Kashmir is every Gujarati family's dream — and for good reason. When Kutch is baking at 45°C in May, Kashmir is a perfect 18°C, with apple blossoms, chinar trees, and a shikara gliding across Dal Lake. We have been running Kashmir tours from Gandhidham for over 12 years, and we can tell you honestly: it is even more beautiful than the photographs suggest.
Why Kashmir is Perfect for Gujarat Families
Kashmir offers something for every member of the family — from grandparents who want beauty and peace, to teenagers who want the Gulmarg gondola and snow, to parents who want the family photograph they will frame forever. Dal Lake's houseboat stay is unlike any other experience in India. The Mughal gardens, the Gulmarg meadows, Pahalgam's river valley — each day brings something completely different.
For families from Kutch, the contrast is particularly striking. You go from one of India's flattest, driest regions to one of its most dramatic mountain landscapes — all in a few hours by plane.
Best Time to Visit from Gandhidham / Kutch
We fly from Ahmedabad to Srinagar, which takes about 2 hours. The best times to visit depend on what you want to see.
- April: Tulip Garden in full bloom — one of Asia's largest. Last snow still visible on the peaks. Cool (10–15°C) and stunningly photogenic.
- May–June: Peak family season. All attractions open, 15–25°C, ideal for school holiday trips. Book flights 45–60 days in advance.
- October–November: Chinar leaves turn golden-red. Apple orchards ripe for picking. Fewer crowds. One of our personal favourites.
- December–February: Heavy snowfall in Gulmarg. Ideal for families specifically wanting a snow experience. Book very early.
May and October are our top picks for families from Gujarat. May for school holidays with perfect weather, October for the chinar colours and peaceful atmosphere without peak-season crowds.
Top Things to Do in Kashmir
- Shikara Ride on Dal Lake: The iconic experience. Early morning is magical — mist on the water, floating vegetable markets, total stillness. Included in our package.
- Gulmarg Gondola: Asia's highest cable car. Phase 1 takes you to Kongdori (2,600m), Phase 2 to Apharwat (3,979m). Snow activities available in season.
- Pahalgam: Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and a walk along the Lidder River. One of the most scenic places in Kashmir, popular with families and film crews alike.
- Sonamarg: Thajiwas Glacier and Zero Point in season — the place for families to see real glacier ice and play in snow.
- Mughal Gardens: Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi — terraced gardens built by Mughal emperors with perfect Dal Lake views.
- Kashmiri Craft Shopping: Pashmina shawls, hand-embroidered carpets, walnut wood furniture, and saffron — Srinagar's old city market is a shoppers' paradise.
A Typical 7-Night Itinerary
Day 1: Fly Ahmedabad–Srinagar. Check into traditional houseboat on Dal Lake. Evening shikara ride. Dinner on the houseboat.
Day 2: Srinagar city — Mughal Gardens (Shalimar, Nishat, Chashme Shahi), old city mosque, Lal Chowk market. Evening free on the houseboat.
Day 3: Drive to Gulmarg (56 km, 2 hrs). Gondola ride Phase 1 and 2. Snow activities in season. Return to Srinagar hotel.
Day 4: Pahalgam day trip (96 km, 3 hrs). Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, Lidder River walk. Return by evening.
Day 5: Sonamarg excursion (87 km, 3 hrs). Thajiwas Glacier, Zero Point visit in season. Return to Srinagar.
Day 6: Shankaracharya Temple morning visit. Free afternoon for shopping — pashmina, saffron, dry fruits, handicrafts. Farewell dinner at top vegetarian restaurant.
Day 7: Free morning. Afternoon flight Srinagar–Ahmedabad. Arrive home with memories for a lifetime.
Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost?
Our 7N/8D Kashmir package starts from approximately ₹32,000–₹42,000 per person depending on hotel category, flight dates, and group size. This includes return flights from Ahmedabad, all accommodation (including one night on a traditional houseboat), daily breakfast and selected dinners, local transfers by comfortable SUVs, sightseeing entry fees, gondola at Gulmarg, and a dedicated local guide who speaks Hindi and Gujarati.
Unlike our India and Nepal tours, Kashmir uses carefully selected local restaurants (not our own chefs) — but our guide personally ensures all meals are vegetarian-friendly and hygienic.
Why Book with Rajal Tourism from Gandhidham
Over 50 families from Gandhidham, Adipur, Anjar, and Bhuj travel to Kashmir with us every year. Many come back the following season with extended family. We have been running this route for 12 years — we know which hotels have the best lake views, which restaurants truly cater to vegetarian Gujarati tastes, and how to handle the gondola queues without wasting half a day.
Vikas bhai personally accompanies select batches, and our local Kashmiri guide is available 24/7 throughout the trip. You are never left to figure things out on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Kashmir safe for families in 2026?A: Yes. The major tourist circuit — Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg — is completely safe and has been for several years. The area is heavily policed, very tourist-friendly, and full of families from all over India. We have taken hundreds of families from Gandhidham without a single safety incident.
Q: What do we eat in Kashmir? Is vegetarian food available?A: Our guide coordinates all meals at restaurants that serve vegetarian and Jain-friendly food. Indian restaurants are available in tourist areas. We recommend carrying some dry snacks from home (thepla, namkeen) for the first day.
Q: Do we need any special ID for Kashmir?A: Aadhaar card is required for hotel check-in in Jammu and Kashmir. Ensure all family members carry their Aadhaar cards. Valid for all Indian citizens — no special permit needed for the tourist circuit.
Q: When should we book Kashmir to get good flight prices?A: For May–June travel, book 45–60 days in advance. For October, 30–45 days. Fares spike significantly closer to travel dates, especially for school holidays. Contact us early and we will block your seats.
Kashmir has been on your family's list long enough. Let us make it happen this year. Call or WhatsApp Vikas bhai on +91 98797 43111 to check 2026 departure dates and flight availability. Seats for May batches fill up by February.
