
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. The group assembles over an early dinner for a briefing: tomorrow's departure time for Gulmarg, the chain/4x4 situation at Tangmarg, and what to carry. Winter shikara rides are shorter (45-60 minutes) and quieter than summer - if the channels are navigable, take one before dusk; if the edges have frozen over, walk Boulevard Road instead. Dinner on the houseboat. Kashmiri harissa (slow-cooked mutton porridge) is a winter specialty - request it in advance.
Places & Experiences:
Dal Lake houseboat stay (walnut-wood interiors, bukhari or electric heating)
Winter shikara ride (weather-permitting, 45-60 minutes)
Boulevard Road walk
Group briefing on winter route logistics
Travel Flow: Afternoon arrival → houseboat check-in → shikara or Boulevard walk → dinner and group briefing
Overnight: Srinagar (Deluxe heated 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. Confirm heating at the houseboat before booking - many budget properties lack it, and Srinagar nights drop to -2°C in January. We only book heated properties.
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. Phase 1 of the Gondola (to Kongdoori, 3,080 m) runs in winter weather-permitting; Phase 2 (to Apharwat, 3,980 m) is ski-only and does not carry leisure tourists. Non-skiers can sledge, snowshoe, or walk the snow-covered golf course - one of the highest 18-hole courses in the world. Return to Srinagar by early evening before afternoon fog settles on the valley road.
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: Early morning drive → Tangmarg chain/4x4 point → Gulmarg arrival → snow activities → return to Srinagar by evening
Overnight: Srinagar (Deluxe heated houseboat or 3-star hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: Phase 2 Gondola is ski-only in winter - do not expect to ride to Apharwat as a leisure tourist. Gondola tickets are not included (~₹800-₹1,700 per person). Weather cancellations of Phase 1 are common - have a backup plan (sledge, snowshoe, meadow walk). In heavy snow, private vehicles may be restricted on Tangmarg-Gulmarg - we arrange the local 4x4 switch at no extra cost to the group.
Leave Srinagar by 8:00 AM. The drive south passes through Pampore - the saffron fields are dormant in winter but the karewa plateau views are clear - then Awantipora with its 9th-century Vishnu temple ruins (ASI-protected, free entry). Continue through Bijbehara and arrive in Pahalgam (2,130 m) by early afternoon. Chandanwari road is closed in winter, and Betaab/Aru access depends on snow clearance. The Lidder River runs fast and clear even in December. Walk the riverside trail, sit by the river with kahwa, and let the valley go quiet. Overnight in Pahalgam.
Places & Experiences:
Pampore karewa plateau views
Awantipora ruins (9th-century Vishnu temple, ASI-protected)
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 hotel
Overnight: Pahalgam (3-star hotel or riverside resort, heated rooms)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: Chandanwari is closed in winter. Betaab and Aru access depends on snow clearance - check 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 - that is the point of a winter trip.
Full day in Pahalgam at winter pace. If the union taxis are running and the roads have been cleared, visit Betaab Valley (entry ~₹100 per person) and Aru Valley (entry ~₹100 per person) - both under snow, both quieter than summer. If roads are snowbound, take a guided snow walk with a local operator or stay by the Lidder. The Pahalgam Golf Course (18 holes, at 2,130 m) is snow-covered and worth a walk through. Return to the resort by evening for hot food and an early night.
Places & Experiences:
Betaab Valley (entry ~₹100 per person, access snow-dependent)
Aru Valley (entry ~₹100 per person, access snow-dependent)
Pahalgam Golf Course (snow-covered walk)
Lidder River trail
Optional snow walk with local guide
Travel Flow: Morning union taxi circuit or snow walk → lunch in Pahalgam → afternoon Lidder trail or resort rest → evening at leisure
Overnight: Pahalgam (3-star hotel or riverside resort)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: Local union taxis are mandatory for Betaab and Aru - your tour vehicle stays at the hotel. In winter, union taxis operate on a reduced schedule - check availability the night before. Union charges (~₹1,500-₹2,500 per vehicle round trip) are shared across the group and not included in the package.
Check out after breakfast and drive back to Srinagar, arriving by early afternoon. Spend the afternoon on Srinagar's old-city heritage circuit: Jama Masjid (built 1394 by Sultan Sikandar - 378 deodar pillars, courtyard that holds thousands), Khanqah-e-Moula (14th-century Sufi shrine on the Jhelum, entirely Kashmiri wooden architecture with no nails), and Hazratbal Dargah on the western shore of Dal Lake. Return to the houseboat or hotel by evening. Dinner and final group evening.
Places & Experiences:
Jama Masjid (378 deodar pillars, 1394 CE)
Khanqah-e-Moula (Sufi shrine, 14th century)
Hazratbal Dargah (relic shrine on Dal Lake)
Government Arts Emporium (fixed-price handicrafts, optional)
Travel Flow: Morning drive to Srinagar → afternoon old-city circuit → evening at houseboat
Overnight: Srinagar (Deluxe heated houseboat or 3-star hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: Modest clothing required at all shrines - shoulders and knees covered. Women should carry a scarf. Shoes off at mosque entrances. On Fridays, Jama Masjid is crowded for midday prayers - we plan the visit for late afternoon.
Check out after breakfast and transfer to 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 later, add a stop at the Government Arts Emporium near Lal Chowk.
Places & Experiences:
Government Arts Emporium (optional)
Travel Flow: Morning checkout → airport transfer
Overnight: None
Meals: Breakfast
Srinagar to Srinagar
Things to Pack:
Clothing: Thermal inners (3 sets), 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, waterproof gloves, woolen caps, scarves.
Footwear: Waterproof snow boots with good grip. Rent in Gulmarg if you don't want to pack them. Sandals or slip-ons for hotel.
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 bottle.
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. January is the coldest and snowiest - Srinagar drops to -2°C to -5°C, Gulmarg to -10°C, and Dal Lake's edges freeze. 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. This is a group departure, so dates are fixed; contact us for the current winter departure calendar.
Suitable For:
Families with children over 8, couples, and groups of friends who want the winter Kashmir essentials without the summer crowds. 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 to moderate. Maximum driving day is Srinagar-Pahalgam (2.5-3.5 hours in snow). Gulmarg is a day trip (1.5-2.5 hours each way). Winter slows everything - road clearance, gondola operations, and sightseeing. Expect delays and build buffers.
Accommodation:
Srinagar: 3 nights heated houseboat or 3-star hotel (twin/triple sharing). Pahalgam: 2 nights 3-star hotel or riverside resort with heated rooms. Houseboats in winter are quieter but colder - we only book properties with functioning bukhari or electric heating. Upgrades to 4-star properties available on request.
Transport:
Shared heated SUV or Tempo Traveller 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. Local union taxis apply at Pahalgam for Betaab and Aru if accessible - payable separately, shared across the group.
Meals:
Breakfast and dinner included. Lunches are not included - budget ₹300–₹600 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. 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 group departure. Group size is capped at 12-15 travelers. Fixed dates are non-negotiable - if you need flexibility, ask us about a custom version.
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. This group departure does not operate after February - our winter group season ends in late February.
Customization:
Extend by 1-2 nights in Gulmarg for skiing or snowboarding
Add a night in Srinagar for old-city heritage and a Wazwan tasting dinner
Upgrade to 4-star properties (Lalit Grand Palace, Vivanta Dal View)
Add a private photographer for a group snow shoot in Gulmarg
Convert to a private custom itinerary (non-group, own vehicle) at extra cost
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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"Winter group departures run from mid-December through late February, with fixed dates typically every 7-10 days. Group size is capped at 12-15 travelers. Contact us for the current departure calendar and available seats. If you need dates outside the fixed calendar or a private group, we can convert this to a custom package at a revised rate."
"Yes - this itinerary is designed for families. The itinerary is paced with two nights each in Srinagar and Pahalgam, avoiding long single-day drives. Recommended minimum age is 8. Children need proper winter gear - thermal inners, down jackets, waterproof snow boots, gloves, and woolen caps. Gulmarg and Pahalgam can drop to -10°C in January, so pack accordingly."
"Dal Lake's edges freeze in January and early February, but the main channels usually remain navigable - the shikara operators break ice early each morning. On exceptionally cold days, the lake freezes more broadly and rides are suspended. If the lake is not navigable, we substitute a walk along Boulevard Road and the Mughal gardens. Winter rides are shorter (45-60 minutes) and much quieter than summer."
"No. In winter, Phase 2 (Kongdoori to Apharwat, 3,980 m) is reserved for skiers only and does not carry leisure tourists. Phase 1 (Gulmarg to Kongdoori, 3,080 m) operates weather-permitting and takes non-skiers to the Kongdoori bowl. Phase 1 tickets cost approximately ₹800-₹1,200 in winter. Book online through the J&K Cable Car Corporation website - tickets sell out on clear days."
"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 reschedule Gulmarg to the next available day or substitute an alternative Srinagar sightseeing day. No refund is applicable for unused services due to weather, but the group is not charged extra for the 4x4 switch."
"Srinagar Airport (SXR) has a documented pattern of morning fog delays and cancellations in December-January. Afternoon departures are significantly more reliable. We recommend booking return flights after 12 PM where possible, and keeping at least one buffer day before your return flight. If your flight is cancelled, we assist with hotel rebooking, but additional costs are borne by the guest. Travel insurance helps here."
"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, long weekends) 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."