"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!"
Kashmir Winter Realm Expedition
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 and step into your floating wooden heritage houseboat on Dal Lake.
- Spend your afternoon wandering through the timeless Mughal Gardens—Shalimar and Nishat—then soak in the raw, golden hour serenity of the mountains during a 1-hour sunset Shikara ride across the mirrored waters.
- Journey through frozen willow-lined roads into the high-altitude bowl of Gulmarg.
- Ride the world-renowned Phase 1 Gondola cable car up into the snowfields, explore the sweeping alpine meadows, and feel the nomadic rush of high-altitude winter sports and powder snow.
- Head out via local 4x4 trails to witness the dramatic, ice-sculpted frozen cascades of Drung Waterfall.
- Drive through the historic saffron fields of Pampore and along the Jhelum riverbed to reach the scenic mountain town of Pahalgam.
- Dive deep into the pristine wilderness of Pahalgam.
- Explore the lush cinematic stretches of Aru Valley, the dramatic gorges of Betaab Valley, and the glacial threshold of Chandanwari before an evening return drive to Srinagar.
- Escape the ordinary with a soulful trek through silent pine forests from Nilnag Lake up to the sprawling alpine meadows of Yusmarg (or navigate the pristine snowscapes of Doodhpathri during heavy snowfall), returning to Srinagar by nightfall.
- Enjoy a hot, locally spiced morning kahwa on the deck, bid adieu to your fellow Banjara travelers, and check out for your transfer to Srinagar Airport, carrying memories that will 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..."
