Honeymoon in Kashmir

You will be greeted upon your arrival in Srinagar, by our friendly agent who will then escort you to Pahalgam, the valley of the Shepherds.

On the way to Pahalgam, you have the option to visit the Avantipura ruins or the Martand Sun Temple. If you love history and want to capture the essence of Kashmir’s rich religious past, then both these ruins can act as a wonderful backdrop for your memorable pictures.

Option 1: Avantipura Ruins

The Avantipura Ruins was once a thriving temple complex that was built by the King Avantivarman in the 9th century. The temple complex featured two temples, the Avantishwara Temple, that was dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Avantiswami Temple, which was dedicated to Lord Vishnu. However, during the mid of the 15^th century, the temples were vandalised and now they lie in ruins holding secrets of the Kashmir’s rich past.

Option 2: Martand Temple

As the name suggests, the Martand Sun Temple is an ancient temple that is dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God). This temple dates to the 8^th century and is counted among the oldest sun temples in India. The temple has been built in the Kashmiri architectural style, and features a central sanctuary surrounded by a terraced courtyard with beautifully sculpted pillars and ornate motifs. Moreover, as it has been built on top of a plateau, therefore it offers nice panoramic views of the valley and the surrounding mountains.

The Avantipura ruins can act as a wonderful backdrop if you love history and want to capture the essence of Kashmir’s rich religious past in your memorable pictures.

Soon, you will depart from Avantipura and reach Pahalgam, where you will have an option to either partake in a thrilling white water rafting session on the Lidder river to add a pinch of adventure to your honeymoon trip (at an additional cost), or else you will check-in to your luxurious hotel, homestay, or camp to grab a little rest and to freshen-up.

You will then embark on a horse ride to the Baisaran Valley, which is often referred to as the Mini Switzerland of Kashmir. As you traverse the scenic trail with your loved one, you will be passing through lush meadows, along towering pine trees, and will witness panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Soon, you will reach Baisaran, where you will be greeted by vast meadows that are carpeted with colourful flowers, creating a picturesque backdrop for a romantic picnic or leisurely stroll hand in hand.

After some quality time experiencing the journey on one of the most sought after means of transport from the bygone era, you will come back to Pahalgam, where you will visit the Mamleshwar Temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for a happy & prosperous married life ahead. Apart from that, you will also be a part of the immersive evening aarti.

After seeking the blessings from the divine, you will return to your luxurious accommodation to relish a delectable dinner and to settle in for a romantic night in your lover’s arms.

Surprise of the day: Enjoy a private romantic candle-light dinner in your room.

Wake up to a beautiful new day in your lover’s embrace, take a nice shower together, feast on a delicious breakfast, and then you will set off to explore some of the most beautiful valleys in Kashmir – the Betaab Valley or the Aru Valley, before heading to Srinagar.

Both the Aru Valley and Betaab Valley offer captivating natural beauty and serene ambiance, making them perfect destinations for couples on a honeymoon. However, the choice between the two depends on your preferences and interests.

Option 1: Aru Valley

Situated on the banks of the Aru River, the Aru valley is located at a distance of about 12 kilometres from Pahalgam and is known primarily for its scenic meadows, lakes, and snow-capped peaks. The Aru village is situated on the left bank of the river, and it acts as the base camp for the trek to the Kolhoi Glacier, Tarsar Lake, Marsar and Herbaghwan Lake. It is comparatively less crowded than the Betaab Valley and is ideal for couples seeking solitude.

Option 2: Betaab Valley

The Betaab Valley is also known as the Hajan Valley or the Hagan Valley. It is situated at a distance of about 7 kilometres from Pahalgam, on the road to Chandanwadi. This valley lies on the bank of the Lidder River and has been renamed after the 1983 Bollywood movie ‘Betaab’, that was shot here. The enchanting beauty of the lush green meadow with crystal-clear streams flowing through it, painted with the silhouette of pine, deodar, walnut, and willow trees on the backdrop of the smoky mountains surely adds a ‘WOW’ factor to your experience. Though this place generally attracts more tourists, because of its scenic landscape, but it is definitely worth a visit for those who love a livelier atmosphere that is bundled with various recreational activities and amenities.

After exploring these beautiful valleys, you will begin your journey back to Srinagar, where you will first visit the Sri Shankaracharya Temple, which is also known as the Jyeteshwara Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is counted as the oldest temple in Kashmir. It is believed that the temple has been established by the great Hindu philosopher and saint, Adi Shankaracharya on his visit to Kashmir in the 8^th century. As the temple is located on the Shankaracharya Hill or the Gopadari Hill, that overlooks Srinagar, you will witness a wonderful panoramic view of the entire city, the Dal Lake, Jhelum River, and the beautiful surrounding mountains.

Next, you will head towards the Dal Lake, the biggest lake in Srinagar that is considered as the heart of the city. Here, you both will take a captivating Shikara (boat) ride on the tranquil waters of the lake for a truly romantic experience. Moreover, the beautiful backdrop of the snow-capped peaks, and their captivating reflection on the water further enhances your overall experience.

The shikara will soon take you to your boat house, where a delightful Kashmiri dinner awaits. As the night unfolds, the soft glow of the lanterns reflecting in the shimmering lake, and the soothing melody of the water gently caressing the sides of your houseboat, will surely create a romantic ambiance that will help you both immerse in a world of romance and pure bliss.

Surprise of the day: Delight your loved one with a floral bed and a romantic setting for the evening.

Today, wake up to a beautiful new day in each other’s arms while witnessing the gentle sway of the houseboat. Then start your day by getting dressed together and stepping out of your cozy room to relish a delicious Kashmiri breakfast on the deck or the dining area of your houseboat.

Soon, you will bid farewell to your luxurious houseboat and will begin the sightseeing tour of Srinagar. The first attraction you will be visiting today is the Shalimar Bagh, which is one of the most popular Mughal Garden that is renowned for its symmetrical layout, meticulously manicured lawns, cascading fountains, and serene ambiance. Apart from that it also boasts of a well-planned water channel that connects the garden with the Dal Lake, creating the perfect backdrop for capturing those stunning unforgettable photos.

After this, you will visit the Nishat Bagh, which is another beautiful Mughal Garden, that is popularly referred to as the ‘Garden of Bliss’. In this garden, walk hands in hands through terraced lawns that boast of colourful flowerbeds, and offer stunning views of the Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Mountains.

If you are planning to visit Srinagar between late March and April, you will also have the opportunity of visiting the Tulip Garden. Here, you will be greeted by a kaleidoscope of colourful tulips that not only creates a mesmerizing sight, but also provides the perfect backdrop for romantic strolls and captivating photoshoots.

Next, you will visit the Chashme Shahi Garden, which is an ancient Mughal Garden that is known for its natural spring that cascades down the garden through a terraced layout. Here, you can take a moment to sit by the tranquil water of the natural spring, whispering sweet nothings to each other as you bask in the beauty of your surroundings. This garden is open from March to November, and the ideal time for visiting it is from April to October, with the best time being between May and June.

Soon, you will leave the Chashme Shahi Garden, and will head towards the Pari Mahal which is the fourth Mughal Garden in Srinagar that is popularly known as the Palace of Fairies. This historic garden is perched atop the Zabarwan Range, and features beautiful, terraced gardens and ruins of an historic site that was once a royal observatory for astrology & astronomy. While the garden itself may not be in full bloom throughout the year, but climbing hand in hand to the top will reward you both with panoramic views of Srinagar and the Dal Lake. Moreover, the setting sun will cast a warm glow over the landscape, making it the ideal romantic spot for capturing the enchanting sunset vistas.

After spending some quality time at the Pari Mahal, you will conclude your romantic day tour with a visit to the Zero Bridge, which is an iconic wooden arch bridge that is built on the Jhelum River. Here, you can click some amazing pictures together with the Jhelum River and the old Srinagar as the backdrop.

After this, you can take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant local markets of Srinagar, like the Lal Chowk or the Residency Road. Here, you both can shop for handcrafted souvenirs, intricately woven textiles, and exquisite Kashmiri handicrafts.

Later, you will check-in to your luxurious hotel to relish a romantic dinner, and to grab a romantic night’s sleep in each other’s arms.

Please Note: While some Mughal gardens are known for their seasonal blooms, each garden offers its own unique charm and beauty year-round. The best time to visit them is generally during the spring and summer months when the flowers are in full bloom.

Surprise of the day: Treat your loved one with a delicious cake or a bottle of wine.

As the first light of the dawn filters through the curtains of your cozy room, wake up to the warmth of each other’s embrace, have a delicious breakfast together, and then start your day with an early morning departure from Srinagar to Gulmarg via a picturesque route.

Upon your arrival in Gulmarg, you will check into your luxurious accommodation, where you may take a moment to admire the beauty of your surroundings from the balcony of room or from the common terrace.

You will then, begin your sightseeing tour by visiting the Gulmarg Gondola Base Camp by walking from the parking, or by either taking a ride on a pony or an ATV (at your own expense).

On reaching the Gulmarg Gondola Camp, you have the option to embark on an unforgettable gondola cable car ride to either Kongdoori (Phase 1) or to the Apharwat Peak (Phase 2) as well. The gondola (cable car) journey is divided into two phases:

• Gulmarg Base Camp – Kongdoori (Phase 1)

As you ascend towards the Kongdoori (Phase 1), you will be greeted by mesmerizing views of the verdant meadows, dense pine forests, and the snow-capped peaks of the Pir-Panjal range (depending on the time of the year). This journey is for about 2.1 kilometres and generally takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

• Kongdoori – Apharwat (Phase 2)

After spending some quality time at Kongdoori, you may choose to either return to the base camp or else you may choose to ascend further up to the Apharwat Peak, making this Gondola ride the highest cable car ride in the world. On reaching Apharwat (Phase 2), you will be greeted with a carpet of snow, and captivating views of the Nanga Parvat and the picturesque Kashmir valley. This journey is for about 2.5 kilometres and takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Soon, you will take the cable car ride back to the Gulmarg Gondola Base Camp, from where you will proceed towards the Gulmarg Meadows. Here you have the option to either take a captivating horse ride (at your own expense), or to take a romantic stroll to the St. Mary’s Church, which is nestled in the middle of the Gulmarg meadow, near the Gulmarg Golf Course. This beautiful 20^th century church has been built in the Victorian style and the picturesque location of the church and the surrounding landscape create the perfect backdrop for those exotic romantic pictures from your honeymoon tour. Apart from capturing the fairy tale story of your newly married life at the church, you may also seek the blessings of Jesus for a blissful married life together.

You will then depart from the Gulmarg meadows and will arrive in the small town of Gulmarg, where you can explore the charming streets lined with quaint shops and cafes to add a pinch of fun and togetherness to your trip.

Later, you will return to your hotel for a romantic candlelit dinner, whispered conversations and tender caresses filled with love.

Surprise of the day: A private couple dance with soft romantic music under the ambiance of candlelight.

Today, begin your day by embracing the moments of warmth and intimacy as you wake up in each other’s arms. Then, have a warm romantic shower together, relish a delightful breakfast together while listening to the melody of chirping birds.

You will then take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Gulmarg, before embarking on your journey back to Srinagar.

Depending on your schedule, you have the option to either spend some quality time taking a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Gulmarg, or to go to Srinagar to visit the Hari Parbat and the Badam Wari, before continuing your journey further home.

As you travel back to Srinagar, hold each other’s hands and gaze out of the window, admiring the beauty of Kashmir’s landscapes.

If your departure is in the later afternoon or in the evening, then you will visit the Hari Parbat Fort, which is a 16^th century fort that boasts of intricately carved architecture, reflecting a unique blend of Mughal, Persian, and Kashmir styles. The Hari Parbat Fort offers you ample of opportunities to click some amazing pictures that showcase the grandeur of the Mughal era.

After this, you will visit the Badam Wari Park, which is located on the foothill of the Hari Parbat and is known for its fragrant almond orchards. You can take a leisurely stroll hand in hand through the lush greenery and capture some magical moments together.

Finally, after spending some quality time at the Badam Wari, we will drop you at your preferred destination in Srinagar, be it the airport, the railway station, or the ISBT to help you embark on your onward journey.

As you board your flight, train, bus, or cab for your journey back home, look at each other with love, cherishing the sweet memories of your romantic honeymoon in Kashmir, knowing that your love will continue to grow stronger with each passing day.

Surprise of the day: A small gift for both of you as a token of gratitude and love.