The Paradise of Earth - Kashmir

Day 01Arrival at Srinagar ( Local Sightseeing )

Arrival at Srinagar 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 Hotel for Check in followed by welcome drink.

After relax we will be proceed for 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 & its Waterways & visit the floating vegetable market in a traditional Shikara boat. This unique kind of market can be only witnessed in Thailand & 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.

Dinner & Overnight stay at Deluxe Houseboat ? Srinagar

Day 02Srinagar ? Sonmarg ? Srinagar ( 87 Kms ? 2 To 3 Hrs One Way )

After an early breakfast, leave for a full day excursion to 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 Shri 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. Ponies / vehicles ( direct payment basis ) can be hired for the trip up to Thajwas Glacier, Which is a major local attraction during the summer. Return back to Srinagar, on arrival check in to the Hotel.

Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel ? Srinagar

Day 03Srinagar ? Gulmarg ( 52 Kms ? 1 & Half Hrs One Way )

Today morning we take a visit to Mughal Gardens, Nishat Garden known as ‘Garden of pleasure’ built in 16th century (1633) by Mughal King Asif Khan. Then visit to Shalimar Garden known as ‘Garden of love’ built in 16th 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. 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. Later we also visit the 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 BC & as such is the oldest shrine in Kashmir.

After sightseeing we drive towards 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. On arrival, check in to the pre-arranged Hotel.

Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel ? Gulmarg.

Day 04Gulmarg ? Pahalgam ( 148 Kms ? 4 To 5 Hrs One Way )

Today morning breakfast, we check out from the hotel & proceed for 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.

After sightseeing we drive to “Pahalgam” called as “Valley of Shepherds”. Pahalgam is situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River, Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Enroute visit 19th Century Awantipura Ruins & Saffron Fileds. Enjoy the nature & walk around the bank of river Lidder. Pahalgam is famous for some trekking routes also & is the base camp for Amarnath Pilgrimage. Pahalgam is also famous for Indian film Industry (Bollywood). Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceeds 25 Degree C. Upon arrival, check in to the pre-arranged Hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure.

Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel ? Pahalgam

Day 04Pahalgam ( Local Sightseeing )

After a leisurely breakfast, full day free to enjoy and explore the Beauty of “Pahalgam”. One can go to Chandanwari ( 16 Kms from Pahalgam ) which is the starting point of Amarnath Yatra, Aru (10 kms from Pahalgam) which is a fine meadow of picturesque scenery and starting point of trekking of (Liddarwat, Kolahoi Glacier & Trsar Lake) & Betaab Valley.

Aru Valley
It is located around 12 km from Pahalgam, 11 km upstream from the Lidder River. Noted for its scenic meadows, lakes and mountains, it is a base camp for trekking to the Kolhoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake. The village lies of the left bank of the Aru river, which is a tributary of the Lidder river The Aru valley is noted for its scenic meadows. It is popular among the tourists for its peaceful environment and scenic beauty. Other popular tourist activities include fishing of trout in the Lidder river, trekking, hiking, horse riding, sightseeing and photography.

Betaab Valley
It is situated at a distance of 15 kilometers from Pahalgam. The valley got its name from the Sunny Deol? Amrita Singh hit debut film Betaab. The valley surrounded by lush green meadows, snow clad mountains and covered with dense vegetation. Betaab Valley is a very popular touristic destination. Betaab Valley is also a favorite campsite of travellers as it also serves as a base camp for trekking and further exploration of the mountains. The valley is a walk-able distance from Pahalgam. The crystal clear & chilly water of the stream bubbling down from the snowy hills is a delight; locals here drink this water too. Baisaran and Tulian Lake are few nearby attractions that can be visited.

Chandanwari
Situated 16 km from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra, which takes place every year in the month of Sawan (Rain). It is famous for snow sledging on a snow bridge. Taxi cabs can be hired from Pahalgam for a roundtrip. Snow fights" is what people generally indulge in here before they sledge back down. Many prefer to sip a cup of tea of snack at the nearby dhabas. Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari is an idyllic spot for a picnic. Filmgoers will recognize it instantly as it has been the location of several movie scenes.

Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel ? Pahalgam

Day 04Pahalgam ? Srinagar ( 96 Kms ? 2 To 3 Hrs One Way )

Today morning after breakfast, we timely transfer to Srinagar airport for board the flight to onward journey with sweet memories of a wonderful trip.

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