Golden Autumn, Red Saffron in Kashmir – 6N/7D Classic Private Tour 3 Star | Oct–Nov 2026

Golden Autumn, Red Saffron in Kashmir – Kashmir Classic Escape

6 Nights / 7 Days · October & November 2026 · 3★ 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 river valleys of Pahalgam. You travel only with your own group, in your own vehicle with a driver, and stay in comfortable 3-star deluxe hotels throughout.

Price: from ₹21,999 per person (for 5 travellers sharing an Innova Crysta)

Your Day-by-Day Journey

Day 1 – Arrival in Srinagar
You'll be met at Srinagar airport and taken to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Chashme Shahi, a hillside Mughal garden that looks its best in autumn colours. In the evening, take a Shikara ride on Dal Lake at golden hour.

Day 2 – Srinagar Sightseeing
Start at Shankaracharya Hill for a wide view over the city and the lake. Explore the Old City, visit the Mughal Gardens and walk under the old chinar trees of Naseem Bagh. End the day at Pari Mahal, which is especially beautiful at dusk.

Day 3 – Gulmarg
Drive to Gulmarg and ride the Gulmarg Gondola, Phase I and Phase II, for views of Mount Apharwat. Visit the Maharani Temple on its small hill in the middle of the meadow. 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. In Pahalgam, visit the Mamleshwar Temple and spend a quiet evening by the Lidder River.

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

Day 6 – Return to Srinagar
Drive back to Srinagar. Shop for Kashmiri handicrafts, pashmina, dry fruits and saffron, and try local Kashmiri food.

Day 7 – Departure
Transfer to Srinagar Airport. We recommend booking a flight after 2:30 PM.

Where You'll Stay

All stays include breakfast and room heating. "Similar" means a hotel of the same category, confirmed by name 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

• 6 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 Chandanwari, Aru and Betaab Valley
• 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

• Gondola closures: The Gulmarg Gondola is closed for maintenance on 12 & 26 October and 9 & 23 November 2026. We plan your Gulmarg day around these dates.
• Saffron bloom: Usually from the last week of October to mid-November.
• Chandanwari in November: Depends on snow and road conditions. If closed, Aru and Betaab Valley are visited instead.
• Festival dates: Around 11–20 October and 6–12 November, hotels may charge extra.

How to Book

WhatsApp or call +91 92112 83636 or email cbdo@zaantravels.com.

A 50% advance confirms your booking, and the balance is paid once all services are confirmed. Prices are valid only for travel in October & November 2026, subject to availability. Full terms are in your detailed itinerary.

ZAAN Wondrous Kashmir Travels Pvt. Ltd. · Kitroo House, Shivpora, Srinagar · www.zaantravels.com