Kashmir with Gurez Valley
Kashmir
Overview
An extended Kashmir experience including the remote and stunning Gurez Valley — one of the most beautiful and least-visited valleys in the Himalayas. This itinerary combines the classic Kashmir circuit with the raw, untouched beauty of Gurez, Doodhpathri, and the dramatic Sinthan Top pass.
Highlights
Your Journey, Day by Day
10 days of carefully crafted experiences
Day 1 of 10
Arrival in Srinagar
Arrive at Srinagar Airport and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the old city. After freshening up, enjoy a leisurely Shikara ride across Dal Lake as the sun dips behind the Zabarwan hills. The gentle lapping of water and distant calls to prayer set the tone for your Kashmiri adventure.
Srinagar to Doodhpathri
Head west from Srinagar into the rolling meadows of Doodhpathri — the Valley of Milk. This pristine alpine meadow sits at 2,730m and remains one of Kashmir's best-kept secrets. Walk through wildflower carpets, wade across milky streams fed by glacial melt, and enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nothing but birdsong and pine forests.
Srinagar to Gurez Valley
Embark on one of the most dramatic drives in India — the road to Gurez Valley. Cross the Razdan Pass at 3,300m where the landscape shifts from gentle valleys to jagged granite peaks. Descend into Gurez, a remote valley on the Line of Control that was closed to tourists until recently. The Kishanganga River cuts through this paradise of wooden villages and wildflowers.
Explore Gurez Valley
Spend a full day immersing yourself in the magic of Gurez. Visit the striking Habba Khatoon peak — named after Kashmir's legendary poetess — whose pyramidal form dominates the skyline. Walk through the Dard Shin villages where ancient traditions persist, and listen to stories passed down for millennia. The silence and scale of this valley are truly humbling.
Gurez to Srinagar
Bid farewell to the remote wilderness of Gurez and retrace the mountain road back to Srinagar. Stop for photographs at Razdan Pass and take in one last look at the valley below. Arrive in Srinagar by afternoon and spend the evening exploring the old town's narrow lanes, copper workshops, and the imposing Jama Masjid.
Srinagar to Pahalgam
Drive south through the saffron heartland of Pampore to Pahalgam. The Valley of Shepherds greets you with the musical Lidder River, dense pine forests, and a pace of life that slows to match the rhythm of the mountains. Explore the town's charming bazaar and take an evening stroll along the river.
Pahalgam to Sinthan Top
Today takes you on a thrilling drive to Sinthan Top, a high-altitude pass at 3,748m that connects Kashmir to the Kishtwar region. The road climbs steeply through thick forests before emerging above the treeline into a world of snow patches and sweeping vistas. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Pir Panjal range on one side and the Zanskar range on the other.
Pahalgam to Gulmarg
Drive across the valley from Pahalgam to Gulmarg, the Meadow of Flowers. Board the Gulmarg Gondola — Asia's highest cable car — and ascend to Kongdoori at 3,080m. In winter this is a world-class ski resort; in summer it transforms into rolling green meadows dotted with wildflowers and framed by the mighty Nanga Parbat in the distance.
Gulmarg to Sonmarg
Travel to Sonmarg, the Meadow of Gold, where the landscape becomes truly alpine. The drive follows the Sindh River through deep gorges and past waterfalls cascading down moss-covered cliffs. At Sonmarg, take a pony ride to the magnificent Thajiwas Glacier — a frozen river of ice surrounded by wildflower meadows that seems to glow in the afternoon light.
Sonmarg to Srinagar — Departure
Begin the journey back to Srinagar with a stop at the ancient Mughal road viewpoints. If time permits, explore Lal Chowk for last-minute Pashmina shawls, dried fruits, and saffron. Carry with you the memory of remote valleys, soaring passes, and the legendary hospitality of Kashmiri people as you head to the airport.
Inclusions
- Airport transfers in Srinagar
- 9 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- All sightseeing by private SUV
- Gurez Valley permits and clearances
- Experienced local guide
- Shikara ride on Dal Lake
Exclusions
- Airfare to/from Srinagar
- Lunch and personal expenses
- Gondola tickets
- Pony rides and sledging
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
Gallery
₹34,000
per person