Pearl of the Himalayas: Kashmir Experience

This week in Kashmir moves at an easy pace between Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam, mixing lake life, mountain views and old-city wandering. You're met at Srinagar Airport and settled in before the sightseeing starts, so there's no rush on arrival.

A highlight is spending nights on a heritage houseboat on Dal Lake, with its wooden interiors and Kashmiri hospitality setting the tone for the rest of the trip. From there you head up to Gulmarg for valley views from the Gondola, then on to Pahalgam's green Aru and Betaab valleys for a slower day by the river.

Back in Srinagar, the trip closes with the Mughal Gardens and the old city's lanes, plus a Wazwan dinner to try the region's traditional cooking. There's also room to browse for pashmina, saffron and handcrafted wood along the way.

What you'll do

• Shikara ride on Dal Lake past floating gardens and houseboats
• Stay aboard a heritage houseboat in Srinagar
• Gondola ride above Gulmarg's snow-capped peaks
• Explore Pahalgam's Aru and Betaab valleys, with optional horse riding
• Wander Srinagar's Mughal Gardens and old city lanes
• Traditional Kashmiri Wazwan dinner