There is nothing quite like waking up on a Kashmiri houseboat. The lake is glass-still in the morning. Mist rises off the water. A shikara comes by quietly, selling fresh flowers. Your host knocks on the carved walnut wood door with kahwa tea.
We’ve been booking Kashmir honeymoons since 2014. Here’s what we’ve learnt: not all houseboats are equal. Stay only on Dal Lake (not Nagin), choose ‘Deluxe’ or ‘Heritage’ category, and confirm pickup from the houseboat ghat. We work with five family-run houseboats we trust personally.
Ideal itinerary: 2 nights houseboat in Srinagar, 2 nights Gulmarg (gondola is a must), 2 nights Pahalgam, with optional day trips to Sonamarg or Yusmarg. April-May for tulip gardens, July-September for green meadows, December-February for snow.