The Best of Kashmir

On your arrival in Srinagar, you will meet our representative at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Check in to your hotel. Full day at leisure. Overnight stay at Srinagar hotel.

• Following breakfast today, prepare to start on a captivating journey to Sonamarg from Srinagar, a scenic drive spanning 98 kilometres. Notably, Sonamarg is inaccessible from November to March. The drive to Sonamarg will take approximately 3 hours, offering a captivating experience as it is the entrance to Ladakh and the concluding stop of Kashmir District. Situated at an elevation of 2743 meters above sea level, Sonamarg lives up to its name, signifying ‘Meadow of Gold’, with its snow-covered mountains and lush alpine trees. The town boasts the most beautiful flower collection in Jammu and Kashmir, presenting a truly picturesque setting.
• Upon arrival, you have the option to visit the Thajwas Glacier, located 3 kilometres from town, accessible by walking or pony ride (available for an additional cost). This glacier trek is renowned for its adventurous nature, leading through lush greenery and a frozen lake. Furthermore, visitors can savour delightful views of the glacier and its surroundings from Shakhdar Hill. For those seeking thrills, sledge rides are available even during the summer season, with the option to hire sledges from the Gujars and camp in the surrounding area. The journey to the glacier offers an unparalleled trekking experience, with the potential to walk across the glacier, providing a unique and exhilarating adventure.
• Additionally, the area offers a stunning view of the high mountain pass Zojila, located at an altitude of 3528 meters above sea level. Nearby, a serene blue lake nestled amidst lush green meadows offers a serene setting, with the opportunity for extended rafting expeditions available at an additional cost.
• As evening approaches, you will return to Srinagar for an overnight stay, concluding a day enriched with natural splendor and invigorating experiences.

• After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and proceed to Pahalgam via Pampore, Avantipura and the village of Bijbehara which remains famous as the bread basket of Kashmir. We switch from the national highway 1A at Khanabal and drive through the second largest city of Anantnag. From here the road turns scenic as we drive parallel on the Lidder River flowing from the opposite direction. On Arrival check in to hotel.
• In Pahalgam, you can visit Chandanwari (3288 metres above sea level), Aru Valley and Betab Valley at your own cost by union cabs.
• Situated 16-km from Pahalgam, Chandanwari is famous for snow sledging on a snow bridge. Taxi cabs can be hired from Pahalgam for a roundtrip. The trip takes about four-five hours on a semi-road that has the Lidder river meandering on the one side, and lofty, snow-capped mountains on the other. “Snow fights” is what people generally indulge in here before they sledge back down. Chandanwari is also known for its natural attractions. It has some of the best picnic spots and is reachable by road. The weather can be very unpredictable at the place so do carry some warm clothes and rain coats as well.
• Aru Valley is a pristine scenic village situated in the region of Trans-Himalaya. Clear blue canopy over the head, misty surroundings, whispers of the native pines and conifer forests and beautiful meadows create a captivating diorama for travelers thronging the place. Though the village is the smallest hill station in the state, but still its breathtaking beauty and interesting activities like trekking, hiking and horse riding make it one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Pahalgam. Apart from the trekkers, the village also caters to the skiing desires of tourists who love to visit the place during winters. Aru Valley is located at a distance of about 12 km from Pahalgam.
• Betaab Valley is a perfect gateway to enjoy the heavenly pleasure of Mother Nature. Earlier known as Hagan Valley or Hagoon, Betaab Valley got its present name after the blockbuster Bollywood movie ‘Betaab’ was shot there in 1983. The experience is even more heightened by the musical whispers of several birds. Being a precious jewel of Jammu and Kashmir tourism, Betaab Valley is among a handful of Pahalgam tourist places to visit that should not be missed. Situated at a walking distance from the main center of Pahalgam, the valley is also an excellent camping site for trekkers and explorers.
• Later, return to your hotel for overnight stay.

• After breakfast, leave your hotel and go to Gulmarg. On the way, you’ll see the lovely Tangmarg town and then drive 14 kilometres to Gulmarg. Check-in at your hotel and then go sightseeing. You can visit the Maharani Temple, St. Mary’s Church, and take a Gondola ride (cable car costs extra).
• The Maharani Temple was built in 1915 by Mohini Bai Sisodia, the wife of Maharaja Hari Singh, the last Dogra king of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple has shrines for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It was also a filming location for the movie Aap ki Kasam. You can take pony rides to the temple for an extra cost.
• St. Mary’s church was built during British rule. It was renovated in 2003 and the first Christmas mass in 14 years was held there. The church, made of grey stone, looks beautiful especially in winter when it’s surrounded by snow.
• The Gondola lift has two stages and takes people to and from Kongdoori Mountain. The first stage goes from Gulmarg resort to Kongdoori Station, and the second stage takes skiers to Kongdoori Mountain. The Gondola ride is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, but this can change depending on the weather.
• After the sightseeing, return to your hotel in Gulmarg for an overnight stay.

• After breakfast, leave your hotel and get ready to travel to Srinagar. When you arrive in Srinagar, you’ll visit the famous Mughal Gardens, as well as the Shankaracharya Temple and Hazratbal Shrine. The gardens are located by Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains in the background, and they’re about 12 to 15 kilometres from Srinagar. On the way, you’ll also visit a carpet-weaving factory and the old city of Srinagar.
• Nishat Bagh is a stunning terraced Mughal garden by Dal Lake, and it offers a magnificent view of the Pir Panjal mountain range. Shalimar Bagh is the largest Mughal garden in India, also located near Dal Lake, and it’s particularly beautiful in autumn and spring. Chashme Shahi is another beautiful Mughal garden built around a spring in the Zabarwan Range, featuring terraces, a water pool, and a large fountain near Dal Lake.
• The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Asia’s largest tulip garden, is only open in April and is situated at the foothills of the Zabarwan Range. It overlooks Dal Lake and is adorned by 70 varieties of tulips, along with cultivated rose beds.
• The Shankaracharya Temple is an ancient temple believed to have been built in the 4th century, located on Gopadari Hill. It offers a breathtaking view of the valley and is steeped in history.

• The Hazratbal Shrine, located on the left bank of Dal Lake, is considered extremely sacred among Muslims. After the day’s activities, you’ll arrive at a houseboat and check-in. You can also go for a 1-hour Shikara ride on the lake (additional cost) past vegetable gardens and aquatic life. Finally, you’ll have dinner and stay overnight in the houseboat.

After breakfast check out & transfer for Srinagar Airport to board the scheduled Flight for onward destination.