The
vale of Kashmir is set in the lap of the famous
Himalayas, towering to 18500 feet, with the sinuous
Jhelum river cutting across in coils and curves forming
the highway and the main source of sustenance. This
fertile land has ove
r
centuries enticed people from all over the world to
behold its legandary beauty. Indeed no other place on
earth has more widely been referred to as PARADISE.
Kashmir
inspite of its mountainous terrain has been remarkably
accessible to outsiders. Here you find evidence of
interaction with ancient Greek, Roman and Persian
civilizations. This spectacular land is tempered by many
countless caravans of traders and rulers that have
traversed the Vale of over a thousand years. From
Emperor Ashok's regime the third century BC which left
its stamp of Buddhism, to the revival of Hinduism by
Sankracharaya, to the preaching and introduction of
Islam by the Great Shah Hamdan, who also produced the
current civilization of Persian art, to the influence of
the Mughals, to the Sikhs, the British Raj and finally
the 19th century Dogra rulers till 1947.
Day
01 : Delhi - Srinagar
Meet upon arrival and transfer to Deluxe Houseboats.
Late afternoon Shikara ride on Dal Lake visiting
floating and Vegetable gardens etc. Also witness walnut
woodcarving and papier mache making demonstration.
Dinner overnight in Deluxe Houseboats.
Day 02 : In Srinagar
Morning sightseeing of Mughal Gardens visiting Nishat
Bagh (Abode of pleasure) built by Asif Khan brother in
law of Jahangir in 1632 AD. And Shalimar Bagh (Abode of
love) built by Jahangir for his wife Empress Noor Jahan.
All the gardens are situated on the bank of Dal Lake
with the Zabarwan mountains in the background. The
distance from Srinagar to the said gardens is about 12
and 15 kms respectively. En-route visit to carpet-weaving
factory. Dinner overnight in Deluxe Houseboats.
Day 03 : Srinagar - Gulmarg
Full day trip Gulmarg (Meadow of Flowers) 2730 Mts.
above sea level. The distance of 60 kms will be covered
in about 2 hrs. Gulmarg has one of the best Ski slopes
in the world and highest golf course of the world with
18 holes. One can also have the view of Nanga Parbhat if
weather permits. The view en-route from Tangmarg to
Gulmarg is fascinating. One can also have a short trek
upto Khilangmarg, which can be covered in about 3 hrs.
Also enjoy sledge riding on snow. Chair Lifts for
mountain ride are also available. Lunch will be carried
from Houseboats. Dinner and overnight stay in Deluxe
Houseboats.
Day 04 : Srinagar - Pahalgam
After breakfast drive to Pahalgam (Valley of Shepherds).
The distance of about 96 kms will be covered in about 3
hrs. En-route visiting Saffron fields, Awantipura ruins
(1100 years old temple of Lord Vishnu built by King
Awantiwareman), see the beautiful countryside on the way
and lot of rice fields. Drive through the pine forest.
Arrive Pahalgam transfer to Hotel. After lunch have
bridle walks and feed your cameras with the picture of
magnificent view of mountains. Dinner overnight in hotel
at Pahalgam.
Day 05 : Pahalgam - Srinagar
Drive back to Srinagar from Pahalgam and transfer to
Deluxe Houseboats. Dinner overnight in Deluxe
Houseboats.
Day 06 : In Srinagar
Free for Shopping and other individual activities.
Dinner overnight in Deluxe Houseboats.
Day 07 : Srinagar - Delhi
After breakfast transfer to Airport catch flight for
Delhi.