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 JAMMU & TRANSFER TO KATRA (50 Kms/1-2 hrs drive)
Arrive at Jammu Railway Station/airport and proceed to Katra. The distance from Jammu to Katra is about 50 km will be covered in about 2 hrs. Reach Katra and check in to your pre-booked hotel. Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
KATRA – VAISHNODEVI – KATRA
After early breakfast, get ready for holy Journey to Mata Vaishnodevi Darshan. Maa Vaishno Devi shrine is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Shakti and it is the second most visited religious shrine in India after Tirupati Balaji Temple. You may reach there by Trek (14 km), OR Ponies can also be arranged by self for the trek. Get Darshan of Maa Vaishnodevi and evening return back to Katra. Dinner & Overnight stay at Katra hotel.
KATRA – PAHALGAM (220 Km/ 6-7 hrs drive)
After early breakfast check out from hotel and straight drive to Pahalgam which is 220 km from Katra and takes 6-7 hrs drive. Drive and enjoy through the green pine forest and along the Lidder River. Pahalgam is always the first choice for Indian film Industry (Bollywood) for film making 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.
IN PAHALGAM
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 Betaab 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 - GULMARG (140 km /3- 4 hrs)
After breakfast check from the hotel and drive to Gulmarg. 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 - SRINAGAR (60 km /2 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Srinagar. Arrive Srinagar and check in to your pre-booked hotel. Late afternoon enjoy Shikara ride on beautiful Dal Lake to enjoy the beauty that God has graced this city with, which is often compared to Venice. You will get a panoramic view of some very interesting places around the Lake.
Dinner & overnight stay at Hotel / Houseboat
SRINAGAR SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast get ready for sightseeing of Mughal Gardens visiting Nishat Bagh garden (Abode of pleasure), built by Asif Khan brother-in-law of Jehangir in 1632 AD, Shalimar Bagh garden (Abode of Love) built by Jehangir for his wife Empress Noor Jehan. These beautiful mountains are situated on the bank of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains in the background. The distance from Srinagar city to these Garden is approximate 12 and 15 km respectively.
Afternoon visits the places of around Srinagar city like Fort, Jamia Masjid, Shah Hamdan Shrine and walks through the narrow streets of Old City, Down Town to experience the living style of local residents.
Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
SRINAGAR – SONAMARG - SRINAGAR
After breakfast gets 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 AIRPORT DROP
After breakfast or as per your flight schedule transfer to Srinagar airport to board flight for onward destination…
