Best Kashmir Tour Plan, A Traveler’s Personal Guide

It started like most of my trips do — with a restless heart and a tired mind. I was scrolling through my phone one evening, and the same thought kept coming back: I need a break, a real one. Somewhere quiet. Somewhere that feels like it belongs to the sky.

That’s when Kashmir appeared again in my search results, like a familiar face. I had seen countless photos of the valley — the green meadows, the snow-capped peaks, the houseboats floating like dreams on Dal Lake. But I didn’t want just a picture-perfect trip. I wanted a real experience. A journey that would stay with me long after the camera was put away.

The Search Begins: Finding the Right Guide for Kashmir

I started my search like any modern traveler — typing “best Kashmir tour plan” and “Kashmir package from Srinagar” into Google. I wanted a guide that felt trustworthy, not just expensive. A company that felt like a friend, not a sales pitch.

That’s when I found Indeed Holidays.

Their Google reviews stood out. Not just the ratings — but the stories. Real travelers sharing real experiences. The kind of reviews that don’t sound scripted. I read them like a novel, and by the end, I felt like I already knew the people behind the company.

The more I read, the more confident I became. I decided to call them.

The First Call: A Calm Voice in a Busy World

I still remember the voice on the other side of the line — calm, patient, and reassuring. Binsha, from customer support, answered my questions without rushing. She didn’t push packages or try to upsell me. She simply listened.

When I told her I wanted a peaceful, solo trip — something quiet and soulful — she suggested a 6 Nights / 7 Days itinerary, starting from Srinagar. She explained the plan with clarity and gave me options based on my budget.

I felt a sense of relief. For the first time, my trip didn’t feel like a task. It felt like a promise.

Packing for Kashmir: The First Excitement

I packed my bag with the kind of careful excitement that only happens when you truly want something. I kept it light but prepared:

• Warm layers for nights
• Comfortable shoes for walking
• A camera with a full battery
• A notebook for the thoughts I knew I would have
• I was ready for Kashmir — but I didn’t know I was also ready for something deeper.
• The Arrival: Srinagar’s Quiet Welcome

When I landed in Srinagar, the air felt different — fresher, cooler, and somehow softer. The city wasn’t loud. It didn’t rush. It simply existed, like a calm story waiting to be told.

I was greeted by my driver, Saleem, who had a warm smile and a gentle sense of humor. He helped me into the car, and we started the drive towards the hotel.

The roads were winding, but the scenery was steady and breathtaking. Snow-capped peaks in the distance, lush green fields, and rivers that looked like ribbons of silver.

The First Night: A Houseboat That Felt Like Home

The first night was the moment I understood why Kashmir feels magical.

The houseboat floated gently on Dal Lake, and the water looked like a dark mirror reflecting the stars. There was no loud noise, no city chaos — just the soft sound of water and the gentle rocking of the boat.

I sat by the window, feeling like time had slowed down. It was one of those rare moments when you feel perfectly present — like you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

The next morning, the Mughal Gardens looked like a painted dream. The flowers were blooming in colors so bright they felt unreal, and the air smelled like fresh earth and spring.

My First Kashmir Trip: A Solo Journey That Felt Like a Story

On my first trip, I was both excited and nervous. Kashmir can feel overwhelming if you don’t know the local rhythm. That’s when Irfan, my guide from Indeed Holidays, made everything feel safe and simple.

He was calm, patient, and seemed to know the valley like the back of his hand. He explained every place with a story — not just facts. He made me feel like Kashmir wasn’t a destination, but a living memory.

I remember walking through the Mughal Gardens and feeling like I was in a dream that I didn’t want to wake up from. The air felt fresher, the colors brighter, and the world quieter. Even the people I met seemed calmer, as if the valley had a gentle influence on everyone.

The Honeymoon Trip: Love in the Mountains

A few years later, I returned to Kashmir — but this time, not alone. It was my honeymoon, and I wanted it to be special.

This time, I booked through Indeed Holidays again. I had trusted them before, and I wanted that same sense of comfort. The difference was, I wanted luxury. I wanted to feel pampered and peaceful.

So I chose 4-star and 5-star stays:

Taj Srinagar for the first nights

Khyber Gulmarg for the mountain stay

Pine & Peak Pahalgam for the valley nights

The difference was clear. The rooms were elegant, the service was smooth, and every detail felt thoughtful. But what made the trip truly special was the feeling of being in Kashmir with someone you love — the valley suddenly feels even more magical.

Instead of Sonamarg this time, we visited Doodhpathri, and it felt like a hidden dream. The meadows were wide and soft, and the air smelled like fresh grass. It was quieter than Sonamarg, and the peacefulness felt like a private secret.

We also stayed longer in two places:

Two extra days in Pahalgam, because the valley felt like a place where time should slow down.

Two nights in Gulmarg, because we couldn’t get enough of the mountains and the fresh air.

That trip taught me something important:
Kashmir is not meant to be rushed. The best moments happen when you allow yourself to stay longer.

The Family Trip: Simple, Comfortable, and Full of Joy

On my third trip, I traveled with my family. This time, I kept it simple. I didn’t want to push anyone too hard or try to fit too much into the plan.

We stuck to the main attractions:

• Srinagar
• Gulmarg
• Pahalgam
• Sonamarg

We booked 3-star accommodations through Indeed Holidays, and it was perfect. Comfortable, clean, and just enough for a family who wanted to enjoy the beauty without stress.

The best part of this trip was the feeling of watching my family experience Kashmir for the first time. The children were excited at every new view, and my parents were calm, enjoying the peace of the valley.

It was a different kind of happiness — not the romantic kind, but the kind that comes from being together.

The Shopping Story: A Local Store That Felt Like Home

One of my favorite memories from Kashmir is shopping at Ahmad & Sons — a famous local store in Srinagar known for authentic Kashmiri handicrafts.

I walked in expecting to see the usual souvenirs, but what I found was something else entirely. The store was filled with beautiful Pashmina shawls, carpets, and embroidered pieces. The owners were friendly and patient, showing me different designs and explaining the craftsmanship.

I remember buying a Pashmina shawl and feeling the softness of the fabric. It felt like holding a piece of Kashmir in my hands. They also helped me choose the best saffron, and I left with a bag full of gifts and a heart full of warmth.

That day I realized Kashmir is not only beautiful — it’s also incredibly generous.

My Best Tour Plan for Kashmir Based On 6 Years of Memories & Experiences

What I Learned About Kashmir?

Here are the real things I learned over six years of travel:

✔ Weather Changes Fast

Even in summer, nights can be cold. Always carry warm layers.

✔ Travel is Best by Road

Road trips are part of the experience. The views are the journey.

✔ Food is Warm & Rich

Kashmiri food feels like comfort in a bowl. Try Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and Kashmiri Kehwa.

✔ Shopping is Worth It

Buy Pashmina, saffron, and handicrafts from trusted shops.

✔ Safety Matters

If there’s any disturbance, don’t push it. Reschedule if needed. It’s not worth risking, andif  you are already there approach your local tour operator immidately and lsiten to them, they have real experience on ground that is why i suggest book through a local tour operator, they know the place better and are the only people who can help on ground there.

Kashmir Tour Cost (Realistic Pricing)

Package Type	Approx Cost (per person)	Includes
Budget	₹13,500	Basic hotels, shared cab, simple meals
Standard	₹19,000 – ₹28,000	4-star hotels, private cab, meals
Luxury	₹34,000 – ₹48,000	5-star hotels, premium houseboat, private guide

Here’s a simple idea of what a 6 Nights / 7 Days Kashmir trip can cost:

After all my trips — solo, family, honeymoon — I believe the best Kashmir tour plan is:

6 Nights / 7 Days (Srinagar → Sonamarg → Gulmarg → Pahalgam → Srinagar)

This plan gives you: nough time to relax the major attractions a calm pace real Kashmir experience.

Day	Place	Best Experience
Day 1	Srinagar	Houseboat + Mughal Gardens + Dal Lake
Day 2	Sonamarg	Thajiwas Glacier & scenic drive
Day 3	Gulmarg	Gondola ride & meadows
Day 4	Pahalgam	Valley views & river walks
Day 5	Pahalgam	Aru Valley + Betaab Valley + Baisaran
Day 6	Srinagar	Shopping + Shikara ride + Houseboat
Day 7	Srinagar	Departure

So whenever a friend or a extended family member asks me about my experience in Kashmir and is it worth visiting again and again and whats the best tour plan for Kashmir  my anwser is Kashmir is a place that stays in your heart. Every trip feels like a return to a beautiful memory.
If you want a calm, meaningful trip  i tell them my stroy of the Kashmir i know and everytime i narrate my experience in Kashmir i enjoy that feel of being there and an urge to back. So if you are looking for best tour plan for kashmir i hope this helps you.

Ankita Sharma.