Kashmir Tour 9 nights 10 Days with Hiking

Day 01: Arrive – Srinagar

Upon arrival at Srinagar Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Srinagar, the summer capital of Kashmir, is known for its beautiful lakes, Mughal gardens, wooden architecture, and surrounding mountains.

Depending upon your arrival time, you may relax at the hotel or take a short evening walk around Dal Lake Boulevard Road. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and views of the Zabarwan Mountain Range.

Overnight stay in Srinagar.

Day 02: Srinagar – Local Sightseeing Tour and Shikara Ride

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Srinagar, visiting the famous Mughal Gardens:

• Shalimar Bagh
• Nishat Bagh
• Chashme Shahi
• Pari Mahal

Later, visit the old city areas if interested, including local handicraft and carpet weaving centres.

In the evening, enjoy a relaxing Shikara ride on the famous:

Dal Lake

The ride passes through floating gardens, lotus gardens, vegetable markets, and traditional Kashmiri houseboats.

Overnight stay in Srinagar.

Day 03: Srinagar – Pahalgam (Approx. 4 Hours’ Drive)

After breakfast, drive to:

Pahalgam

En route, visit the saffron fields at Pampore and the ancient Awantipora temple ruins if interested.

Pahalgam is situated on the banks of the Lidder River and surrounded by pine forests and alpine mountains. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Later, enjoy a short nature walk around the Lidder River, local village areas, and pine forests.

Overnight stay in Pahalgam.

Day 04: Pahalgam – Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, Chandanwari and Light Hiking

After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to the scenic valleys around Pahalgam:

• Aru Valley
• Betaab Valley
• Chandanwari

Suggested Light Hike – Aru Valley Region

This is one of the best areas in Kashmir for moderate alpine walks.

Option 1: Aru to Lidderwat Trail (Partial Section)

• Hiking Duration: 3 to 4 Hours total (easy to moderate)
• Elevation Gain: Gradual
• Trail Type: Forests, meadows, riverside trail

You will walk through pine forests, mountain streams, shepherd settlements, and open grasslands with panoramic Himalayan views. Depending on fitness and weather conditions, the hike can be customised.

Option 2: Baisaran Meadow Walk

• Easier hiking option
• Approx. 2 to 3 Hours
• Beautiful meadow views surrounded by dense forests

Packed lunch or snacks can be arranged during the excursion.

Return to Pahalgam by evening.

Overnight stay in Pahalgam.

Day 05: Pahalgam – Gulmarg (Approx. 5 to 6 Hours Drive)

After breakfast, drive to:

Gulmarg

Gulmarg is one of the most scenic hill resorts in Kashmir, known for mountain landscapes, meadows, and skiing slopes.

On arrival, check in at the hotel. Later, enjoy free time for walking around the meadow areas and the local market.

Overnight stay in Gulmarg.

Day 06: Gulmarg – Gondola Ride – Sonmarg

After breakfast, enjoy the famous Gondola cable car ride in Gulmarg.

Visit: Gulmarg Gondola

The Gondola ride offers spectacular Himalayan views and access to higher mountain slopes. Optional short walks can be done around Kongdoori depending upon weather conditions.

Later in the afternoon, drive to:

Sonmarg

Sonmarg, meaning “Meadow of Gold,” is surrounded by glaciers, rivers, and alpine mountains.

Overnight stay in Sonmarg.

Day 07: Sonmarg – Naranag – Day Hiking Program

After early breakfast, drive towards:

Naranag

Naranag is an ancient village known for its medieval temple ruins and outstanding hiking routes into alpine valleys.

Visit: Naranag Temple Complex

Suggested Hike – Naranag Forest and Meadow Trail

• Hiking Duration: 3 to 4 Hours
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Altitude: Approx. 2,100 to 2,600 meters

The trail passes through:

• Pine and fir forests
• Mountain streams
• Shepherd settlements
• Open alpine meadows
• Panoramic mountain viewpoints

Depending upon fitness and weather conditions, the guide can extend the hike toward the upper meadow sections.

This area is less crowded and ideal for travellers looking for authentic Himalayan landscapes and quiet nature trails.

Return to Sonmarg by evening.

Overnight stay in Sonmarg.

Day 08: Sonmarg – Srinagar

After breakfast, enjoy the morning atmosphere in Sonmarg with optional short riverside walks.

Later, drive back to Srinagar. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.

Evening is free for shopping or relaxation.

Overnight stay in Srinagar.

Day 09: Srinagar – Doodhpathri Excursion and Light Hiking

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day excursion to:

Doodhpathri

Doodhpathri is a beautiful meadow destination known for rolling grasslands, pine forests, and flowing streams.

Suggested Hike – Doodhpathri to Shaliganga Riverside Trail

• Hiking Duration: 2 to 3 Hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Type: Meadows, riverside, gentle forest sections

This walk is ideal for nature lovers and photographers. The trail offers:

• Open mountain meadows
• River crossings and wooden bridges
• Forest landscapes
• Grazing fields and local shepherd settlements
• Optional pony rides are also available in the area.

Return to Srinagar by evening.

Overnight stay in Srinagar.

Day 10: Srinagar – Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Srinagar Airport for your onward flight with wonderful memories of Kashmir’s valleys, lakes, mountains, and hiking trails.

Tour Ends.