Field notes
Kashmir Tour Package: 5N 6D Itinerary with Price
A Kashmir 5N6D tour package covers Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg over six days, with accommodation, meals, and transfers included as standard. The kashmir tour package 5n6d price starts at INR 18,000 per person on twin sharing for a budget category, land only. This article breaks down the itinerary structure, price tiers, seasonal timing, and what to verify before you confirm a booking.
What does a Kashmir 5N6D tour package include?
A standard Kashmir 5N6D package includes accommodation for five nights across Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg, with daily breakfast and dinner, all road transfers by private cab, and a Shikara ride on Dal Lake. Gondola tickets and airfare are excluded from all standard tiers.
Accommodation is split as follows: two nights in Srinagar, including one night on a houseboat on Dal Lake. One night each goes to Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg. The meal plan is MAP (Modified American Plan), covering breakfast and dinner at the hotel or houseboat.
Transfers use a private non-AC or AC cab depending on the package tier. The Shikara ride on Dal Lake lasts one hour and is a standard inclusion across all tiers. The ride typically happens in the evening on Day 1 or Day 2 in Srinagar.
- Included: 5 nights accommodation, daily breakfast and dinner (MAP), airport pickup and drop, Shikara ride on Dal Lake, sightseeing by private cab, toll and parking charges
- Excluded: Airfare, Gondola ride tickets at Gulmarg, pony rides at Baisaran, personal expenses, travel insurance, entry fees to Mughal Gardens
The houseboat stay on Dal Lake is a category of accommodation unique to Srinagar. Houseboats range from standard to deluxe grade. The grade included depends on the package tier you book. A standard houseboat has attached bathrooms and basic furnishings. A deluxe houseboat includes carved walnut wood interiors and a sit-out deck.
Entry fees to the Mughal Gardens are not included. Nishat Bagh charges INR 24 per adult as of 2024. Shalimar Bagh charges INR 24 per adult. These are small amounts but worth knowing before you arrive.
Related: For more on houseboat categories and what to expect on Dal Lake, see our Kashmir houseboat stay guide.
Which places are covered in a Kashmir 5N6D itinerary?
A Kashmir 5N6D itinerary covers Srinagar on Day 1, Gulmarg on Day 2, Pahalgam on Days 3 and 4, Sonmarg on Day 5, and returns to Srinagar for departure on Day 6. Six destinations are visited across six days with daily road transfers between each location.
| Day | Place Covered | Key Activity | Drive Time from Previous Point | Altitude (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Srinagar | Mughal Gardens visit (Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh), Shikara ride on Dal Lake, houseboat check-in | Arrival by flight (1.5–2 hrs from Delhi) | 1,585 |
| Day 2 | Gulmarg | Gondola cable car ride (Phase 1 to Kongdori, Phase 2 to Apharwat Peak optional), snow activities | ~1.5 hrs from Srinagar (49 km) | 2,650 |
| Day 3 | Pahalgam | Betaab Valley visit, Aru Valley drive, check-in at Pahalgam hotel | ~2.5 hrs from Gulmarg (95 km) | 2,130 |
| Day 4 | Pahalgam (local) | Baisaran meadow by pony (5 km from Pahalgam), Lidder River walk | Local day — no drive | 2,440 (Baisaran) |
| Day 5 | Sonmarg | Thajiwas Glacier visit by pony or on foot, meadow walk | ~3 hrs from Pahalgam (80 km via Srinagar) | 2,730 |
| Day 6 | Srinagar (departure) | Local market visit (Lal Chowk or Polo View), airport drop | ~2.5 hrs from Sonmarg (80 km) | 1,585 |
Day 1 begins with the Mughal Gardens in Srinagar. Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh are terraced gardens built in the 16th and 17th centuries on the banks of Dal Lake. The Shikara ride follows in the evening, lasting about one hour. Most operators schedule the houseboat check-in before sunset so you can settle in before dinner.
Day 2 at Gulmarg centres on the Gondola ride. Gulmarg is a hill station at 2,650 m elevation, located 49 km from Srinagar. Phase 1 of the Gondola goes to Kongdori at 2,600 m. Phase 2 continues to Apharwat Peak at 3,979 m. Phase 2 is optional and costs extra. Snow activities like sledging and snowboarding are available near the Gondola base from November through May.
Day 3 covers Betaab Valley and Aru Valley near Pahalgam. Betaab Valley is 15 km from Pahalgam town and is accessible by road. The valley is named after the 1983 Bollywood film shot there. Aru Valley is 12 km from Pahalgam at 2,414 m elevation and is suitable for short walks along the Aru stream.
Day 4 is a slower day in Pahalgam. Baisaran meadow is 5 km from Pahalgam and is only accessible by pony or on foot. The meadow sits at approximately 2,440 m and offers open grassland views. The Lidder River runs through Pahalgam town and is a good spot for a morning walk before checkout.
Day 5 goes to Sonmarg, which sits at 2,730 m and is 80 km from Srinagar. The Thajiwas Glacier is the main stop here, reachable by pony from the Sonmarg base point. The pony ride to the glacier takes about 30–40 minutes each way. Sonmarg is also the starting point for the Zoji La pass road to Ladakh, though that route is not part of this itinerary.
Day 6 is a departure day. The drive from Sonmarg to Srinagar airport takes approximately 2.5 hours. If your flight is in the afternoon, there is time for a quick stop at Lal Chowk market for Kashmiri dry fruits, saffron, or pashmina shawls.
Related: See our Gulmarg travel guide for Gondola booking tips and snow activity details, and our Pahalgam travel guide for Betaab Valley and Baisaran logistics.
What is the price of a Kashmir 5N6D package from India?
A Kashmir 5N6D package costs between INR 18,000 and INR 45,000 per person on twin sharing, land only, depending on hotel category, meal plan, and vehicle type. Budget packages start at INR 18,000. Deluxe packages go up to INR 45,000 per person on twin sharing.
The Gulmarg Gondola operates under J&K Cable Car Corporation. As of 2024, the official ticket rate is INR 740 for Phase 1 (Kongdori) and INR 990 for Phase 2 (Apharwat Peak). These are not included in standard package prices.
| Package Tier | Price Per Person Twin Sharing (INR, Land Only) | Hotel Category | Meal Plan Included | Vehicle Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | 18,000 – 22,000 | 2-star / guesthouse, standard houseboat | CP (breakfast only) | Shared cab or non-AC Innova |
| Standard | 25,000 – 32,000 | 3-star hotel, deluxe houseboat | MAP (breakfast + dinner) | Private AC Innova |
| Deluxe | 35,000 – 45,000 | 4-star hotel, premium houseboat | MAP (breakfast + dinner) | Private AC Innova Crysta or SUV |
Prices are per person based on two adults sharing a room. Solo travellers pay a single supplement, which typically adds INR 4,000–8,000 to the total depending on the tier. A group of four adults travelling together can sometimes negotiate a 5–8% reduction on the standard rate.
April to June is peak season in Kashmir. Package prices during this period run 15–20% higher than September–October rates. Booking 45–60 days in advance is advisable for peak season travel. Last-minute bookings in May and June often find limited houseboat availability on Dal Lake.
Airfare from Delhi to Srinagar on IndiGo or Air India costs approximately INR 4,000–9,000 one way depending on how far in advance you book. The flight takes about 1.5 hours. From Mumbai, the same route costs INR 5,500–12,000 one way with a layover in Delhi on most carriers.
How does the Kashmir 5N6D price compare across departure cities?
| Departure City | Approx. One-Way Airfare to Srinagar (INR) | Total Trip Cost Estimate — Standard Tier (INR, Per Person) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 4,000 – 7,000 | 33,000 – 46,000 | Direct flights available; 1.5 hrs |
| Mumbai | 5,500 – 10,000 | 36,000 – 52,000 | Most flights connect via Delhi; 3–4 hrs total |
| Bengaluru | 6,000 – 11,000 | 37,000 – 54,000 | Layover in Delhi or Mumbai common |
| Hyderabad | 5,500 – 10,500 | 36,000 – 53,000 | Connecting flights via Delhi |
| Kolkata | 5,000 – 9,500 | 35,000 – 51,000 | Direct flights available on select days |
Total trip cost estimates above combine the standard land package (INR 25,000–32,000) with return airfare. These are approximate figures based on advance booking. Prices shift during peak season and long weekends.
Related: Couples looking for a tailored version can check our Kashmir honeymoon package for room upgrade and private transfer options.
When is the best time to book a Kashmir 5N6D package?
The best time to book a Kashmir 5N6D package is for travel in April–June or September–October. Roads to Sonmarg and Pahalgam remain open in both windows. April brings tulip blooms at Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden in Srinagar. October offers clear skies and cooler temperatures after the monsoon season.
April to June is the most popular window. Temperatures in Srinagar range from 10°C to 25°C. Gulmarg still has snow in April and early May. Prices are at their highest during this period, and houseboat bookings on Dal Lake fill up quickly.
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar is Asia's largest tulip garden by area. It opens for approximately three to four weeks in late March and April. The exact dates vary by year depending on snowmelt. If tulips are a priority, plan travel for the first two weeks of April.
July and August carry monsoon risk in the Pahalgam and Sonmarg belts. Landslides can close the Srinagar–Sonmarg highway. Some operators reduce prices by 10–15% during this period to offset lower demand. Travel in July is possible but requires flexibility on the Sonmarg leg.
September and October are considered the best overall months for a Kashmir trip. The weather is stable, roads are fully open, and prices are moderate. Chinar trees turn red and orange in October, which draws many travellers specifically for the foliage. Temperatures in October range from 5°C to 18°C in Srinagar.
November to March brings heavy snow. Sonmarg closes entirely from November. Pahalgam access becomes difficult after December. Gulmarg, however, is open for skiing from December to February. A Gulmarg-focused winter package is a separate product from the standard 5N6D itinerary and does not include Sonmarg or Pahalgam.
Related: Best Time to Visit Singapore from India: Month-by-Month Season Guide
What should travellers know before booking a Kashmir tour package?
Indian nationals do not need a visa or Inner Line Permit to visit standard tourist zones in Kashmir, including Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg. A valid government-issued photo ID is sufficient for all checkpoints. Travel insurance is recommended, particularly for high-altitude activities at Gulmarg.
No permit is required for the areas covered in a standard 5N6D itinerary. Restricted area permits apply only to zones near the Line of Control, which are not part of tourist packages. Foreign nationals must register with the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) in Srinagar within 24 hours of arrival if staying beyond a short visit.
Houseboat operators on Dal Lake should be registered with J&K Tourism. Ask for the registration number before confirming a booking. Unregistered operators do exist, and quality varies significantly. A registered houseboat will have a J&K Tourism board certificate displayed on the property.
Altitude sickness is unlikely below 3,000 m. Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Gulmarg base are all below this threshold. The Gondola Phase 2 at Gulmarg reaches 3,979 m. Travellers with cardiac or respiratory conditions should consult a doctor before taking Phase 2. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, and shortness of breath.
Mobile connectivity in Kashmir uses Airtel and Jio networks. Coverage is good in Srinagar and Pahalgam. Sonmarg and high-altitude Gulmarg areas have patchy signal. Carry cash for pony rides, local meals, and Gondola tickets, as card acceptance is limited outside hotels. ATMs are available in Srinagar and Pahalgam but are sparse in Gulmarg and Sonmarg.
Kashmiri wazwan is the traditional multi-course meal of the region. It is not typically included in standard package meal plans. Several restaurants in Srinagar and Pahalgam serve wazwan for INR 400–800 per person. Trying it at least once is worth budgeting for separately.
Road conditions on the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway can be affected by weather. The highway is the only road link to the rest of India for road travellers. If you are travelling by road rather than air, check highway status before departure, especially between November and March.
Related: Families travelling with children can refer to our Kashmir family tour package for age-appropriate activity adjustments and hotel recommendations.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Tripstor's Kashmir 5N6D packages are available across budget, standard, and deluxe tiers with fixed departures and customised options. Our consultants can adjust the itinerary for honeymoon couples, families, or solo travellers. Call us to confirm availability and current pricing before the peak season fills up.
For package booking assistance, call us at +91 98253 43323