Golden Autumn, Red Saffron in Kashmir – 5N/6D Classic Private Tour 3 Star | Oct–Nov 2026

Golden Autumn, Red Saffron in Kashmir – Kashmir Classic Escape

5 Nights / 6 Days · October & November 2026 · Deluxe Stays · Private Vehicle · Shikara · Gondola · Pahalgam Valley

Autumn, called Harud in Kashmir, is one of the best times to visit the valley. In October and November the chinar trees in the Mughal gardens turn from gold to deep red, the skies are clear, and the evening light over Dal Lake is soft and golden. This is also the only time of year when the saffron fields of Pampore bloom with purple crocus flowers, and only for a few weeks.

This private tour is planned around the season and is great value for money. You'll see the lakes and gardens of Srinagar, ride the Gondola in Gulmarg, stop at ancient stone temples on the drive south, and spend time in the Lidder Valley at Pahalgam. You travel only with your own group, in your own vehicle with a driver, and stay in comfortable deluxe hotels throughout.

Price: from ₹18,900 per person (for 5 travellers sharing an Innova Crysta)

Your Day-by-Day Journey

Day 1 – Arrival in Srinagar
You'll be welcomed at Srinagar airport and taken to your hotel. Spend a quiet first evening by the lakes and settle into the valley.

Day 2 – Srinagar Sightseeing
Start at Shankaracharya Hill for a wide view over the city and Dal Lake. Visit the Mughal gardens of Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, which glow with autumn colour. In the evening, take a Shikara ride on Dal Lake at golden hour.

Day 3 – Gulmarg
Drive to Gulmarg and ride the Gulmarg Gondola, Phase I and Phase II, up towards Mount Apharwat at close to 4,000 metres. In the evening, enjoy the Gulmarg meadow at dusk. Overnight stay in Gulmarg.

Day 4 – Drive to Pahalgam
Stop at Pampore, the saffron town of Kashmir, for a cup of Kesar Kehwa. Visit the Awantipora ruins, 9th-century stone temples with detailed carvings, and the ancient Martand Sun Temple. Continue to Pahalgam for the night.

Day 5 – Pahalgam Valleys
Explore Betaab Valley, Chandanwari and Aru Valley by local union taxi, with pine forests, green meadows and mountain views. Spend the evening by the Lidder River.

Day 6 – Departure
Drive from Pahalgam to Srinagar airport. We recommend booking a flight after 2:30 PM.

Where You'll Stay

All stays include breakfast and room heating. "Or similar" hotels are confirmed at the same standard before booking.

Package Price (Per Person)

Prices are per person on double sharing and depend on the group size travelling together. For 5 guests, two double rooms with one extra bed.

What's Included

• 5 nights' hotel stay with breakfast and room heating
• Private vehicle with driver for the whole trip
• One-hour Shikara ride on Dal Lake
• Gulmarg Gondola tickets, Phase I and Phase II
• Pahalgam union taxis to Aru, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari
• Kashmiri Kesar Kehwa at Pampore
• Mineral water, tolls, parking, fuel and driver allowances
• All applicable GST

Not Included (Pay Directly)

• Entry fees for monuments, gardens and valleys
• Lunch and dinner
• Airfare

Good to Know