The state of Jammu and Kashmir has been demarcated into four geographical zones:
The Shivalik ranges, The high mountains comprising of the Kashmir Valley and Pir Panchal range, Sub-mountain and semi-mountain plain & The middle portion of the Indus River constituting of Leh and Kargil.
"Kashmir", if literally translated, means the land desiccated from water: "ka" (the water) and shimeera (to desiccate). It was a belief that Kashmir was originally a lake that was drained by the great saint of ancient India Kashyap. It was included in the empire of Ashoka Maurya who is credited with the foundation of the city of Srinagar around the year 250 BC.
ITINERARY
ARRIVE SRINAGAR & CITY TOUR
Arrive at Srinagar airport and you will be transferred to your pre-booked hotel which is approx 35 minutes' drive. Check-In at the hotel and get fresh. Later ready for local sightseeing of famous Mughal gardens of Nishat garden and Shalimar Bagh. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel.
SRINAGAR – GULMARG (56 kilometers / 2 hrs drive)
After breakfast at hotel drive towards Gulmarg. En route you get to see the Tangmarg town and drive ahead on a scenic drive to Gulmarg. Arrive in Gulmarg and check in to the hotel. Later, start a short tour, boarding the Gondola cable car by your own cost. Later descend back to Gulmarg after an hour and enjoy some horse-riding and other activities in Gulmarg ( at own cost). Enjoy the full day for leisure. Dinner& Overnight stay at Gulmarg.
GULMARG – PAHALGAM (154 km / 4-5 hrs drive)
After early breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Pahalgam via Pampore, Avantipura and the village of Bijbehara which remains famous as the breadbasket of Kashmir. Enroute visit the world famous Saffron growing fields, Awantipura ruins (9th Century). Pahalgam is always the first choice for Indian film Industry (Bollywood) for filmmaking and shooting. Pahalgam is also famous for some trekking routes and base camp for Amarnath Pilgrimage Yatra. Arrive Pahalgam and check in to your hotel. Evening enjoys the natural beauty around Pahalgam. Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
PAHALGAM SIGHTSEEING – BACK TO SRINAGAR (97 km / 3-4 hrs)
After early breakfast check out from the hotel and visit Betaab Valley and Chandanwari as well as take a horse riding trip to Baisaran meadows(at your own cost).After sightseeing around the mountain valley for most of the day drive back to Srinagar and transfer to hotel. Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
MANASBAL DAY EXCURSION (30 km/ 1 hrs drive)
After breakfast, get ready to drive to Manasbal Lake. The lake is the best place for bird watchers. This lake is surrounded by three villages Jarokbal, Kondabal and Gratbal. The beautiful lotuses blossom by the lakeside during July and August month to grace the beauty of clear waters. You may also visit Kheer Bhawani Temple. Later drive back to Srinagar. Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
DOODHPATRI DAY EXCURSION (42 km/ 2 hrs)
After breakfast drive Doodhpatri day trip, it is also known as the valley of milk, located at Budgam district spread in a bowl-shaped valley in Pir Panjal Range. Its an alpine valley covered with snow covered mountains. Since the road conditions are not favorable but still tourist love to visit this place for spending their peaceful time at doodhpatri, Later drive back to Srinagar and check in to the houseboat. Evening enjoys a Shikara ride at Dal Lake. Dinner& Overnight stay at the hotel.
SRINAGAR DEPARTURE
After breakfast check out from Hotel/Houseboat and transfer to Srinagar airport for your onward journey.
