• Mon to Sat: 8.00 am - 7.00 pm

Kashmir Beckons: An Idyllic Himalayan Sojourn

₹ 94,000/ Per Person

Duration

10D/9N

Min Age

2+

Tour Type

Tour Package

Posted 3 Days ago(TODO)

5.0 Superb(TODO)

Overview

Imagine waking up gently rocked in a beautifully carved and decorated houseboat, sunlight dancing off small waves lapping at your window, and the majestic Himalayas rising through clouds of early morning mist in the distance. This is Kashmir, a place of stunning natural beauty steeped in spirituality and tradition, beckoning to be explored at leisure. Our journey through this mountain paradise starts in Srinagar, where we glide in a shikara boat across Dal Lake’s calm waters, reflecting towering snow-capped mountain peaks all around. Meandering through intricately built floating gardens and markets, it feels like a gateway into another world. We dive deeper into Kashmiri culture, staying overnight on one of Dal Lake’s iconic luxury houseboats, historically built with Deodar wood and elaborate hand carvings furnished with Persian rugs and silk tapestries. Venturing out towards alpine meadows and glaciers, Sonmarg welcomes us with open arms to outdoor adventure against cinematic backdrops. Riding horses up through pine-scented forests and golden rolling foothills, crossing bubbling ice-cold streams, we reach flowering valleys dotted with quaint villages under the ever-present watchful gaze from summit to summit. If thrill is what you seek, strap on a sledge and barrel at breakneck speeds down powder white slopes normally reserved for expert skiers. Before leaving, we pause at Thajiwas glacier’s edge, pure cerulean blue ice merging into the next valley, where weathered hikers share piping hot noon chai recipes. Further temperate rainforest twisted trunks give way to the Valley of Kashmir as we pull into Pahalgam, a humble settlement spreading along the Lidder River. Scenes of shepherds grazing livestock through wildflower-spread grasses and inverted reflections of towering firs in the rushing waters greet us as we begin leisurely treks to high-altitude lakes. On the way back, ruins of ancient Hindu temples crumbling under the weight of theiridable histories connect us to chieftains and kings passing through these lands lifetimes ago. The last leg is meant for nostalgic reminiscing; saffron fields release their signature perfume; papier mâché artisans channel generations of woodworking mastery into their craft; and cashmere weavers endlessly spin raw Pashmina wool into the softest shawls as we savor one final outstanding sunset over Dal Lake. Through mountain highs, flower-filled meadows, gushing streams, and winding roads is the only way to unveil Kashmir’s full extravaganza.

Highlights :

  • Take a shikara ride on Dal Lake in Srinagar. Glide through the waterways and canals on a traditional wooden boat, observing life along the lake.
  • Visit Mughal Gardens: Explore the terraced gardens, fountains, and pavilions of the magnificent Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh in Srinagar.
  • See the tulip gardens of Siraj Bagh. Walk through acres of vibrant tulips in bloom during April. It's Asia's largest tulip garden.
  • Houseboat stay in Srinagar: Experience living on a beautifully furnished houseboat docked on Dal Lake or Nagin Lake.
  • Scenic drive to Sonmarg: Drive through pine forests and rocky mountains to reach the alpine meadows full of flowers.
  • Ride a gondola in Gulmarg: Take a gondola ride to the upper reaches of Gulmarg for stunning views of the Himalayas and valley below.
  • Stay in a cottage in Pahalgam. Spend a night in a cozy cottage in this scenic valley town surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
  • Visit Amarnath Cave temple. Join the spiritual Amarnath Yatra trek to pay respects at the holy natural ice shivling cave.
  • See hilltop monasteries: visit the 17th-century Hemis Monastery near Leh and the ancient Thiksey Monastery near Leh.
  • Shop for handicrafts and carpets. Browse through shops selling handmade carpets, pashmina shawls, papier-mâché, and embroidered items.

Included/Exclude

  • Accommodation

  • Meals

  • Transportation

  • Entrance

  • Houseboat overview experience

  • Any personal expenses

  • Any meals that are not mentioned in the inclusion

  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusion

  • Any hard drinks

Tour Plan

Day - 1 Arrival in Srinagar

  • Arrive at Srinagar Airport.
  • Fly into Srinagar International Airport, the main airport serving Kashmir.
  • Meet and greet with the representative
  • Be welcomed by a tour airport representative or driver who will facilitate your visit.
  • Group Transfer to the Houseboat
  • Around 1 pm, transfer as a group from the airport to your iconic houseboat accommodation on Dal Lake, approximately 30 minutes drive.
  • Relax and settle into the houseboat.
  • Check into your beautifully decorated houseboat and relax as you gently float along the calm waters.
  • Enjoy a Shikara ride on Dal Lake.
  • Later in the evening, around 5 p.m., embark on a special Shikara boat tour of Dal Lake to enjoy stunning views of floating gardens, lakeside temples, markets, and surrounding mountains.
  • Overnight Stay at Houseboat
  • Retire back to your houseboat for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay on Dal Lake.

Day - 2 Srinagar to Pahalgam

  • Breakfast at 8 a.m. in Srinagar to start the day
  • The group departs Srinagar for Pahalgam at 9 a.m. (90 km drive, around 3 hours).
  • Stop at Awantipura Ruins at 11 a.m.
  • Explore the remains of the 9th-century Hindu temples of King Avantivarman.
  • Visit Saffron Fields
  • See delicate saffron flowers cultivated to produce high-quality Kashmiri saffron spice.
  • Stop at the Cricket Bat Factory.
  • Observe the Kashmiri willow wood craftsmanship that goes into making cricket bats.
  • Browse through Dry Fruits Market
  • Shop varieties of locally grown nuts and dried fruits that Kashmir is famous for.
  • I Arrived in Pahalgam in the afternoon.
  • Check into the hotel and have a day free to enjoy the scenic mountain town.
  • Overnight stay at a hotel in Pahalgam
  • Enjoy a comfortable hotel stay and Himalayan cuisine.

Day - 3 Pahalgam

  • Breakfast at 8am in the Pahalgam hotel
  • Depart for ABC Valley (Aru, Betaab, Chandanwari) Full Day Trip at 9 a.m.
  • Visit to Aru Valley
  • Enjoy trekking and scenic views of meadows, lakes, the pristine Kolahoi Glacier, and Tarsar Lake.
  • Stop at Betaab Valley.
  • Admire lush, dense vegetation and capture photographs highlighting the valley's natural beauty.
  • Excursion to Chandanwari
  • See the picturesque site of the Chandanwari Sheshnag temple complex and the Lidder River.
  • Return to the Pahalgam hotel in the evening.
  • Overnight stay at a hotel in Pahalgam
  • Enjoy leisure time in the charming hill station town after a full day out.

Day - 4 Pahalgam to Daksum

  • Breakfast at 8am in the Pahalgam hotel
  • Depart Pahalgam for Daksum at 9 a.m. (80 km drive, around 2 hours).
  • Visit Martand Sun Temple at 10 a.m.
  • Explore the ruins of an impressive 8th-century Hindu Surya temple.
  • Stop at Kokernag.
  • Appreciate the natural beauty and varieties of flora in the gardens.
  • Arrive at Daksum in the afternoon.
  • Check-in at the hotel and leisure time to enjoy the scenic town
  • Overnight stay at a hotel in Daksum
  • Retire for a comfortable overnight stay after sightseeing.

Day - 5 Daksum to Gulmarg

  • Breakfast at 8am in the Pahalgam hotel
  • Depart Pahalgam for Daksum at 9 a.m. (80 km drive, around 2 hours).
  • Visit Martand Sun Temple at 10 a.m.
  • Explore the ruins of an impressive 8th-century Hindu Surya temple.
  • Stop at Kokernag.
  • Appreciate the natural beauty and varieties of flora in the gardens.
  • Arrive at Daksum in the afternoon.
  • Check-in at the hotel and leisure time to enjoy the scenic town
  • Overnight stay at a hotel in Daksum
  • Retire for a comfortable overnight stay after sightseeing.

Day - 6 Gulmarg Local City Tour

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Gulmarg at 9 a.m.
  • Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the day ahead. The hotel may offer a lavish breakfast buffet or table service.
  • Depart for a guided city tour of Gulmarg at 10 a.m.
  • Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and set out to explore the local sights of Gulmarg before the crowds arrive later in the day.
  • Take in the natural beauty of Alpather Lake.
  • This frozen, picturesque lake, surrounded by forests, is accessible by a short 30-minute hike. Take in the tranquil vistas.
  • Browse the local bazaars and markets.
  • Walk through the market area to shop for Kashmiri handicrafts, shawls, carpets, and other souvenirs.
  • Ride the Gulmarg Gondola up to Kongdori Station.
  • Take the scenic cable car ride in two phases up to 13,780 feet. Soak in the breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains and valleys.
  • Relax at the hotel or explore on your own.
  • After an activity-filled morning, relax at your hotel in the afternoon. Alternatively, explore Gulmarg on your own.
  • Overnight stay in Gulmarg.
  • Spend the night at your comfortable hotel.

Day - 7 Gulmarg to Srinagar

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Gulmarg at 9 a.m.
  • Fuel up for the day ahead with a delicious hotel breakfast.
  • Depart Gulmarg for Srinagar at 10 a.m.
  • Meet your driver and begin the 50-kilometer (2-hour) drive to Srinagar after breakfast.
  • Stop at Drug Waterfall (11 AM)
  • Take in the beauty of this waterfall, which partially freezes in winter. It's a great photo stop.
  • Arrive in Srinagar in the afternoon.
  • Reach Srinagar by 5 p.m. Check into your hotel.
  • Enjoy your free time in Srinagar.
  • Relax at the hotel or explore Srinagar on your own after arriving.
  • Overnight stay in Srinagar
  • Retire for the night at the Srinagar hotel. Prepare for the next day.

Day - 8 Srinagar Local City Tour

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Srinagar at 9 a.m.
  • Fuel up for the day of sightseeing ahead.
  • Depart for a guided tour of Srinagar at 10 a.m.
  • Meet your guide and driver and head out to explore Srinagar.
  • Visit Shankaracharya Temple (11 AM)
  • Climb 275 steps to this serene hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Admire panoramic views of Srinagar from the top.
  • Explore Shalimar Bagh (12:30 PM)
  • Wander through the sprawling Mughal gardens and fountains of this 17th-century site.
  • See Nishat Bagh (2 PM).
  • Stroll through the tranquil 'Garden of Bliss' on the banks of Dal Lake against a mountain backdrop.
  • Browse handicrafts at a local factory (3:30 PM)
  • Watch artisans at work and shop for local handicrafts like papier mâché, carpets, and shawls.
  • Return to the hotel and enjoy free time.
  • Relax at your hotel or explore Srinagar further on your own for the evening.
  • Overnight stay in Srinagar.

Day - 9 Srinagar Local City Tour

  • Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel in Srinagar at 9 AM to fuel up for the day.
  • Depart Srinagar for Sonmarg at 10 a.m. The drive takes approximately 2.5–3 hours.
  • Sonmarg is a scenic hill station set at 9,000 feet above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It lies in the Sind Valley.
  • In Sonmarg, enjoy recreational activities like pony rides up to Thajiwas Glacier or sledge riding on snow.
  • Thajiwas Glacier is a popular sightseeing spot with stunning views. Pony and sledge rides can be booked on the spot directly.
  • If Sonmarg is inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, visit Doodhpathri instead.
  • Doodhpathri features emerald green meadows with a river flowing through, offering breathtaking natural vistas.
  • Spend a few hours absorbing the beauty of Sonmarg and Doodhpathri and partaking in activities.
  • Return to Srinagar in the evening, arriving by dinner time.
  • Enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure in Srinagar.
  • Relax at the hotel or opt to explore Srinagar further on your own.
  • Overnight stay at the hotel in Srinagar.

Day - 10 Departure Srinagar

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Srinagar at 9 a.m.
  • Have a hearty breakfast to fuel up before checking out.
  • Hotel check-out by 10 a.m.
  • Complete hotel check-out formalities and load luggage into the vehicle.
  • Depart for Srinagar Airport at 10 a.m.
  • Leave with your driver and guide to head to the airport for your onward journey.
  • Arrive at Srinagar Airport by 11 a.m.
  • Reach the airport 1 hour before your scheduled flight departure time.
  • Drop off at the airport and fly out.
  • Bid farewell to your driver and guide. Complete airport departure formalities and board your flight.
  • End of the trip!

Policies

>Confirmation Policy

"1. The traveller will receive an email confirmation voucher within 48 hours after making the reservation. 2. If there are exceptional circumstances, the customer will be off ered workable substitutes based on their preferences. In these situations, an email containing the updated trip information would be issued with a new voucher."

>Cancelation Policy

"1. A 20% cancellation fee equal to the entire tour cost will be applied to any cancellations made 30 days or less before the departure date. 2. Refunds for cancellations made between 15 and 30 days before the departure date will be 30% of the total tour price. 3. There would be cancellation fees equal to 50% of the total tour cost for any cancellations made seven to fifteen days before the scheduled departure date. 4. A cancellation made between 0 and 7 days before the departure date will result in cancellation fees equal to 100% of the total tour cost. 5. Activities and tours may not operate or may be cancelled due to unforeseen weather conditions or sudden government laws or prohibitions, among other constraints."

>Refund Policy

Refunds that apply will be handled in a timely manner—seven business days

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Tour Amenities

Accommodation

Transportation

FAQs

What type of clothing should we pack for this trip?

We recommend packing warm, breathable layers and modest clothing. Temperatures can shift dramatically in the mountains; think fleece jackets, light scarves, boots, and long-sleeve shirts. Bring a swimsuit if you plan to use hotel pools or hot springs.

How strenuous are hiking and other outdoor activities?

All included adventures are graded easy-to-moderate intensity over mostly short distances suitable for average fitness levels. But again, just let us know your activity's comfort zone.

Is Kashmir safe?

Very safe; Kashmir has a strong tourism industry. Plus, this tour sticks to secure areas.

What is the food like?

Delicious! Kashmiri cuisine features fragrant spices, fresh vegetables, lamb dishes, breads, rice, and saffron—all locally sourced. Any dietary needs can be catered to.

What is there to do on days where we just want to completely relax?

You can soak in open-air hot spring baths, indulge in massage therapies, nap in cozy cottage suites, or cruise the peaceful lake by shikara boat, just taking in the views.

How much walking is there each day?

The amount of walking is adjustable from very minimal (just short walks) to a few hours of hiking, depending on your preferences.

1 Review

Nicolas Shai

Nicolas Shai

20 Mar, 2023 . 4:00 Pm

5.0

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