Kashmir in winter: a 6-night itinerary for first-time Bangladeshi travellers
Gulmarg in snow, a shikara ride at sunrise, kahwa tea at a houseboat — winter Kashmir is something every Bangladeshi traveller should experience once. This is the itinerary we recommend after booking 400+ Kashmir tours.
Kashmir is one of those destinations a Bangladeshi family talks about for years after returning. Direct evening flights from Dhaka to Srinagar (via Delhi) make it surprisingly accessible — and at less than four hours air time once you discount the connection. Here is the 6-night winter itinerary we have refined over 400+ family bookings.
Day 1 — Arrival in Srinagar
Arrive at Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport. Our local driver, Bashir bhai (with us for nine years), will meet you with hot kahwa tea. Forty-minute drive to a houseboat on Dal Lake. Light dinner, early sleep — the body needs time to adjust to the altitude.
Day 2 — Srinagar and Mughal gardens
Sunrise shikara ride on Dal Lake. Breakfast at the houseboat. Visit Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, two of the Mughal gardens designed in the 17th century. Lunch at a Halal Kashmiri restaurant — try the rogan josh, gushtaba and Kashmiri pulao. Afternoon for the floating vegetable market and the Jamia Masjid of Srinagar (built in 1394, rebuilt several times since). Evening at leisure.
Day 3 — Gulmarg day trip
Two-hour scenic drive to Gulmarg, the meadow of flowers — at 2,650 m the air is thinner and far colder, so warm jackets are essential. Two-stage cable car (Gondola) to Kongdoori and Apharwat peak (the second stage may be closed on heavy snow days). Snow-bike rentals available. Lunch at the cable car cafeteria. Drive back to Srinagar.
Day 4 — Pahalgam day trip
Drive 95 km south to Pahalgam through saffron fields of Pampore. Pony ride to the Aru and Betaab valleys (or a private taxi ride for those who prefer to avoid horses). Lunch by the river. Drive back via Avantipura Hindu temple ruins (10th century, optional photo stop). Return to Srinagar.
Day 5 — Sonmarg or rest day
Sonmarg (88 km from Srinagar) is breathtaking but the road may close in heavy snow. If open, take the day. If closed, replace with a relaxed local day — Friday prayer at Hazratbal Shrine, lunch at Mughal Darbar, an afternoon shopping for Pashmina shawls and Kashmiri saffron.
Day 6 — Local Srinagar and souvenirs
Visit Hari Parbat Fort (optional, weather-permitting), Tulip Garden if you arrive in late March, Nehru Park on the banks of Dal Lake. Souvenir shopping. Last sunset on Dal Lake from a shikara. Farewell dinner at the houseboat.
Day 7 — Departure
Breakfast at the houseboat. Transfer to airport in time for your Delhi connection back to Dhaka.
What is included in our Kashmir package
- Return Dhaka — Srinagar air ticket (via Delhi)
- Indian visa support and document checklist
- 2 nights houseboat + 4 nights hotel in Srinagar
- Private AC SUV with Bashir bhai (English and basic Bangla speaking)
- Daily breakfast and dinner — Halal, Kashmiri style
- All sightseeing entrance fees, cable car at Gulmarg (stage 1)
- Local SIM with 30 GB data and 50 minutes voice
- 24/7 WhatsApp support from our Dhaka office
Best months to go
December to February for snow lovers. March to early April for tulips and almond blossoms. October for the autumn colour of chinar leaves. Avoid Eid-ul-Adha week if you want quieter sightseeing.
What to pack
Heavy thermal innerwear, a down jacket rated to -10°C, gloves, beanie, waterproof boots with good grip, prescription glasses (sunglasses fog up quickly in cold), basic medicines and a hot water bottle for the houseboat night.
Walk into our Dhaka office or WhatsApp us with your preferred dates and we will lock the houseboat, the SUV and Bashir bhai for your group within 24 hours.
More from the journal
All articles
Hajj 2026 from Bangladesh: early booking guide, quota update and what to do before Muharram
Saudi Arabia has confirmed the 2026 Hajj quota for Bangladesh. Here is a clear, no-jargon guide on what changes this year, why early booking matters, and the documents you should gather right now.
Going to Saudi Arabia for work: pre-departure checklist every Bangladeshi worker should follow
Your first job abroad is a major life decision. This is the practical, government-aligned checklist we hand to every worker placed through Shahi Air International — covering documents, money, health and what to do in the first 30 days.
UAE 60-day tourist visa from Bangladesh: the complete 2026 checklist
The 60-day UAE tourist visa is one of the most popular travel choices for Bangladeshi families. Here is exactly which documents you need, the realistic processing time, and how to avoid the three most common rejection reasons.