Kashmir is one of the most beautiful and popular tourist regions since the
time of the great Mughals. Its probably most famous for the houseboats on
Dal lake and you have not really been to Kashmir if you have not stayed in
one, but there is a lot more to the Kashmir Valley than just lazing on the
boat. Srinagar which is the capital of the state Jammu and Kashmir. Situated
at 5,200 ft. above sea level and set amidst delightful surroundings, it is
in many respects, one of the finest pleasure resorts of the world. It is
also surrounded by beautiful lakes and gardens. It has been quite rightly
said, " if there is a heaven on earth - it is here, it is here, it is
here.
Day 01 :: Delhi
On arrival at Delhi international airport, welcome and transfer to hotel
for overnight stay.
Day 02 :: Delhi / Amritsar
Early
morning transfer to railway station to board Shatabdi express train to
Amritsar, dep: 0720, arr: 1300. On arrival transfer to hotel. Later
sight-seeing of Amritsar including the Golden Temple. Evening revisit Golden
temple for to witness prayers and "Palki Sahib" ceremony.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 03 :: Amritsar / Dharamshala
Morning after breakfast drive to Dharamshala (210 Kms / 6 hrs approx). On
arrive check-in hotel. Later sight-seeing of Dharamshala including His
Holiness The Dalai Lama's Monastery. Overnight in hotel.
Day 04 :: Dharamshala - Jammu
After breakfast leave for visit to Bhagsunath temple and SOS Tibetan
refugee camp and school. Later drive to Jammu (204 kms 5 hrs approx). On
arrival in Jammu check-in hotel for overnight stay.
Day 05 :: Jammu / Srinagar
Early morning visit the famous Raghunath Temples. Later transfer to airport
for flight to Srinagar. On arrival transfer to Dal Lake from where you will
be transferred by "Shikara" (Gandola type boats) to Super Deluxe
Houseboat. Afternoon free to relax on the lake. Dinner and overnight on
houseboat.
Day 06 :: Srinagar
Morning leave for half day tour of Mughal Gardens, Nishat -"the Garden
of pleasure, Shalimar - "the Abode love and Charma Shahi - "the
Royal Spring". Return to houseboat for lunch. Afternoon visit the
Shankracharya temple and Carpet weaving factory. Evening 1 - 2 hour Shikara
ride on the Dal Lake. Dinner and overnight on houseboat.
Day 07 :: Srinagar / Gulmarg (2730 M)
After early breakfast drive to Gulmarg (52 kms / 1 ½ hrs approx) also
known as the meadow of flowers. The road from Srinagar rises gently towards
the lower stopes of the Pirpanjal range passing through rice and maize
fields. Gulmarg is paradise for Golfers and for winter sports. On an clear
day one can have clear view of Nanga Parbat (5th highest mountain in the
world) also of Wular Lake, the largest Fresh Water Lake of Asia. Lunch at
hotel. Rest of day free for independent activities. Dinner and Overnight in
hotel.
Day 08 :: Gulmarg / Srinagar
After breakfast leave for Srinagar. Lunch at Houseboat. Rest of the day
free. Dinner and overnight at houseboat.
Day 09 :: Srinagar / Pahalgam (2130)
After breakfast leave for Pahalgam (95 Kms / 2.5 hrs approx) also known as
the "Valley of shepherds" en-route visit Avantipura Ruins (build
in years 855 AD dedicated to Lord Vishnu), Marland Temple (build by
Lalitaditya in 699 AD) dedicated to "Surya", the Sun God. On
arrival check-in hotel for Lunch. Pm: Free to explore this beautiful valley.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 10 :: Pahalgam / Srinagar / Delhi
After breakfast drive back to Srinagar airport in time for flight to Delhi.
On arrival in Delhi Transfer to hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight in
hotel.
Day 11 :: Delhi / Agra
After breakfast drive to Agra. On arrival check-in hotel Later visit the
world famous Taj Mahal, Agra fort & Tomb of Itmad - ud- daula. Overnight
stay at hotel.
Day 12 :: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Delhi
After breakfast drive back to Delhi enoute visit Fatehpur Sikri built by
emperor Akbar in 1569 and later abandoned due to scarcity of water. On
arrival in Delhi short sight-seeing tour of Delhi and last minute shopping.
Evening transfer to international airport for flight to onward destination.
