Kashmir, a houseboat on Dal Lake and the mountains beyond.
A night or more on a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake, a shikara ride at sunrise, and day trips into Gulmarg or Pahalgam for the mountains — Kashmir is one of the most requested trips we plan and one of the least straightforward to book yourself.
IATA & ATOL accredited
London office, real people who answer
Houseboats we’ve actually vetted
Houseboat quality on Dal Lake varies enormously — we only book the ones we’d stay in ourselves.
Vetted houseboats, not a lottery
We book the same trusted houseboats each time, not whatever’s cheapest on a booking site.
Gulmarg & Pahalgam included
Mountain day trips built into the same package, transfers and permits handled.
Flights, hotels and transfers together
One booking covering the whole trip, priced properly and explained honestly.
Four steps, one point of contact
Tell us your dates and interests
Houseboat nights, mountain day trips, or both.
We build the full package
Flights, houseboat stay, and transfers to Gulmarg or Pahalgam.
You review and adjust
More houseboat nights, add trekking, extend the trip — your call.
We’re with you throughout
Before you fly and while you’re there — same number, same team.
What a Kashmir route usually covers
Dal Lake as the anchor, with the mountains close enough for easy day trips.
We didn’t build this business to sell fares. We built it to stay part of the community.
Patel Travel started as, and still is, a family business serving London’s Indian community — Gujarati, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu spoken in the office, not just on a translation app. We know the festival calendar, the wedding season, and the families who’ve booked with us for a decade or more.
Languages spoken
Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu & English — ask for someone in your language.
Festival-aware
We plan around Diwali, Navratri and wedding season, not just school holidays.
Word of mouth
Most of our clients are referred by family or friends we’ve already looked after.
Meet Mr. Patel
Patel Travel has always felt like family, not a booking engine. Mr. Patel is the face of that: the reminder that behind every reply is someone who understands the itinerary and the culture, and won’t rest until it’s sorted.
Recent Kashmir trips
“The houseboat they picked was beautiful — exactly the kind of place we’d worried about booking ourselves.”
“Gulmarg in the snow was the highlight none of us expected — glad they included it.”
Kashmir — common questions
Is a houseboat stay comfortable?
The ones we book, yes — they range from simple to genuinely luxurious, and we match it to what you’re after.
What’s the best time of year for Kashmir?
Spring through early autumn for the lake and gardens, winter if you specifically want snow in Gulmarg — we’ll advise based on what you want to see.
Is Kashmir safe to visit?
We keep a close eye on the current situation and will always be straightforward with you about it when you enquire — ask us for an honest, current view.
Dreaming of a Kashmir houseboat?
Message Mr Patel’s team with your dates — we’ll build the route.
