The Scenic Kashmir
The Scenic Kashmir
Destinations Covered: Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam| Ex Srinagar
Best Period : March to November
In the evening enjoy relaxing Shikara ride on Dal Lake.
The Shikara’s are about 15 ft long with a canopy for shade. The seats and backrest are heavily cushioned; you can relax and stretch out in “Mughal style” for your boat journeys. While riding on Shikara you can often observe white breasted Kingfishers (Halcyon smyrnensis), large striking birds with robust bills perched on the branches of willow trees. These birds concentrate their efforts to hunting on the floating Gardens. These manmade islands comprise of reeds, willow rods, aquatic vegetations and held together with humus consisting of mud from the lake bottom. The houseboat and ShikaraCommunities have lived for centuries on the Dal, and so complete is their infrastructure on the lake, that they never have to step on land! Doctors, tailors, and bakers – you’ll see them all in tiny wooden shops on the lake, near picturesque vegetable gardens and acres of lotus gardens.
Overnight in KASHMIR (HOUSEBOAT).
Later drive to Gulmarg. Upon arrival, check-in at the Hotel followed by Lunch Spend the day at the picturesque mountains or take the cable car ride to Khilanmarg or Apharwat Snow Point.
Gulmarg is at an altitude of 8,500ft and 51km west of Srinagar. It rests in a small valley with a backdrop of the lofty Pir Panjal range of the Himalaya Mountains. As the area is under snow for 06 months of the year it is popular as a skiing area. It also has one of the best natural golf courses in the world. Pony trekking is available, as are plenty of walks for bird watchers in the meadows of alpine flowers. There are magnificent views of Nanga Parbat, ranked 9th highest mountain in the world.
Overnight in GULMARG.
Drive to Pahalgam, enroute visit Pampore saffron fields and Awantipur ruins. The journey to Pahalgam is very scenic. Your drive will be along the Lidder River and paddy fields. On arrival check in at Hotel,enjoy your lunch at the hotel. Spend your evening at leisure.
Pahalgam is not a mere hill-station. It’s a recreation resort. It’s like going into the lap of nature to do many things – one of the best – that “do-nothing”. You want to have a romantic trip with your beloved, want to get together with your family, and have what they call a ‘quality’ family time, you want to do those little interesting things with the family and kids, like take a pony ride, just picnic next to a beautiful river, just lie down under the sun next to your hotel with fresh breeze blowing, and read a book, or have a game of cards or indulge in buying exquisite of Kashmiri handicrafts.
Overnight in PAHALGAM.
Spend day at leisure for local sightseeing, horse riding or leisure walks (On your own). You can also visit the Betaab valley or Chandanwari both of Bollywood fame.
Overnight in PAHALGAM.
Post breakfast drive to Srinagar. On arrival check-in to the Hotel, Later proceed for sightseeing of Mughal gardens, Shalimar Garden and Nishat Baugh, Shankracharya Temple.
Mughal gardens were built by the Mughal in the Islamic style of architecture. This style was heavily influenced by the Persian gardens particularly the Charbagh structure. Significant use of rectilinear layouts is made within the walled enclosures. Some of the typical features include pools, fountains and canals inside the gardens. Shalimar and Nishat Gardens have a unique setting, they are ideal for a relaxed walk or Pure relaxation under the shade of Chinar trees. Views of Dal Lake from Nishat gardens are soothing to the eyes and you can see the Hari Parbat Fort across the lake.
Overnight in SRINAGAR.