India Travel Packages from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Including Kashmir

Kashmir is the India trip that suits UAE residents of every background: snow and meadows a short flight from the Gulf, cool air in summer, halal food everywhere and a slow pace. Our packages base you in Srinagar and take you out to the three valleys by car, so you unpack once or twice rather than every day.

• 01

  Srinagar and Dal Lake

  The summer capital, built around Dal Lake. Stay a night on a carved wooden houseboat, take a shikara (a small covered boat) past floating gardens and markets, and visit the Mughal gardens of Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi.

• 02

  Gulmarg

  A high meadow ringed by pine forest, about two hours from Srinagar. The Gulmarg Gondola climbs in two stages towards Mount Apharwat, with snow at the top for much of the year.

• 03

  Pahalgam

  A river valley town on the Lidder, about two and a half to three hours from Srinagar. Local union cabs take visitors to Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari, and ponies climb to Baisaran meadow. A night here gives you a quiet evening by the river.

• 04

  Sonamarg

  The meadow of gold, about two and a half hours north-east of Srinagar, on the road towards Ladakh. Ride a pony or sledge to the Thajiwas glacier, where snow lies into early summer.

Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg each make a full day out. Drivers on our packages take you to the main town in each; from there, local rules mean some valleys and viewpoints are reached only by union taxis or ponies, which are paid locally.

Kashmiri food is a highlight: rogan josh, yakhni, the slow-cooked wazwan feast, and kahwa, a saffron and almond green tea served from a samovar. Houseboats cook home-style meals, and Srinagar has bakeries for fresh bread at breakfast.

This plan suits a first visit in spring or summer. It keeps you in Srinagar for most nights, gives each valley its own day, and saves the houseboat for a night in the middle when you are settled. In winter, we adjust it for snow and road closures.

1. 01

   Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar

   Fly from Abu Dhabi and connect to Srinagar. Your driver meets you at the airport. Check in, then an evening shikara ride on Dal Lake as the lights come on.

2. 02

   Day 2: Srinagar and the Mughal gardens

   Morning at Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi, the terraced gardens above the lake. Afternoon at the Hazratbal Shrine and the old city markets for pashmina, walnut wood and saffron. Move to your houseboat for the night.

3. 03

   Day 3: Gulmarg

   Drive to Gulmarg, about two hours. Ride the gondola towards Mount Apharwat, walk the meadow, or try skiing or a sledge in winter. Return to Srinagar for the night.

4. 04

   Day 4: Sonamarg

   Drive along the Sindh river to Sonamarg. Ride a pony to the Thajiwas glacier, or walk along the river. Return to Srinagar in the evening.

5. 05

   Day 5: Pahalgam

   Drive to Pahalgam through saffron fields and apple orchards near Pampore and Awantipora. Afternoon in Betaab Valley or Aru Valley by local cab. Overnight in Pahalgam.

6. 06

   Day 6: Pahalgam to Srinagar

   A slow morning by the Lidder river, or a pony ride to Baisaran. Drive back to Srinagar for a last evening of shopping on the Boulevard.

7. 07

   Day 7: Fly home

   Transfer to Srinagar airport for your flights back to Abu Dhabi.

For five nights, we stay in Srinagar throughout and do Pahalgam as a day trip. For longer trips, a night in Gulmarg in winter gives you the snow at its quietest, early in the morning before day visitors arrive. We keep one day flexible in winter, when roads to Gulmarg and Sonamarg can close for a time after heavy snowfall.

A few tips: Gulmarg and Sonamarg are high, so walk slowly on the first day. Dress modestly in Srinagar's old city and at shrines, and carry a light scarf.

The fare is what changes most.

• Book four to eight weeks ahead for normal dates, and three months or more for Onam, Diwali, Eid and the summer break
• Fly midweek; Tuesday and Wednesday departures are often cheaper than weekends
• Compare Abu Dhabi with Dubai and Sharjah departures; the drive can save more than it costs
• Check baggage: the lowest fares often carry only hand luggage, which costs more to add later
• Book one-way fares if your return date is not fixed; returns are not always cheaper

Our ticketing desk checks several airlines at once and prices baggage before you compare. Send your city and dates on WhatsApp for the abu dhabi to india flight fares that day, or see all our flight tickets from Abu Dhabi.

Kashmir has four clear seasons, and each feels like a different trip. Choose by what you want to see.

Visit from April to June for spring flowers and mild weather, or December to February for snow in Gulmarg. July to September is green and good for Sonamarg and Pahalgam. Roads can close in heavy snow, so winter plans need spare time, and flights into Srinagar can be delayed by fog or snow. Pack warm layers in every season: evenings in the mountains are cold even in summer.

For other parts of India, October to March is the comfortable season for Kerala, Goa and Rajasthan. Kerala's monsoon from about June to September is green and quiet, with lower hotel rates, and suits Ayurveda stays.