Kashmir Heritage Tour: A Journey Through History
Starting from
₹8,000
Duration5 Days / 4 Nights
PaceBalanced
Destinations5 Places
Travel StyleHeritage & Culture
About this experience
A 5-day, 4-night group tour through Kashmir's living history - Mughal gardens, 9th-century temple ruins, Sufi shrines, old-city mosques and a Dal Lake houseboat night. Small group, shared vehicle, fixed departures from Srinagar.
Day by day
Day 1 — Arrival in Srinagar, Dal Lake Houseboat and Mughal Gardens Route: Srinagar Airport → Dal Lake → Nishat Bagh → Shalimar Bagh → Chashme Shahi
Arrive at Srinagar Airport (SXR) by midday and transfer to your houseboat on Dal Lake - 20–30 minutes depending on traffic at Ram Munshi Bagh. After check-in and a quick lunch, drive to the Mughal gardens on the eastern shore. Nishat Bagh (Garden of Gladness), built in 1633 by Asaf Khan, has 12 terraces stepping down to the lake. Shalimar Bagh, laid out by Jahangir for Nur Jahan in 1619, is the largest of the three - the black marble pavilion and the canal running through its centre are the highlights. Chashme Shahi is smaller, fed by a natural spring, and cooler in the afternoon. Return to the houseboat for an evening shikara ride through the lake's interior channels. Dinner on the houseboat.
Places & Experiences:
Dal Lake houseboat stay (walnut-wood interiors)
Nishat Bagh (entry ~₹24 per person)
Shalimar Bagh (entry ~₹24 per person)
Chashme Shahi (entry ~₹24 per person)
Evening shikara ride (shared boat, 1-2 hours)
Travel Flow: Afternoon arrival → check-in → Mughal gardens → evening shikara → dinner on houseboat
Overnight: Srinagar (Deluxe houseboat, twin/triple sharing)
Meals: Dinner
Important: This is a group package. Room allocation is on twin/triple sharing basis. Single supplement available at extra cost on request. Gardens are busiest 11 AM-2 PM - we visit in the late afternoon to avoid the crowd.
Day 2 — Old Srinagar: Jama Masjid, Khanqah-e-Moula and Hazratbal Route: Srinagar → Jama Masjid → Khanqah-e-Moula → Hazratbal Dargah → Shankaracharya Temple
A full day in the old city and around the lake. Start at Jama Masjid, built in 1394 by Sultan Sikandar - the courtyard can hold thousands, and the 378 deodar pillars are the defining feature. Walk through the lanes of downtown Srinagar to Khanqah-e-Moula, a 14th-century Sufi shrine on the Jhelum dedicated to Mir Syed Ali Hamadani. The wooden architecture here is entirely Kashmiri - no nails, no stone. After lunch at a Mughlai restaurant near Dal Gate, drive to Hazratbal Dargah on the western shore of Dal Lake - the shrine houses a relic of the Prophet and is one of the most important Muslim shrines in Kashmir. End the day at Shankaracharya Temple, a 9th-century Shiva temple on a hilltop 1,000 feet above Srinagar. The views of the lake and city from the top are the best in Srinagar. Note: the temple is reached by a steep road and then 240 steps.
Places & Experiences:
Jama Masjid (378 deodar pillars, 1394 CE)
Khanqah-e-Moula (Sufi shrine, 14th century)
Hazratbal Dargah (relic shrine on Dal Lake)
Shankaracharya Temple (9th-century Shiva temple, hilltop)
Old-city walk through downtown lanes
Travel Flow: Morning Jama Masjid → Khanqah-e-Moula → lunch at Dal Gate → Hazratbal → Shankaracharya → return to houseboat
Overnight: Srinagar (Deluxe houseboat or 3-star hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: Modest clothing required at all shrines - shoulders and knees covered. Shoes off at mosque and temple entrances. Fridays: Jama Masjid is crowded for midday prayers; plan the visit for morning or late afternoon. Shankaracharya Temple is closed to non-Hindus inside the sanctum, but the outer platform is open to all.
Day 3 — Awantipora Ruins, Pampore Saffron Fields and Pahalgam Route: Srinagar → Pampore → Awantipora → Bijbehara → Pahalgam
Drive south out of Srinagar through Pampore, where saffron is grown on the karewa plateaus - harvest is late October to early November, and for about two weeks the fields are purple with flowers. Stop at Awantipora for the 9th-century ruins of a Vishnu temple built by King Awantivarman of the Utpala dynasty. The complex has two temples - one dedicated to Vishnu, one to Shiva - with massive stone columns and a colonnaded courtyard. It's one of the few surviving pre-Islamic stone structures in Kashmir. Continue to Bijbehara, known for its willow bat factories - you can watch craftsmen shape cricket bats by hand. Arrive in Pahalgam by late afternoon (2,130 m, at the confluence of the Lidder River and Aru Nallah). Evening walk along the Lidder.
Places & Experiences:
Pampore saffron fields (seasonal: late Oct-early Nov)
Awantipora ruins (9th-century Vishnu and Shiva temples)
Bijbehara willow bat factories
Pahalgam Lidder riverfront
Travel Flow: Morning drive → Pampore stop → Awantipora ruins → Bijbehara → afternoon arrival in Pahalgam → evening river walk
Overnight: Pahalgam (3-star hotel, twin/triple sharing)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: Awantipora is an ASI-protected site - entry is free but there are no guides on site. Carry water; there are no shops at the ruins. Pampore saffron is only visible in bloom for two weeks in late October-early November; outside that window, the fields are bare.
Day 4 — Pahalgam to Srinagar via Mamaleshwar and Martand Sun Temple Route: Pahalgam → Mamaleshwar Temple → Mattan (Martand Sun Temple) → Srinagar
Morning visit to Mamaleshwar Temple in Pahalgam - a small Shiva temple beside the Lidder, one of the oldest in the valley. Then drive to Mattan (also called Bhawan) in Anantnag district for the Martand Sun Temple - an 8th-century temple built by Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota dynasty. It's the most important archaeological site in Kashmir, with a colonnaded courtyard, a central shrine and a tank. The temple was destroyed in the 15th century but the ruins are remarkably intact. The views of the valley from the plateau are excellent. After Mattan, drive back to Srinagar. Evening free - last-minute shopping at Lal Chowk or the Government Arts Emporium for pashmina, papier-mâché and carpets.
Places & Experiences:
Mamaleshwar Temple, Pahalgam
Martand Sun Temple, Mattan (8th century, Karkota dynasty)
Mattan tank and surrounding ruins
Lal Chowk shopping (optional)
Government Arts Emporium (fixed-price handicrafts)
Travel Flow: Morning Pahalgam temple → drive to Mattan → Martand Sun Temple → lunch en route → afternoon drive to Srinagar → evening shopping/leisure
Overnight: Srinagar (3-star hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: Martand Sun Temple is an ASI-protected monument - entry is free, open sunrise to sunset. There are no guides on site; read up before you go or ask your driver for context. The site is exposed - carry a hat and water.
Day 5 — Departure from Srinagar Route: Srinagar → Srinagar Airport
Check out after breakfast and transfer to SXR. Most flights leave before noon. If your flight is later, add a quick visit to the Government Arts Emporium or the Kashmir Government Arts Emporium for last-minute purchases. Pack saffron and pashmina in checked luggage - security sometimes questions large quantities in hand baggage.
Places & Experiences:
Government Arts Emporium (optional)
Last-minute shopping at the airport (limited)
Travel Flow: Morning checkout → airport transfer
Overnight: None
Meals: Breakfast
What's included
- Accommodation: 2 nights Srinagar (houseboat/hotel), 1 night Pahalgam (3-star hotel), 1 night Srinagar (3-star hotel) - on twin/triple sharing basis
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner on all days (starting with dinner on Day 1, ending with breakfast on Day 5)
- Transfers: Shared AC vehicle (Tempo Traveller or SUV) for all road transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary
- Sightseeing: All heritage sites as per itinerary, including Mughal gardens, old-city shrines, Awantipora, Martand Sun Temple
- Driver-cum-coordinator for the entire trip
- All toll taxes, parking, driver allowance and fuel
- 24/7 on-ground coordinator in Srinagar
Not included
- Airfare / train tickets to/from Srinagar
- Lunches on all days
- All applicable taxes (GST, etc.)
- Entry tickets to Mughal gardens (~₹24 per person per garden)
- Shikara rides beyond the included one
- Pony rides, adventure activities or optional experiences
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, tips, shopping)
- Travel insurance
- Medical expenses
- Any services not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Pickup & drop details
Srinagar to Srinagar
What to bring
Things to Pack:
Clothing: Comfortable cottons for daytime, light woollens for mornings and evenings. Modest clothing for shrines - full-length trousers, covered shoulders. Women should carry a scarf. A light jacket for Shankaracharya hilltop (it's windy).
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes with grip - you'll be on stone floors, temple steps and uneven ruins. Easy slip-on shoes are ideal for sites where footwear must be removed.
Travel Essentials: Sunscreen, hat/cap, sunglasses, water bottle, power bank, basic medicines, hand sanitiser.
Documents: Photo ID (Aadhaar/passport), printed hotel vouchers, travel insurance copy, passport-size photos (2 copies).
Optional: Camera with extra batteries, notebook for site notes, binoculars, dry fruits.
Best Time to Travel:
April to October is the main season. April–May brings mild weather (15-25°C) and the Tulip Garden opens late March–mid April. June-August is warm in Srinagar (up to 30°C) but pleasant in Pahalgam. September-October is clear and comfortable - best for photography. Saffron harvest is late October-early November. December-February is cold (0-10°C in Srinagar); some heritage sites remain open but days are short and mornings foggy.
Suitable For:
Travelers interested in history, architecture and culture - not a leisure or adventure trip. Good for families, senior citizens (moderate walking, no trekking) and anyone who wants to understand Kashmir beyond the postcards. Not suitable for travelers who want skiing, trekking or long drives into remote valleys.
Travel Pace:
Relaxed to moderate. Maximum driving day is Srinagar-Pahalgam (2.5–3 hours). Most days involve 2–4 hours of walking through sites. No early starts except Day 4 (Mattan) which begins at 8 AM.
Accommodation:
Srinagar: 1 night deluxe houseboat + 1 night 3-star hotel (twin/triple sharing). Pahalgam: 3-star hotel (twin/triple sharing). Upgrades to 4-star properties available on request. Houseboats vary significantly in quality - we only work with properties we've inspected.
Transport:
Shared AC Tempo Traveller (12–15 seats) or SUV (Innova/Similar) depending on group size. The vehicle is shared with the group throughout. For old-city lanes (Jama Masjid, Khanqah-e-Moula), the vehicle drops you at the nearest motorable point and you walk - downtown Srinagar's lanes are too narrow for large vehicles.
Meals:
Breakfast and dinner included. Lunches are not included - budget ₹200–₹400 per person per lunch. Srinagar has plenty of Mughlai and Kashmiri restaurants near Dal Gate and Lal Chowk. Vegetarian and Jain options available; inform us in advance. Alcohol is not widely available in Kashmir - if you want a drink, arrange it through your hotel in advance.
Important Notes:
Carry government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, driving licence) for all travelers.
Modest clothing required at all shrines and mosques - shoulders and knees covered. Women should carry a scarf for shrine visits.
Shoes must be removed at mosque and temple entrances. Carry socks if the stone is cold.
Jama Masjid is crowded on Fridays for midday prayers - plan around it.
Shankaracharya Temple requires climbing 240 steps; not suitable for those with knee or heart conditions.
Martand Sun Temple and Awantipora are ASI-protected sites - no guides on site. Do not touch or climb on the ruins.
Mobile connectivity: Jio and Airtel work well in Srinagar and Pahalgam. Postpaid SIMs only for outside travelers - prepaid SIMs from other states may not work in J&K.
Drone flying requires permission from the Directorate of Civil Aviation, J&K.
Do not photograph military installations, checkpoints or personnel.
Seasonal Considerations:
Spring (March-May): Tulip Garden opens late March–mid April. Mild weather. Best for gardens and old-city walks.
Summer (June-August): Warm in Srinagar (up to 30°C), pleasant in Pahalgam. Peak tourist season. Book 4–6 weeks ahead.
Autumn (September-November): Clear skies, cooler nights. Saffron harvest late October. Chinar trees turn red in November. Best for photography.
Winter (December-February): Cold (0-10°C), morning fog. Some sites have shorter hours. Carry heavy woollens. Fewer crowds.
Customization:
Extend to Gulmarg for a day trip (Gondola and meadows)
Add a night in Pahalgam and skip the return to Srinagar
Add Sonmarg for a day trip
Upgrade to 4-star properties in Srinagar
Add a guided old-city heritage walk with a local historian
Add a Kashmiri cooking class in Srinagar
Reduce to 4 days / 3 nights by skipping Pahalgam
Cancellation & refund policy
Cancellation, Amendment & Refund Policy
1. Booking Confirmation & Advance Payment
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.
2. Cancellation Policy
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 Charges
| 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 |
3. Non-Refundable Components
The following components shall be strictly non-refundable once confirmed:
- Flight/train tickets (if applicable)
- Visa fees
- Permit charges
- Peak season hotel bookings
- Houseboat bookings during high season
- Adventure/activity tickets
- Any special event or festive season supplement
- Service fees, processing fees, and convenience charges
The company reserves the right to deduct supplier-imposed cancellation charges in addition to the above retention charges wherever applicable.
4. Amendment / Rescheduling Policy
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.
5. No Show Policy
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:
- 100% of the total booking amount shall be forfeited
- No refund, amendment, or credit note shall be applicable
- Unused services, early departures, or missed sightseeing tours shall not qualify for any refund.
6. Force Majeure / Unforeseen Circumstances
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:
- Natural disasters
- Floods, snowfall, landslides, road blockages
- Political unrest, strikes, curfews
- Flight cancellations or operational disruptions
- Pandemic-related restrictions
- Government orders or travel advisories
Under such circumstances:
- Refunds, if any, shall strictly depend upon recoveries received from hotels, transporters, and other suppliers.
- Administrative, processing, and operational charges shall remain non-refundable.
- The company reserves the absolute right to alter itineraries in the interest of guest safety and operational feasibility.
7. Refund Policy
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.
8. Pricing & Supplier Protection Clause
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.
9. Jurisdiction
Any dispute arising in relation to bookings, payments, or services shall be subject to the jurisdiction of courts located in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir only.
10. Hotel Damage & Liability Clause
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.
11. Guest Conduct Policy
Guests are expected to maintain respectful and lawful behavior throughout the tour. Any misconduct including but not limited to:
- Abuse towards staff/drivers/hotel employees
- Illegal activities
- Consumption of prohibited substances
- Damage to public or private property
- Disturbance to other guests
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.
12. Payment Default Clause
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:
- Release of hotel bookings
- Suspension of services
- Denial of check-in/check-out assistance
- Cancellation of transport arrangements without further liability on the company.
In case of delayed payments:
- The company reserves the right to levy interest/late payment charges.
- Any supplier penalties arising due to delayed payment shall be recoverable from the booking agent/client.
- Vouchers and confirmations issued prior to full payment shall remain provisional until payment realization.
13. Peak Season / Blackout Cancellation Policy
The following periods shall be treated as Peak Season / Blackout Dates:
- Christmas & New Year
- Eid Holidays
- Long weekends
- National holidays
- Heavy snowfall periods
- Festival dates
- Any dates specifically notified by the company
During these periods:
- Hotel bookings, transport services, and houseboats may carry stricter cancellation terms imposed by suppliers.
- Certain bookings may become completely non-refundable immediately after confirmation.
- Advance payments during blackout periods may be non-transferable and non-adjustable.
- The company reserves the right to apply special cancellation policies for peak dates irrespective of the standard cancellation policy mentioned above.
14. Kashmir Weather / Snowfall Disclaimer
Kashmir is a weather-sensitive destination and operations may be affected due to:
- Snowfall
- Landslides
- Road closures
- Avalanches
- Traffic restrictions
- Flight disruptions
- Government-imposed movement restrictions
Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be responsible for:
- Non-availability of sightseeing
- Gondola closure
- Missed flights/trains
- Route diversions
- Hotel changes caused by weather conditions
- Delay or cancellation of activities due to snowfall or road blockage
Additional expenses arising due to:
- Extra hotel nights
- Alternative transport
- Route changes
- Vehicle chain charges during snow
- Flight rescheduling
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.
15. Supplier Substitution Clause
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.
16. B2B Confidentiality Clause
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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"The tour covers Mughal gardens (Nishat, Shalimar, Chashme Shahi), Jama Masjid (1394 CE), Khanqah-e-Moula (14th-century Sufi shrine), Hazratbal Dargah, Shankaracharya Temple (9th century), Awantipora ruins (9th-century Vishnu and Shiva temples), Mamaleshwar Temple in Pahalgam, and the Martand Sun Temple in Mattan (8th century, Karkota dynasty). It's the most comprehensive heritage circuit in the valley."
"Yes, mostly. Walking is moderate - 2-4 hours per day on stone floors and uneven ruins. Shankaracharya Temple involves 240 steps, which seniors with knee or heart conditions should skip; the outer platform is reachable by road but the final climb is steep. The rest of the sites are accessible with normal fitness. We pace the days to allow rest."
"April-May and September-October are the best months - mild weather, clear skies, comfortable walking. The Tulip Garden opens late March-mid April. Saffron blooms in Pampore in late October-early November. Avoid July-August if you can - monsoon rain makes ruins slippery and old-city lanes muddy. December–February is cold but sites are less crowded."
"Awantipora and Martand Sun Temple are ASI-protected sites with no guides on site. Mughal gardens and Shankaracharya Temple have local guides available at the entrance for a fee (~₹200–₹500). Jama Masjid and Khanqah-e-Moula do not have formal guides. If you want a deeper historical walkthrough, we can arrange a local historian for the old-city leg at extra cost."
"Modest clothing is required - shoulders and knees covered at all shrines and mosques. Women should carry a scarf for shrine visits. Shoes must be removed at mosque and temple entrances. Carry socks if the stone is cold. At Shankaracharya Temple, non-Hindus are not allowed inside the sanctum, but the outer platform is open to all."
"Breakfast and dinner are included on all days. Lunches are not included - budget ₹200–₹400 per person per lunch at local restaurants. Vegetarian and Jain food is available at all hotels we use; inform us in advance. Kashmiri cuisine includes both vegetarian (nadru monje, haak saag, rajma) and non-vegetarian (rogan josh, gushtaba, yakhni) options."
"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. Certain components (permits, peak-season hotel and houseboat bookings, 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."