Next summer I would like to take my wife to Kashmir away from the heat in Mumbai. I am interested in finding out what Kashmir tour packages from Mumbai are available for couples. I have a Rs50000 budget and would like to find something within this. I am not sure if there are house boat packages as well, but I would be very interested in finding out about those as well.
Hi, welcome to the forum! (Images from Colin Tsoi, Divya Modani, Kashmir Pictures and Harsha Narasimhamurthy) Overview The pristine beauty of Dal Lake in Srinagar has mesmerised travellers, especially as they experienced the unparalleled shikara ride just before sunrise. The evergreen beauty of the meadows of Pahalgam transforms into a blanket of pure white snow during winter, such contrasts that give one a unique experience whichever time of the year they visit. There's Sonamarg, having landscapes similar to Switzerland, why leave India when you have such beauty already? Kashmir is aptly called the paradise on Earth, for it remains unexplored and untouched by modernisation despite being known by many travellers. It is here in Kashmir where nature dominates above it all and where you are rewarded with beautiful views, at every angle you look into. To make your trip more hassle-free and enjoyable, here's a list of the best tour operators with packages from Mumbai to Kashmir. Kashmir Tour Packages from Mumbai Thomas Cook - One of the earliest proponents of a travel agency proper is Thomas Cook, a man who hailed from England. He started the Thomas Cook travel agency in the 18th century and later, it was changed to the Thomas Cook & Son, as his son became a partner of the venture. What began as a family business is now one of the biggest travel companies in the world. Although the travel agency is now handled by C&N Touristic AG, they still maintained the earlier philosophies of the founder of the travel agency. Thomas Cook has branches all around the world and an especially extensive network in India. For Kashmir, we would highlight the different packages that they have that begin from Mumbai. 1. Simply Kashmir - This package covers Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg in seven days. Upon arrival by flight from Mumbai to Srinagar, you would be transferred to your houseboat where you can enjoy a leisurely ride amidst the floating gardens. This is also where you'd be staying for your first night in Kashmir. The next day, you'd be transferred to Pahalgam, about three hours away from Srinagar. En route, you'd be visiting the Awantipura Temple, a thousand year old temple in ruins. You can then enjoy Pahalgam at your leisure for the rest of the day. The next day, you would be toured around Pahalgam with attractions like the Betab Valley and Aru Valley. On to the next day, transfer to Gulmarg, check-in at your hotel there and also enjoy a Gondola Ropeway ride. Back to Srinagar the next day and do some sightseeing like the Mughal Gardens, Dal Lake, Shankracharya Temple and many more. The next day, enjoy a mesmerising drive to Sonamarg and visit the Thajiwas Glacier. Return back to Srinagar and along the way, visit to the Manasbal Lake and Kheer Bhawani Temple. Return back to Mumbai via flight the next day from Srinagar. This package includes both breakfast and dinner for all the days so you'd have to eat elsewhere for your lunch. Transport is already included but air-conditioning would be turned off in hilly areas. Duration - 6 Nights and 7 Days Places Covered - Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg Transport from Mumbai - Flight Accommodation - California Houseboat (Srinagar), Midway (Pahalgam), Little Silver (Gulmarg) and Hotel Akbar Inn (Srinagar) Meals - Breakfast and Dinner Transportation in Kashmir - AC Vehicle and Non AC Vehicle Other Inclusions - Entrance Fee in Mughal Gardens, Local Tour Guide, Shikara Ride and Return Air Fare Rate - Rs. 25,999 2. Exotic Kashmir - This package is priced slightly higher than the first package but it has the exact same itinerary mentioned above. It differs in a few aspects like the accommodations and entry fees inclusions. The houseboat stay is the same, a four-star houseboat in Srinagar. Unlike the one-star hotels in the first package though, the hotels in this package are all three-star ones. Hotel Paradise Inn is about half a kilometre away from the Lidder River and you can enjoy the views of the mountains from your room's window. Royal Park Resort is located at the centre of Gulmarg so you can enjoy sightseeing at your leisure. Then, the Hotel Paradise Getaway is an upbeat and modern hotel located right at the heart of Srinagar. Also included in the package rate are entry fees to the Mughal Garden and to the first phase of the Gulmarg Gondola. Therefore, choose this package if you want a bit of a luxury, especially if you're a couple who wants a serene and luxurious accommodation. Duration - 6 Nights and 7 Days Places Covered - Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg Transport from Mumbai - Flight Accommodation - California Houseboat (Srinagar), Hotel Paradise Inn (Pahalgam), Royal Park Resort (Gulmarg) and Hotel Paradise Gateway (Srinagar) Meals - Breakfast and Dinner Transportation in Kashmir - AC Vehicle and Non AC Vehicle Other Inclusions - Entrance Fee in Mughal Gardens, Entry Ticket to Phase I of Gondola in Gulmarg, Shikara Ride, Local Tour Guide and Return Air Fare Rate - Rs. 33,999 IRCTC - Yes, the IRCTC also has a tourism aspect and they offer economical packages for travellers. If you are short on budget or simply more inclined to travelling by rail, then any of these packages would suit you. You can choose between three packages but they all have the same itinerary, the difference is in the hotels and classes of seat in the train included. 1. Mumbai Jammu and Kashmir Trip (Standard) - The package begins from the Bandra Terminus Railway Station where you would be boarding the Swaraj Express Train No. 12471, an overnight journey into Jammu. On arrival at Jammu, you'd be transferred to Katra where you'd be spending your night in. On you third day, you have the option of visiting the Vaishno Devi Bhavan in Katra. This journey can take a few hours to complete or you can opt to tour the area on leisure. The fourth day would be spent reaching Srinagar from Katra. The fifth day is reserved for sightseeing around Srinagar, with the Mughal Gardens and a shikara ride in the Dal Lake at top priorities. The next day, you'd be transferred to Gulmarg, where you can ride the ropeway and enjoy playing with snow. Overnight stay back in Srinagar and then the next day, transfer to Pahalgam. En route, you'd be visiting the beautiful saffron fields and also the ruins of the Awantipura Temple. The next day, transfer to Jammu, enjoy the day at your leisure before being transferred the next day to Jammu Tawi Railway Station for your trip back to Mumbai. All accommodations included in this package are three-star hotels, with very basic facilities. Transportation from one point to another is via non air-conditioned sumo. Duration - 9 Nights and 10 Days Places Covered - Katra, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Jammu Transport from Mumbai - Train (Sleeper) Accommodation - Vidya Residency or Gupta (Katra), Houseboat (Srinagar), Highway Residency or Pearl Palace (Srinagar) and MC Dollar (Jammu) Meals - Breakfast and Dinner (Buffet) Transportation in Kashmir - Non AC Sumo Other Inclusions - Shikara Ride Rate - Rs. 23,527 2. Mumbai Jammu and Kashmir Trip (Comfort) - This package has the same itinerary as above but has different accommodations and railway seats. On your transfer from Mumbai to Jammu, you'd be in a comfortable air-conditioned third class seating. In Katra, you'd be staying at either Varun International or Chirag International, both are three-star hotels with top notch facilities. Both are also centrally located, close to the Katra Railway Station and Helipad for the Vaishno Devi Bhavan. In Srinagar, you'd be staying at Grand Kashmir, a three-star hotel with four-star to five-star amenities. Cleanliness is well-maintained and it has all the modern facilities that a guest might need. Then on your last day in Kashmir, you'd be staying in the New Karan Hotel located in Jammu. This is a three-star hotel with basic facilities but good enough for a very short stay. Transfers from one point to another is via non air-conditioned sumo too. Duration - 9 Nights and 10 Days Places Covered - Katra, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Jammu Transport from Mumbai - Train (3A) Accommodation - Varun International or Chirag International (Katra), Houseboat (Srinagar), Grand Kashmir (Srinagar) and Swagat or New Karan (Jammu) Meals - Breakfast and Dinner Transportation in Kashmir - Non AC Sumo Other Inclusions - Shikara Ride Rate - Rs. 28,340 3. Mumbai Jammu and Kashmir Trip (Deluxe) - For this last package, you'd be transferred from Mumbai to Jammu via 3A seating too. In your stay in Katra, you would have a room in either JMK International or Asia Vaishno Devi. Hotels are three-star ones, close to the railway station of Katra but far from the noises of the city centre. You can also view the Vaishno Devi Bhawan from the hotels, which can be very satisfying for pilgrims. In Srinagar, aside from the houseboat, you'd also be staying in either the Snow Palace or Regal Palace. Both are four-star hotels located within the city centre of Srinagar and easily accessible from all the main attractions of the city. Last is the Meridien Palace Hotel in Jammu, a three-star but very modern hotel within the city centre. You can enjoy shopping on your last day as the hotel is located close to the market areas. Transfer from point to point is via an air-conditioned vehicle but on hilly areas, air-conditioning would be turned off. Duration - 9 Nights and 10 Days Places Covered - Katra, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Jammu Transport from Mumbai - Train (3A) Accommodation - JMK International or Asia Vaishno Devi (Katra), Houseboat (Srinagar), Snow Palace or Regal Palace (Srinagar) and Meridien (Jammu) Meals - Breakfast and Dinner Transportation in Kashmir - AC Vehicle Other Inclusions - Shikara Ride Rate - Rs. 39,234 Kesari - Another known name in the tourism industry of India is Kesari. The company began as a small family venture and fast forward to today, caters to a lot of travellers in and outside of India. They don't only have packages for destinations around India but also around the world. They have also been awarded many times already for their contributions in the industry. They offer packages from Mumbai, as well as other cities in India, to Kashmir which can be very convenient for travellers without their own vehicles. 1. Kashmir (K4) - This tour package covers the main destinations around Kashmir only, a great way to experience the state in a brief time. You begin by arriving from your flight in Mumbai to Srinagar. On arrival, you'd be transferred to the houseboat where you'd be spending your first night. The next day, transfer to Pahalgam, with visit to Awantipura Temple, Saffron Fields and Cricket Bat Factory en route. Next day would be reserved for a tour around Pahalgam with attractions like the Chandanwari and Aru Valley. Return back to Srinagar the next day and enjoy a shikara ride in the Dal Lake, along with visit to the Mughal Gardens. The next two days would be spent within Gulmarg and Sonamarg, one day for each destination. Enjoy a Gondola Ropeway ride in Gulmarg and play with snow. Enjoy the meadow views in Sonamarg and do some leisurely sightseeing. Return back to Srinagar and be on your way home to Mumbai. Duration - 6 Nights and 7 Days Places Covered - Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg Transport from Mumbai - Flight Accommodation - Included (No Mention of Which Hotels) Meals - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Transportation in Kashmir - AC Coach and Non AC Sumo (Srinagar) Other Inclusions - One Litre of Water/Person/Day, Special Meal Requests, Tea/Coffee and Shikara Ride Rate - Rs. 30,990 2. Kashmir Economy (K7) - The tour company also has a budget package for travellers. However, the itinerary won't include Sonamarg, only the three destinations and transfer would be via non air-conditioned coach. All accommodations would be on Srinagar, meaning you'd be returning to the capital after each excursion daily. On your second day, you'd be visiting the attractions around Srinagar like the Mughal Gardens and Dal Lake, with a shikara ride as well. You'd be transferred to Gulmarg the next day, where you can enjoy a free gondola ride up to the Phase II. Next day, transfer to Pahalgam, with visits to the Saffron Field and Awantipura Temple en route. In Pahalgam proper, enjoy riverside trekking as well as sightseeing on your leisure. You'd be transferred back to Srinagar and you have the whole next day at your own enjoyment. Last day is your transfer back to the airport for your flight back to Mumbai. Duration - 5 Nights and 6 Days Places Covered - Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam Transport from Mumbai - Flight Accommodation - Included (No Mention of Which Hotels) Meals - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Transportation in Kashmir - Non AC Coach Other Inclusions - One Litre of Water/Person/Day, Special Meal Requests, Tea/Coffee and Shikara Ride Rate - Rs. 16,990 Make My Trip - This is an Indian-based travel agency established in the year 2000. Today, it has become as one of the most successful online travel portals in the country, even catering to the needs of Indian travellers abroad. They have many packages that once can choose from, in and outside of India. For Kashmir, they have tour packages covering some of the most important destinations in this state. Truly, Make My Trip is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to online tourism portals. 1. Exotic Kashmir - Exotic Kashmir covers three destinations: Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg. You'd be transferred via flight from Mumbai to Srinagar. The next day, you would be transferred to Pahalgam, a three-hour ride away. Sightseeing would include the Aru Valley and Chandanwari. The next day, transfer back to Srinagar where you'd be doing some sightseeing too. You would visit the Mughal Gardens, Dal Lake, Handloom Centres and also the Shankar Achariya Temple. The next day, transfer to Gulmarg and enjoy sightseeing or riding the Gondola Ropeway, at the guest's own expenses. The last day would be spent transferring back to Srinagar for your flight into Mumbai. Though priced highly, the hotels included in this package are quite good, all are three-star ones with good reputations. However, only breakfast is included so you need to include into the budget for your trip your food allowance. And although sightseeing is included, it is without a guide though you can avail of one for a surcharge. Shikara ride and houseboat stay are also not included in the package. Duration - 4 Nights and 5 Days Places Covered - Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg Transport from Mumbai - Flight Accommodation - Grand Mahal Hotel or Pride Inn (Srinagar), Valley View Resorts (Pahalgam) and Alpine Ridge (Gulmarg) Meals - Breakfast Transportation in Kashmir - Included Other Inclusions - Sightseeing Without Guide Rate - Rs. 30,164 2. Discover Kashmir - This package covers the same destinations as above but includes a houseboat stay in Srinagar. On you arrival by flight from Mumbai to Srinagar, you'd be transferred directly to the houseboat, where you'd be staying for your first night in the city. In the evening, you can enjoy a romantic shikara ride in the Dal Lake as well. The next day, transfer to Pahalgam and spend the day at your leisure. Next day is also spent at Pahalgam where you can visit Chandanwadi or Aru Valley. Transfer to Gulmarg on the next day, where you can enjoy a Gondola Ropeway ride, optional and at your own expenses. Next day, return to Srinagar and explore the capital with sights like the Mughal Gardens and Shankar Achariya Temple. Next day is at your leisure while the last day would be spent for travelling back to the airport for your flight into Mumbai. Duration - 6 Nights and 7 Days Places Covered - Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg Transport from Mumbai - Flight Accommodation - Prestige Houseboat (Srinagar), Valley View Resorts (Pahalgam) and Alpine Ridge (Gulmarg) Meals - Breakfast Transportation in Kashmir - Included Other Inclusions - Sightseeing Without Guide Rate - Rs. 37,723 3. A Luxurious Kashmir Holiday - This is a premier package for couples that costs a bit more but offers a more luxurious tour of Kashmir. You begin by arriving in Srinagar by air from Mumbai. On arrival, a bouquet of flowers awaits you before you are transferred to your five-star hotel. After which, you can enjoy hi-tea in the lounge area of the hotel or on your room, overlooking the Dal Lake. At the end of the day, enjoy a shikara ride in the pristine waters of the lake. The next day, enjoy sightseeing around Srinagar, covering attractions like the Mughal Gardens and Shankar Achariya Temple. You would also be strolling around the local markets of Srinagar. The next day can be spent at the leisure of the guest, exploring the busy streets of Srinagar or just enjoying the views of the Dal Lake. Transfer to Gulmarg the next day where you can enjoy your whole day at the different phases of the Gondola Ropeway. On to the next day, enjoy your spa treatment in the hotel in Gulmarg and also a free hi-tea session too. Last day would be spent travelling back to Srinagar for your flight back home to Mumbai. Duration - 6 Nights and 7 Days Places Covered - Srinagar and Gulmarg Transport from Mumbai - Flight Accommodation - Vivanta by Taj (Srinagar) and The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa (Gulmarg) Meals - Breakfast and Dinner Transportation in Kashmir - AC Innova Other Inclusions - Sightseeing Without Guide, Flowers on Arrival, Spa Treatment in Gulmarg, One-Hour Shikara Ride and Service Tax Rate - Rs. 51,999 Conclusion As you can see from the above packages, you have choices ranging from budget ones to luxury ones. Explore the landscapes of Kashmir with these tour packages that feature all-in aspects like accommodations, meals, sightseeing and transportation. All also begin from Mumbai proper, via air or rail journey, so the hassles of booking your flight or train are avoided. Good luck and enjoy your trip to Kashmir!
