Premium Kashmir Culinary Week (8 Nights): Wazwan Masterclasses & Market Tours | 8 Nights and 9 Days Kashmir Package

Arrive at Srinagar Airport and transfer to a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake. Settle in and enjoy a relaxing shikara ride at sunset. Orientation with your culinary host who will outline the week's masterclasses and market tours. Evening welcome dinner featuring a light Kashmiri spread and introduction to the Wazwan tradition.

Tip: Carry light layers—mornings and evenings on the lake can be cool.

Guided walk through Lal Chowk and the narrow lanes of the old city to discover spice stalls, nut merchants, and bakeries. Taste street snacks like Kashmiri kahwa, noon chai, and freshly baked breads. Workshop-style stop at a spice vendor to learn about Kashmiri masalas used in Wazwan.

Evening: Relax on your houseboat with a short demo — preparing modur pulav (sweet pulao) and local breads.

Full-day hands-on Wazwan masterclass with a local wazwan chef. Learn to prepare signature meat dishes including Rista, Gushtaba, and marination techniques for Yakhni. Session includes:

• Spice grinding and masala blending
• Demonstration on meat preparation techniques
• Supervised cooking and plating

Dinner: Sit down to the full Wazwan feast you helped prepare. Dietary note: vegetarian alternatives available on request.

Morning visit to nearby saffron fields (seasonal) with a short talk on saffron harvesting and uses in Kashmiri sweets and pulao. Return to the houseboat for a baking session focusing on Kashmiri breads and desserts, including sheermal and phirni.

Evening leisure: Optional cultural performance or walk along the Dal Lake promenade.

Scenic drive to Gulmarg through pine forests and mountain vistas. Check in and take the Gulmarg Gondola (weather permitting) to the alpine meadows. Picnic-style culinary session focusing on high-altitude cooking techniques, foraging notes (seasonal herbs), and a simple meadow lunch featuring grilled kebabs and mountain salads.

Evening: Free time to explore Gulmarg village or relax at the hotel.

Morning visit to a local farmers' market to source fresh produce—apples, berries (seasonal), dairy products. Return for a hands-on baking session focusing on rustic Kashmiri breads and milk-based desserts. Afternoon optional activities include short nature walks or pony rides.

Tip: Carry comfortable walking shoes for meadow trails.

Depart Gulmarg for Pahalgam, stopping en route for photo points. On arrival, visit a hill village to meet local families and learn about sheep-rearing traditions. Participate in a focused workshop on Kashmiri lamb dishes—preparing Rogan Josh and regional stews using slow-cooking techniques and yogurt-based gravies.

Evening: Warm family-style dinner with local hosts.

Drive back to Srinagar. Afternoon culinary walk through a different neighborhood market to pick final souvenirs and ingredients. Final hands-on session to assemble a multi-course menu blending what you've learned—rice, bread, a meat dish, and dessert. Farewell dinner on the houseboat or boutique hotel featuring certificate presentation.

Special note: Recipes and a souvenir spice kit provided to all participants.

After breakfast, transfer to Srinagar Airport for your onward flight. Those with later departures can enjoy optional shopping for Kashmiri saffron, dry fruits, pashmina (verify authenticity), and souvenirs in curated shops.

Tip: Allow extra time for airport procedures during peak season.