Overview
Jammu and Kashmir is a region administered by India as a union territory and consists of the southern portion of the larger Kashmir region, which has been the subject of a dispute between India and Pakistan since 1947 and between India and China since 1959. Jammu and Kashmir is an exceptionally beautiful place. The landscape of this place is simply out of this world and that is why it has been referred to as the Paradise on Earth.
Itinerary
Arrival in Srinagar airport and transfer to Hotel in cab by our representative. Complete hotel check in. Srinagar, situated at an altitude of 1, 730m, in the heart of the Kashmir valley, spreads out on both sides of the Jhelum River. The valley's beauty has enticed visitors from distant lands and has also been described as Venice of the East. Srinagar bears the hallmark of the Mughal Gardens, Dry fruits and the traditional Kashmiri handicrafts are the other major attractions of the hill resort. If there is a heaven on earth, it's here, it's here, and it’s here in Srinagar. After rest, proceed for sightseeing tour of the three Mughal Gardens-Chasma shahi, Nishat and Shalimar Bagh are the Mughal Emperors' concept of paradise and are today very popular places for picnics and excursions. In the evening you will visit the Shankaracharya Temple which is located on a sharp hill, 1,000 feet high and houses a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Overnight stay in Srinagar hotel.
After breakfast, proceed for full day trip to Sonamarg (2740 mts) also known as ‘The Meadow of Gold’ or “The Gateway of Ladakh’ is 84 Kms from Srinagar and is surrounded by colourful mountains and thick Pine forests. After a breathtaking journey from Srinagar you come across River Sindh, have a short stopover for the tea break and enjoy the Sindh river view flowing through the valley. Later on arrival, in Sonmarg, hire Ponies for a trip up to Thajiwass glacier. Here you will be fascinated to see Snowy Mountains against a cerculean sky in its backdrop. Slopes and meadows are sparkled with the loveliest of alpine flowers, while the rich forests of fir, sycamore and birch add lush green beauty to the scene. Depending on the season, you can also hire a local union cab if you want to visit to Zero Point i.e. the end point of Kashmir valley and from were Ladakh starts. Later in evening, return to Srinagar hotel & overnight stay.
After breakfast transfer from Srinagar to Gulmarg. Gulmarg (8700 ft i.e. 2652 mts) also known as ‘Meadow of flowers. It is one of the India’s premier Hill resorts. Gulmarg today is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty – It also turns into India’s premier Ski resort in winter. On arrival at Gulmarg taxi stand, proceed towards Gandola cable ride, Phase 1 of which, offers ride to the upland meadows of Kongdoongri and Phase 2 to the top of Apharwat Glacier, at a height of 14000 ft and view the Himalayan Peaks in summer. Here you can also enjoy many snow related adventure acitivies like pulling, Sliding, skiing etc. You can also visit and see the Maharaja Hari Singh palace, strawberry valley, Golf course. A local union cab will be required for covering these sightseeings. Later return back to hotel and overnight stay there.
After breakfast, hotel check out and transfer from Srinagar to Pahalgam through National Highway 1A which connects the valley to the rest of the country’s highway network. Pahalgam is also known as ‘The valley of Shepherds or Trekker’s Paradise’ and offers breath-taking views. It is famous for its valleys, Glaciers and treks. Pahalgam is the most famous place for Indian Film Industry. On the way, visit Pampore Saffron fields, and Apple orchards. On the way shop for dry fruits and other interesting local items. Post which enjoy the scenic valley views and the Lidder river flowing through opposite parallel to the road. On arrival in main Pahalgam taxi stand, hire local union cab for Aru, Betaab and Chandanwari valley sightseeing view. You can also go to Amusement park and nearby Mahaleshwar temple. Later you can also spent some time in the main Pahalgam market and later hotel check in and overnight stay.
Today morning after breakfast proceed for Baisaran valley sightseeing tour. It is famous as a top sightseeing destination, called miniSwitzerland because of its picturesque beauty. It’s a hilltop green meadow dotted with dense pine forests and surrounded by snowcapped mountains. Some of the famous tourist points which you can see en route are Kanimarg, Pahalgam Old Village, Kashmir Valley Point, Dabyan and Deon Valley Point. You can also enjoy panoramic sights of Pahalgam town & Lidder Valley from here. You can hire ponies or trek 1hr. to reach there. Later return back to Srinagar, check in to houseboat and overnight stay.
Depending on your departure timings complete check out from houseboat and then proceed for relaxing shikara ride in Dal Lake and then proceed to depart at the Airport to catch your flights back to home. Tour ends but happy memories of the tour remains. (If there is any sightseeing left from 1st day, those will be covered on this day depending on flight departure time.
Trip Inclusions
- Pick and drop to Airport.
- Accommodation at - Standard / Deluxe / Super Deluxe (According to the Package)
- Transportation: Sedan / Hatchback / SUV / Tempo Traveller (According to the Package)
- Cab charges Inclusive of all (Parking, Tolls, Fuel Exp. and Driver Exp. etc.)
- Meal plan in hotel and houseboat –Breakfast and Dinner.
- Complimentary 1hr. Shikhara Ride to Houseboat Night Stay.
Trip Exclusions
- Monument entrance fee / Camera fees.
- Any personal expenses – laundry, shopping, tip etc. Air fare / Train fare.
- Meal other than specified.
- Extra Cab in Pahalgam.
- Any ride or adventurous activity which involves separate booking other than hotel and cab, and not mentioned in inclusions section.
- Ponies ride post Sonamarg arrival for Thajiwas Glacier sightseeing, Ponies rides during Pahalgam Valley (ABC) sightseeing.
- Local vehicle for Zozila Pass, Zero point 5000 in sonamarg.
- Local Vehicle for Chandanwari, Betaab Valley, and Aru valley sightseeing available at INR 2100 per vehicle.
- Pony for Baisaran valley at INR 1200-1500 maximum per person.
- Gondola cable car ride phase 1-750. Phase 2-950.
- All exclusion mentioned rates are not fixed i.e. rates varies on real time basis.
- Any adventure sports ride in Gulmarg.
- Any other thing not mentioned specifically in inclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to visit Kashmir is from March to August, when the weather is ideal and you can experience spring and summer. Spring, from March to early May, offers blue skies and seasonal blooms.
Snowfall in Kashmir occurs throughout the winter season, from December to March.