Five nights and six days is the sweet spot for Kashmir — long enough to cover Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam without rushing, short enough to fit most leave schedules. This guide gives you a day-by-day itinerary, real costs, and honest tips from our local team in Srinagar.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
| Day | Base | What You Do | Distance / Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Srinagar | Arrive SXR airport, transfer to houseboat or hotel. Evening Shikara ride on Dal Lake, explore Dal market. Welcome Wazwan dinner. | Airport → Dal Lake: 14 km / 30 min |
| Day 2 | Srinagar | Full-day Srinagar sightseeing: Mughal Gardens (Shalimar, Nishat, Chashme Shahi), Shankaracharya Temple, old city lanes, Polo View Market. | City loop: ~40 km total |
| Day 3 | Gulmarg | Drive Srinagar → Gulmarg. Gondola Phase 1 to Kongdori (3,747 m). Optional Phase 2 to Apharwat (4,267 m). ATV/snow activities. Overnight in Gulmarg. | Srinagar → Gulmarg: 56 km / 90 min |
| Day 4 | Pahalgam | Drive Gulmarg → Pahalgam via Srinagar. Afternoon: Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, Baisaran Meadow (pony ride). Evening by Lidder River. | Gulmarg → Pahalgam: ~140 km / 3.5 hrs |
| Day 5 | Pahalgam | Morning: Chandanwari (25 km from Pahalgam) — snow point in summer. Afternoon: Mamaleshwara Temple, local bazaar. Leisure evening by river. | Pahalgam → Chandanwari: 25 km / 45 min |
| Day 6 | Departure | Drive back to Srinagar. En-route stop at Pampore saffron fields (Oct–Nov) or Avantipora ruins. Airport drop. Fly home. | Pahalgam → SXR: 95 km / 2.5 hrs |
Complete Cost Breakdown
| Category | Budget (₹/person) | Mid-Range (₹/person) | Premium (₹/person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (5 nights) | ₹4,500–6,000 | ₹9,000–14,000 | ₹25,000–40,000 |
| Transport (cab, 6 days) | ₹3,500–4,500 | ₹5,000–7,000 | ₹9,000–12,000 |
| Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1+2 | ₹1,950 | ₹1,950 | ₹1,950 |
| Meals (6 days) | ₹1,500–2,000 | ₹3,000–5,000 | ₹7,000–12,000 |
| Activities (Shikara, pony, ATV) | ₹800–1,200 | ₹1,500–2,500 | ₹3,000–5,000 |
| Total per person | ₹12,250–15,650 | ₹20,450–30,450 | ₹45,950–70,950 |
Accommodation Recommendations by Base
| Base | Budget (₹/night) | Mid-Range (₹/night) | Premium (₹/night) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Srinagar (2N) | Houseboat C-Cat ₹1,200–1,800 | Heritage Houseboat A-Cat ₹3,000–5,000 | 5-Star Hotel / Luxury Houseboat ₹10,000–25,000 |
| Gulmarg (1N) | Budget guesthouse ₹1,500–2,500 | Hotel Highlands Park ₹4,000–7,000 | Khyber Himalayan Resort ₹18,000–35,000 |
| Pahalgam (2N) | Local guesthouse ₹1,000–1,800 | Hotel Pine Palace ₹2,500–4,500 | Pahalgam Hotel / Camp ₹8,000–18,000 |
Best Time for This Itinerary
| Month | Condition | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| March–April | Snow melting, gardens bloom, Tulip Festival (mid-Mar to mid-Apr) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
| May–June | Peak summer, all routes open, Gondola fully operational | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best for families |
| July–August | Warm, green, Chandanwari accessible, some rain | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good |
| September–October | Golden chinar, saffron harvest, fewer crowds | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best for photography |
| December–February | Heavy snow, Gulmarg skiing peak, Pahalgam roads may close | ⭐⭐⭐ Good for snow lovers |
How to Reach Srinagar
The easiest route is by flight directly to Srinagar Airport (SXR). All major Indian cities — Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Hyderabad — have direct or 1-stop flights. Flight time from Delhi: ~1.5 hours. From Mumbai: ~2.5 hours. We provide airport pick-up from ₹950 with flight tracking.
What’s Typically Included in a Package
When you book a 5N/6D package with Travel My Country, you get: accommodation (as per category), private SUV with driver for all 6 days, all transfers including airport pick-up and drop, breakfast daily, welcome Shikara ride, and a local guide on Day 2 Srinagar sightseeing. Gondola tickets, pony rides, and entry fees are extra — we advise exact costs upfront, no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5 nights 6 days enough for Kashmir?
Yes — 5N/6D is the most popular duration for first-time visitors. You cover the three main destinations (Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam) without feeling rushed. If you also want Sonamarg, extend by 1–2 days.
Can I do this itinerary solo?
Absolutely. Solo travel in Kashmir is very safe in 2026. Shared cabs are available between all major destinations and hotels are traveller-friendly. However, a private cab for 6 days gives you far more flexibility and costs only ₹6,000–8,500 extra compared to shared transport.
What is the per-person cost from Delhi for 5N/6D?
Budget: ₹18,000–22,000 including return flight (IndiGo/SpiceJet advance fare). Mid-range: ₹32,000–42,000. Premium: ₹65,000–90,000 including 5-star/houseboat. Prices are per person for a group of 2.