Duration: 10 nights / 11 Days
Destinations: Delhi - Srinagar - Gulmarg - Pahalgam - Sonmarg - Srinagar - Delhi
Season: May to November
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
You arrive in Delhi by International flight. After traditional Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at the airport & to our hotel for check-in. After breakfast we will go on a guided tour of Delhi at 1000 hrs, beginning with morning sightseeing trip to Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat followed by drive around India Gate & President's House. Afternoon visits to Akshardham Temple , Lotus Temple (Closed on Monday) & Qutub Minar.
Overnight Hotel- Delhi (B)
Day 02: Delhi - Srinagar ((9W-603 / 1115-1235 hrs)
Post breakfast on time transfer to the Domestic Airport to catch the flight for Srinagar, also known as "Paradise On Earth" Upon arrival at Srinagar (1730 m) our representative would assist you at the Airport and transfer to the Houseboat / Hotel.
Later we visit the ancient Shankaracharya Temple and the famous Mughal Gardens - Nishat (Garden of Pleasure), Shalimar (Adobe of Love) and Chashme Shahi (Royal Spring).
Nishat Bagh (Abode of pleasure) was built by Asif Khan brother in-law of Jehangir in 1632 AD. The largest of the gardens, Nishat has seven terraces with beautiful water channel flowing right in the middle. Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love) was built in the year 1619 A.D for was built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Empress Noor Jehan. The Garden has four terraces; the 4th terrace was once reserved for royal ladies. Chashme Shahi (The Royal Spring) was originally laid out by Shah Jehan in 1632 AD. It is a tastefully laid garden in terraces, which commands a magnificent view of the Dal Lake below and surrounding mountain ranges. The cool water of the spring is highly refreshing and digestive.
All the gardens are situated on the banks of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan mountains in the background and Shankracharya Temple located on a hillock, thus providing a panaromic view of entire city, Dal Lake and River Jhelum. Shankaracharya Temple is located at 1100 ft. above surface level of the main city on the Shankaracharya hill, also known as Takht-e-Suleiman. The Shiva temple was constructed by Raja Gopadatya in the year 371 B.C. and as such is the oldest shrine in Kashmir.
Later in the evening we can visit handicraft & handloom centres famous for production of Pashmina / Shahtoosh shawls, world famous Carpets etc. Evening at leisure and overnight stay at the Houseboat / Hotel. (B,D)
Day 03: Srinagar - Gulmarg (60 km / 2 hrs approx.)
After breakfast we drive to Gulmarg (Meadows of Flower), 2730 m above sea level. On arrival we check-in the Hotel.
Gulmarg is a huge cup-shaped meadow, lush & green, with slopes where the silence is broken only by the tinkle of cow-bells. Gulmarg has been the venue of many Indian films because of its breathtaking natural beauty. All around are snow-capped mountains, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Nanga Parbat mountain (8126 m) on one side & Srinagar on another.? From Gulmarg a 6 km pony track leads upwards to Khilanmarg, Kongdoori & Seven springs. Beyond Khilanmarg, 13 km from Gulmarg at the foot of the twin 4511 m Apharwat peaks is Alpather Lake (3843 m), which is frozen until mid-June and even later. For horse riding aficionados, Alpather Lake makes an exciting day's excursion, starting early morning and returning late evening. Gulmarg also has one of the world's highest green golf courses with 18 holes, as well as a clubhouse, which is a historical building in its own right. For a fun-filled ride of a most unusual kind, Gulmarg's newly constructed "gondola" cable-car (2.5 km) takes people through pine-clad slopes, to Kongdoori, which is at 3930 m. During winters Gulmarg becomes India's premier skiing resort and during this time this 2.5-km ropeway is used by skiers and other tourists to reach higher slopes. Evening at leisure and overnight stay at the Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 04: Gulmarg
Morning post breakfast, day at leisure to explore the destination at your own.
Overnight stay at the Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 05: Gulmarg - Pahalgam (160 km / 5 hrs approx.)
After early breakfast we drive to Pahalgam (Valley of Shepherds) via Srinagar. On arrival we check-in the Hotel.
En route we visit Saffron fields of Pampore and Avantipur ruins, 1100 years old temple of Lord Vishnu built by King Avantiwareman. The drive is through beautiful pine forest, countryside, rice fields and shepherds grazing sheep, goats and cattle. Situated at the confluence of the stream flowing from the Sheshnag Lake and river Lidder, Pahalgam was once a humble shepherds' village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer. Around Pahalgam are many places of interest because it set between fairly steep hills. The most beautiful of these is the huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. Hajan on the way to Chandanwari is an idyllic spot for a picnic. It has been the location of several Indian film scenes. In the afternoon have a walk around and take picture of magnificent view all around. U may also enjoy horse ride (extra cost).
Overnight stay at the Hotel.? (B,L,D)
Day 06: Pahalgam
Morning post breakfast, day at leisure to explore the destination at your own.
Overnight stay at the Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 07: Pahalgam - Srinagar ( 96 km / 03 hrs approx.)
After breakfast drive back to Srinagar and check-in to the Houseboat / Hotel.
Rest of the day free for shopping or individual activities. Overnight stay at Houseboat / Hotel.
Shikara boatride on Dal lake is one of the most soothing & relaxing aspects of a holiday in Kashmir. Later in the afternoon we explore the Dal Lake and its Waterways and visit the floating vegetable market in a traditional Shikara boat. This unique kind of market can be only witnessed in Thailand and Kashmir. En route we shall see many species of aquatic birds on the lake, nestling on surrounding trees on floating marshes used for growing vegetables by local people, who have inherited a unique lifestyle living on the Lake for over decades. Overnight stay at the Houseboat / Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 08: Srinagar - Sonmarg - Srinagar (190 Km / 6 hrs both ways approx.)
After breakfast we depart on an excursion to Sonmarg. Sonmarg, which means Meadow of Gold, has its backdrop of snowy mountains against the blue sky. The drive offers incredible scenic beauty, dense pine forests and gigantics mountains. The place provides an ideal base for various trekking routes, high mountain lakes, glaciers, and Sri Amarnath Holy cave.The river meanders along here & abounds with Trout & Mahseer. Sonamarg's importance lies in the fact that it is the last halt on the Kashmir side for the drive from Srinagar to Leh. Later we drive back and reach Srinagar by evening. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Srinagar. (B,L,D)
Day 09: Srinagar - Delhi (9W-603 / 1330-1550 hrs)
Post breakfast we depart for tour of Old Srinagar city and later proceed to Srinagar Airport to board the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi our representative would assist you at the airport and take you to the hotel for check-in. Rest of the day at leisure for shopping or individual activities.
Overnight stay at the Hotel. (B)
Day 10: Delhi - Agra - Delhi (220 km / 5 hrs one way)
After an early breakfast, we drive at 0730 hrs to Agra, the erstwhile capital of great Mughals and known for the Taj Mahal. It has always fascinated Indians and foreigners alike. Most of Agra is on the West bank of river Yamuna, with the Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal at its nucleus. Taj Mahal is quite simply one of mankind's most remarkable creations.
At Agra we visit the incredible architectural excellence of Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Next we visit Agra Fort, built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565. Tthe red sandstone Agra Fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. This massive Fort is 2.5 km long and is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi Red Fort. After visiting the Fort and if time permits, we will visit Sikandra (Tomb of Emperor Akbar) on the way back to Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi, next later? transfer you to the International airport for your onward travel to your next destination. (No Accommodation) (B)
Day 11: Depart Delhi
Our tour concludes: Hi-Life Tours thanks you for your patronage and ensures a punctual transfer to the International airport for your onward travel to your next destination.
Cost includes:
- 9 nights accommodation on twin sharing basis with early check-in facility.
- 10 Breakfast.
- 06 Lunches & 07 dinners.
- A/C transportation as per the itinerary in Delhi & Agra.
- Non A/C transportation in Srinagar.
- Local Russian speaking guide in Delhi & Agra.
- All tax.
Cost does not includes:
- Any airfare or airport tax.
- Expenses of personal nature.
- Monument charges
- Any other expenses not mentioned in the cost includes.
