Jannat-e-Kashmir

 

Agar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast,

Hameen ast-o, hameen ast-o, hameen ast

 (If there be Paradise on Earth, it is here, it is here)

 

 

This was the beautiful description of Kashmir given by Amir Khusro the famous 14th Century Poet of India. This beautiful valley in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is separated from Jammu by Pir Panjal Mountains, to be precise by Nehru Tunnel. Once you cross the Nehru Tunnel you enter in a mesmerizing nature which transfers you to a new world which is largely untouched from the hustle bustle of the urban cities of India. The valley of Kashmir offers true paradise like experience, this valley is surrounded by steep mountainous terrain, massive rivers and many more. Known around the world for its un parallel landscapes, the valley is located 300 kms away from Jammu. Situated in the Himalayas, the clear blue skies reveal the snow-capped peaks that gives birth to the streams and rivers. Home to native flora like pine, deodar and chinar, it is a memory of a lifetime to preserve as you glide on a Shikara (Boat) in Dal Lake. The valley delights you with multi hues of nature, communicated through lush green slopes, tender meadows and prairie of vibrant flowers.

 

 

Day 1             03rd October 2023             Arrive Srinagar – Transfer to Sonamarg

 

Sonamarg: Sonamarg or Sonmarg, located at a hefty altitude of 2,740 m above sea level, literally means 'Meadow of Gold'. The picturesque natural beauty of the region brought this name to Sonamarg. Sonamarg, a town surrounded by breath taking glaciers and serene lakes, is a snow-covered beautiful flower-laden meadow in the majestic Himalayan Mountain region. Sonamarg in the Kashmir valley is the gateway to Ladakh and situated just before the Zoji La pass.

 

Arrive Srinagar airport at 11.10 AM. Your vehicle will be waiting in the airport parking lot. Settle in the car and transfer to Sonamarg. Enroute, stop at a roadside dhaba for lunch.

 

Arrive and check into your hotel. Rest of the day free to cherish the beauty of Sonmarg or relax at your hotel. If the sky is clear, you might get a view of the golden peaks around Sonamarg, the phenomenon after which Sonamarg got its name. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Sonamarg.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 2             04th October 2023             Sonamarg – Thajiwas Glacier

 

 

Thajiwas Glacier: Thajiwas Glacier is situated at a distance of 3 Kilometers from Sonamarg. You can choose to go there trekking on foot or hire ponies. This place will give you a real experience of a glacier which is situated 3000 meters above sea level. On the way you can enjoy shining frozen lake with greenery scattered all over the surrounding mountains. This place is famous with trekking enthusiast and all those who want to enjoy sledging on the snow. Thajiwas Glacier is the most visited place in Sonamarg.

 

Try and get up early to enjoy the beauty at sunrise if the skies are clear. After breakfast, proceed for a trek / pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier Snow Point. Thajiwas Glacier is one of the prime attractions of a trip to Sonamarg. The trek passes through lush green pastures, and beautiful forests, and ends at a viewpoint from where you get a clear view of the glacier.

 

The return trek should take anything between 4 to 6 hours depending on your speed and how much time you spend on the top.

 

Return to hotel and rest of the day free to explore Sonamarg on your own. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Sonamarg.

 

 

Day 3             05th October 2023             Sonamarg – Srinagar

 

Wular Lake: Wular Lake is the largest lake in Jammu & Kashmir Region. This lake is spread across area of 200 Square Kilometers. Wular Lake is a favourite picnic spot for local and tourists. Also, this lake is popular for water sports and boating. This lake controls the flow of mighty Jhelum River. 

 

Manasbal Lake: Manasbal Lake is located in the Ganderbal District of Jammu & Kashmir. This lake is surrounded by four villages and one Mughal Garden also called as Jharokha Bagh overlooking the lake. This lake is a beautiful sight and a must visit.

 

Kheer Bhavani Temple: Kheer Bhavani Temple is situated in the middle of Natural Spring. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi which is incarnation of Goddess Durga. Rice Pudding or Kheer is offered to the goddess so the word “Kheer” got associated with this temple. Maharaja Pratap Singh built this temple in 1912 which was later renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh. The annual festival for this temple is held in the month of May-June in which the colour of the Spring Water changes which according to devotee’s belief is a manifestation of Goddess Kheer Bhavani.

 

After breakfast proceed for Srinagar. Enroute, visit Wular Lake, Manasbal Lake and Kheer Bhawani Temple before arriving Srinagar and proceeding for a quick lunch.

 

 

 

Post lunch check into your houseboat. Enjoy this unique experience. House Boats or the Floating Homes are a unique option to unwind and experience the old-world charm of Kashmir. These Intricately Carved Wood Panelled House Boats are like Self Sufficient Homes which include Drawing Rooms and Bed Rooms.

Later at around 04.30 or 05.00 PM proceed for a 2-hour shikara ride (at your own cost). This Shikara Ride is one-of-a-kind experience. Here during this ride, while relaxing in a beautiful Shikara you can admire the peaks surrounding Srinagar, watch the Dal Lake Coast, indulge in some shopping in Shikara, visit Nehru Park, Lotus Garden and Char Chinar Island. Here you can have a quick Photo Stop and take a Snap dressed in traditional Kashmiri Attire.

 

Return to houseboat after the shikara ride. Dinner at the houseboat and overnight at houseboat in Srinagar.

 

 

Day 4             06th October 2023             Srinagar – Gulmarg

 

Gulmarg is a hill resort located at distance of 52 Kms from Srinagar. This Ski Resort was established in the year 1927 by the Britishers. Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty but also the country's premier ski resort. Gulmarg is Famous for its Gondola (Asia’s Highest and Longest Cable Car) which can ferry about 600 people per hour and is also the highest lift-served ski resort in the world providing a downhill ski run of 5.2 km from a height of 14,000 ft in the Apharwat range.

 

After an early breakfast, proceed for Gulmarg. Check into your hotel and depending on your gondola tickets proceed to the Gondola starting point and board your Cable car for one of the most amazing experiences in Kashmir.

 

Return to hotel in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel in Gulmarg.

 

 

Day 5             07th October 2023             Gulmarg – Pahalgam

 

Pahalgam: Pahalgam or the Valley of Shepherds is a beautiful hill station situated at a height of 2,740 meters from sea level and is at a distance of 95 Kms from Srinagar. It has a confluence of the streams flowing from the Sheshnag Lake which is situated at a higher altitude and Lidder River. This place also serves as starting point for the Holy Amarnath Yatra. With the beautiful lidder river flowing by its side and breath-taking views of the Snow-Clad Mountains, Pahalgam is a must visit place in Kashmir.

 

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for Pahalgam via Pampore, the famous saffron cultivation site and the town of Avantipora. Arrive and check into your hotel.

 

Evening free for personal activities. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Pahalgam.

 

 

 

 

 

Day 6             08th October 2023             Pahalgam – Local Sightseeing

 

Betaab Valley: Betaab Valley located at a distance of 15 Kms from Pahalgam and is famous due to numerous films like “Betaab” and “Bobby” which were shot here.  This place which was known as “Hajan Valley” was renamed as “Betaab Valley” due to the movie name. Also, here you can find a house which is called as “Bobby Hut” due to shooting of movie “Bobby” done here.

 

Aru Valley: Aru Valley is a scenic tourist place located at distance of 12 Kms from Pahalgam and is famous for lush meadows, pristine lakes and mountains.

 

Chandanwari: Situated 16-km from Pahalgam, Chandanwari is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra, which takes place every year in the month of Sawan.

 

Other places to see in Pahalgam are a horse-riding trip to Kashmir Valley, Baisaran Meadows.

 

Today, hire a local union vehicle at your own cost and proceed for local sightseeing in and around Pahalgam

 

Return to hotel, dinner and overnight at hotel in Pahalgam.

 

 

Day 7             09th October 2023             Pahalgam – Day Trip towards Jawahar Tunnel

 

Verinag: Verinag or also known as Vernag in local language is the place of natural spring from which river Jhelum emerges, there is an octagonal stone basin at Verinag Spring and an arcade surrounding it which were built by Mughal emperor Jahangir in 1620 A.D. The specialty of this spring is that it is known to never dry up or overflow. A beautiful Mughal Garden covering a total area of 5.30 hectares is built around the spring, the garden fascinates the tourists with its beautiful manicured lawns, flower beds.

 

Kokernag: Kokernag is a destination for the natural splendid beauty and the Sulphur Spring which is said to be having magical power for healing skin diseases. Since Kokernag is blessed by nature there are beautiful gardens surrounding the springs. These gardens are set on the beautiful background of forests. This place is also famous for Trout Fishing.

 

Martand Sun Temple: Martand Sun Temple or Mattan Temple as known with locals is an awe-inspiring structure that was built in the 7th to 8th century AD and is dedicated to the sun god. It was built during the reign of King Lalitaditya. The temple is a very good example of the architecture of ancient times and also showcases the ability of the artisans. The temple also offers a panoramic view of the valley of Kashmir.

 

 

 

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a day trip to visit Verinag, Kokernag and Sun Temple. If time permits, you can go up to Jawahar tunnel. Return to hotel, dinner and overnight at hotel in Pahalgam.

 

 

Day 8             10th October 2023             Pahalgam – Srinagar

 

Srinagar (The Summer Capital of Jammu and Kashmir) is world renowned for its handloom that produces woolen garments and Pashmina shawls. Srinagar also acquaints you with the local handicrafts, glittering copperware and hand carved wooden furniture made out of walnut tree. This Beautiful City of Mughal Gardens, Lakes (Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake) and many more beautiful Historical artifacts of Mughal Era which will Spell Bound you and will make you fall in love with this city.

 

Chasme shahi: Chashme Shahi which means “The Royal Spring”. This garden was laid down by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the year 1632. The specialty of this garden is the presence of Mountain Spring which gives sweet water around the year.

 

Pari Mahal: Pari Mahal or Fairies Abode is a seven terraced garden located on top of one hill of Zabarwan Mountain Range and overlooks the Dal Lake and Srinagar City. It was built by Dara Shiko for his Sufi Teacher Mulla Shah and later was used as an observatory for teaching Astronomy and Astrology.

After breakfast, transfer to Srinagar Check into your hotel. Post lunch visit Chashme Shahi and Pari Mahal. Return to hotel, dinner and overnight at hotel in Srinagar.

 

 

Day 9             11th October 2023             Srinagar

 

Shankaracharya: – Shankaracharya is a beautiful Shiva Temple situated on the Gopadari Hill of South East of Srinagar. This temple got its name after Adi Shankara visited here and got enlightenment in AD 750, but according to signs here this Octagonal Temple Structure dates back to 5th Century. One can also catch beautiful view of Srinagar City from the Temple Premises.

 

Shalimar Garden: Shalimar Bagh (Garden) or the “Abode of Love” was built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur Jahan in 1616 is the largest Mughal Garden in Kashmir. This garden situated in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir is spread over 31 Acres and has four terraces rising one above other.

 

Nishat Bagh: Nishat Bagh or “Garden of Bliss” or “Garden of Joy” situated in Srinagar is the second largest Mughal Garden in Kashmir. This garden was laid down by Asif Khan, brother of Empress Noor Jahan in 1633 AD on the bank of Dal Lake. This garden has 12 terraces each

 

 

 

representing different Zodiac Signs and beautiful water channel flowing right in middle of the garden.

 

Jama Masjid: Jama Masjid is known as one of the sacred shrines for Islamic followers and is also the biggest mosque in Kashmir Valley. Built in 1402, Jamia Masjid as it is popularly called, reflects the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. A magnificent courtyard with 370 wooden pillars, the architecture here exemplifies the charm of Jama Masjid.

 

Hazratbal: Hazratbal Shrine is one of the significant must visit place in Srinagar due to the fact that it houses a Hair of Prophet Muhammed. Situated near the Dal Lake, the domed mosque is a place of serenity, also an architectural marvel of intricate Persian and Indian influences.

Lal Chowk: Lal Chowk (lit. 'Red Square') is a city square in Srinagar. The square was given its name by left-wing activists who were inspired by the Russian Revolution as they fought the princely state's Maharaja, Hari Singh. It has traditionally served as a place for political meetings, with Jawaharlal Nehru, Shaikh Abdullah as well as other prominent political leaders having addressed people from it. The Ghanta Ghar at Lal Chowk was built in 1980 and has immense political importance. It is also an important business district in Srinagar and you can shop for dry fruits, saffron, handicrafts from this area.

 

After breakfast, proceed for visiting the above attractions. Further you may visit the local market of Lal Chowk area for shopping of Kashmiri Handicrafts, Dryfruits and other items. Return to hotel, dinner and overnight at hotel in Srinagar.

 

 

Day 10                       12th October 2023             Srinagar – Doodh Pathri

 

Doodhpathri: (Valley of Milk) is a tourist destination and hill station located in Budgam district of Jammu & Kashmir at an altitude of 8,957 ft from sea level, and located at a distance of 42 km from state summer capital Srinagar.

 

Main attractions of Doodhpathri

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• Tangnar: This place comes on the way 2 km before Doodhpathri, it is a beautiful place of small valleys with deodar and pine trees on small hills.

• Mujpathri: (Valley of Turnip) is a small hamlet 3 km from Doodhpathri, it is situated on the bank of river shaliganga.

• Palmaidan: (Big stones ground) the name of this place is after the “Big Stones” because there are huge stones all around the ground. It is situated at a distance of about 5 km from Doodhpathri and is the favourite spot of shepherds and cowboys where shepherds and cowboys gather in large numbers in summer and graze their cattle and livestock. It is beautiful place with a small stream running on one side of the ground. The place is rich in deodar and pine trees.

• Diskhal: It is a beautiful meadow on the top of the mountain and overlooks the Ashtaar glacier. It is a 10 km trek from Shaliganga nallah in Doodhpathri.

 

 

 

After breakfast, proceed for a day trip to Doodhpathri. This place is blessed by vast Green Meadows and clear streams of Water which resemble Milk. By evening return to hotel, dinner and overnight at hotel in Srinagar.

 

 

Day 11                       13th October 2023             Srinagar – Mumbai

After breakfast, checkout of your hotel and store the baggage in the hotels cloak room. Then proceed for a shopping trip in the local markets. Else finish any sightseeing that is left Return to hotel by 05.00 PM, collect your baggage and proceed for the airport to take your flight back to Mumbai.