KASHMIR, THE PARADISE ON EARTH
SRINAGAR, GULMARG, SONMARG, PAHALGAM
04 Night/05 Days

Arrival Airport       : Sheikh-Ul Alam International Airport, Srinagar
Departure Airport : Sheikh-Ul Alam International Airport, Srinagar
IATA Code           : SXR

Day 01
Arrive| Srinagar
On arrival at Srinagar Airport, begin your tour of Kashmir. Pick up and transfer to the houseboat. Later in the afternoon Enjoy a city tour of Srinagar visiting the famous Mughal Gardens on the banks of Dal Lake.Nishat Bagh (Abode of pleasure), built in 1632 AD, Shalimar Bagh (Abode of Love) built by Jehangir for his wife empress Noor Jehan.Enroute visit a carpet weaving factory and Shankracharya Temple. Evening is free for shopping and leisure activities. Rest of the day at leisure for my own activities. Overnight stay at a houseboat in Srinagar.

Mughal gardens: – ChesmaShahi (Mughal Spring), Nishat (The Garden of Bliss), Shalimar (The Abode of Love).

Chashmi-e Shahi commissioned by Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan for his elder son, Dara Shikoh, Chashme Shahi was built by his governor Ali Mardan in 1632. Primarily famous for its natural spring, Chashme Shahi Garden is part of the Mughal Gardens, and is a must-see in Srinagar. The natural spring in this top attraction in Srinagar catches the eyes of the tourists. Believed to have been discovered by great female saint of Kashmir, Rupa Bhawani, the spring got its name from her clan and was origi-nally called ‘Chashme Sahibi’. Tourists visit this attraction in Srinagar to drink the water from the spring which is believed to have medicinal properties. It is to be noted, even in the peak summer season, the water from the spring is always cold.

Nishat Bagh was designed by Asaf Khan, the elder brother of Nur Jahan, in 1633 AD. It is believed that Emperor Shah Jahan on witnessing the grandeur and beauty of the Nishat Bagh, was so impressed and awestruck that he expressed his gratitude to Asaf Khan three times. Popularly known as the ‘Garden of Bliss’, the Nishat Garden or Nishat Bagh, is the second-largest Mughal Garden in Kashmir Valley, after Shalimar Bagh and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Srinagar. The beautiful garden is on the eastern side of the picturesque Dal Lake and is situated against the backdrop of the magnificent Zabarwan Mountains. This surreal garden is a place of sheer delight for na-ture lovers, family vacationers as well as romantic couples as it offers them spectacular views and a memorable experience.

Shalimar Bagh is the largest Mughal Garden in Kashmir valley and thus is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Srinagar. Covering an area of 31 acres, this garden once served as the favorite summer destination of Emperor Jahangir and his court. This beautiful masterpiece also popularly known as the ‘house of love’ was originally called ‘Farah Baksh’, which literally translates to ‘delightful’. Encircled by tall trees of Chinar and many colorful flowers, the Shalimar Bagh presents tourists with a serene environ-ment. It also boasts a beautifully designed canal that runs through the center of the garden, further enhancing its charm. The main attractions of the Shalimar Bagh are the ‘Chini Khanas’. Oil lamps were lighted at night at these ‘Chini Khanas’ which created a dazzling sight. In present times, however, these ‘khanas’ are adorned with flower pots which are also visually delightful.

Day 02
Srinagar|Sonamarg| Srinagar (88 Km / 3 hrs drive)

Today after Breakfast, proceed for a day excursion to Sonmarg (Golden Meadow / Meadow of Gold), with snowy mountains against a cerulean sky as its backdrop. Sonmarg lies in Sindh 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, which is around 4 Kms from Sonmarg and sledge riding on snow (Ponnies/ Horse to be hired on direct payment). While returning back to Srinagar (optional), if time permits, 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 a hotel/house boat in Srinagar.

# Note: The vehicle will drop and pick you up at Sonamarg car stand. To reach the above places, you may need to hire ponies / horse / local vehicle on your own, direct  payment basis.

Day 03
Srinagar |Pahalgam|Srinagar (95 Km / 3 hrs drive)

After breakfast transfer to Pahalgam (2133 mts) also known as ‘The valley of Shepherds or Trekker’s Paradise. Pahalgam is the most famous place for Indian Film Industry. On the way visit Awantipura ruins, Saffron fields One of the most beautiful places on earth, the town of Pahalgam offers breath-taking views. Saffron market, Apple Orchards & Bat Factory.

One can just enjoy the town of Pahalgam trek to some of the most beautiful places on earth. One can trek to Lidderwat, Kolahoi Glacier or to Sonmarg. Pahalgam is also the entry point for the famous Amarnath Cave, a holy site for Hindus.

In Pahalgam you may visit: – Aru ,Betaab valley (optional) or one can have horse riding and can visit Baisaran, Baadyan , Kashmir valley , water fall  (on your own cost). Overnight stay at hotel/house boat in Srinagar.

# Note: The vehicle will drop and pick you up at Pahalgam car stand. To reach the above places, you may need to hire ponies / horse / local vehicle on your own, direct  payment basis.

Day 04
Srinagar | Gulmarg |Srinagar (56 Km / 2-3 hrs drive)

This morning you will be transferred to Gulmarg, Meadow of Flowers. Situated at an altitude of 2730 meters, full day at leisure to take leisurely walks on the lush green meadows of flowers with a backdrop of the snow caped mountains. Enjoy pony ride or Gondola ride (rope way) to Khilanmarg at your own cost or enjoy your day by playing golf in the world’s highest golf course (On your own cost) or can visit Rani Temple, Gulmarg Golf Course Gulmarg church by walk or by pony (On your own cost ) In the evening return to Srinagar. Overnight stay at hotel/house boat in Srinagar.

# Note: The vehicle will drop and pick you up at Gulmarg car stand. To reach the above places, you may need to hire ponies / horse / local vehicle on your own, direct  payment basis.

Day 05
Departure to Srinagar Airport
After breakfast, spent the rest of the day at leisure. Later, as per your flight schedule,  transfer to Srinagar airport for return journey
End of Program

# Note –  Departure Transfer
Please inform  your client to traveller as per itinerary and, particularly on  last day,  our itienrary offers only airport drop. If you client wants to do any sightseeng on the last day; it would be charged  additionally  on  direct basic.

Important Note :
Transport : A/C will be switched off during hill drives. Any increase in taxes or imposition of new taxes shall have to be borne by the customer. Vehicle is available as per the itinerary and will not be at disposal unless mentioned in the package inclusions. Charges applicable on any extra kilometers or hours can be paid directly to the transport vendor.

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