
Starting from
On Request
Arrive at Srinagar Airport (SXR) by midday and transfer to your heated 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. After check-in and lunch on board, do a gear check with your coordinator - most adventure gear (skis, snowboards, boots, poles, helmets, gaiters) is rented in Gulmarg, but personal layers and thermals you must bring. A short winter shikara ride at dusk if the channels are navigable (45-60 minutes). If the lake is frozen at the edges, walk the Boulevard instead. Dinner on the houseboat. Briefing on the next four days: ski school timing, snow trek route, and weather contingency.
Places & Experiences:
Dal Lake houseboat stay (walnut-wood interiors, bukhari or electric heating)
Winter shikara ride (weather-permitting, 45-60 minutes)
Boulevard Road walk
Gear check and adventure briefing
Travel Flow: Afternoon arrival → houseboat check-in → gear check and briefing → dusk shikara → dinner on houseboat
Overnight: Srinagar (Deluxe heated houseboat, double/twin sharing)
Meals: Dinner
Important: Confirm your houseboat has 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. Personal thermals, waterproof gloves, and snow boots must be packed by you - rental only covers technical ski/snowboard gear.
Leave Srinagar by 7:00 AM. The drive climbs through Tangmarg and then up a switchback - in heavy snow, the last 12 km 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. Check in to your hotel, then head to the lower slopes around the Gulmarg Golf Course - one of the highest 18-hole courses in the world - for ski school Day 1. Beginner classes cover basic stance, snowplough, and turning; intermediate sessions move to the tree runs. Half-day lessons cost approximately ₹1,500-₹3,000 depending on instructor and group size. Non-skiers can book a snowshoe trail or sledge session. Evening at the hotel - hot food, early night.
Places & Experiences:
Ski school on lower slopes (~₹1,500-₹3,000 per half day)
Gear rental - skis, snowboard, boots, poles, helmet (~₹800-₹2,000 per day)
Snowshoe trail with local guide (~₹1,000-₹2,000 per person)
Sledge rides (~₹500-₹1,500)
Gulmarg Golf Course under snow
Travel Flow: Early morning drive → Tangmarg chain/4x4 point → Gulmarg check-in → afternoon ski school Day 1 → evening at hotel
Overnight: Gulmarg (4-star or boutique hotel with central heating, double/twin 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. Book ski school and gear rentals early in peak season - the best instructors and equipment go quickly in January and February. Ski school fees and gear rentals are payable directly to operators.
Second full adventure day. Advanced beginners and intermediates can progress to Gondola Phase 1 (Kongdoori, 3,080 m) - weather-permitting - and ski the tree runs down to Gulmarg. Phase 2 (to Apharwat, 3,980 m) is ski-only in winter and does not carry leisure tourists; it requires a local guide and backcountry awareness. Beginners continue on the lower slopes with a second day of ski school. Afternoon options: a guided snowshoe trek into the pine forest behind the golf course, sledge runs, or a short snow walk on the meadow. Evening at the hotel - this is the second of two Gulmarg nights, so make the most of the snow.
Places & Experiences:
Gondola Phase 1 to Kongdoori (3,080 m) - weather-permitting, ski access
Second ski school session (~₹1,500-₹3,000 per half day)
Guided snowshoe trek (~₹1,000-₹2,000 per person)
Sledge rides (~₹500-₹1,500)
Optional: spa at Khyber Himalayan Resort
Travel Flow: Early breakfast → gear up → morning ski session or gondola → lunch on the mountain → afternoon snow activity → return to hotel by dusk
Overnight: Gulmarg (4-star or boutique hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: Avalanche risk at Apharwat is real. Phase 2 (3,980 m) is ski-only in winter - do not attempt it without a local guide who knows the current snowpack. Do not ski beyond marked boundaries or into closed zones. Weather cancellations of Phase 1 are common - have a backup plan (snowshoe, sledge, spa day).
Leave Gulmarg by 7:30 AM and drive to Doodhpathri (2,730 m) in Budgam district - a meadow valley that's quieter than Gulmarg in summer and practically empty in winter. Snow trek here for 1.5-2 hours with a local guide - the trail follows the frozen Doodh Ganga stream, passing shepherd huts and pine forest. This is a moderate snow trek, not technical, but requires snow boots, gaiters, and warm layers. After the trek, continue to Pahalgam (2,130 m) - a longer driving day (total ~4.5-5 hours with the trek stop). Arrive in Pahalgam by late afternoon. Evening at the riverside resort - hot food, early night. Chandanwari road is closed in winter, and Betaab/Aru may be inaccessible, so this day is about the trek, not the valley circuit.
Places & Experiences:
Doodhpathri meadow and Doodh Ganga stream (snow trek, 1.5-2 hours)
Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani shrine (short walk uphill, if accessible)
Pahalgam Lidder River walk (evening)
Pahalgam snow-covered golf course walk
Travel Flow: Early drive from Gulmarg → Doodhpathri snow trek → lunch en route (packed) → afternoon drive to Pahalgam → Lidder evening walk → resort dinner
Overnight: Pahalgam (4-star hotel or luxury riverside resort, heated rooms, double/twin sharing)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Important: Doodhpathri road can be snowbound or slushy in January–February - check with your driver before committing. The snow trek requires proper footwear; sneakers will not work. If Doodhpathri is inaccessible, we substitute a lower-altitude trek in the Pahalgam pine forest or a Yousmarg detour. Chandanwari road is closed in winter - do not expect the Amarnath route.
Slow morning in Pahalgam - a final snow walk along the Lidder, a short trail into the pine forest, or a slow breakfast at the resort. Check out after breakfast and drive back to Srinagar, arriving by early afternoon. If your flight is in the late 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 documented pattern of morning cancellations in December-January, so book afternoon departures where possible. If your flight is cancelled due to fog, we assist with hotel rebooking but additional costs are borne by the guest.
Places & Experiences:
Pahalgam morning snow walk
Government Arts Emporium (optional)
Lal Chowk (optional, if time permits)
Travel Flow: Morning Pahalgam snow walk → drive to Srinagar → optional shopping → airport drop
Overnight: None
Meals: Breakfast
Srinagar to Srinagar
Things to Pack:
Clothing: Thermal inners (4 sets), fleece mid-layers, down jacket, waterproof and windproof outer shell, woollen sweaters, warm trousers (not jeans - they stay cold when wet), 4 pairs of woollen socks, waterproof gloves, woolen cap, scarf, balaclava, gaiters for the snow trek.
Ski Gear (personal): Ski socks, helmet liner, goggles. Rent skis, snowboard, boots, poles, and helmet in Gulmarg.
Footwear: Waterproof snow boots with good grip - mandatory for the Doodhpathri snow trek. Rent in Gulmarg if you don't want to pack. 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, blister patches), hand warmers, insulated water bottle.
Documents: Photo ID (Aadhaar/passport), printed hotel vouchers, travel insurance copy (strongly recommended - especially for adventure activities), passport-size photos (2 copies).
Optional: Camera with extra batteries and dry bag, action camera for ski footage, dry fruits and energy bars, a good book for hotel evenings.
Best Time to Travel:
December to February is the winter adventure window. January is the coldest and snowiest - Gulmarg drops to -10°C, receives the deepest powder, and ski school is at its peak. February is slightly warmer and often the best balance between snow quality and comfort. Late December is busy with Christmas/New Year crowds - book 8-10 weeks ahead. This is not a March package - the lower-altitude snow at Doodhpathri and Pahalgam melts by early March, and the ski season thins out.
Suitable For:
Travellers with reasonable fitness who want real snow under their boots - skiing, snow trekking, sledge, snowshoeing. Beginners are welcome - ski school takes first-timers at Gulmarg. Not suitable for travellers who can't handle sub-zero temperatures, or who want a relaxed sightseeing trip - this is an active itinerary with 4-5 hours of physical activity per day. Not suitable for children under 10 or for seniors with knee/heart conditions.
Travel Pace:
Moderate to challenging. Two full ski/snow activity days at Gulmarg, one snow trek at Doodhpathri, and one long driving day (Gulmarg-Doodhpathri-Pahalgam, ~4.5–5 hours with the trek stop). Winter slows everything - road clearance, ski school logistics, and avalanche checks. Expect early starts on Days 2 and 4.
Accommodation:
Srinagar: 1 night heated houseboat (double/twin sharing). Gulmarg: 2 nights 4-star or boutique hotel with central heating - critical for two consecutive nights at 2,650 m in winter. 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.
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. Doodhpathri road may require a local 4x4 in heavy snow — also included.
Meals:
Breakfast and dinner included. Packed lunch on Day 4 (Doodhpathri trek). Lunches on other days not included - budget ₹400-₹800 per person. Gulmarg has mountain cafés and hotel restaurants (pricier than Srinagar). 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.
Important Notes:
Avalanche risk at Apharwat is real. Phase 2 (3,980 m) is ski-only in winter - do not attempt it without a local guide who knows the current snowpack.
Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2 is ski-only in winter. Phase 1 (3,080 m) operates weather-permitting and takes skiers and non-skiers to Kongdoori.
Winter road restrictions: Tangmarg-Gulmarg may be restricted to local 4x4s in heavy snow. Doodhpathri road can be snowbound or slushy - we include a 4x4 backup.
Srinagar Airport fog: December-January morning fog frequently delays or cancels flights. Book afternoon departures where possible, build a buffer day.
Ski gear: Rent in Gulmarg - shops at the base and near the gondola have skis, snowboards, boots, and helmets. Book early in peak season.
Snow trek fitness: Doodhpathri snow trek is 1.5-2 hours on uneven terrain at 2,730 m. Reasonable fitness required. Snow boots, gaiters, and warm layers mandatory.
Travel insurance: Strongly recommended for winter adventure trips - covers avalanche/weather-related cancellations, medical emergencies, and evacuation.
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 ₹12,000-₹18,000 in cash for ski rentals, lift passes, and incidentals.
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. Heaviest snowfall. Best for powder skiing and snow trekking. Ski school at peak demand.
February: Slightly warmer. Srinagar 0-10°C, Gulmarg -8°C to 5°C. Good snow cover, marginally better road conditions. Often the sweet spot for this itinerary.
March: Transition month. Snow melts at lower altitudes. Doodhpathri snow trek becomes unreliable. Gulmarg upper mountain still skiable. This package is best December–February.
Customization:
Extend by 1 night in Gulmarg for a third ski day or a spa day at the Khyber
Add a guided Apharwat backcountry day for advanced skiers (with local guide)
Add a private ski instructor for the full 3-day Gulmarg leg
Add a night in Srinagar for old-city heritage and a Wazwan tasting dinner
Upgrade to the Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa in Gulmarg
Add a private photographer for a snow shoot in Gulmarg or Doodhpathri
Reduce to 4 days / 3 nights by skipping Pahalgam and Doodhpathri
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 - Gulmarg's ski school takes first-time beginners, and half-day lessons on the lower slopes around the golf course cover basic stance, snowplough, and turning. Lessons cost approximately ₹1,500-₹3,000 per half day, and gear rental is separate (~₹800-₹2,000 per day). Two ski school days is enough for most beginners to ski a green run confidently by the end of the trip."
"It's a moderate 1.5-2 hour snow trek at 2,730 m, following the frozen Doodh Ganga stream through pine forest and past shepherd huts. Not technical - no ropes, no crampons, no glacier - but you'll be walking on uneven snow, so proper snow boots, gaiters, and warm layers are mandatory. Sneakers will not work. The trail is guided by a local who knows the terrain and current snow conditions."
"No - in winter (December–March), Phase 2 (Kongdoori to Apharwat, 3,980 m) is ski-only and does not carry leisure tourists. Advanced skiers with a local guide can access it for backcountry descents, but this is a separate arrangement with guide fees of ~₹3,000-₹8,000 per day. Phase 1 (Gulmarg to Kongdoori, 3,080 m) is open to skiers and non-skiers, weather-permitting."
"Rent in Gulmarg - you don't need to bring skis, snowboards, boots, poles, or helmets from home. Shops at the Gulmarg base and near the gondola rent gear at approximately ₹800-₹2,000 per day depending on quality. Bring your own ski socks, helmet liner, and goggles if you have them. Book gear early in peak season (January–February) - the best equipment goes quickly"
"Weather cancellations are common in Kashmir winters - snowstorms, avalanche warnings, or heavy fog can shut ski school, Gondola Phase 1, or the Doodhpathri road. We reschedule to the next available day or substitute a lower-altitude activity (sledge, snowshoe, Pahalgam snow walk). No refund is applicable for unused services due to weather, but the group is not charged extra for the rescheduled activity or the 4x4 backup."
"This package works for both - the activities (ski school, snow trek, sledge) are booked on a per-person basis, and the private vehicle and accommodation are yours regardless of whether you're one traveller or four. If you're travelling solo, single occupancy is available. Tell us at booking so we coordinate ski school and the Doodhpathri guide accordingly."
"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 bookings (Christmas, New Year, January-February ski season) 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."