Leh-Ladakh
Leh-Ladakh Adventure
- Leh
- Sham Valley
- Nubra Valley
- Pangong Lake
- Leh
High passes, cold-desert valleys and the shifting blues of Pangong, paced so your body keeps up with the altitude.
Price on request
Overview
Kashmir is at its best when you give it time to be quiet. This route starts and ends on the water in Srinagar, with a night on a houseboat and a shikara ride through the lake's floating markets and lotus beds.
In between, Gulmarg's meadows and gondola take you up towards the snowline, and Pahalgam's river valleys — Betaab, Aru and Chandanwari — show a gentler, greener side of the mountains.
Highlights
- A night on a traditional Dal Lake houseboat
- Shikara ride past floating gardens and old Srinagar
- The Mughal gardens of Nishat and Shalimar
- Gulmarg Gondola towards Kongdori and, weather permitting, Apharwat
- Betaab Valley and Aru Valley along the Lidder river in Pahalgam
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in SrinagarSrinagar
Pickup from Srinagar airport and check in to a houseboat on Dal or Nigeen Lake. Late-afternoon shikara ride as the light softens over the water.
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Day 2: Srinagar gardens and old citySrinagar
Visit the Mughal gardens of Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, Pari Mahal and the Shankaracharya hill viewpoint. Evening free for a walk along the boulevard.
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Day 3: Srinagar to GulmargGulmarg
Drive to Gulmarg, a meadow town surrounded by forest. Ride the gondola (tickets subject to availability) and spend the afternoon in the snow or on the flower meadows, depending on season.
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Day 4: Gulmarg to PahalgamPahalgam
A scenic drive via Srinagar to Pahalgam, passing saffron fields at Pampore and apple orchards on the way. Evening by the Lidder river.
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Day 5: Pahalgam valleysPahalgam
Explore Betaab Valley, Aru Valley and Chandanwari by local union vehicle, as required by local rules. Pony rides are optional.
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Day 6: Departure from SrinagarSrinagar
Drive back to Srinagar airport for your onward journey.
Like this route?
We'll adjust days, hotels and pace, then quote for your dates.
Inclusions
- Accommodation in your chosen hotel category, on twin/double sharing
- Daily breakfast (other meals as mentioned in the itinerary)
- Private vehicle for transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Arrival and departure transfers from the nearest airport or railway station
- Driver allowances, tolls, parking and fuel for the planned route
- Trip planning support from our team before and during travel
Exclusions
- Flights and train tickets, unless added to your quotation
- Monument, park and museum entry fees unless stated
- Lunches, dinners and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Camera fees, tips, laundry, phone calls and other personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Inclusions are indicative. Your quotation lists exactly what's included for your trip.
Best time to visit
April to October for green valleys and gardens in bloom; December to February for snow in Gulmarg. Tulip season in Srinagar is usually late March to April.
Travel information
- Mobile phones
- Prepaid SIMs from outside Jammu & Kashmir do not work in the region. Postpaid connections generally do.
- Local transport
- Sightseeing inside Pahalgam and parts of Gulmarg is done by local union vehicles, paid directly on the spot.
- Getting there
- Fly into Srinagar (SXR). Road access from Jammu is also possible.
- Weather
- Carry warm layers throughout the year. Mountain weather can change within the day.
Frequently asked questions
Is a houseboat stay included?
We plan one night on a houseboat by default. Tell us if you would prefer more or none.
Can we see snow in summer?
Often yes at higher points such as the upper gondola stage in Gulmarg, but it depends on the year and is not guaranteed.
Is this trip good for a honeymoon?
Very. We can add private shikara time, candlelit dinners and upgraded rooms — ask for a honeymoon version in your enquiry.
How do gondola tickets work?
Tickets are released online in limited numbers. We help you book as soon as your dates are confirmed.
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