As hot winds scorch the northern plains, and lakes and river begin to dry up, heralding the arrival of the dreaded Indian Summer, one seeks respite from the blazing elements. It is time to explore and venture forth, to escape the rising temperatures: but where to go? THERE IS ONE MAGICAL DESTINATION!
This tour brings you in, close, and intimate contact with Kashmir which is famous for its mesmerising natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Discover the history of the ancient Aryan, Hindu & Buddhist periods, and experience the hospitality of local people nurtured by the mysticism of the Sufi way of life.
Stay in exquisitely decorated houseboats floating on the Dal Lake, and enjoy the music of the Himalayan winds floating down the snowy mountains while sitting out on the balcony, sipping the traditional Kashmiri "chai" – Kehwa (Green Tea spiked with Dry Fruits). The excursions to famous Mughal Gardens set in fairytale surroundings, with views of the Dal Lake and a backdrop of rolling hills and towering mountain ranges truly makes this sojourn delightful.
Enjoy Shikara (Kashmiri boat) rides in the quite backwaters and witness the life pulsating on the small islands, where local inhabitants and fishermen have been living for over a century; see their delightful floating vegetable gardens; and watch lively birds frolicking in and over lotus and lily waters!
The visits to old town in Srinagar on the banks of the Jhelum River, truly takes you back to the medieval period, bearing imprints of Central Asian, Persian and Greek influences on its architecture, dresses, peoples’ features, arts and crafts, and of course on its famous traditional cuisine – Wazwan. Srinagar, the present summer capital, was an important halt for the artists, traders, merchants, scholars and mystics, during the glorious period of Silk Route caravans: a time when soul-stirring cross- cultural human dialogue evolved.
Drive through the fertile countryside; past Fruit Orchids and Saffron Fields, Willow and Poplar Avenues, and old village towns, where bullock carts and horse-drawn Tongas (carts) still ply in the rustic interiors. Be spellbound by the splendour of Pine Forests giving way to Grassy Dales, with Wild Flowers carpeting the valley floors, as gushing Rivers and Streams, spilling over with Glacial Snow melt, nourish the countryside and refresh the champagne air.
Holiday at the picturesque hill stations of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg; and also visit Dachigham National Park in search of the highly endangered Hangul (Kashmir Stag) and the Himalayan Black Bear. Spend time to also see and buy Rainbow Trout at the Fishery Farm.
This exploratory tour gives you a deeper insight to the Islamic cultural heritage of Kashmir, preserved for centuries in the forms of old mosques, shrines and Khana-Kahs, which have maintained the living traditions of ritual prayers, divine chanting and meditation. You may also be invited to a traditional Kashmiri wedding and have the pleasure of enjoying this unique celebration.
COME AND EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF NEW KASHMIR!
“Everything is new now for me. My mind is new, the moon, the sun. The whole world looks rinsed with pure water, washed in the rain of I AM THAT. Lalla leaps and dances inside the energy that created and sustains the universe”. “Lal Ded-14th century Kashmiri mystic poetess .”
YOUR JOURNEY
Best Time: Mid June to October.
Focus : Paradise Gardens, Lakes, Rivers, Hill Resorts, People, Culture, Bazaars, Mosques, Temples, Flora & Fauna, Gentle Walks, Architecture, Arts & Crafts, Boat Cruise and Gondola Hill Ride.
Duration: 13 Days.
Programme at a glance;
Delhi - Srinagar (Dal Lake) - Gulmarg - Pahalgam - Srinagar - Delhi.
Day 1, New Delhi:
Arrival in Delhi and transfer to the pre-booked hotel. Morning at Leisure. Afternoon Guided visit to Old Delhi, including Red Fort, The Mosque followed by Dinner in atmospheric Karim’s Restaurant with old world charm. Return back to hotel for overnight.
Day 2, New Delhi – Srinagar (1730 metres elevation.)
Morning flight to Srinagar, the summer capital of Kashmir. Transfer to Chinar Ghat, from here you will be paddled across the Dal Lake by comfortable Shikara (Kashmiri Boat) to your Houseboat situated at the far end of the lake with Superb views of the Zabarwan Hills, after welcome drink you will be taken to your room, which has attach bathroom and views of Lotus Lake. Afternoon leisurely Shikara ride through the floating gardens in the backwaters of the Dal Lake, bob through the Lotus and Lily Lakes and enjoy the birdlife around the lake during sunset. Dinner and overnight in Houseboat.
Day 3, Srinagar.
A gentle morning visit by Shikara across the Dal Lake, to visit the Mughal Garden of Nishat – The garden of bliss, which overlooks its peaceful waters, and opposite it to visit the Hazaratbal Mosque which was built to contain the sacred relics of the Prophet Muhammad. Continue to explore Mughal Gardens of Shalimar, Cheshmashi with Picnic Lunch at Pari Mahal commanding superb views of the valley, lakes and surrounding mountains. Early afternoon return back to Houseboat.
Day 4, Srinagar.
Very early morning visit to the floating vegetable market, return back to houseboat for a day of rest or visit to the hilltop temple of Shankaracharya dedicated to God Shiv. All meals and overnight in Houseboat.
Day 5, Srinagar.
Morning visit to Jesus Christ’s Tomb and Tomb of Makdhum Sahib a very powerful Sufi saint and Hari Parbat Hill, built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1586AD looms above the Shrine. Drive through narrow lanes to visit the Jama Masjid, and the wooden mosque of Shah Hamadan, both built in the 14th century. Also see Nur Jehan’s delightful Mosque of the Slipper and the Tomb of Zein-ud-Abad-Din (ruled 1423-74), one of the best rulers Kashmir ever had, built when he died in 1470. Lunch in Local Restaurant. Dinner and overnight in Houseboat.
Day 6, Srinagar – Gulamarg (2730 metres elevation.)
Drive to Gulmarg (the Meadow of Flowers), below the snowy peak of Nanga Parbat, the 5th Highest Mountain in the World, (52 kms/2 hrs, west of Srinagar) for an overnight stay in the Highland Park Hotel. After lunch there are opportunities for Lovely Walks, a Game of Golf on one of the Highest Courses in the World, and Pony Riding.
Day 7, Gulmarg – Srinagar.
Take a morning Gondola Cable Car Ride to Khilanmarg, and see the huge variety of Medicinal Flowers as we walk in this lovely area. Overnight in Resort.
Day 8, Gulmarg- Aru (6hrs drive).
Early breakfast and drive to Aru, a delightful drive through the villages, saffron and rice paddy fields and further along the Lidder River to Pahalgam,. Aru Valley is a delightful Meadow, surrounded by rolling Hills and dense Pine Forest, we stay overnight in camp arranged by Yousuf Chapri, and the camp will be set on a Mountain Stream. Dinner with Local Folk Songs.
Day 9, Aru:
Nature walk and explore the Aru Valley, the place is full of Bakarwal and Gujjar Shepherds taking their cattle to higher pastures in summer months. All meals and overnight in tents.
Day 10, Pahalgam to Srinagar.
Drive back (3hrs) to Srinagar for a further 2 nights stay, via Matan Temple dedicated to God Shiv, feed the Sacred Fish and further continue via Pendrethan where we see the 9th century Shiv Temple, the Great Temple Ruins of Ancient Capital of Avantipur and the Temple of the Sun at Martand whose Doric Architecture is thought to be derived from the style of Alexander the Great. Stay at Intercontinental The Grand Palace.
Intercontinental The Grand Palace - Intercontinental The Grand Palace Srinagar is located just outside main city overlooking the famous and beautiful Dal Lake. Formerly the Palace residence of the Maharajas, it is located at an altitude of 1730 m above sea level in the picturesque surroundings of Zabarvan Hills.
Day 11, Srinagar
Morning at leisure. Late afternoon drive to Dachigam National Park, in search of Birds, Black Bear & Hangul. Trout Fish Dinner in the Park and return back to the Hotel.
Day 12, Srinagar to Delhi:
After breakfast transfer to the airport for 1 hour flight over the Himalaya is a true farewell to this re-discovery and wonderful experience. Arrive Delhi and transfer to the Hotel.
Day 13, Departure transfer to your home country.
