Enchanting Kashmir

Upon your arrival in Jammu, our friendly agent will greet you, and then escort you to your cozy hotel where you may relax for a while.

Then, you will begin your sightseeing tour by first visiting the Bahu Fort, which is a 9^th century fort that is situated on the banks of the Tawi River. This historical fortress is known as the Bahu Killa, and was constructed by Raja Bahu Lochan, the brother of Raja Jambu Lochan (founder of the Jammu city). The fort boasts of a marvellous architectural marvel, that features intricate carvings, thick walls, and large bastions. Within the fort complex, you will visit the Bawe Wali Mata Temple, which is an ancient temple that is dedicated to Goddess Kali.

This will be followed by a visit to the Bagh-e-Bahu, which is a beautiful well-maintained garden situated next to the Bahu Palace. This garden is also known as the Bahu Garden and features lush greenery, manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and captivating fountains.

After spending some quality time at the Bahu Garden, you will cross the Tawi River to reach the Raghunath Temple, which is one of the oldest and the most famous temple in Jammu. This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and was built in the 19th century by Maharaja Gulab Singh. Apart from Lord Rama, the temple also has different shrines dedicated to various other deities like Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman, etc. Here, you will witness an immersive evening aarti that is filled with the melody of rhythmic chants and ringing bells.

Soon, you will come out of the temple and then you will head towards your cozy hotel, where you will check-in to grab some rest, relish a delicious dinner and then settle in for a restful night’s sleep.

Today, wake up to a beautiful day, freshen up, have a delectable breakfast, and then you will check out from your hotel in Jammu to begin your journey towards Pahalgam.

Enroute Pahalgam, you will visit the Jambu Zoo, which is a captivating sanctuary that is home to variety of wildlife that includes animals, birds and repltiles. Here, you will be able to see leopards, lions, tigers, bears, deer, monkeys, porcupines, peacocks, parrots, pigeons, ducks, crocodiles, and snakes.

After exploring the enchanting world of animals at the Jambu Zoo, you will embark on a scenic ride to Pahalgam. Upon your arrival in Pahalgam, you will check-in to your hotel to drop your luggage, grab a little rest and to freshen up.

In Pahalgam, you have an option to enjoy a leisurely horse ride, or you may opt for an adventurous white water rafting session on the Lidder River. No matter, which activity you choose, you will love exploring the true beauty of Pahalgam, which is complimented by beautiful meadows and majestic Himalayan peaks. These activity comes at an additional expense, but they are definitely worth the experience.

Soon, it will be close to sunset, and now you will head towards the Mamleshwar Temple, which is an ancient temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva left his friend Lord Nandi (the bull) at Pahalgam for grazing in the beautiful meadows during his journey to the Amarnath Cave. The Mamleshwar Temple not only stands as a wonderful example of the Kashmiri architecture, but also offers you an enchanting experience of witnessing the immersive evening aarti.

In the evening, you have an option to explore the local market on your own, which is quite popular for traditional handicrafts, spices, clothing, and more.

Later, return to your cozy hotel to relish a sumptuous dinner and to grab a peaceful night’s sleep.

Today, wake up to a refreshing new day in Pahalgam, have an appetizing breakfast and then you will embark on a wonderful journey to explore some of the most beautiful attractions in Kashmir like the Betaab Valley.

To make the most of your day today, we recommend you to wake up early today, as you will be spending most of your time in the laps of nature, that is complimented by lush green meadows, meandering rivers, and snow-covered mountain peaks.

The first attraction you will be visiting today is the Betaab valley, which has been named after the Bollywood movie ‘Betaab’ that was shot here in the 80’s. This valley is also locally known as the Hajan Valley and it is considered as one of the most beautiful valleys in Kashmir. The road that connects the Betaab Valley to Pahalgam, further leads to Chandanwadi, the base camp for the Amarnath yatra.

After spending some quality time exploring the beautiful Betaab valley, you will begin your journey to Srinagar via Avantipura. On reaching Avanitpura, you will visit the Avantipura ruins, which was once a thriving temple complex with temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. These temples were built in the 9^th century by King Avantivarman using sandstone. But now these ancient temples lie in ruins standing as a silent witness to Kashmir’s rich past.

Soon, you will depart from Avantipura and will reach Srinagar, the most populous city in Kashmir. On your arrival, you will head straight towards the Sri Shankaracharya Temple, which is perched atop the Shankaracharya Hill or the Gopadari hill. This temple is counted as the oldest temple in Kashmir and is believed to have been established by the great saint Adi Shankaracharya in the 8^th century. The temple has been constructed using the original Shikhara Style of architecture, and it offers a panoramic view of the Srinagar city, the Dal Lake, Jhelum River and various other mountains surroundings Srinagar.

After seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva at the Adi Shankaracharya Temple, which is also known as the Jyeteshwara Temple, you will visit the Hari Parbat Fort. This fort was built during the reign of the Mughal Emperor in the 16^th century, and it boasts of intricately carved architecture that reflects a blend of Mughal, Persian, and Kashmir styles. Apart from having a military function, the Hari Parbat Fort is also revered as a sacred site by both Hindus and Muslims alike, where the Hindus associate the hill with Goddess Sharika (an incarnation of Goddess Durga) and the Muslims with the shrine of Makhdoom Sahib (a renowned sufi saint).

If time allows, you will head towards the Badam Waari, which is located on the foothills of the Hari Parbat, adjoining the beautiful Nigeen Lake. The Badam Waari refers to the ‘Orchard of Almonds’ and it houses almond trees, various flowers, and shrubs. The ideal time to visit this park is in April to May.

After this, you will check-in to your cozy hotel to relish a delectable dinner and to settle in for a restful night’s sleep.

Wake up today, have a delicious breakfast, and then you will set out to explore some of the key attractions in Srinagar, that make it one of the most beautiful destinations in India.

Today, you will begin your day by heading towards the Shalimar Bagh Mughal Gardens, which is meticulously designed masterpiece of the Mughal era that boasts of a symmetrical layout featuring manicured lawns, cascading terraces, and a well-planned water channel that connects the garden with the Dal Lake.

This will be followed by a visit to the Nishat Gardens, which is also known as the ‘Garden of Bliss’. Like the other Mughal gardens, this one is also built on the East side of the Dal Lake, and is nestled amidst the Zabarwan mountains. The Nishat Bagh provides ample of opportunity for you to wander through the terraced lawns, blooming flower beds, shaded pavilions, and along the central canal & various fountain jets. Apart from that, it also offers breathtaking view of the Dal Lake beneath the snow-capped Pir Panjal Mountain range.

If you are planning to visit Kashmir in the month of March – April, you will visit the Tulip Garden, which is open for visitors during these two months, as this is the time when the tulips blossom to create a kaleidoscope of colours.

Otherwise, you will head towards the Cheshma Shahi Garden, which is another Mughal Garden that is renowned for its natural spring that cascades from the top to the bottom of the garden in steps. This is the smallest Mughal Garden and is divided into three sections — an aqueduct, waterfall, and fountains. It is believed that the water from the natural spring has medicinal properties and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, used to have the water from this spring transported to his residence in Delhi. This garden is open to the public from March to November, and the ideal time for visiting them is from April to October, with the best time being between May and June.

After this, you will visit the Pari Mahal, which is another beautiful Mughal Garden, that is also known as the ‘Palace of Angels’. This beautiful garden is situated on the Zabarwan Hill and features seven terraced gardens along with ancient ruins of an historic site that once served as a royal observatory for teaching astrology & astronomy.

Finally, you will conclude the sightseeing of the day with a visit to the Dal Lake, which is considered as the biggest lake in Srinagar and is also referred to as the heart of the town. Here, you may indulge in a leisurely boat ride on a Shikara and glide through the tranquil waters of the lake, that are complimented by floating gardens, the reflection of the surrounding mountains and the vibrant hues of the setting sun.

Later, in the evening, you will check-in to a luxurious boathouse for a splendid staying experience that comes coupled with a delicious Kashmiri cuisine and unparalleled hospitality.

Today, wake up to the refreshing rays of the sunrise, gaze out of your window or step out in your balcony to witness a mesmerizing sunrise on the Dal Lake. Freshen up, relish a nourishing breakfast and then you will begin your journey to Doodhpathri and Gulmarg, two of the most picturesque destinations in Kashmir.

The first destination you will be visiting today is Doodhpathri, which is also known as the ‘Valley of Milk’ due to the cascading Shaliganga river that resembles the flow of milk. This valley is adorned with lush green meadows that are woven with meandering streams and dotted with colourful flowers. Here, you will not only witness the natural beauty, but will also feel the cool mountain breeze and hear the soft murmur of the streams.

After capturing some magical moments at Doodhpathri, you will continue your journey towards Gulmarg, which is globally known as the ‘Meadow of Flowers’.

Upon your arrival in Gulmarg, you will head towards the St. Mary’s Church, which is a 20^th century church that was built by the British missionaries in the Victorian style. This church is adorned with intricate wooden carvings and stained-glass windows that depict biblical scenes.

For those interested in Golf, you can visit the Gulmarg Golf Course, which is counted among the highest golf courses in the world, and boasts of lush green fairways that are surrounded by dense pine forests and towering snow-capped peaks. Here, you may take a leisurely walk, take golf lessons, or maybe play golf, but at your own expense.

After the church, you will head towards the starting point of the Gulmarg Gondola to board the cable car to either Kongdoori or the Apharwat peak. Though the Gondola ride comes at an additional expense, but it is one of the most sought-after activities that you must not miss. It is counted among the highest cable car systems in the world, reaching an altitude of approximately 13,000 feet (almost 4,000 meters) above sea level.

To board the Gondola, you will have to reach the Gulmarg Gondola base camp, which is situated near the Gulmarg parking and is accessible by either walking, or by hiring a pony or an ATV ride (but at your own expense).

The gondola (cable car) journey is divided into two phases:

1. Gulmarg Base Camp – Kongdoori (Phase 1)
   During this phase of the Gondola ride, you will witness mesmerizing views of the Gulmarg town, the lush alpine meadows, dense pine forests and the snow-capped mountains of the Pir Panjal range. The gondola ride for phase 1 is of about 2.1 kilometres and takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Kongdoori to Apharwat (Phase 2)
   After spending some time exploring Kongdoori, you have the option to take the cable car for the second phase, which takes you higher up to the Apharwat peak, where you will be treated with snow, and captivating views of the Nanga Parvat and the picturesque Kashmir valley. The gondola ride for phase 2 is for about 2.5 kilometers and takes about 15-20 minutes.

After exploring Kongdoori and Apharwat, you will descend in the Gondola to reach back to Gulmarg, where you will check-in to your luxurious hotel, homestay, or resort to savour a traditional Kashmiri cuisine, and to settle in for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Please Note: Make sure to inform us while booking the tour, so that we can arrange the passes for the Gondola ride accordingly, as there are limited slots available.

You can also choose to extend your stay in Gulmarg, you can do so by either paying a little extra for your extended stay or by skipping your trip to Sonamarg. In case you skip Sonamarg, you will visit the Wular Lake the next day and then head straight away to Srinagar.

Today, wake up to a beautiful new day in Gulmarg, have a hearty breakfast, and embark on a scenic drive to Sonamarg via Sopore.

Enroute Sonamarg, you will visit the Wular Lake, which was once the largest natural freshwater lake in Asia. This lake holds immense ecological significance and serves as a vital habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. It’s rich biodiversity attracts various migratory birds, making it the ideal destination for birdwatchers and photographers. Apart from that, it acts as a support to the local communities by providing them a source of livelihood through fishing, agriculture, and tourism. Here, you can also choose to take a shikara ride on its tranquil waters through its fascinating floating gardens.

After this captivating boat ride, you will continue your journey towards Sonamarg through a picturesque route. Upon your arrival in Sonamarg, you will check-in to your hotel to grab a little rest and to refresh. Then, you will head towards the Thajiwas Glacier, where you will have an opportunity to walk through the rolling meadows and the snowy glacier. Moreover, you may also choose to take a pony ride or enjoy sledging, but at your own expense.

As the sun begins to descend, you will return to your cozy hotel in Sonamarg to relish a delicious dinner and to have a restful good night’s sleep.

Wake up to a bright new day, freshen up, have an appetizing breakfast, and then you will embark on a scenic trip to Zoji La, a high mountain pass that connects Kashmir to Ladakh.

Your journey to Zoji La takes you through Baltal, the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra. After crossing Baltal, you will ascend the Zojila Pass to reach the Zojila War Memorial, which is a poignant site that stands as a testament to the bravery and determination of our soldiers who fought bravely in the ‘operation Bison’ during the Indo-Pak war of 1948.

After paying homage at the Zojila War Memorial, you will head back to Srinagar. On the way to Srinagar, you have the option to indulge in a leisurely picnic by the riverside or partake in an adventurous white water rafting session on the Sind River, but at your own expense.

Post lunch, you will proceed towards Srinagar, where you will head straight towards the iconic Zero Bridge, which is a wooden arch bridge that is built over the Jhelum River. Here, you can click some amazing pictures on the bridge and take a glimpse into the architectural heritage of the region.

This will be followed by a visit to the Lal Chowk, which is a prominent commercial and cultural hub that lies in the heart of Srinagar. Here, you are free to explore the local market on your own, giving you ample of time and opportunity to shop for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts, handloom, spices, dry fruits, and souvenirs.

Later, you will check-in to your cozy hotel to have a scrumptious dinner and a well-deserved night’s sleep.

Today, wake up, freshen up, have a delicious breakfast, and then you will check-out from your hotel to begin your journey back home.

In case, your departure is in the afternoon or in the evening, you have an option to either set sail in a Shikara on the river Jhelum or you may set off to explore the local markets.

We will finally wish you goodbye by dropping you at the Srinagar Airport, Railway Station or the ISBT, as per your departure timing and preferences.

With the wheels set in motion, your enchanting Kashmir trip commences, and you will carry with you a piece of Kashmir in your heart, which is basically a mosaic of experiences, stories, and serenity that will echo in your heart for the years to come.