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Kashmir in winter offers a completely different experience from its well-photographed summer version, and this 6 days 5 nights trip from Srinagar is built around that contrast — a quieter Dal Lake, a frozen waterfall, and snow-covered valleys with far fewer crowds than the peak season. For NCR travellers wanting genuine snow without the summer rush, this itinerary covers Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam through the winter months.
The trip opens with a Dal Lake houseboat stay and a Shikara ride across the misty lake, followed by visits to the Mughal Gardens — quieter and more atmospheric in winter light. Day 2 heads to Gulmarg for the Gondola ride above the treeline, with optional skiing and snowboarding on the slopes. The route to Pahalgam includes a stop at Drung Waterfall, which partially or fully freezes into a wall of sculpted ice depending on conditions — a sight only visible in deep winter. A full valley day covers Aru, Betaab, and Chandanwari in their winter quiet, followed by an off-the-beaten-path day at Nilnag Lake, with a trek through snow-covered pine forest to the Yusmarg meadow.
The package includes private vehicle transfers throughout, 5 nights of accommodation split between a Dal Lake houseboat and hotels in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Srinagar, 9 meals across the trip, Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 tickets, the Dal Lake Shikara ride, a dedicated trip captain, and airport pickup at Srinagar.
Pack & Go is a Gurugram-based travel agency specialising in planned seasonal trips for NCR travellers. Our team manages weather-dependent logistics, permits, and daily coordination, so the trip stays focused on the experience rather than the planning behind it.
This Kashmir winter package suits travellers who specifically want snow and a quieter version of Kashmir over the more crowded summer season. Group departures are open to travellers aged 18 to 42. Note that the Drung Waterfall visit and the Yusmarg trek route both depend on current snowfall and freezing conditions, confirmed closer to departure. Reach out to our team to check current availability and confirm your travel dates.
Fly into Srinagar — schedule your arrival before 12 PM as sightseeing begins at 1 PM. Transfer to your Dal Lake houseboat and rest briefly. In the afternoon, visit the Mughal Gardens — Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh — both quieter and more atmospheric in winter with fewer crowds. End the day with a one-hour Shikara ride across the misty lake as the Pir Panjal range fades into the haze. Overnight on the houseboat.
Meals: None
After breakfast, drive two hours to Gulmarg through Tangmarg — pine trees heavy with snow and the road climbing steadily. Board the Gondola (Phase 1 tickets included) for sweeping valley views from above the treeline. If conditions allow, skiing and snowboarding are available on the slopes at your own cost. Visit Asia's highest golf course — blanketed in white in winter — and a nearby church before returning to the hotel. Dinner in Gulmarg.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Post-breakfast departure toward Pahalgam. En route, stop at Drung Waterfall — a striking cascade that partially or fully freezes in deep winter, turning into a wall of sculptured ice. Note: ATV access is mandatory to reach Drung per local authority rules — cost to be borne separately, and the visit depends on snowfall and freezing conditions. The 4-hour drive to Pahalgam via Pampore's saffron fields and the ancient Avantipura ruins is scenic throughout. Check in and spend the evening at leisure. Dinner in Pahalgam.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
A full valley day around Pahalgam after breakfast. Begin at Aru Valley, where wide meadows sit under a fresh layer of snow in winter — the silence here is complete. Move to Betaab Valley, named after the 1983 Bollywood film shot here, which looks dramatically different in its white winter coat. End with Chandanwari — the Amarnath Yatra trailhead — where pony rides are available at your own cost. Drive back to Srinagar by evening and check into your hotel. Dinner included.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The off-beat day. After breakfast, drive roughly two hours to Nilnag Lake — a blue-green high-altitude lake ringed by tall pine forest, largely untouched by mainstream tourism. From here, a 5 km moderate trek climbs through snow-covered forest to Yusmarg — the Meadow of Jesus — where open grassland meets mountain silence. If heavy snowfall makes this route inaccessible, the team switches to a Dhoodhpathri trek instead. Return to Srinagar in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Final breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to Srinagar Airport for your flight home. Six days of frozen waterfalls, lake mornings, snow-covered valleys and a meadow very few people have heard of — carry all of it back.
Meals: Breakfast
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Went in January and the Drung Waterfall was completely frozen — something I had never seen before. Nilnag to Yusmarg trek through snow was the highlight. Very well organised trip.
Kashmir in winter is completely different from what you see in summer photos. The houseboat on Day 1 was cosy and the lake in the morning mist was stunning. Gulmarg skiing was a bonus.
Great itinerary with a good mix of popular spots and off-beat places like Nilnag Lake. Trip captain was helpful throughout. Pahalgam valleys under snow looked nothing like the usual tourist photos.