Day 1 : Arrive in Srinagar & stay on the Houseboat
Our representative will welcome you at Srinagar’s airport and escort you by private vehicle to Dal or Nigeen lake. The 30 min drive takes you passed the Jhelum River to a small boat which crosses the freshwater lake to your houseboat for a relaxing welcome drink. You can rest or visit local sights which include the Mughal Gardens freshwater springs, or shopping among the slopes of the Zabarwan mountains. In the evening, you will enjoy a local Shikara boat ride followed by dinner and sunset on the famous _____ lake.
Activities for History & Heritage:
- Mughal Garden Shalimar Bagh: Known as the 'Garden of Love' features stunning terraced lawns, fountains, and flower beds. Built by Jahangir for his wife Empress Nur Jahan
- Nishat Bagh: The 'Garden of Delight' offers beautiful views of Dal Lake and the Zabarwan mtns
- Chashme Shahi: Famous for its natural springs and well-maintained gardens
- Shikara Ride: Offers houseboat views, floating gardens, and water front shopping
- Floating Vegetable Market An early morning local vegetable market on boat
- Hazratbal Shrine: A revered Sufi Muslim shrine known for its architecture & relic
- Jama Masjid: One of the oldest, main mosques, in Srinagar with a beautiful courtyard
- Pari Mahal: Known as the 'Palace of Fairies', this monument offers panoramic views
- Shankaracharya Temple: A sacred ‘Lord Shiva’ Hindu temple with beautiful Lake view
- Nigeen Lake: A quieter lake for boat rides and peaceful walks
- Old City Walk: Bustling bazaars with traditional Kashmiri architecture and shopping
- Shopping at Lal Chowk and Polo View Market: Forpashmina shawls, carpets, and dry fruits
Day 2 : Srinagar to Pahalgam with Night stay in Pahalgam
After breakfast, we’ll checkout from Srinagar and drive to the ‘valley of shepherds’ on Highway 1A passing saffron fields at Pampore, the ancient ruinsof Awantipura, and Bijbehara known for baked breads. Leading up to Pahalgam is the Lidder river and finally pine forest leading you into A/B/C Valley for Sightseeing by Union Taxi until finishing, and dinner at your Pahalgam hotel.
Activities in Pahalgam:
- By Horse: Visiting Baisaran, Tuliyan, Kashmir Valley, and Chashma
- By Car: Aru & Betab Valley, Chandanwari, Aab Shahar national park & Golf Course
Please note that sightseeing at each place in ABC Valley will be for 1 hour, making it a total of 3 hours. Exceeding time may result in extra charges.
Day 3 : Pahalgam to Gulmarg & Night at Gulmarg
Following breakfast your private driver vehicle will take you to the ‘Meadow of Flowers’ at 2730 metres above sea level. On the way you might stop at the picturesque market town of Tangmarg some 14 kms before Gulmarg. At Gulmarg you can visit the second highest golf course and Gondola in the world around 14000ft with ski slopes showing majestic views of Nanga Parbat over 26,000 ft. Here, you might enjoy snow sports until dinner and rest at your hotel in Gulmarg hotel.
Activities in Gulmarg:
- Gondola Ride: The 2nd highest cable car in the world offers spectacular views of the Himalayas and access to skiing and snowboarding on Apharwat Peak
- Horse Riding: Explore the meadows and trails to Khilanmarg and Apharwat
- ATV Rides: Rent all-terrain vehicles for the rugged terrain around Gulmarg
- St. Marys Church: Walk to the old church with British architecture and stained-glass windows
- Local Market Visit: Stroll through the local markets to shop for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts, Pashmina shawls, carpets, and souvenirs
- Gulmarg Local Sightseeing: Surrounding peaks, strawberry valley, children's park, JJ Shankar Minder, View point, Bothapathri all by union taxi at your own cost
Day 4 : Local Sightseeing & Nights stay in Srinagar
After a refreshing escape in Gulmarg, we'll return to Srinagar and visit bustling local markets, regional cuisine, and historical architecture. Depending on your time and pace, you might visit the Mughal Gardens or explore natures splendour for memorable experiences before returning to your hotel for dinner and a peaceful night’s rest.splendour for memorable experiences before returning to your hotel for dinner and a peaceful night’s rest.
Day 5: Srinagar to Doodh-Pathri & Night at Srinagar.
After breakfast we’ll take a day trip to Doodh-E-Pather about 47 km or 1.5hrs from Srinagar. Doodh-e-Pathri is another bowl-shaped valley. It’s an ideal picnic spot with grassy meadows and pine forest surrounded by majestic snow-clad mountains. It is also called a "Valley of Milk" because the shepherds graze during the season. A cup of tea with snacks or picnic is ideal for the afternoon. If time permits, we can return to Srinagar for more sightseeing or local shopping before the hotel and dinner.
Day 6: Srinagar to Sonamarg
After breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to Sonamarg 98kms from Srinagar or about 3 hours up the canyon. Situated 2,743 meters above sea level it’s the last stop before Omasila pass and Ladakh’s region. The name means "Meadow of Gold," renowned for its breathtaking snow-covered mountains and surrounding alpine trees. You might take a pony ride or sled on Thajiwas Glacier with snow year-round. After a full day exploring, we return to your hotel in Srinagar for dinner and days’ rest.
Activities in Sonamarg:
- Thajiwas Glacier: Trek or pony ride to the Thajiwas glacier year-round
- Sindh River: White-water rafting or a peaceful riverside picnic along the Sindh River
- Zero Point at Zojila Pass: Visit the Zero Point at Zojila Pass and see snow year-round
- Local Market Visit: Local markets include Kashmiri handicrafts, souvenirs, and delicacies
Day 7: Srinagar to Airport
Bon-Voyage: Check out before or after breakfast and head to the airport. Reflect on the enchanting landscapes and the rich cultural experiences you encountered during your stay. The memories and moments will last forever. Safe travels!