Experience the old world charm of a Kashmiri Boat house – 2023

Arrive at Srinagar in the morning, a representative from our side will proceed to drop you to your houseboat. Gear up for a bit of local sightseeing.

Start at the pinnacle of Mughal horticulture – the Mughal Gardens. Built as a private garden for the Empress Nur Jahan, it is now open to the public. Tiered terraces built amidst almond, apricot, cherry, and peach trees, and connected to Dal Lake, the garden is the epitome of serenity. Located 13 odd km away from the heart of Srinagar, the garden is surely a must visit to beat the crowded, chaotic,narrow-laned streets of the city.

A short drive from here is the Shankar Acharya Temple, located on Zabarwan Mountain, at a height of 1100 ft above the city, the main shrine offers spectacular views of the valley below. As the oldest temple in the Kashmir Valley, it is renowned not only for its spirituality but also for its architecture as well, a visit to the temple is a must to understand the melting pot that is Kashmir, for the temple is sacred to Buddhist, Persian, Hindu and Jewish cultures.

Next stop by at the Pari Mahal, surrounded by immaculately designed gardens the monument is a welcome treat to the visitor. Built in traditional Islamic style it will give you a glimpse into the richness of Mughal culture and their love for curating elaborately styled gardens.

A short drive from here is Shalimar Bagh. This fabulously designed Mughal garden is three-tiered with water cascading from the uppermost terrace to the lowest levels. Walk along the terrace of the pavilion which surrounds it,to see views of both the garden and Dal Lake, surrounded by the Zabarwan Mountain.

Post Lunch, stop at the Nishat Garden, it is the largest garden in the Kashmir Valley, set on the banks of Dal Lake, with 12 terraces it offers an amazing view of the sunset, with the snow capped Pir Panjal mountain range as the backdrop.

In the evening, enjoy a ride along Dal Lake in a traditional boat called shikara, spot white breasted Kingfishers, large striking birds with robust bills perched on the branches of willow trees, ride past scenic floating gardens and markets, all the while enjoying breathtaking views of the Zabarwan range of mountains.

Head back to the houseboat for the boat.

Inclusions – Dinner
Accommodation – Srinagar

Post breakfast, leave for Pahalgam, driving through a distance of 90 odd km, taking about roughly 3 hrs.

Drive past the saffron fields of Pampore(carpeted in violet flowers during the autumn months), producing 80 per cent of Kashmir’s saffron, Pampore is known as ‘Saffron Town’.

About thirty minutes into the drive, stop by to see the magnificent 9th-century temple ruins of the erstwhile capital of Awantipur, temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishu sit side by side, at short distances from each other in the green valleys of Pahalgam, on the banks of the River Jhelum. Walk along sculpted pillars, tested by the trials of time, surrounded by endless stretches of pristine landscape.

Hagan valley, named Beetab valley after a famous Bollywood movie is en-route the famous Amarnath yatra. Formed by the Pir Panjal and Zanskar mountain ranges, the valley offers stunning vistas of pine forests and sprawling meadows, with the meandering Lidder River.

About 12.5 km from Pahalgam is Aru Valley is a picturesque village, surrounded by mountains and a fresh water river running through its centre. Perfect for people looking for adventure as well as for people looking to spend a peaceful day immersed in nature, taking a walk on the river bank, lost in the spell of the mountains, Aru valley is an ideal destination for everyone.

Popularly known as the starting point of the sacred AmarnathYatra, Chandanwari is also equally known as the home to the Sheeshnag river, clear and forcefull. Famous for exciting activities on the snow bridge, Chandanwari an idyllic location for a break in the pristine locales of the trans-Himalayas.

Hire a taxi to visit these places (at your own expense). Return to Pahalgam for the night.

Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation – Srinagar

Post breakfast, head to Srinagar, stopping at important landmarks on the way.

Visit the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, the largest Tulip garden in Asia, it is situated at the foothills of the Zabarwan Range overlooking the Dal Lake.

Next stop is the Jamia Masjid, situated in the centre of the old city just opposite the bazaars, it’s Indo-Saracenic architecture and the landscaped courtyard is sure to leave you spellbound.

Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, taking time to visit Lal Chowk, one of the oldest and most popular shopping places in Srinagar. Lined with shops selling woollen garments, copperware, silver jewellery and spices, Lal Chowk remains a favourite with tourists and natives alike.

Another popular option is the market located just beside the polo ground, a sprawling street market selling everything traditional fabrics to ethnic handicrafts. This is the best place to pick souvenirs and knick-knacks.

Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation – Srinagar

After an early morning breakfast start to Gulmarg, a drive of 51 km, taking approximately 2 hours.

Situated in the ranges of Pir Panjal Range in the western Himalayas, Gulmarg is a popular ski destination, offering the best slopes in the country. In the summer the same slopes turn into carpets of green studded with wildflowers, such as daisies, forget-me-nots and buttercups.

Spend the day on the perfect slopes of Gulmarg, captivated by the views of majestic mountains which surround it.

Experience one of the world’s highest operating cable rides. Operating in two stages the gondola ride takes you from Gulmarg to Kongdoori Station in the Kongdori valley, the second stage takes you higher up to the Kongdoori Mountain.

Head back to Srinagar after spending the day in the laps of towering peaks and an endless stretch of conifers.

Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation – Srinagar

With an early start head to Sonamarg, the meadow of gold.

Situated at about 80 km away from Srinagar, the alpine valley is famous for its clear lakes, meadows laden with wildflowers and panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

Driving along the Sindh river, for a distance of 2km arrive at the Thajiwas glacier, in the winter experience the frozen Vishanar lake on the way to the Glacier. In the summer the glacier recedes, but a sledge ride can be enjoyed even then. Revel in the beauty of the alpine meadows, dotted with waterfalls and grazing horses. Interact with the locals (the Gujjar tribe) who are passing through the meadows before heading to Jammu for the winter.

Return to Srinagar for the night after a day spent with fir trees and wandering streams.

Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation – Srinagar

After an early breakfast head to Srinagar Airport to catch a flight home.

Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner