin your day with a scenic drive through frozen, willow-lined roads and the snowy town of Tangmarg.
- Arrive in Gulmarg (The Meadow of Flowers) and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-clad peaks.
- Experience the thrill of riding the world-renowned Gulmarg Gondola (Phase 1 to Kongdoori), Asia's highest and longest cable car.
- Spend the rest of the day enjoying high-altitude winter sports, skiing, or snowmobiling in the pristine powder snow.
- Embark on an adventurous local 4x4 trail ride to witness the spectacular Drung Waterfall.
- Marvel at the completely frozen cascading icicles formed during the peak winter months.
- Begin your picturesque drive towards the Valley of Shepherds, Pahalgam, passing through the historic saffron fields of Pampore.
- Arrive in Pahalgam, check into your hotel, and relax by the magnificent Lidder River in the crisp mountain air.
- Dive deep into the pristine winter wilderness of Pahalgam by exploring its three iconic valleys.
- Visit the lush, cinematic stretches of Aru Valley, known for its serene snow-covered meadows.
- Explore the dramatic gorges and pine forests of Betaab Valley, named after the famous Bollywood movie.
- Witness the glacial threshold of Chandanwari, the historic starting point of the holy Amarnath Yatra.
- Enjoy a comfortable evening return drive to your hotel in Srinagar.
- Escape the regular tourist trails and head towards the offbeat winter wonderlands of Kashmir.
- Immerse yourself in the silent, snow-laden pine forests of Yusmarg (The Meadow of Jesus) with a soulful short trek.
- Alternatively, navigate the untouched, sprawling white snowscapes of Doodhpathri (The Valley of Milk).
- Experience unparalleled peace and the raw, untamed Kashmiri wilderness before returning to your Srinagar hotel by nightfall.
- Wake up to a hot, locally spiced traditional Kashmiri Kahwa on a chilly mountain morning.Enjoy your final breakfast and bid adieu to your fellow Awara Banjara travelers.Check out from your accommodation and board your transfer to the Srinagar Airport for your onward journey.
- Leave with a heart full of unforgettable winter memories that will always call you back to the mountains.
Inclusions
✔ Intercity transfers and local sightseeing in comfortable private vehicles
✔ 5 Nights Accommodation (1 Night Heritage Houseboat on Dal Lake, 1 Night Gulmarg, 1 Night Pahalgam, 2 Nights Srinagar Hotel)
✔ 9 Wholesome Meals in total (5 Breakfasts & 4 Dinners featuring local Kashmiri flavors)
✔ Dedicated local transport for Aru Valley and Betaab Valley exploration
✔ Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 cable car tickets included
✔ 1-Hour traditional sunset Shikara ride on Dal Lake
✔ Experienced & soulful Awara Banjara Trip Captain to lead the expedition
✔ Basic First-Aid & Emergency Medical Kit
✔ All Inner Line Permits, toll taxes, parking, and local clearance fees
✔ Srinagar Airport Pickup on Day 1
Exclusions
✘ 5% GST extra
✘ Airfare or railway ticket charges
✘ Srinagar Airport drop-off
✘ Personal meals, beverages, snacks, or water beyond included menus
✘ Pony, horse, or local ATV charges (e.g., Drung Waterfall access)
✘ Personal expenses (laundry, tips, portage, monument fees)
✘ Costs arising from weather delays, landslides, or unforeseen natural causes
Package Options
Bike Sub Package Options
FAQs
The recommended age group for our winter group departure is 18 to 42 years due to the active pacing, snow trails, and nomadic mountain vibe.
In case of heavy snow blockage between Tanmarg and Gulmarg or valley routes, local 4x4 snow-chained vehicles will be arranged (additional sharing cost applies as per local union norms).
Drung Waterfall's frozen crystal cascade state depends entirely on sub-zero winter temperatures and local accessibility by ATVs or walking trails.
Yes, Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 cable car tickets are fully included in your package inclusions.
You will stay in a traditional, heated wooden heritage houseboat on Dal Lake, offering authentic Kashmiri hospitality right on the water.
Bookings are confirmed with a 10% non-refundable token amount, and the remaining balance is due upon arrival at the base camp.
The trip starts with a complimentary Srinagar Airport pickup on Day 1, from where our team will transfer you to the houseboat.
Pack heavy woolens, thermal innerwear, waterproof snow boots, windproof outer jackets, gloves, beanies, sunglasses, and personal toiletries.
Absolutely! Whether you are traveling solo, with a partner, or in a group of friends, this expedition is built for like-minded mountain souls.
Reviews
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"Best stay for anyone looking for a quiet, beautiful getaway — the whole crew knew the mountains and valleys inside out."
"I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Awara Banjara team for their excellent support and guidance throughout the travel process. They were professional, responsive, supportive..."
"The spiti valley road trip with Awara Banjara was very good. It was my first ever solo trip but it did not feel like one as everyone in the group was very welcoming and hospitable..."
"Bir was peaceful and the homestay felt like home-cooked comfort food after long days of paragliding and valley walks. Fantastic trip leads!"
"Trekking through the 7 alpine lakes in Kashmir was pure magic! Everything was seamless, safe, and exceptionally organized."
"The whole Zanskar trip was handled beautifully — great riders, warm homestays and a trip leader who knew every turn of the route. Unforgettable Himalayan experience!"
