Destinations: Srinagar - Gulmarg - Pahalgam
The legendary paradise of Kashmir, once the summer retreat of the Mughals and the British, is slowly but surely being visited by tourists again. Stay in a Kashmir houseboat for a unique experience. Visit the beautiful Mughal Gardens and pick up exquisite walnut wood artefacts, papier mache handicrafts and visit a carpet weaving factory. You will also stay at picturesque Pahalgam and Gulmarg.
Day 1 Srinagar
Arrive Srinagar, where you will be met upon arrival and transferred to your deluxe houseboat. Afternoon enjoy a shikara ride on Dal Lake visiting Char Chinar, floating vegetable gardens and see some walnut wood carving and papier mache making demonstration. Evening free for shopping. Dinner. Overnight: Deluxe houseboat
Day 2 Srinagar - Sonmarg - Srinagar
Morning Full day excursion to Sonmarg (Golden Meadow) by road with Packed lunch. Distance of about 83 kms will be covered in about 2-½ hrs. Sonmarg lies in the Sindh Valley surrounded by mountains and meadows full of flowers. It is also the base for some interesting treks to the high altitude of Himalayan Lake. Return to Srinagar in the evening Dinner and overnight at the deluxe houseboat.
Day 3 Srinagar - Gulmarg
Breakfast. Drive to Gulmarg, the Meadow of Flowers, 2730 mts. above sea level (2 hrs.). It has delightful ski slopes and the highest 18 hole golf course of the world. Lunch. If weather permits, you can also have a breathtaking view of Nanga Parbat. The view enroute from Tenmarg to Gulmarg is magnificent. Go on a short 3 hour optional trek upto Khilanmarg. Enjoy a cable car ride. Enjoy an optional sledge ride on the snow-covered slopes. Dinner.
Overnight : Hotel Hilltop/Pineview/Highland Park or similar.
Day 4 Gulmarg - Pahalgam
After an early breakfast leave for Pahalgam, the Valley of Shepherds via Srinagar (140 kms/4 hrs). Drive through saffron fields, visit the Awantipura ruins of a 1100 year old temple of Lord Vishnu built by King Awantiwareman. Drive through the pine forests and along the Lidder River. Arrive Pahalgam and transfer to your hotel. Lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Hotel: Mount View/Pine N Peak/Pahalgam Hotel or similar.
Breakfast. Day free for individual activities. Lunch. Optional : Visit to Chandanwari or Aru for a magnificent view of the Lidder Valley. Dinner. Overnight : Hotel Mount View/Pine N Peak/Pahalgam Hotel or similar.
Day 6 Pahalgam - Srinagar
After breakfast, proceed to Srinagar (3 hrs). Arrive and transfer to your houseboat. After lunch, visit the Moghul Gardens : Nishat Bagh (Abode of Pleasure), built by Asif Khan, brother-in-law of Jehangir in 1632 AD, Shalimar Garden Bagh (Abode of Love) built by Jehangir for his wife Empress Noor Jehan. These beautiful gardens are located on the banks of Dal Lake against a backdrop of the Zabarwan Mountains. Enroute, visit a carpet weaving factory and the Shankracharya Temple. Dinner. Overnight : Deluxe houseboat.
Day 7 Srinagar
After breakfast transfer to the airport.
Includes :
• Accommodation on twin sharing basis at deluxe house boats for 3 nights in Srinagar, 1 night at Gulmarg and 2 nights at Pahalgam as per itinerary.
• Daily breakfast, lunch & dinner.
• Transfers & sightseeing as per the itinerary by non A/c Vehicle.
• 1 Gandola ride halfway up to Kangpori.
• Shikara ride on Dal Lake.
• All present applicable taxes as on date. Any future levies will be charged extra.
Excludes :
• Air / train fare.
• Any expense of personal nature like tips or gratuities, laundry, phone calls, video/camera fees, Porterage charges etc.
• Entrance fees.
• Pony ride or any excursion trips at Pahalgam, Gulmarg & Sonmarg.
• Any other expenses incurred beyond our control such as bad weather, flight/train cancellation, road closure, land slides, political disturbances etc.
• Any items not mentioned as included.
• Any details not mentioned above.