HIDDEN GEMS OF KASHMIR

DAY 01:  ARRIVE SRINAGAR

On arrival at Srinagar airport transfer to hotel, check in to hotel.  Rest for a while and proceed on a short trip of Srinagar covering world-famous Mughal Gardens Nishat Bagh (The garden of pleasure) and Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love), Shankarachariya Shiv Temple, Pari Mahal (Fairies adobe). Also experience ride on a Shikara for about one hour to the watery vegetable markets and see the mountains mirrored in the lakes. After this magical experience return to hotel/houseboat for a night stay.

Day 02:  SRINAGAR – YUSMARG – SRINAGAR

After breakfast, we will go for an excursion to Yusmarg or the Meadow of Jesus. This is an alpine valley in Badgam district, which is surrounded by snow-capped mountains,  pine and fir meadows. The valley enchants the visitors, and this area is also renowned for horseback riding, fishing, and winter skiing. Return to Srinagar for an overnight stay.

Day 03:  SRINAGAR – GUREZ VALLEY

After breakfast leave for Gurez valley (open from June to October) a great destination in the north of Kashmir and considered a gateway to famous silk route across central Asia Perched at about eight thousand feet,  and around 120 kms from Srinagar, valley is known for  Its picturesque valley, forests, and pastures. Valley is surrounded by Kishanganga River, which merges with Jhelum in Pakistan. Arrive and check into the hotel. Rest of the time at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04:  GUREZ –TULAI VALLEY – GUREZ

After breakfast, visit the local town of Dawar to learn local traditions, Visit Habba Khatoon peak, a pyramid-shaped mountain, and Habba khatoon spring today. We will also continue to Tulai valley (41 kms from Dawar) and stop at Sheikhpura and Chakwali. Tulai is last village in India. Return to Gurez by late afternoon and relax. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05:  GUREZ – SRINAGAR

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Srinagar. Overnight at the hotel in Srinagar.

DAY 06:  SRINAGAR TO GULMARG (APPROX 50km / 01 HRS 30 MIN DRIVE) – SRINAGAR

After breakfast, proceed to Gulmarg. British discovered Gulmarg in 19^th century, before that, Mughal emperors vacationed in the Gulmarg valley which is about 03 Kms long and up-to 01 km wide. Located at an altitude of 2,730 meters, the valley is exquisitely situated in a pine surrounded basin of PirPanjal range. Gulmarg has one of the world’s highest green golf courses with eighteen holes, and a historical building known as a clubhouse. Enjoy a picturesque ride on the world-famous Gondola chair car. Return to Srinagar by evening for a night-stay.

DAY 07:  srinagar TO PAHALGAM (APPROX 100 km / 02 to 03 hrs drive)

After breakfast drive to Pahalgam, en-route visit Saffron fields of Pampore, see the beautiful countryside, lots of rice fields and Awantipora ruins on the way, and continue drive to Pahalgam through the confluence of streams flowing from the river Lidder & Sheshnag Lake which are famous for their scenic beauty. Arrive and get into a local car for an excursion to Chandanwari (3288 meters), Betaab Valley, and Aru Valley. Nestled amid snow-covered mountain peaks and lush pine and deodar forests, Betaab Valley is situated at the mouth of River Sheshnag. Return to Srinagar by evening. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 08:  srinagar airport departure

After breakfast check out and proceed to Srinagar airport on time to board the flight.