Best Of Kashmir - Daily Departures

Jammu & Kashmir is such a magical place to be, a destination that’s become the dream of thousands to visit. And with most trips taking you via the usual routes to enjoy the view, we can’t wait to let you enjoy this trip with a slightly different experience – houseboats! We’ll arrive in Srinagar and help with check-in to your houseboat for a quick rest as it slowly glides through gardens and small villages. A full-day excursion to Sonamarg takes you to the height of 2,400m above sea level to see the “Meadow of Gold” in person and enjoy a relaxing walk or pony ride to Thajwas Glacier. From the everwinter site, we head up to Shakhdar Hill for a viewpoint of the glacier. We’ll ride for Pahalgam via Pampore, and enjoy a scenic ride that passes through several villages and the Lidder River before we visit Chandanwari. By renting a local cab, you’ll get to visit Chandanwari, Aru Valley, and Betaab Valley and all off them brags incredible view of nature and picnic spots. Betaab Valley is particularly famous as the location where the movie “Betaab” was shot and has become a must-see destination whenever you’re in Pahalgam. When it comes to Kashmir’s luxurious vacation, one can’t forget the resort town of Gulmarg. After passing by another town, we’ll arrive in Gulmarg and prepare to ride the gondola up to over 2,500m above sea level. The Maharani Temple was built in 1915 here, a royal temple that was dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Almost as old as the temple was the St. Mary’s Church which looks especially gorgeous in winter in the style of a countryside chapel. The highest that gondola can ride is up to Kongdoori Mountain which is right on the shoulder of Afarwat Peak at over 3,700m height. Pony rides are available at extra cost and might just be the best way to go around the place that doesn’t allow vehicles after a long ride here! After spending the night at Gulmarg hotel and enjoying the view here, we ride back to our houseboat in Srinagar for a sightseeing of the famous Mughal Gardens. The Nishat Bagh is the second largest of its kind in Kashmir Valley and is well-known for the beauty with Dal Lake on one side and the Zabarwan Mountain on the other. Shalimar Bagh is the largest Mughal Garden in India with impressive views. The Fairy Palace or Chashma Shahi is a unique garden that was built around a natural spring. Then finally we’ll head to Asia’s largest tulip garden, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden that’s in full bloom during April. The Shankaracharya Temple takes us back to the 4th century as it was built by a king of its time with a view of Gopadari Hill. The Muslim shrine, Hazratbal Shrine, is one of the holiest sites as it’s believed to be housing the hair of the prophet Muhammad. The trip ends with a ride to the airport from Srinagar as you leave with a wish to return to this beautiful place again!