A Kashmir tour package from Kolkata typically runs 6 days and 5 nights, starting with a flight from Kolkata (CCU) to Srinagar (SXR) and covering Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Indicative per-person cost for a couple sharing is roughly Rs 28,000 to Rs 45,000 (land portion), plus return airfare of about Rs 12,000 to Rs 22,000 depending on how early you book.
There is no direct rail or road route that makes sense for a short Kashmir holiday from Bengal, so almost everyone flies. Most CCU-SXR flights connect via Delhi and take around 5 to 6 hours including the layover; a handful of seasonal direct services run closer to 3.5 hours. On the ground in Kashmir, a private cab handles every transfer and sightseeing leg, so once you land you simply hand over the logistics and enjoy the valley.
What the 6 Days / 5 Nights Kashmir package covers
The classic Srinagar-Gulmarg-Pahalgam circuit balances the three signature experiences of Kashmir: the houseboats and Mughal gardens of Srinagar, the meadows and gondola of Gulmarg, and the pine valleys and rafting of Pahalgam. Distances are short but mountain roads are slow, so a relaxed multi-night base in Srinagar with day excursions works far better than constantly shifting hotels.
| Leg | Approx. distance | Drive time (one way) |
|---|---|---|
| Srinagar Airport to city hotel/houseboat | 14 km | 40-50 min |
| Srinagar to Gulmarg | 50 km | 1.5-2 hrs |
| Srinagar to Pahalgam | 90 km | 2.5-3 hrs |
| Srinagar to Sonamarg (optional) | 80 km | 2.5-3 hrs |
| Pahalgam local (Aru, Betaab, Chandanwari) | 12-30 km | 30-90 min |
Day-by-day itinerary
| Day | Plan | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Fly Kolkata to Srinagar. Cab pickup at SXR, transfer to houseboat on Dal Lake. Evening shikara ride past the floating gardens and vegetable market. | Houseboat / Srinagar hotel |
| Day 2 | Srinagar sightseeing: Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Chashme Shahi Mughal gardens, Shankaracharya Temple and the Hazratbal shrine. Carpet and papier-mache workshops on request. | Srinagar |
| Day 3 | Day trip to Gulmarg (50 km). Ride the Gulmarg Gondola (Phase 1 to Kongdoori; Phase 2 to Apharwat in season), pony rides and the highest golf course views. Return to Srinagar. | Srinagar |
| Day 4 | Drive to Pahalgam (90 km) via Pampore saffron fields and Awantipora ruins. Visit Betaab Valley, Aru Valley and Chandanwari (local union cabs needed for these spots). | Pahalgam |
| Day 5 | Morning at leisure in Pahalgam (Lidder River walk or optional rafting), then drive back to Srinagar. Last-minute shopping in Lal Chowk and Polo View market. | Srinagar |
| Day 6 | Cab transfer to Srinagar Airport for the return flight to Kolkata. | – |
If you have a seventh day, swap one Srinagar night for an excursion to Sonamarg (the “meadow of gold”, gateway to the Thajiwas Glacier) or Doodhpathri. These add a half-day of driving each.
Indicative price range (2026)
Pricing splits into two parts: the land package (hotels, transfers, sightseeing) and the return airfare from Kolkata, which is booked separately and moves with demand.
| Category | Per person (twin sharing, land only) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (3-star + standard houseboat) | Rs 22,000 – Rs 30,000 | Sedan transfers |
| Deluxe (4-star + deluxe houseboat) | Rs 30,000 – Rs 42,000 | SUV for hill legs |
| Premium (5-star / luxury houseboat) | Rs 45,000+ | Premium SUV |
| Return airfare CCU-SXR | Rs 12,000 – Rs 22,000 | Cheaper if booked 6-8 weeks out |
If you prefer to think per-cab rather than per-person, a dedicated sedan for the full Kashmir ground itinerary runs roughly Rs 16,000 to Rs 22,000 and an SUV (Innova/Ertiga class, recommended for Gulmarg and Pahalgam roads) about Rs 24,000 to Rs 32,000 for the 6-day circuit, fuel and driver included. Fares are indicative and vary with season, traffic, fuel and car type.
Planning the airport legs at either end is easy to arrange alongside the package; see our Kolkata airport taxi service for the ride to CCU, and our airport cab fare guide for indicative city-to-airport pricing. Ready to lock dates? Book your Kashmir package now and we will confirm hotels and the Srinagar cab in one go.
Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation (mix of Srinagar hotel/houseboat and Pahalgam hotel) on twin-sharing basis
- Daily breakfast and dinner (MAP plan) at hotels and houseboat
- All airport, intercity and sightseeing transfers by private cab with driver
- One complimentary shikara ride on Dal Lake (about 1 hour)
- All applicable toll, parking, driver allowance and state taxes on the land portion
- Assistance for local union-taxi bookings at Gulmarg and Pahalgam
Exclusions
- Kolkata-Srinagar return airfare (quoted and booked separately)
- Gulmarg Gondola tickets, pony rides, sledding, ATV and adventure activities
- Local union taxis for Aru, Betaab and Chandanwari valleys (mandatory local charge)
- Lunches, snacks, beverages and anything personal in nature
- Entry fees to Mughal gardens and monuments
- GST, travel insurance and any cost arising from roadblocks, weather or flight delays
Best season to visit Kashmir
- March to May (spring): Tulip Garden in full bloom (early April), pleasant 10-22 deg C days, apple and almond blossoms. The most photogenic window for first-timers.
- June to August (summer): Lush green meadows, best for Kolkata families escaping the humid monsoon, comfortable 15-30 deg C. Pahalgam and Sonamarg are at their greenest.
- October to November (autumn): Golden chinar leaves, crisp air, fewer crowds and softer hotel rates.
- December to February (winter): Snow in Gulmarg, gondola skiing season, sub-zero nights. Magical but some roads (Sonamarg) can close.
Local tips for Bengali travellers
- Carry a printed and digital copy of your ID; mobile connectivity in the valley favours postpaid connections, so keep one postpaid SIM handy.
- Book the gondola Phase 2 ticket online in advance during peak months, it sells out by mid-morning.
- Layered clothing works year-round; even summer evenings on Dal Lake feel cool.
- Negotiate shikara and pony rates before stepping in, and keep small cash for the local union taxis.
- Pampore saffron and Kashmiri kahwa make genuine souvenirs, buy from government emporiums to avoid adulteration.
If a full multi-day trip isn’t what you need right now, we also run outstation cabs from Kolkata across Bengal and beyond, plus curated Kolkata tour packages for shorter getaways. For Kashmir specifically, the smoothest path is to fly out and let our partner cab handle every kilometre on the ground. Start your booking here and travel worry-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are enough for a Kashmir trip from Kolkata?
A 6 days/5 nights package is the sweet spot. It comfortably covers Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam without rushing. Add a day if you want to include Sonamarg or Doodhpathri.
What is the total cost of a Kashmir tour package from Kolkata?
The land portion is roughly Rs 22,000 to Rs 45,000 per person on twin sharing depending on hotel category, plus return airfare of about Rs 12,000 to Rs 22,000. Booking flights 6 to 8 weeks ahead keeps costs down.
Is the cab included for the whole Kashmir trip?
Yes, all transfers and sightseeing within Kashmir use a private cab with driver. However, the local valleys at Pahalgam (Aru, Betaab, Chandanwari) require mandatory local union taxis, which are not part of the package.
Which is the best month to visit Kashmir?
Early April is best for the Tulip Garden, June to August for lush green meadows, October to November for golden chinar autumn, and December to February for snow and skiing in Gulmarg.
Do I need to fly, or can I go by road from Kolkata?
Flying is strongly recommended. The road and rail distance is over 2,000 km and takes several days; almost all travellers fly Kolkata to Srinagar, then use a local cab for the entire ground itinerary.
