(Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gulmarg-Pahalgam-Patnitop-Katra-Vaishno Devi-Katra-Krimchi-Katra-Jammu)
(to view the route of this tour on a Map please click here)

The Himalayan Valley of Kashmir is known all over the world for its beauty and charm. The State of Jammu and Kashmir is not merely the Vale of Kashmir but it is a very large state, only slightly smaller than the British islands. The capital of Kashmir is Srinagar, the city of beautiful lakes. This city has beautiful Mughal gardens and also offers wonderful shopping opportunities. In the Kashmir Intensive Tour you will visit Srinagar, Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Patnitop and even also visit the Mata Vaishno Devi temple.

Day 1: Srinagar
In the morning arrive at Srinagar airport or railway station. Srinagar has been described by some visitors as the Venice of the East. A unique charm of Srinagar is its 1300 or more houseboats, the floating little hotels on the edge of the Dal Lake. Upon arrival you will be met by representative and transferred to the hotel.

Day 2: Srinagar 

Today, you will start your sightseeing in Srinagar. In your sightseeing you will visit the famous Mughal gardens and Shankaracharya temple in Srinagar. First of all you will visit the Shankaracharya temple. This temple is located on a sharp hill, 1,000 feet high and houses a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening you will visit the Mughal gardens. The two famous Mughal gardens are Nishat Bagh (the garden of Pleasure) and Shalimar Bagh (abode of love) which are situated on the banks of Dal Lake.  Nishat Bagh is the larger of the two gardens and has an impressive plantation of Chenar trees on its highest terrace. Both the gardens are built on a symmetrical plan of central waterways with fountains dividing a series of gardened terraces.

Day 3: Srinagar - Sonamarg (about 85 km)
Early morning visit( 4am-6am) by Shikara to nearby Floating Market(a must see). In the morning we drive to Sonamarg. Sonamarg, a small but uniquely beautiful hill resort, is located on the Ladakh road. Sonamarg means the golden meadow. It derives its name from the golden colour of its massed spring flowers. The main attraction in Sonamarg are the Bisansar Lake, Krishnasagar Lake and Nilagrad. In the afternoon arrive in Sonamarg. Evening free for leisure in Sonamarg.

Day 4: Sonamarg
In the morning after breakfast by( jeep drive to zojila pass) It is about 17 km  away from Sonamarg, after visit to Thajwas glacier  by Horse or By foot its around 4 kms distance from Sonamarg.

Day 5: Sonamarg - Gulmarg
In the morning after having breakfast drive to Gulmarg, the meadow of flowers. During the British Raj, Gulmarg hosted the Britishers and Europeans and as such they created a European hill resort in Gulmarg. In Gulmarg you would be able to find European surroundings and 18 hole Golf Course. Arrive in Gulmarg by the afternoon. In the evening one can have a walk through the green meadows with the snow covered mountains all around. In Gulmarg while walking you only have to look down to have a complete view of the valley and Srinagar. In Gulmarg you can also have a fine view of Nanga Parbat, the naked mountain which is over 26,000 feet and dominates the entire region.

Day 6: Gulmarg
Today we will enjoy the pony ride from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg. Khilanmarg is the spot for skiing in winters. We will reach Khilanmarg on pony. In Khilanmarg we will enjoy the views of the Kashmir valley and the Himalayan range. (If this trip is during winters then you can also enjoy the Skiing and other adventurous winter sports here)
 

Day 7: Gulmarg - Pahalgam (about 157 km)
In the morning after breakfast drive to Pahalgam. On the way we pass through pine forest and also visit the saffron fields. Pahalgam is the popular hill resort of the Kashmir valley. Pahalgam is situated at a height of 7,200 feet. The flora and fauna is good and the scenery in Pahalgam is captivating. It is from Pahalgam that the pilgrims often take a Amarnath Yatra. Arrive in Pahalgam by the afternoon.

Day 8: Pahalgam
In the morning after breakfast in Pahalgam you can have a walk to Baisaren, which is about 2 km from Pahalgam. This walk to a small village, set in pine and fir forest will be pleasing. This place offers some good views of the surroundings. If you like, you can also go for further to Chandanwari or Betab Valley, both 20 Kms from Pahalgam. Excellent for photography.

Day 9: Pahalgam – Patnitop

In the morning after breakfast you will drive from Pahalgam to Patnitop. This famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau at a height of 2,024 meters on the Jammu–Srinagar highway. This place is enveloped by wooded forests. It is ideal for long walks, as a picnic spot and also offers breathtaking views of the mountain-scape of the Chenab basin. During winter skiing facilities are available here. Arrive in Patnitop by the evening and transfer to Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. 

Day 10: Patnitop
Visit Sanasar meadows. This meadow, which is about 15 km from Patnitop, is surrounded by conifers. It is the place for peace and quiet. A golf course is now being developed here. It also offers paragliding as an option for adventure lovers. Enjoy the whole day at Sanasar. Later drive back to hotel in Patnitop.

Day 11: Patnitop – Katra
After breakfast you will drive from Patnitop to Katra. Katra is the base camp for the visitors to the shrine of the Goddess Vaishno Devi situated in the Trikuta hills. This place is visited by nearly four million tourists every year. Rest of the day free for leisure.

Day 12: Katra - Vaishno Devi – Katra
In the morning after breakfast proceed further to visit the Holy temple of Vaishno Devi. This temple is situated on the top of the Trikuta hill about 12 km away from Katra. To visit this temple one has to hire a pony or travel by foot. Popular belief holds that anybody who walks the Himalayan trail to her abode to ask for a boon rarely goes back disappointed. After visiting the temple return back to hotel in Katra the same day. 

Day 13: Katra - Krimchi – Katra

In the morning after breakfast you will drive from Katra to Shiv Khori or Krimchi. Krimchi is the site of the oldest temples of Jammu. In Krimchi you will visit some temples and later drive back to hotel in Katra.

Day 14: Katra - Jammu
In the morning after having breakfast drive to Jammu. Transfer to airport or railway station.

Hotels:

Hotel which have been tested in the past by us and are good value of money (subject to availability).

Inclusions in the given tour cost:

• Accommodation in double room on twin sharing basis with bath and WC as in the above mentioned / similar hotels.

• Breakfast and Dinner in the Hotel during the tour.

• Shikara boat transfers to and from Houseboat, once in a day.

• One complimentary Shikara ride for 02 hours at Dal Lake.

• All Toll Parking , DA

• Arrival / Departure Assistance

• All Transfers and Sightseeing throughout the tour by an individual Air Conditioned vehicle with driver

• All applicable taxes.

 Exclusions:

• Any Kind of Personal Expenses such as Monument Tips, Laundry, Telephone Bills and  Alcoholic beverages.

• Additional Shikara ride.

• In Sonamarg, Horse charges for visit to Thajwas Glacier (As per actual charges).

• In Gulmarg, Horse/Pony ride and Gondola ride /Cable car charges.

• In Pahalgam, Visit to Betab Valley or Chandanwari.

• In Patnitop, visit/drive to Sanasar meadows.

• Camera Fees (Still or Movie).

• Any Flight Charges.

• Additional Sightseeing or Extra usage of Vehicle other then mentioned in the Itinerary

• Guide Charges & Entrances Charges

• Unspecified Meals

• Anything which is not included in the inclusions

Package cost per person on twin sharing basis in INR including Room, Breakfast, Transport and Taxes-

Note: Above rates are valid from April 2014 till September 2014.

Season/Exact Dates to begin the tour: 1st April to 15th November.

The details of the vehicles can be found at:
http://www.indovacations.net/english/ToyotaInnova.htm
http://www.indovacations.net/english/tempotraveler.htm

Tour Reservation
To get more information or to book this tour please submit the Query Form or send us an
e-mail ! Your booking will be activated only after we get a reconfirmation from your side.

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