Exotic Kashmir

Upon arrival at Srinagar Sheikh Ul AllamInt’l Airport(This must be one of the Most Scenic Flights in the World, Srinagar is popularly known as the “City of Reshi’s& Sufi’s” and it is also the Summer capital of state Jammu & Kashmir.  You will be met by our representative and transfer to House Boat for Check in. In the evening you take a shikara ride on world famous Dal Lake, where you visit the floating vegetable gardens & Open Dal Lake. While riding the Shikara’s there are plenty of opportunities for bird watching with plentiful species including Kingfisher, Little Bittern, Common Pariah Kites, Grebe etc. Dinner & overnight stay at Houseboat.

After a leisurely breakfast, we check out from Houseboat & start our Sightseeing tour by visit of Shankaracharya Temple, It is believed that it was the place where the great philosopher and saint Shankaracharya stayed when he visited Kashmir ten centuries ago to revive Sanathan Dharma. The original ceiling was dome- shaped and the brick roof is not more than a century old. And later proceed further to Hazratbal Mosque; Situated in a village on the western shores of the Dal Lake opposite Nishat Bagh, it is a pristine white marble edifice casting its reflection in the waters of the lake. Unlike the other mosques in Srinagar, which have a pagoda like roof, Hazratbal is the only mosque to have a domed roof mosque in Srinagar; the others having distinct pagoda like roofs Gardens &Jamia Masjid, Situated in the heart of the old city of Srinagar, this huge mosque is visited by thousands of people who congregate here for the Friday prayers. In the afternoon, we take a visit to Mughal Gardens, Nishat Garden known as ‘Garden of pleasure’ built in 16^th century (1633) by Mughal King Asif Khan. Then visit to Shalimar Garden known as ‘Garden of love’ built in 16^th century (1619) by Mughal King Jahangir for his beloved wife Noor Jahan or (Mehr-un-Nissa& Chashmashahi (The Royal Spring). The Chashmashahi Mughal garden in Srinagar had been loved by emperors and picnickers alike. Dinner & overnight stay at the Hotel.

After an early breakfast, drive towards Gulmarg for a full day excursion via Srinagar Bye-Pass.  Gulmarg, called as “Meadow of Flowers”. Gulmarg is 52 Kms from Srinagar at an altitude of 8700 – ft. Gulmarg also referred as Meadow of Flowers is a famous Ski Resort & the world’s highest 18-hole Golf Course. The place was prominent during the British time.  Gulmarg’s legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country’s premier ski resort in the winter. One can go for the Gondola Ride up to 1st or 2nd Phase. The Gulmarg Gondola is a tourist attraction in itself. It is one of the highest cable cars in the world, reaching 3,979 metres. The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from the gondola main station in Gulmarg to a shoulder of nearby Mt. Affarwat Summit (4,200 m (13,780 ft)). There are also countless off-piste possibilities through the beautiful Khilanmarg meadows on the foot of Mount Affarwat, which offer a scenic view of Nanga Parbat. The Affarwat ridge at 3850+ metres offers an avalanche controlled ski area that offers a wide field of snow to descend 800 m in approximately 3 km of skiing, and is for advanced skiers only. Due to Gulmarg’s steep terrain, the region is popular amongst advanced and extreme skiers from around the world and has been visited by a number of ski professionals and featured in a number of ski films also. Return back to Hotel  in the evening for dinner & overnight stay at Hotel.

Tour concludes. Himalaya Visit thanks you for your patronage and ensures a punctual transfer to Domestic Airport to catch the flight for your onward Destination.