get ecstatic with the ecstatic: KASHMIR IN 5 DAYS!!

Kashmir is the only place in the world that demands a distinguishing explanation. Nestled in the lap of the snow clad Himalayas, the Kashmir valley is a fertile region surrounded by two major mountain ranges, the Great Himalayan Range on one side and the Pir Panjal on the other. Known as the garden city, the Venice of the East and Switzerland of Asia, Kashmir has been more rightly pronounced as The Paradise on Earth. This amazing land is dotted with verdant hillsides, breathtaking lakes, picturesque gardens, fir and pine forests, sparkling springs, milky glaciers, lush meadows and beautiful Himalayan peaks. A land of scenic mountain valleys, great rivers and enchanting lakes, Kashmir is known for its profusion of different colors and distinctive culture, traditions, religions and languages. Our tour can make you look at a thousand pictures while you travel in this extravagantly beautiful land. For a start, you can imagine yourself lazing on the verandah of your houseboat, moored away from the town sipping a glass of Kashmiri spice tea, overlooking the lake, or spending a day high in the mountains, horse riding across flower covered meadows, or still strolling lazily through the fabulous terraced water and floral Mughal gardens

Duration : 04 Nights & 05 Days.
Highlights : Villages, gardens, octagonal pools, ancient temples, pine forests and sparkling lakes.
Places Covered : Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam.
Focus : Mughal Gradens, Shikara boat rides in Dal Lake and Gondola ride in Gulmarg.

Day 1: Arrive Srinagar
Upon your arrival, you will be met by our representative who will escort you to the beautiful city and transfer you to your houseboat. Where you will experience the difference of staying in these luxurious houseboats. . Later in the evening we will take a short boating ride in the backwaters of the lake, visiting some boat communities and steeping on the little floating gardens. Overnight stay in the Houseboat.

Day 2: In Srinagar
Today we will spend the whole day in sightseeing. Our first sightseeing point will be the Shankaracharya temple. Known as Takht-E-Suleiman, the temple is an integral part of Kashmir Shaivism. Later we drive to visit Pari Mahal. Par Mahal was a school of paintings and later an astrology department under the Mughals. It holds commanding views of the lake as well as the world renowned 32 course golf club. Next in line will be the Nishat Garden, known for its well-laid flower gardens, fountains, water channels and huge Chinar trees. Built in the 16th century, the garden overlooks the Dal Lake and has a dramatic backdrop of the mountain ranges behind it. After lunch at one of the roadside restaurants, we will drive to visit yet another garden known as Shalimar. The garden is smaller then Nishat, but nonetheless is very beautiful with huge stone pavilions set amidst water pools and lush green trees swaying to and fro in the light breeze. From Shalimar, we will drive to Hazratbal shrine. The Hazratbal shrine is situated on the left bank of the Dal Lake, Srinagar and is considered to be Kashmir’s holiest Muslim shrine. The Moi-e-Muqqadas (the sacred hair) of Prphet Mohammed (Peace be upon him) is believed to be preserved here. From Hazratbal we will drive on our last leg towards the Jama Mazjid. Sultan Sikandar built the Jama Masjid in 1400 AD. The attractions of the Jama Masjid of Srinagar, include beautiful Indo-Saracenic architecture, a magnificent courtyard and 370 wooden pillars. Another feature of the mosque is the peace and tranquility inside it, standing out against the hustle of the old bazaars around it. Thousands of Muslims assemble at the mosque every Friday to offer their prayers. The Masjid was ruined thrice in fire and was reconstructed every time. The last restoration was carried out during the reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh. We will drive past the spice market and then return back to the houseboats, nearly exhausted. Overnight in houseboats.

Day 3: Srinagar – Sonamarg & Sonamarg Nature Resort (99 km – 3 hrs)
We will drive along the banks of the Dal-lake in the morning to one of the many, yet a beautiful mountain resort of Sonamarg literally known as the Golden Meadow. The road taken to this resort runs past many colorful villages, markets and green orchards until we finally arrive at the vast open meadow of Sonamarg. Upon arrival, we will go by horseback to the Thajwas Glacier located near a mountain around 3 km’s away from Sonamarg. Rest of the day will be for individual activities. Later we will drive a little while to stay in one of the finest resorts of the valley just 12 km before Sonamarg. Sonamarg Nature Resort consists of 15 unique, Swiss cottages, the resort is a true haven of secluded tranquility offering guests exceptional levels of comfort in a pristine wilderness setting. Everything, from the earthy scent of the breeze and the spectacular views, to the camp’s delectable cuisine combines to provide an atmosphere of relaxation and well being beyond compare. Nature is all around, but every modern comfort is on hand. Camp fire , Dinner and Overnight at Sonamarg Nature Resort.

Day 4: Sonamarg – Srinagar (75 km – 2 hrs)
After breakfast in the morning we will take a walk along the river Sindh through the village of Kullan where the Resort is based. After exploring the life of these villagers and their expereicning their culture we walk back to the Camp and get prepared for a drive towards srinagar. We arrive in Srinagar in the late afternoon and get transferred to our boats. Evening will be free for any individual activities you can enjoy watching the daily activities of the people. Dinner and Overnight in the lake.