Paradise on Earth – Kashmir

07 Nights 08 Days
Srinagar- Gulmarg- Pahalgam- Sonmarg- Srinagar

Day 01: Srinagar (By Flight)

On arrival at Srinagar, also known as “Paradise On Earth” Upon arrival at Srinagar (1730 m) our representative would assist you at the Airport and transfer to the Houseboat / Hotel.

Later we visit the ancient Shankaracharya Temple and the famous Mughal Gardens – Nishat (Garden of Pleasure), Shalimar (Adobe of Love) and Chashme Shahi (Royal Spring).

Nishat Bagh (Abode of pleasure) was built by Asif Khan Brother in-law of Jehangir in 1632 AD. The largest of the gardens, Nishat has seven terraces with beautiful water channel flowing right in the middle. Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love) was built in the year 1619 A.D for was built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Empress Noor Jehan. The Garden has four terraces; the 4th terrace was once reserved for royal ladies. Chashme Shahi (The Royal Spring) was originally laid out by Shah Jehan in 1632 AD.

Overnight Hotel

Day 02: Srinagar – Gulmarg (60 km / 02 Hrs approx.)

After breakfast we drive to Gulmarg (Meadows of Flower), 2730 m above sea level. On arrival we check-in the Hotel.

Gulmarg is a huge cup-shaped meadow, lush & green, with slopes where the silence is broken only by the tinkle of cow-bells. Gulmarg has been the venue of many Indian films because of its breathtaking natural beauty. All around are snow-capped mountains, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Nanga Parbat mountain (8126 m) on one side & Srinagar on another.  From Gulmarg a 6 km pony track leads upwards to Khilanmarg, Kongdoori & Seven springs. Beyond Khilanmarg, 13 km from Gulmarg at the foot of the twin 4511 m Apharwat peaks is Alpather Lake (3843 m), which is frozen until mid-June and even later.

Overnight Hotel

Day 03: Gulmarg

Morning post breakfast, day at leisure to explore the destination at your own.

Overnight Hotel

Day 04: Gulmarg – Pahalgam (160 km/05 Hrs approx.)

After early breakfast we drive to Pahalgam (Valley of Shepherds) via Srinagar. On arrival we check-in the Hotel.

En route we visit Saffron fields of Pampore and Avantipur ruins, 1100 years old temple of Lord Vishnu built by King Avantiwareman. The drive is through beautiful pine forest, countryside, rice fields and shepherds grazing sheep, goats and cattle. Situated at the confluence of the stream flowing from the Sheshnag Lake and river Lidder, Pahalgam was once a humble shepherds’ village with breathtaking views.

Overnight Hotel

Day 05: Pahalgam

Morning post breakfast, day at leisure to explore the destination at your own.

Overnight Hotel.

Day 06: Pahalgam – Srinagar (96 km / 03 hrs approx.)

After breakfast drive back to Srinagar and check-in to the Houseboat / Hotel. Rest Shikara boatride on Dal lake is one of the most soothing & relaxing aspects of a holiday in Kashmir. Later in the afternoon we explore the Dal Lake and its Waterways and visit the floating vegetable market in a traditional Shikara boat. This unique kind of market can be only witnessed in Thailand and Kashmir. En route we shall see many species of aquatic birds on the lake, nestling on surrounding trees on floating marshes used for growing vegetables by local people, who have inherited a unique lifestyle living on the Lake for over decades.

Overnight Hotel

Day 07: Srinagar – Sonmarg – Srinagar (190 Km / 06 Hrs both ways approx.)

After breakfast we depart on an excursion to Sonmarg. Sonmarg, which means Meadow of Gold, has its backdrop of snowy mountains against the blue sky. The drive offers incredible scenic beauty, dense pine forests and gigantics mountains. The place provides an ideal base for various trekking routes, high mountain lakes, glaciers, and Sri Amarnath Holy cave.The river meanders along here & abounds with Trout & Mahseer. Sonamarg’s importance lies in the fact that it is the last halt on the Kashmir side for the drive from Srinagar to Leh. Later we drive back and reach Srinagar by evening.

Overnight Hotel

Day 08: Srinagar Departure

Post breakfast transfer to Airport to bard your onward Flight.

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