Day 01: Arrive Srinagar and sightseeing later.

Pick up from Srinagar airport in the morning and transfer to your houseboat on the Lake. Afternoon half day sightseeing of Nishat garden, Pari Mahal and Shankaracharey temple. Overnight Houseboat.

 

Set at the banks of the Jhelum river, the summer capital of the state of Jammu & Kashmir, Sringar is a distinctive blend of cultural heritage. It is best known for panoramic views of the Dal Lake crowned by the misty peaks of the Pir Panjal mountain range. Srinagar, meaning ‘The City of Wealth’, is also known as Venice of the East thanks to its lakes – Dal, Nagin, and Anchar.  A high point of Mughal architecture and horticulture in India, the Persian styled Mughal Gardens are the highlight of any visit to Srinagar. The gardens being visited today will compel us to marvel at the beautiful terraced lawns, bright flower beds, cascading fountains and decorated marble pavilions that showcase the opulence of the rulers that built them in the 17th century AD. 

 

Nishat Garden: It is the largest one of the Mughal gardens in Kashmir. It is situated on the banks of the picturesque Dal Lake. Also known as "the garden of bliss", the Nishat gardens have the Zabarwan Mountains forming its backdrop. It offers a splendid view of the Dal Lake as well as the snow capped Pir Panjal mountain range. The garden has terraces, each representing a different Zodiac sign. There is also a beautiful water channel flowing right in the middle of the garden. Other attractions of the Nishat garden include its blooming flowerbeds, trees, fountains, etc.

 

 

Pari Mahal: Pari Mahal comprises of six terraces, which have separate water tanks that are filled through underground pipes. Pari Mahal, literally meaning The Fairies' Abode, overlooks the striking city of Srinagar from the top of the Zabarwan mountain range. The garden is located towards the South-west of the famous Dal Lake.

 

Shankaracharey temple: Shankaracharey temple is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage destinations in Srinagar. Shankaracharya Temple is a monument of great significance, not only because of its religious importance, but also for its architectural beauty. A high octagonal platform supports the temple structure, reached by a flight of around hundred steps. The sidewalls of the steps are believed to have once bore valuable inscriptions.

 

 

Day 02: Srinagar – Pahalgam – Srinagar (drive around 3 hrs each way)

After breakfast we drive past vast saffron fields to Pahalgam, visiting the Avantipura temple enroute.

Once a humble shepherd’s village on the banks of the Lidder river, Pahalgam is framed by a sweeping forested valley of fir, pine and cedar and rose to fame after many a Bollywood romantic scenes were shot in its breathtakingly picturesque surroundings.  Close by to Pahalgam is the starting point for Holy Amarnath trek. The Amarnath cave is known to be the holy abode of Lord Shiva, and is a place of annual pilgrimage for Hindus. Return back to Srinagar in the evening. Overnight Houseboat.

 

 

Day 03: Srinagar – Gulmarg (around 3 hrs drive)

After a leisurely breakfast we drive to Gulmarg, located on the foothills of the snowy peak of Nanga Parbat, the fifth highest mountain in the world. Arrive Gulmarg which is situated at an altitude of 3000 meters by afternoon and spend the rest of the time at leisure or some short pony rides around. Overnight Hotel. 

 

 

Day 04: In Gulmarg

Gulmarg nestles under Mt Apharwat in the Pir Panjal Mountain range at a height of about 4100m and is one of India’s premier mountain resorts. Its exceptional beauty made it a favourite of Mughal Emperors and the British alike. We can take a ride up to in the Gulmarg Gondola, which is one of the highest cable car’s in the world for spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Gulmarg is one of the most beautiful hill stations and also called “Meadow of Flowers”. It has one of world’s highest golf course and is also famous for winter sports like skiing. Overnight Hotel. 

 

 

Day 05: Gulmarg – Srinagar

After a leisurely breakfast we drive back to Srinagar. A walk in the evening across the boulevard is something which will be etched in our memories for long. Overnight Houseboat.

 

 

Day 06: Srinagar to Airport

After breakfast, depending on your flight timings, departure transfer to Srinagar International Airport will be provided.