Exotic Kashmir – 06 Nights / 07 Days (Standard)
Gulmarg is a city in Kashmir and is noted for having one of the worlds highest Gondola (cable car Taxi from the Airport to Gulmarg or Srinagar to Gulmarg should be 1,200 – 1,500 Rs. Prepaid taxis from the airport cost 1,350 Rs (December 2010) but if the roads are icy, you will proabaly only be able to catch the taxi to Tanmarg (950Rs), at which point you will need to hire a four wheel drive for 500-700 Rs. The journey takes around 2-2.5 hours. For those travelling from Srinagar, shared taxis (Sumos) are available from Buttmal to Tanmarg for Rs. 60 per person (Feb 2012). From there, you can catch a onward shared sumo to Gulmarg for Rs. 30 (Feb 2012). The whole journey takes 2 to 3 hrs.
Itinerary
- DAY 01 / Arrive Srinagar
- Arrive Srinagar, where you will be met upon arrival and transferred to your Houseboat. This afternoon enjoy a shikara ride on Dal Lake visiting floating vegetable gardens etc. Evening is free for leisure activities. Overnight stay at the Houseboat in Dal Lake in Srinagar.
- DAY 02 / Srinagar – Pahalgam (94 Kms / approx 03 hrs)
- Today after an early breakfast leave for Pahalgam, the Valley of Shepherds via Srinagar. Drive through saffron fields; visit Awantipura ruins of an 1100 yr old temple of Lord Vishnu. Drive through the pine forest and along the Lidder River. Arrive Pahalgam and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Pahalgam.
- DAY 03 / In Pahalgam
- Today after breakfast, depart for excursion trip to Chandanwadi, Starting point of Amarnath Yatra & Betab valley, Located on the way to Chandanwari, the valley was named Betaab after the bollywood movie by the same name! Earlier known as Hajan Valley, after the release of the movie, it was renamed as major part of the movie was shot here.Post lunch proceed for trip to Aru Valley – Aru Valley is a tourist spot 11 km from Pahalgam noted for its scenic meadows, and mountains, it is a base camp for trekking to the Kolhoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake. The village lies of the left bank of the Aru river, which is a tributary of the Lidder river. Overnight at the hotel in Pahalgam.
- DAY 04 / Pahalgam - Gulmarg (140 Kms / approx 04 hrs)
- Today after breakfast enjoy a picturesque drive to Gulmarg, the Meadow of Flowers, 2730 mts above sea level Gulmarg offers spectacular views of snow capped mountain peaks, conifer forests and green meadows; it is home to the highest 18 hole golf course of the world. Arrive Gulmarg and transfer to hotel. Enjoy a Gondola ride (Gandola ride is subject to weather conditions) to Khilanmarg (1st Phase) for a breathtaking view of Nanga Parbat. One can opt for gondola cable car ride for 2nd level too on direct payment basis, subject to availability and weather conditions .Thereafter time is free for activities on your own. You may enjoy an optional sledge ride on the snow covered slopes (on direct payment basis). Overnight stay at the hotel.
- DAY 05 / Gulmarg - Srinagar (55Kms / approx 2 Hrs)
- After breakfast, proceed for Srinagar. On arrival check into your hotel. Later proceed for half day Srinagar sightseeing covering the famous Mughal Gardens Nishat Bagh, Abode of Pleasure on the shore of the Dal lake, Shalimar Abode of Love built by Jehangir for his wife Empress Noor Jehan. Also visit Shankracharya Temple (243 steps). Rest of the day free for shopping on your own. Overnight at the hotel.
- DAY 06 / Excursion - Sonmarg (83 Kms / approx 02 hrs).
- Today after Breakfast, proceed for a day excursion to Sonmarg (Golden Meadow). Sonmarg lies in Sind Valley streamed with flowers and surrounded by mountains. Sonmarg is also the base for some interesting treks to the high altitude of Himalayan Lakes. Enjoy horse riding upto Thajiwas glacier and sledge riding on snow (on direct payment). While returning back to Srinagar visit Manasbal Lake (Yet another mesmerizing Lake of the Valley) and Kheer Bhawani Temple, the most important temple for the followers of Historical Vedic Religion in Kashmir, known as the Kashmiri Pandits. Overnight stay at hotel in Srinagar.
- DAY 07 / Departure from Srinagar
- Today after breakfast, transfer to Srinagar airport to board the return flight with Happy Memories!
Extras
| Extra Name | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Local Guide | Rs. 500/day | Hire a local guide to get to secret places! |
Included
- Accommodation in mentioned or similar hotel / resorts as per the itinerary (In base category room).
- Daily breakfast at all places.
- All transfers and sightseeing by AC Vehicle. (Please note that AC will be switched off during hill drive / Vehicle not at disposal)
- Shikara ride on Dal lake once during the stay.
- Gondola ride at Gulmarg till 1st level.
- Mughal Garden entrances in Srinagar.
- Complimentary 1 Gas Heater per single / double room during stay in Deluxe Houseboat (only with packages having houseboat stay).
- All toll taxes, parking charges, driver allowances.
- All currently applicable hotel taxes except GST @ 3.09%
- Above cost is per pax on twin sharing basis
Not Included
- Any Air or Rail fare.
- Any other meal not mentioned in price includes.
- Any other destination not mentioned in itinerary.
- Any local transport in Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
- Any Pony / Doli Charges in Pahalgam and Gulmarg
- Any monument entrance fees apart from those included, camera fees, guide charges.
- Any expenses of personal nature.
- GST @ 3.09%
