Vale of Kashmir Tour
11 Day – Private tour with air-conditioned car and driver
This tailor-made Vale of Kashmir Tour is perfect for anyone wishing to experience Kashmir’s natural beauty and serenity. On first seeing the region, Kashmir Mughal Emperor Jehangir commented “If there is heaven on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this!” Marred by militancy in the 80s and 90s, peace has returned to the Kashmir valley and tourists are beginning to visit this paradise again.
On this beautiful tour there is plenty to enjoy including a stay on a magical houseboat, the highlight for many clients. You will cruise across Lake Dal, visit the delightful Mughal Gardens, drive through majestic mountainous scenery, venture into remote shepherd’s villages either on horseback or by foot, and can even try trout fishing on Lidder River if you choose.
The tour includes a ride on one of the world’s highest cable cars, and if conditions are right the opportunity to ski on the world’s third-highest slopes or play golf on the world’s highest golf course.
The specially selected accommodation includes a charming houseboat, a riverside period hotel and a luxurious alpine resort, offering the warm hospitality Kashmiris are famous for.
Highlights of the Vale of Kashmir Tour
Shikara Boats, Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi including iconic landmarks
Stay in a classical Kashmiri houseboat in Srinagar
Canopied Kashmiri canoe ride on Dal Lake
Explore the famous Mughal Gardens Shalimar and Nishat Bagh on the banks of the Dal Lake
Enjoy the alpine scenery, lush green meadows and dense pine forests of Pahalgam
Head to the heights of Gulmarg home of the world’s highest green golf course and second-highest cable car
Vale of Kashmir Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Delhi
On arrival in Delhi you will be taken to your luxury hotel for a two night stay. The afternoon is at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities of your beautiful hotel.
Accommodation: The Claridges, New Delhi
Day 2 Delhi
Today is an opportunity to explore the historical city of Delhi with a full day sightseeing tour. You will begin by discovering the bustling and vibrant streets of Old Delhi followed by a visit to see the impressive Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques and Raj Ghat the resting place (Samadhi) of Mahatma Gandhi.
In the afternoon it’s time to explore the wide avenues of New Delhi where you will see the Lutyen’s buildings and the India gate memorial, along with the tomb of Humayan and Qutab Minar.
Accommodation: The Claridges, New Delhi
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 Delhi – Srinagar
Your tour of Kashmir begins today with a morning flight to Srinagar, where upon arrival you will be meet and taken to your houseboat for a three nights’ stay. Houseboats are representative of Kashmir’s culture and art. Originally built as floating abodes for the British in the Raj era, these houseboats were abandoned after India’s independence. In the 80s, they were refurbished to high standards for tourists.
In the evening, you can enjoy a quintessential Kashmir experience by taking a shikara (canopied Kashmiri canoe) ride on Dal Lake. Simply sit back and enjoy the views of the snow dusted Pir Pinjal mountain range as you glide on the placid waters laden with lily and lotus plants. You will also pass by the floating flower and handicraft markets to arrive at Char Chinar Island, a good spot for bird watching.
Accommodation: Houseboat, Srinagar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 Srinagar
Today’s sightseeing tour includes Shalimar and Nishat Bagh, the famous Mughal Gardens on the banks of the Dal Lake. A pinnacle of Mughal architecture and horticulture in India, these elegant gardens follow classic Persian design with lush terraced lawns, bright flower beds, cascading fountains and decorated marble pavilions that showcase the opulence of Mughal Empire in the 17th century.
Accommodation: Houseboat, Srinagar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 Srinagar
The old quarters of Srinagar, a densely populated part of the city with several ancient wooden buildings is on the list of places to discover today. Explore its maze of narrow lanes on foot with your guide. Then, visit the 14th century Jama Masjid and the Shah-i-Hamadan mosque – a fine specimen of exquisite wood carving. Later it’s onto the Noor Jehan’s delightful ‘Mosque of the Slipper’ and the tomb of former Kashmir ruler Zein-ud-Din.
Srinagar’s old city is also the best place to shop for authentic Kashmiri products, including finely woven woollen shawls, carpets and wooden artefacts.
Accommodation: Houseboat, Srinagar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6 Srinagar – Pahalgam
Your day begins with an enjoyable scenic drive along the Jhelum River and Lidder River to Pahalgam. On the way, you will visit several ancient monuments including the 10th century Shiva temple at Pendrethan, the 9th century Vishnu temple in Awantipora and the 8th century Sun Temple at Martand. Stay for two nights at Pahalgam Hotel. This iconic hotel from the 1930s enjoys a prime location beside the Lidder River with wonderful views of snow clad mountains.
Accommodation: Pahalgam Hotel, Pahalgam
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 Pahalgam
Pahalgam, meaning the ‘shepherd’s village’, is a beautiful valley with alpine scenery, lush green meadows and dense pine forests. Nearby villages of local Gujjar shepherds make an interesting excursion on foot or on a horseback. Try fishing (April to October) on Lidder River, famous for brown and rainbow trout. Pahalgam is a start point of several scenic treks and hikes. A day hike to Aru Valley or Baisaran is a rewarding experience.
Accommodation: Pahalgam Hotel, Pahalgam
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8 Pahalgam – Gulmarg
Today enjoy another scenic drive through pine forests and saffron fields to Gulmarg. Stay at Khyber Resort and Spa for two nights.
Accommodation: Khyber Resort and Spa, Gulmarg
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9 Gulmarg
Gulmarg – the meadow of flowers – nestles under Mount Apharwat in the Pir Panjal Mountain range at a height of about 4100m. A major attraction of this mountain resort is Gulmarg Gondola, – the second-highest cable car in the world. The first stage of the cable car goes to Kongdoor where you can explore the bowl-shaped Kongdoongri valley with its variety of medicinal herbs and plants. The second stage goes close to the peak of Apharwat mountain at an altitude of 4200m and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Gulmarg’s golf course is the highest green golf course in the world at an altitude of 8700 ft and the longest one in India. Near the golf course is the tiny Victorian-styled St Mary’s Church with frescoes depicting stories from the Bible and beautiful stained-glass artwork.
Accommodation: Khyber Resort and Spa, Gulmarg
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10 Gulmarg – Srinagar – Delhi
Drive back to Srinagar airport for a short flight to Delhi. Transfer to Pride Plaza Aerocity for overnight stay.
Accommodation: Pride Plaza Aerocity, New Delhi or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 11 Delhi – Back to Home
You will be taken to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals included: Breakfast
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