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
Arrive at Srinagar airport and met with our Driver/ Representative who will transfer to your pre-booked hotel. After some rest and fresh up proceed for a local sightseeing tour around Srinagar visit Mughal Gardens which consist Nishat Bagh (Abode of pleasure), built by Asif Khan brother-in-law of Jehangir in 1632 AD, Shalimar Bagh (Abode of Love) built by Jehangir for his wife Empress Noor Jehan. The distance from Srinagar city to the these Gardens is approximate 12 and 15 km respectively. Dinner & overnight stay at Srinagar hotel
SRINAGAR- SONAMARG- SRINAGAR
After breakfast get ready for a full day excursion of Sonamarg "The Meadows of Gold" which is one of the most beautiful drives from Srinagar (85 Kms/3 hrs/). Sonamarg is situated at a height of 2690 meter from sea level. You may take a pony ride/ Horse (at your own cost) to reach Thajiwas Glacier where snow remains round the year. It is the base point for the treks to Harmukh range via Nichnai, Vishensar Lake, Gangabal and to Nara Nag. This place also famous for trout fishing.
Dinner & Overnight stay at Srinagar hotel.
SRINAGAR - GULMARG
After breakfast check out of from hotel and proceed to Gulmarg which is 60 km from Srinagar. Gulmarg is also known as a meadow of flowers. It is situated at an altitude of 2730 meters from sea level. Reach Gulmarg and check in at your pre-booked hotel. Later enjoy the leisurely walks on the lush green meadows of flowers with a backdrop of the snowcapped mountains. In winter season Gulmarg is the best destination for snow skiing lovers. You may also enjoy a pony ride or Gondola ride (rope way) to Khillanmarg (at your own cost).
Dinner & Overnight stay at Gulmarg.
GULMARG – PAHALGAM
After early breakfast check out from the hotel at Gulmarg and drive to Pahalgam "The Village of Shepherds" It is approx. 140 km from Gulmarg and takes 3-4 hrs to reach Pahalgam. 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 & also a 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
After breakfast get ready to explore Lidder valley on your own cost by using a local Vehicle from the below options:
Option 1st:- Visit to Aru Valley which is a small village and 15 km upstream from Pahalgam, The route is picturesque with various campsites. This village is the starting point for treks to the Kolahoi glacier.
Option 02nd:- Visit Chandanwari which is 16 Km from Pahalgam and starting point of holy Amarnath Yatra. Chandanwari is famous for snow sledding on a snow bridge, Enroute visit Hajan an idyllic picnic spot and Betab valley where the famous Bollywood movie Betab was shot.
Option 03rd:- You may also enjoy leisurely walks in a pine forest along the River Lidder and enjoy a picnic on the riverside.
Option 4th:- You may also enjoy pony ride/horse to Baisaran meadow, surrounded by thickly wooded pine forest and snow-capped mountains. This grassy glen offers a captivating view of Pahalgam town and Lidder Valley.
Dinner & overnight in the hotel
PAHALGAM - SRINAGAR
After breakfast proceeds back to Srinagar. Arrive Srinagar and check in to your prebooked houseboat. Evening enjoys a Shikara ride on the Dal Lake to enjoy the beauty that God has graced this city with, which is often compared to Venice. You will get a view of some very interesting places around the Lake.
Dinner and overnight at deluxe houseboat.
SRINAGAR AIRPORT DROP
After breakfast check out from Hotel/Houseboat and transfer to Srinagar airport for your onward journey.
