Kashmir · 5 Nights / 6 Days
South Kashmir: Springs & Gardens
Pahalgam and the quiet south: the Martand Sun Temple, the Mughal springs of Achabal, Kokernag and Verinag, and a night in the Daksum forest.
Duration
5 nights / 6 days
Route
Srinagar → Martand → Pahalgam → Achabal → Kokernag → Daksum → Verinag → Srinagar
Best months
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
Price
On request
Planned and run by the Falcon Trails team
Local team in Srinagar · private cab · itemised quote before you pay
Day by day
The whole itinerary, nothing withheld.
- 1
Arrive Srinagar
Pickup at the airport. Afternoon at the Mughal gardens and a sunset shikara.
Houseboat, Dal or Nigeen LakeDinner - 2
Srinagar to Pahalgam via Martand
The saffron fields of Pampore, the Avantipora ruins, and the Martand Sun Temple on its plateau above Mattan. Arrive in Pahalgam.
Hotel in PahalgamBreakfast & dinner - 3
Aru and Betaab valleys
The side valleys by local union taxi, then an afternoon by the Lidder.
Hotel in PahalgamBreakfast & dinner - 4
Achabal and Kokernag to Daksum
The Mughal garden at Achabal, the spring gardens of Kokernag, then up into the pine and fir forest at Daksum.
Guesthouse or tourist hut, DaksumBreakfast & dinner - 5
Verinag and back to Srinagar
The octagonal Mughal spring at Verinag, source of the Jhelum, then the drive back to Srinagar.
Hotel in SrinagarBreakfast & dinner - 6
Depart Srinagar
Transfer to the airport.
Breakfast
What’s included
- Hotels as per itinerary in the category you choose, on twin-sharing
- One night on a houseboat where the itinerary says so
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Private cab for all transfers and sightseeing in the itinerary
- Airport pickup and drop in Srinagar
- A shikara ride on Dal Lake
- One named trip coordinator on WhatsApp for the whole trip
Not included
- Flights or trains to and from Srinagar
- Gulmarg Gondola tickets
- Local union taxis at Pahalgam (Aru, Betaab, Chandanwari) and Sonamarg (Thajiwas, Zojila), paid on the spot at fixed rates
- Ponies, sledges, snow gear and guide fees at the resorts
- Lunches, drinks, tips and anything not listed as included
We list exclusions plainly rather than burying them. If something here matters to you, ask — most can be added to the quote.
Honest Travel Advisory
Who this South Kashmir: Springs & Gardens itinerary is NOT for
- •Simple stays in Daksum: Daksum has guesthouses and tourist huts, not resorts. Comfortable and warm, but basic.
If any of these apply to your party, speak to us and we will adapt the route.
Before you book
Questions on this itinerary.
Can we add Gulmarg?
Yes, as a day trip from Srinagar with one extra night at the start or end.
Is Martand open to visitors?
It is a protected archaeological site. Carry photo ID; we confirm access when we plan your dates.
Customise this trip
This is the template. Yours will be different.
Add a night, swap a hotel category, start from a different city, travel with fifteen people instead of two. Tell us what changes and we rebuild the itinerary and the quote around it.
Every quote comes from our own team, from the planner who will actually run your trip.