Kashmir

Post Breakfast, its sightseeing time around Pahalgam. Visit the beautiful Aru Valley – noted for its scenic meadows. It is popular among the tourists for its natural environment and scenery. The village is a base camp for trekkers to the Kolahoi Glacier, the Tarsar-Marsar lakes and the Katrinag valley. On the way back to the resort, its time to visit Beetab Valley. Betaab Valley gained prominence after the Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh starrer film, Betaab, was shot here in 1983. Thus, the valley was named after the hit film. The valley falls on the way to the famed Amarnath temple yatra.  Next, weather permitting, we’ll explore another gem – Chandanwari. This spot serves as the starting point for the Shri Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage and boasts spectacular natural beauty. Nestled amidst snow-capped mountains and the flowing Lidder River, Chandanwari is a haven for nature lovers. After our exciting day of sightseeing, we’ll return to the hotel to freshen up. Later, join us for a delightful get-together session featuring cocktails and snacks, followed by a hearty dinner. Meals offered:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Night stay in Pahalgam

Today after breakfast we check-out of Pahalgam resort and drive to Srinagar. Along the way we visit an apple farm & enjoy fresh apple juice and other farm products. Our next stop is the famous Kashmiri Cricket Bat factory and the handicraft store.  Embroidery is an integral part of many Kashmiri handicrafts, shawls, carpets and Kashmiri ladies pheran are adorned with intricate embroideries or flower styles made of thin metal threads and this kind of embroidery is known as ‘Tille’ in Kashmiri language. Embroidery work is done by both men in women in the region conventionally.  On reaching Srinagar, check-in to your hotel and take rest. Later in the evening we will go for a Shikara boat ride on Dal Lake, during the sunset and later enjoy shopping around the Dal Lake. Return back to the hotel for dinner and rest.  Meals offered:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner  

• Night stay in Srinagar

After breakfast, visit one of Kashmir’s scenic treasure – The Gulmarg Valley. Gulmarg is hill station, and popular tourist destination in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located in a cup-shaped valley in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas at an altitude of 2,650 m (8,694 ft). Gulmarg is a popular skiing destination and has attracted millions of tourists with its scenic beauty. One of the main attractions in Gulmarg is the Gulmarg Gondola, the highest cable car in the world.  Lying at the corner of one of the main meadows in Gulmarg, the Maharani Temple looks striking. It is said to be the royal temple of Dogra dynasty, who ruled the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and Parvati. The famous song of Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz – Jai Jai Shiv Shankar was shot here. In the evening its time to return back to Srinagar.  Overnight in the Srinagar hotel. Meals offered:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner  

• Night stay in Srinagar

Post breakfast, another exciting day. We visit Sonmarg Valley. Sonmarg is known as the “Meadow of Gold”. It’s known for its verdant and picturesque valleys and snow-clad peaks. The Sindh River winds its way through the valley and takes care of the flora of the region that include silver birch, fir, pine, and alpine flowers. Spend your day enjoying the majestic snow peak mountains and if interested go on a short trek up to the start of the glacier point. Enjoy lunch (on your own today) and then we return back to Srinagar to do souvenir shopping before returning back to Srinagar hotel for rest. Meals offered:Breakfast & Dinner  

• Night stay in Srinagar

Check-out of your Srinagar hotel post breakfast. We begin our local sightseeing around Srinagar including a visit to the famous Mughal Gardens and Nishat Bagh – The Bagh was designed and built in 1633 by Asif Khan, elder brother of Nur Jahan. An anecdote is told of the jealousy of the Emperor Shah Jahan on beholding such a delightful garden, which led to the abandonment of the garden for some time. Did you know Mughal Princess Zuhra Begum was buried in the garden she was the daughter of Mughal Emperor Alamgir II, and granddaughter of Emperor Jahandar Shah. Spend your afternoon enjoying your time at the gardens.   Today enjoy authentic Kashmiri Lunch at this over 100 year old Kashmiri restaurant in the heart of Srinagar. Enjoy Wazwan – a multi-course meal in Kashmiri cuisine, originating from Kashmir. Almost all the dishes are meat-based using lamb or chicken with few vegetarian dishes. Did you know The ultimate formal banquet in Kashmir is the royal wazwan. Of its thirty-six courses, between fifteen and thirty can be preparations of meat, cooked overnight under the supervision of a master chef called a wouste waze. Guests are seated in groups of four and share the meal out of a large copper plate called the traem. A ritual washing of hands in a portable basin called the Tash-t-naer, which is taken around by attendants.  This is usually presented to the would-be in-laws before/on the day of the marriage. Post this awesome lunch it’s time free time for shopping. Late afternoon, we check-in to our unique and beautiful Kashmiri Houseboats for an overnight stay. It’s time for another surprise event, followed by Cocktails & a Gala Dinner. Overnight at the Houseboat on Dal Lake, Srinagar. Meals offered:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner  

• Night stay in Houseboat on Dal Lake, Srinagar

Finally, this incredible vacation concludes. Following breakfast, transfer to the airport where your tour manager will assist you as needed. Upon arrival in Delhi, the Senior Holidays Tour manager will facilitate a seamless baggage collection. Those requiring assistance in arranging a taxi for their journey home can kindly reach out to the tour manager. Meals offered:Breakfast

• Return