Starting from
On Request
Arrive at Srinagar Airport (SXR) by midday and transfer to your heated heritage houseboat on Dal Lake - 20-30 minutes depending on traffic at Ram Munshi Bagh. Winter fog at Srinagar and Delhi often delays morning flights, so build a half-day buffer into your arrival plan. The houseboats we book on this package are the classic Srinagar ones: carved walnut-wood interiors, Persian carpets, a private deck, and a bukhari (traditional wood heater) or electric room heating. After check-in and a leisurely lunch on board, take a short winter shikara ride - 45-60 minutes, quieter than summer, with the lake edges often rimmed in ice. If the channels have frozen, walk the Boulevard instead and watch the winter light on the Pir Panjal. Dinner on the houseboat. Harissa (slow-cooked mutton porridge) is a Kashmiri winter specialty - request it in advance.
Places & Experiences:
Heritage houseboat on Dal Lake (carved walnut interiors, private deck, heating)
Winter shikara ride (weather-permitting, 45-60 minutes)
Boulevard Road walk
Kashmiri harissa (winter specialty, request in advance)
Travel Flow: Afternoon arrival → houseboat check-in → short winter shikara or Boulevard walk → dinner on deck
Overnight: Srinagar (Deluxe heated heritage houseboat, double sharing)
Meals: Dinner
Important: Confirm your houseboat has a functioning bukhari or electric heating before booking - many budget properties lack it, and Srinagar nights drop to -2°C in January. We only book heated properties. If specific houseboat décor or deck size matters for your honeymoon, tell us at booking and we'll match you to the right one.
Leave Srinagar after a slow breakfast. The drive to Gulmarg climbs through Tangmarg and then up a switchback - in heavy snow, the last 12 km from Tangmarg to Gulmarg may require chains or a switch to a local 4x4. Gulmarg sits at 2,650 m and receives some of the deepest powder snow in the Himalayas. December to March is the ski season. Afternoon: the Gulmarg Gondola. Phase 1 (to Kongdoori, 3,080 m) runs weather-permitting in winter. Phase 2 (to Apharwat, 3,980 m) is ski-only and does not carry leisure tourists. Non-skiers can sledge, snowshoe, or simply walk the meadow in the snow. Overnight in Gulmarg - staying a night here is the reason to do this trip in winter.
Places & Experiences:
Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 (Kongdoori, 3,080 m) - weather-permitting
Sledge rides (~₹500-₹1,500)
Snowshoeing with local guide (~₹1,000-₹2,000 per person)
Gulmarg Golf Course under snow
Baba Reshi shrine en route
Travel Flow: Morning drive → Tangmarg chain/4x4 point → Gulmarg arrival → afternoon snow activities → evening at hotel
Overnight: Gulmarg (4-star or boutique hotel with central heating, double sharing)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: In heavy snow, the Tangmarg-Gulmarg stretch may be closed for private vehicles - you'll switch to a local 4x4 or snow chains at Tangmarg. Budget ~₹1,500-₹3,000 for the round trip. Phase 2 Gondola is ski-only in winter. Weather cancellations of Phase 1 are common - have a backup plan (sledge, snowshoe, hotel day by the fireplace).
A slow morning in Gulmarg - a final gondola ride if weather permits, a snow walk through the pine forest behind the golf course, or a leisurely breakfast overlooking the meadow. Leave Gulmarg by noon to return to Srinagar before afternoon fog. Arrive by early afternoon. The rest of the day is free - visit the Mughal gardens (Nishat, Shalimar, Chashme Shahi) if the weather is clear; in winter, they are quiet and the chinar trees are bare. Evening free. Dinner at the houseboat or a Srinagar restaurant. Tomorrow: Pahalgam.
Places & Experiences:
Gulmarg morning snow walk
Mughal gardens (optional, entry ~₹24 per person per garden)
Srinagar handicraft emporiums (papier-mâché, pashmina, carpets)
Kashmiri Wazwan dinner (optional, arrange in advance)
Travel Flow: Morning in Gulmarg → drive to Srinagar → afternoon gardens or shopping → evening at leisure
Overnight: Srinagar (Deluxe heated heritage houseboat or 4-star hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: The return drive from Gulmarg can be delayed by snow clearance operations or a fresh avalanche warning. Build buffer time into your evening plans. If the road closes, you may need to stay an extra night in Gulmarg - we assist with rebooking but additional costs are borne by the guest.
Drive south to Pahalgam (2,130 m) - quieter and lower than Gulmarg, but equally beautiful in winter. The drive passes through Pampore's dormant saffron fields on the karewa plateau, Awantipora's 9th-century Vishnu temple ruins (ASI-protected, free entry), and Bijbehara's willow bat factories. The Lidder River runs fast and clear even in December, and the meadows at Betaab and Aru are snow-covered. Note: Chandanwari road is closed in winter, and Betaab/Aru may be inaccessible in heavy snow - check locally before committing. The main winter activity here is simply walking the riverside trail, sitting by the Lidder with kahwa, and watching the valley go quiet. Overnight in Pahalgam.
Places & Experiences:
Pampore karewa plateau views
Awantipora ruins (9th-century Vishnu temple)
Bijbehara willow bat factories
Pahalgam Lidder River walk
Mamaleshwar Temple (winter-quiet)
Travel Flow: Morning drive → Pampore/Awantipora stop → afternoon arrival in Pahalgam → Lidder walk → evening at resort
Overnight: Pahalgam (4-star hotel or luxury riverside resort, heated rooms, double sharing)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: Chandanwari is closed in winter. Betaab and Aru access depends on snow clearance - confirm with your driver before committing. Local union taxis operate on a reduced winter schedule. In heavy snow, staying in Pahalgam and walking the river trail may be the entire day's activity - this is the point of a winter trip, not a failure of the itinerary.
Check out after a slow breakfast and drive back to Srinagar. If your flight is in the afternoon, stop at the Government Arts Emporium near Lal Chowk for pashmina and saffron. Drop at Srinagar Airport (SXR). Winter fog can delay flights - SXR has a history of morning cancellations in December-January, so book afternoon departures where possible. Pack saffron, pashmina and any liquids in checked luggage. If your flight is cancelled due to fog, we assist with hotel rebooking but additional costs are borne by the guest. Build a buffer day if you can.
Places & Experiences:
Government Arts Emporium (optional)
Lal Chowk (optional, if time permits)
Travel Flow: Morning checkout → drive to Srinagar → optional shopping → airport drop
Overnight: None
Meals: Breakfast
Srinagar to Srinagar
Things to Pack:
Clothing: Thermal inners (3-4 sets each), fleece mid-layers, down jackets, waterproof and windproof outer shells, woollen sweaters, warm trousers (not jeans - they stay cold when wet), 3-4 pairs of woollen socks each, waterproof gloves, woolen caps, scarves, balaclavas.
Footwear: Waterproof snow boots with good grip. Rent in Gulmarg if you don't want to pack them. Sandals or slip-ons for hotel and houseboat.
Travel Essentials: Lip balm (SPF), cold cream, sunscreen (snow reflection is strong), sunglasses (UV protection), power bank (cold drains batteries), torch, basic medicines (cold, cough, fever, pain relief), hand warmers, insulated water bottles.
Documents: Photo ID (Aadhaar/passport), printed hotel vouchers, travel insurance copy (strongly recommended), passport-size photos (2 copies).
Optional: Camera with extra batteries and dry bag, binoculars, dry fruits and energy bars, a good book for houseboat evenings.
Best Time to Travel:
December to February is the winter window. Late December and January are the coldest - Srinagar drops to -2°C to -5°C, Gulmarg to -10°C, and Dal Lake's edges freeze. Snowfall is heaviest in January and early February. February is slightly warmer and often the best balance between snow cover and comfort. Christmas and New Year are peak - book 8-10 weeks ahead. March is a transition month: snow begins to melt at lower altitudes, Gulmarg still has cover, and Srinagar gets milder.
Suitable For:
Couples and honeymooners who want Kashmir at its quietest - snowbound meadows, empty gardens, and hot kahwa by a bukhari. Not suitable for travelers who can't handle sub-zero temperatures, or who want the full summer circuit (Sonmarg, Chandanwari, Gurez are closed in winter). Skiers will find Gulmarg exceptional, but this package does not include ski lessons or equipment.
Travel Pace:
Relaxed. Maximum driving day is Srinagar-Pahalgam (2.5-3.5 hours in snow). Gulmarg is 1.5-2.5 hours each way. Winter slows everything - road clearance, gondola operations, and sightseeing. This 5-day format is deliberately unhurried - two nights in Srinagar, one in Gulmarg, one in Pahalgam, with recovery time built into Days 2 and 3.
Accommodation:
Srinagar: 2 nights heated heritage houseboat or 4-star hotel (double sharing). Gulmarg: 1 night 4-star or boutique hotel with central heating. Pahalgam: 1 night 4-star hotel or luxury riverside resort with heated rooms. Houseboats in winter are quieter but colder - we only book properties with functioning bukhari or electric heating. Upgrades to 5-star properties available on request.
Transport:
Private heated SUV (Innova or similar) for all road transfers. Snow chains fitted where required. For the Tangmarg-Gulmarg stretch, if private vehicles are restricted due to snow, we switch to a local 4x4 - included in the package. The vehicle is exclusively for the two of you. Local union taxis apply at Pahalgam for Betaab and Aru if accessible.
Meals:
Breakfast and dinner included. Lunches are not included - budget ₹400-₹800 per person. Srinagar and Pahalgam have plenty of restaurants, though some close early in winter. Kashmiri winter specialties: harissa (slow-cooked mutton porridge), nadru monje (lotus stem fritters), and kahwa (saffron tea). Vegetarian and Jain options available; inform us in advance. A private candlelit dinner can be arranged on the houseboat deck or at a Pahalgam resort at extra cost. Alcohol is not widely available in Kashmir - arrange it through your hotel in advance.
Important Notes:
Winter is weather-dependent. Snowfall, road closures and flight cancellations are common. Build 1-2 buffer days before your return flight.
Srinagar Airport fog: December-January morning fog frequently delays or cancels flights. Book afternoon departures where possible.
Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2 is ski-only in winter. Do not expect to ride to Apharwat as a leisure tourist.
Road closures: Tangmarg-Gulmarg may be restricted to local 4x4s in heavy snow. Chandanwari is closed in winter. Betaab and Aru access depends on snow clearance.
Heating: Confirm your houseboat or hotel has functioning heating. We only book heated properties.
Clothing: Sub-zero temperatures. Thermal inners, down jackets, waterproof boots, gloves, woolen caps, and layers are essential. Rent snow boots and jackets in Gulmarg if you don't want to pack them.
Travel insurance: Strongly recommended for winter trips - covers flight cancellations, medical emergencies, and trip interruptions due to weather.
Mobile connectivity: Jio and Airtel work in Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Postpaid SIMs only for outside travelers.
Cash: ATMs in Srinagar are unreliable in winter. Carry ₹10,000-₹15,000 in cash.
This is a custom honeymoon package. Every element is private - vehicle, houseboat, shikara. If you want candlelit dinners, photographers, or room upgrades, tell us at booking.
Seasonal Considerations:
December: Early winter. Snow begins. Srinagar 2-12°C, Gulmarg -5°C to 5°C. Christmas and New Year are peak. Book 8–10 weeks ahead.
January: Coldest month. Srinagar -2°C to 8°C, Gulmarg -10°C to 2°C. Dal Lake edges freeze. Heaviest snowfall. Best for powder skiing.
February: Slightly warmer. Srinagar 0-10°C, Gulmarg -8°C to 5°C. Good snow cover, marginally better road conditions. Often the sweet spot.
March: Transition month. Snow melts at lower altitudes. Gulmarg still skiable. Srinagar gets milder (5-15°C). This package is best December-February.
Customization:
Extend by 1 night in Gulmarg for skiing or a spa day at the Khyber
Add a night in Srinagar for old-city heritage and a Wazwan tasting dinner
Add a private candlelit dinner on the houseboat deck
Add a photographer for a half-day winter shoot in Gulmarg or Pahalgam
Add a Kashmiri cooking class in Srinagar
Add a private ski guide for Apharwat (advanced skiers)
Upgrade to 5-star properties (Lalit Grand Palace, Vivanta Dal View, Khyber Himalayan Resort Gulmarg)
A booking shall be considered confirmed only upon receipt of the required advance payment. The company reserves the right to release unconfirmed bookings without prior notice. All payments made towards booking confirmation are subject to the cancellation terms mentioned below.
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email or official communication channels. Cancellation charges will be calculated based on the total package cost and the date on which the written cancellation request is received by the company.
| Cancellation Period | Retention Charges |
| More than 60 days prior to arrival | 25% of total package cost |
| Between 30–60 days prior to arrival | 50% of total package cost |
| Between 15–29 days prior to arrival | 75% of total package cost |
| Within 14 days prior to arrival / No Show | 100% retention |
The following components shall be strictly non-refundable once confirmed:
The company reserves the right to deduct supplier-imposed cancellation charges in addition to the above retention charges wherever applicable.
Any amendment, modification, postponement, or rescheduling request must be submitted in writing and shall be subject to availability and supplier approval. The company does not guarantee acceptance of amendment requests after booking confirmation. Any fare difference, seasonal surcharge, hotel rate revision, transport cost escalation, or supplier-imposed amendment fee shall be payable additionally by the client/agent. Amendments requested within 30 days of arrival may be treated as a cancellation and rebooking at the sole discretion of the company.
Failure of the guest/client to arrive, utilize booked services, or join the tour on the scheduled date without prior written intimation shall be treated as a “No Show”.
In such cases:
Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be held liable for any cancellation, delay, alteration, loss, or additional expense arising due to circumstances beyond the company’s control, including but not limited to:
Under such circumstances:
Eligible refunds, if any, shall be processed within 30–45 working days from the date of cancellation confirmation. Refund timelines are subject to receipt of funds from respective suppliers/vendors. Refunds shall be processed only through the original payment mode unless otherwise agreed in writing. Bank charges, payment gateway fees, foreign exchange fluctuations, and transaction charges shall be deducted from the refundable amount.
All package rates are dynamic and subject to availability at the time of confirmation. In case of sudden supplier tariff revisions, fuel hikes, government taxes, or hotel policy changes, the company reserves the right to revise package pricing prior to final confirmation. Confirmed bookings shall remain protected unless impacted by force majeure or supplier default.
Any dispute arising in relation to bookings, payments, or services shall be subject to the jurisdiction of courts located in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir only.
Any loss, damage, breakage, theft, or misuse of hotel/houseboat property caused by guests shall be the sole responsibility of the guest and/or the booking agent. Charges imposed by the hotel/houseboat management for damages, excessive cleaning, missing items, or misconduct must be settled directly by the guest or agent before check-out. Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be held liable for disputes arising between guests and hotel management regarding damages or conduct. The company reserves the right to recover any unpaid damage charges from the booking agent in case the guest departs without settlement.
Guests are expected to maintain respectful and lawful behavior throughout the tour. Any misconduct including but not limited to:
May result in immediate termination of services without any refund. Any fines, penalties, legal consequences, or damages arising due to guest behavior shall be borne entirely by the guest and/or (b2b) booking agent. The company reserves the right to deny services to intoxicated, abusive, or disruptive guests if deemed necessary for operational safety.
All payments must be cleared within the agreed timeline prior to guest arrival unless otherwise approved in writing. Failure to clear pending dues may result in:
In case of delayed payments:
The following periods shall be treated as Peak Season / Blackout Dates:
During these periods:
Kashmir is a weather-sensitive destination and operations may be affected due to:
Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be responsible for:
Additional expenses arising due to:
Shall be borne directly by the guest/client. No refund shall be applicable for unused services caused due to weather conditions or government restrictions beyond operational control.
In case any confirmed hotel, houseboat, or transport provider becomes unavailable due to operational reasons, overbooking, weather conditions, maintenance, or force majeure, the company reserves the right to provide a similar category alternative without prior liability. Every effort shall be made to maintain service standards and comfort levels.
All contracted rates, quotations, and pricing shared with agents/partners are strictly confidential and intended solely for B2B business use. Redistribution of net rates directly to suppliers, competitors, or unauthorized third parties is strictly prohibited. The company reserves the right to terminate business relationships in case of rate misuse or breach of confidentiality.
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"Yes - private candlelit dinners on the houseboat deck, private dining at a Pahalgam resort, and curated Wazwan tasting menus in Srinagar can all be arranged at extra cost. Tell us at booking so we can coordinate with the properties. Same-day requests are sometimes possible but not guaranteed, especially in peak season (Christmas, New Year, January-February)."
"Every element is private. The houseboat is booked exclusively for the two of you, the shikara is private (not a shared boat), and the SUV is yours for all five days. The only shared spaces are the Gulmarg hotel and Pahalgam resort common areas, which is standard. No group joins you at any point."
"Yes, worth it. Gulmarg in winter is the most romantic of the three destinations, and the snow-covered meadow, the Gondola Phase 1 view, sledge rides, and a fireplace evening are exactly what most honeymooners want. Skiing is optional and not included. If you truly want to skip Gulmarg, we can substitute a second night in Srinagar or Pahalgam - tell us at booking."
"Yes - a local photographer can be arranged for a half-day shoot in Gulmarg (snow-covered meadow, gondola backdrop) or Pahalgam (Lidder riverside, pine forest). Rates depend on duration and deliverables. Tell us at booking so we can lock a date and confirm the photographer's availability in peak season."
"In heavy snow, the last 12 km from Tangmarg to Gulmarg may be restricted for private vehicles. You'll switch to a local 4x4 or snow chains at Tangmarg - we include this cost in the package. If the road closes entirely (rare but possible), we either shift Gulmarg to the next day or substitute an extra Srinagar day with a Mughal gardens circuit. No refund is applicable for unused services due to weather."
"Yes - the point of Pahalgam in winter is the quiet, not the valley circuit. The Lidder River runs clear even in December, and the riverside trail, the snow-covered golf course walk, and the resort fireplace evenings are the reason to stay a night. Betaab and Aru may be inaccessible - but the day still works without them. If you'd rather skip Pahalgam for a second Gulmarg night, we can adjust."
"Cancellation charges are calculated on the total package cost: more than 60 days before arrival - 25% retention; 30-60 days - 50%; 15-29 days - 75%; within 14 days or no-show - 100% retention. Peak-season hotel and houseboat bookings (Christmas, New Year, Eid holidays) and activity tickets are non-refundable once confirmed. Eligible refunds are processed within 30-45 working days, subject to supplier recoveries, and are made via the original payment mode."