Kashmir at Glance

Duration: 05 Nights & 06 Days
Routing: Delhi- Srinagar- Delhi

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Delhi – Srinagar (Flt- 9W-603 - 1115-1235 hr)
Today we taka a flight to Srinagar, upon arrival at Srinagar our representative would assist you at the Airport & transfer to the Houseboat - Hotel.
Srinagar, The city was founded by the King Pravarasena-II over 2,000 years ago, & the city of Srinagar has a history dating back at least to the 3rd century BC. The city lies on both banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus River. The city is famous for its lakes & houseboats floating over them. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts & dry fruits. It city was a part of the Maurya Empire, one of the largest empires of the Indian subcontinent. Ashoka introduced Buddhism to the Kashmir valley & the adjoining regions around the city became a centre of Buddhism. In the 1st century, the region was under the control of Kushans & several rulers of this dynasty strengthened the Buddhist tradition. Also known as "Paradise on Earth"

Shikara boatride on Dal lake is one of the most soothing & relaxing aspects of a holiday in Kashmir. Later in the afternoon we explore the Dal Lake & its Waterways & visit the floating vegetable market in a traditional Shikara boat. This unique kind of market can be only witnessed in Thailand & Kashmir. En route we shall see many species of aquatic birds on the lake, nestling on surrounding trees on floating  marshes used for growing vegetables by local people, who have inherited a unique lifestyle living on the Lake for over decades.
Overnight Houseboat – Srinagar (B, D)

Day 02: Srinagar
Full Day Tour
Today we visit the ancient Shankaracharya Temple & famous Mughal Gardens- Nishat Bagh (Abode of pleasure) was built by Asif Khan Brother-in -law of Jehangir in 1632 AD. The largest of the gardens, Nishat has seven terraces with beautiful water channel flowing right in the middle. Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love) was built in the year 1619 A.D for was built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Empress Noor Jehan. The Garden has four terraces; the 4th terrace was once reserved for royal ladies. Chashme Shahi (The Royal Spring) was originally laid out by Shah Jehan in 1632 AD. It is a tastefully laid garden in terraces, which commands a magnificent view of the Dal Lake below & surrounding mountain ranges. The cool water of the spring is highly refreshing & digestive. All the gardens are situated on the banks of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains in the background & Shankaracharya Temple located on a hillock, thus providing a panoramic view of entire city, Dal Lake & River Jhelum. Shankaracharya Temple is located at 1100 ft. above surface level of the main city on the Shankaracharya hill, also known as Takht-E-Suleiman. The Shiva temple was constructed by Raja Gopadatya in the year 371 BC & as such is the oldest shrine in Kashmir.

Later in the evening we can visit handicraft & handloom centres famous for production of Pashmina - Shahtoosh shawls, world famous Carpets etc.
Overnight Houseboat – Srinagar (B, L, D)

Day 03: Srinagar – Gulmarg (140 km – 03 hr)
Today we drive to Gulmarg, a legendary beauty, prime location & proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hills 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. It was a favorite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty but also a the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, & is the country's premier ski resort in the winter. Also known as the “Meadow of Wild Flowers”

Later we take the Gondola ride (cable car) & enjoy the nature at its best.
Overnight Hotel – Gulmarg (B, L, D)

Day 04: Gulmarg - Pahalgam (140 km – 03 hr oneway)
Excursion to Pahalgam
Today we take an Excursion to Pahalgam, Situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake & the Lidder River, (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. The undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari, is an idyllic spot for a picnic. It has within it no fewer than eight tiny villages, one of which is Mamal. There is a Shiva temple here, generally considered to be Kashmir's oldest existing temple, dating to the 5th century.

You can take a pony ride in the open fields to seven springs & to a lake, which remains frozen till June.
Overnight Hotel – Gulmarg (B, L, D)

Day 05: Gulmarg - Srinagar (140 km – 03 hr)
Today we drive back to Srinagar, Rest of the day we relax on Dhal Lake
Overnight Hotel – Sonamarg (B, L, D)

Day 06: Srinagar – Delhi (Flt 9W-603 - 1330-1550 hr)
Today we drive to Srinagar to board the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in we leave for City Tour.
Full Day Tour
Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shah Jahanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later we walk down or take a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan.

In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further we drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. President's House, the official residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the Governor-General of British India. We will also visit Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar & its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Evening we leave for onward destination.
Our tour concludes: We thank you for your patronage & look forward to serve you again in near future.

Package includes

• 05 Nights accommodation on twin sharing basis
• Breakfasts & other meals a per the Itinerary
• Non A-C transportation
• Local English speaking guide for the Tour

Package does not include

• Any airfare or airport tax.
• Any Monument entry fee & camera fee.
• All presently applicable taxes.
• Any expense of personal nature such as hard/soft drinks, laundry, phone/fax calls, tips etc.
• Any other expense not mentioned in the “Package includes”.