Jammu and Kashmir

Spring (March to May) brings tulips and almond blossoms. Summer (June to August) opens the high meadows and passes, and is the season of the Amarnath Yatra. Autumn (September to November) turns the chinar trees gold and brings the saffron harvest. Winter (December to February) covers Gulmarg in snow for skiing, while Srinagar gets very cold.

Yes, for the core circuit. Spend two nights in Srinagar, including one on a houseboat, with a day trip to Sonamarg. Add a night in Gulmarg or visit it as a day trip, and spend two nights in Pahalgam. Adding Vaishno Devi needs about two more nights, and Doodhpathri or Yusmarg one more.

Not from Delhi yet. Vande Bharat trains into the Kashmir Valley currently run between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, and a direct overnight Delhi to Srinagar sleeper service has been announced but is not operational yet. Most rail travelers take a train from Delhi to Katra and change there, crossing the Chenab Bridge on the way. Flying into Srinagar Airport is still the fastest option.

Houseboats are moored along Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake, and a shikara ferries you between the boat and the shore. Most have carved walnut-wood interiors, a sitting room, bedrooms with attached bathrooms and meals served on board. Houseboats are graded by category, so check the category before booking. Nigeen Lake is quieter than the busier stretches of Dal Lake.

The Gulmarg Gondola runs in two phases. Phase 1 climbs from Gulmarg to Kongdoori, at around 3,080 metres, and Phase 2 continues to Apharwat Peak, at nearly 4,000 metres, making it one of the highest cable cars in the world. Tickets are booked online through the official portal, and Phase 2 stops running in high winds or heavy snow.