Paradise on Earth

Jammu & Kashmir

Srinagar · Gulmarg · Pahalgam · Sonamarg

April – October

6–8 days

Kashmir has been called Paradise on Earth since the Mughal emperors built their summer gardens here in the 16th century. Srinagar is the jewel — a city of wooden mosques, floating gardens, and the legendary Dal Lake, where traditional houseboats have hosted travellers for centuries. The Mughal Gardens — Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi — are among the finest formal gardens in Asia. Gulmarg, at 2,650m, is home to the world's highest cable car and offers skiing in winter and wildflower meadows in summer. Pahalgam, the Valley of Shepherds, is the starting point for the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage and one of the most beautiful valleys in the Himalayas. Sonamarg, the Golden Meadow, leads to the Thajiwas Glacier.

Highlights

Dal Lake houseboat stay

Shikara ride at sunrise

Gulmarg Gondola — highest cable car in Asia

Pahalgam — Valley of Shepherds

Sonamarg glacier trek

Mughal Gardens — Shalimar & Nishat Bagh

Things to Do

Dal Lake Shikara Ride

Glide through the floating vegetable markets and lotus gardens of Dal Lake at dawn — one of the most peaceful experiences in India.

Gulmarg Gondola

Asia's highest cable car rises to 3,980m above sea level, offering views of Nanga Parbat and the entire Kashmir Valley.

Mughal Gardens

Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi — three terraced gardens built by Mughal emperors on the shores of Dal Lake, still immaculately maintained.

Pahalgam Valley

The Valley of Shepherds — Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and Chandanwari offer some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the Himalayas.