5 Days Glimpses of Kashmir

Day 1: Arrival at Srinagar

Upon arrival at Srinagar Sheikh Ul Alam Int’l Airport (This must be one of the Most Scenic Flights in the World, Srinagar is popularly known as the “City of Reshi’s & Sufi’s” and it is also the summer capital of state Jammu & Kashmir. You will be met by driver and transfer to Hotel for Check in. In the evening you take a shikara ride on world famous Dal Lake, where you visit the floating vegetable gardens & Open Dal Lake. While riding the Shikara’s there are plenty of opportunities for bird watching with plentiful species including Kingfisher, Little Bittern, Common Pariah Kites, Grebe etc. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

Overnight Stay in Srinagar

Day 2: Srinagar Local Sightseeing

After a leisurely breakfast, we check out from Houseboat & start our Sightseeing tour by visit of Shankaracharya Temple, It is believed that it was the place where the great philosopher and saint Shankaracharya stayed when he visited Kashmir ten centuries ago to revive Sanathan Dharma. The original ceiling was dome- shaped and the brick roof is not more than a century old. And later proceed further to Hazratbal Mosque; Situated in a village on the western shores of the Dal Lake opposite Nishat Bagh, it is a pristine white marble edifice casting its reflection in the waters of the lake. Unlike the other mosques in Srinagar, which have a pagoda like roof, Hazratbal is the only mosque to have a domed roof mosque in Srinagar; the others having distinct pagoda like roofs Gardens & Jamia Masjid, situated in the heart of the old city of Srinagar, this huge mosque is visited by thousands of people who congregate here for the Friday prayers.

In the afternoon, we take a visit to Mughal Gardens, Nishat Garden known as ‘Garden of pleasure’ built in 16 th century (1633) by Mughal King Asif Khan. Then visit to Shalimar Garden known as ‘Garden of love’ built in 16 th century (1619) by Mughal King Jahangir for his beloved wife Noor Jahan or (Mehr-un-Nissa & Chashmashahi (The Royal Spring). The Chashmashahi Mughal Garden in Srinagar had been loved by emperors and picnickers alike. Dinner & overnight stay at the Hotel.

Overnight Stay in Srinagar

Day 3: In Srinagar (Day Excursion to Gulmarg) – (50 Kms – 1 & Half Hrs. One Way)

After an early breakfast, drive towards Gulmarg for a full day excursion via Srinagar Bye-Pass. Gulmarg, called as “Meadow of Flowers”. Gulmarg is 52 Kms from Srinagar at an altitude of 8700 – ft. Gulmarg also referred as Meadow of Flowers is a famous Ski Resort & the world’s highest 18-hole Golf Course. The place was prominent during the British time. Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers.

Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter. One Can go for the Gondola Ride up to 1st or 2nd Phase. The Gulmarg Gondola is a tourist attraction in itself. It is one of the highest cable cars in the world, reaching 3,979 metres. The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from the gondola main station in Gulmarg to a shoulder of nearby Mt. Affarwat Summit (4,200 m (13,780 ft)). There are also countless off-piste possibilities through the beautiful Khilanmarg meadows on the foot of Mount Affarwat, which offer a scenic view of Nanga Parbat. The Affarwat ridge at 3850+ metres offer an avalanche-controlled ski area that offers a wide field of snow to descend 800 m in approximately 3 km of skiing, and is for advanced skiers only. Due to Gulmarg's steep terrain, the region is popular amongst advanced and extreme skiers from around the world and has been visited by a number of ski professionals and featured in a number of ski films also.

Return back to Srinagar in the evening for dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

Note: In case of snowfall, our vehicle will be able to drop you at Tangmarg only (10 Kms before) from where you need to hire Snow Jeep (chained vehicle) directly. Else Vehicle will drop you at Gulmarg Hotel only from where you can either hire ponies / ATV bikes or can go by walk for Gondola Ride as vehicles are not allowed for sightseeing or any movement.

Overnight Stay in Srinagar

Day 4: In Srinagar (Day Excursion to Pahalgam) – (96 Kms – 2 to 3 hrs. One Way)

After an early breakfast, leave for a full day excursion to “Pahalgam” called as “Valley of Shepherds”. Pahalgam is situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River, Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Enroute visit 19 th Century Awantipura Ruins. Full day to enjoy and explore the Beauty of “Pahalgam”.

One can go to Chandanwari (16 Kms) which is starting point of Amarnath Pilgrimage “The Abode of Shiva”, Aru (10 kms from Pahalgam) has a fine meadow of picturesque scenery and starting point of trekking of (Liddarwat, Kolahoi Glacier & Trsar Lake) & Betaab Valley.

Aru Valley: It is located around 12 km from Pahalgam, 11 km upstream from the Lidder River. Noted for its scenic meadows, lakes and mountains, it is a base camp for trekking to the Kolhoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake. The village lies of the left bank of the Aru River, which is a tributary of the Lidder river The Aru valley is noted for its scenic meadows. It is popular among the tourists for its peaceful environment and scenic beauty. Other popular tourist activities include fishing of trout in the Lidder River, trekking, hiking, horse riding, sightseeing and photography.

Betaab Valley: Situated at a distance of 15 kilometres from Pahalgam. The valley got its name from the Sunny Deol– Amrita Singh hit debut film Betaab. The valley surrounded by lush green meadows, snow clad mountains and covered with dense vegetation. Betaab Valley is a very popular touristic destination. Betaab Valley is also a favourite campsite of travellers as it also serves as a base camp for trekking and further exploration of the mountains. The valley is a walk-able distance from Pahalgam. The Crystal clear & chilly water of the stream bubbling down from the snowy hills is a delight; locals here drink this water too. Baisaran and Tulian Lake are few nearby attractions that can be visited.

Chandanwari {Chandanwari valley is currently closed & yet to open}: Situated 16 km from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra, which takes place every year in the month of Sawan (Rain). It is famous for snow sledging on a snow bridge. Taxi cabs can be hired from Pahalgam for a roundtrip. Snow fights" is what people generally indulge in here before they sledge back down. Many prefer to sip a cup of tea of snack at the nearby Dhaba’s. Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari is an idyllic spot for a picnic. Filmgoers will recognize it instantly as it has been the location of several movie scenes.

By the evening return back to Srinagar for dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

Overnight Stay in Srinagar

Day 5: Depart Srinagar (Fly Out)

Tour concludes. Thank you for your patronage and ensures a punctual transfer to Domestic Airport to catch the flight for your onward Destination.

End of Tour

MUST KNOW

Network services for prepaid SIM cards from outside states do not work in Srinagar or anywhere in Jammu & Kashmir. Only postpaid connections have network coverage. If you have a prepaid SIM card, you will need to obtain a local SIM card in Srinagar by submitting valid identity proof. If you are leaving Srinagar by air, please plan to arrive at the airport at least 1 to 1.5 hours earlier than usual, as Srinagar Airport has 2–3 additional rounds of security checks. Even after check-in, passengers are required to identify their luggage before it is transferred to the aircraft. Do not panic if you see armed personnel on the roadside or hear about possible curfews or bandhs. For tourists, the area is generally safe, and local residents, police, and army personnel are helpful.