Srinagar (1N)→Pahalgam (1N)→Srinagar (2N)
Overview
A tour of the “Best of Kashmir with Gulmarg Excursion” offers a captivating journey through the picturesque region of Kashmir, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, serene landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Gulmarg, a popular hill station, is a highlight of this excursion. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
Trip Highlights
- Experience Of Shikara ride on Dal Lake , Srinagar
- One photography during Shikara Ride
- Entry Ticket for Shalimar Bagh
- Entry Ticket for Nishant Bagh
- Experience Of Gondola ride (Phase - 1) At Gulmarg (Tickets are subject to availability)
- Enjoy Betab & Aru Valley , Pahalgam
- Private Chauffeur Driven Vehicle
- Breakfast
Itinerary
On your arrival at the Srinagar International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative or Driver who will assist and escort you to your waiting vehicle. From the airport it is a 35 minutes drive through the heart of New Srinagar city. The drive takes you past the Abdullah bridge which connects the banks of the Jehlum river, snaking its way towards the North-Western frontier of Kashmir.
Arrive welcome and show you to your houseboat or hotel. After you check-in and freshen up, you can move out to visit your first tourist spot.A walk around the scenic Boulevard Road will be your first sightseeing location. The road gives you a view of Dal Lake. Besides that, the majestic Zabarwan Mountain Ranges will also charm you. After the walk, it’s time to relax and take a 2-hour Shikara ride in Dal Lake. Keep your camera ready to click some heart-warming pictures of the mountains. Also, you will notice a beautiful carpet of lotus flowers all over the lake. These flowers enhance the aura of Dal Lake. End your day by making your way back to your Hotel for overnight stay.
We will begin our trip towards Pahalgam and drive past the saffron fields of Pampore, the marvellous ruins of Avantipura and the village of Bijbehara which remains famous as the bread basket of Kashmir. You can even sample a few exotic breads sold by vendors near the road. We switch the the national highway at Khanabal and drive through the second largest city of Anantnag.
From here the road turns scenic as we drive parallel on the Lidder river flowing from the opposite direction. In Pahalgam we check in at the hotel and later sightseeing by driving to the picturesque Betab valley & Aru Valley respectively. Betaab valley is a gorgeous expanse by the Lidder river, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. Its landscape looks picture-perfect with a carpet of emerald green interrupted by a river flowing through it and the snow-clad mountains in the background. It is covered by a thick forest of deodar and pine trees and is dotted with colourful flowers. The valley also serves as a base camp for trekkers and is a good place to start a further exploration of the mountains. Betaab Valley gained prominence after the Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh starrer film, Betaab, was shot here in 1983. Thus, the valley was named after the hit film. The valley falls on the way to the famed Amarnath temple yatra and is one of the three stunning valleys of Pahalgam
Aru Valley is a famous tourist place in Jammu & Kashmir located in the Anantnag district around 12 kilometers from Pahalgam. Tourists are attracted towards it because of its lush meadows, pristine lakes & mountains, and it also serves as a base camp for trekking to the Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake.
Rest of the day will be at leisure for individual activities ( All activities Cost Own ). overnight stay.
After breakfast at the hotel, Drive to srinagar , Arrive Srinagar Today we will do some half a day of local sightseeing that includes a visit to the famous Mughal gardens of Nishat and Shalimar. Built in between a period of 14 years the two gardens are a heritage left behind by the erstwhile Mughals, whose taste for laying exquisite gardens was fascinating. With a backdrop of the sprawling Zabarwan mountains, the gardens boast of green turfs, blooming flowers and cascading water fountains. We will explore the gardens and later drive for Shankaracharya Temple situated on top of the Shankaracharya Hill in the Zabarwan Range in Srinagar. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is at a height of 1,000 feet above the valley floor and overlooks the city of Srinagar. overnight stay.
After breakfast in the morning, we will begin our country tour towards Gulmarg. The drive past colorful villages and rice fields, gives you an insight of the rich cultural past of Kashmir. We arrive at a small picturesue market town of Tangmarg and drive ahead on a scenic drive of 14 kilometers to Gulmarg. We arrive in Gulmarg early in the afternoon.
In Gulmarg we will board the Gondola cable car system, and ascend towards the Mountain range. The 04-05 minutes of ropeway will take you past colorful shepherd hutments to the lower ridge of the peak. From here you can click lots of photos (Own Cost) of the nearby mountain ranges that stand tall like sentinels guarding the rich natural beauty of Kashmir valley. We descend back to Gulmarg base after an hour or so and Post this tiring day, head back to your Srinagar hotel and savour delicious dinner and take some rest. Hotel / Houseboats for our overnight stay.
Note: - If in case heavy snow fall Gulmarg is not operational so will take clients to Yusmarg Day Trip.
Note :- Also note that for local movement guest has to either hire the pony or local vehicle on direct payment basis, the vehicle used in the itinerary only drops the guest in Gulmarg hotel.
After a late morning breakfast, we will drive to the airport for your flight home. On your way to the airport you can make a brief stopover for some last minute shopping in the city center. At the airport the driver will assist you with your luggage screening and drop you at outside the terminal gate.
Special Note: Hotels in any Seasonal hill Station / weekend destination in Srinagar) follow dynamic pricing method – the price may vary from month to month, day to day, depending on the festivals, functions, events, long weekends, occasions and market demand. The above mentioned rates are for your reference – however, the same may change at the time of booking. Request you to re-check the availability and the prevailing rates at the time of actual booking.
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- • Assistance on Arrival.
- • Accommodation in the mentioned or similar hotels
- • Breakfast
- • Experience Of Shikara ride on Dal Lake , Srinagar
- • One photography during Shikara Ride
- • Entry Ticket for Shalimar Bagh
- • Entry Ticket for Nishant Bagh
- • Experience Of Gondola ride (Phase - 1) At Gulmarg (Tickets are subject to availability)
- • Enjoy Betab & Aru Valley , Pahalgam
- • Private Chauffeur Driven Vehicle
- • Travel Insurance (for age below 69yrs)
- • All transfers and sightseeing by AC Vehicle. (Please note that AC will be switched off during hills )
- • All currently applicable hotel taxes except GST @ Current Rate
Excludes
- • Any Air or Rail fare.
- • Any other meal not mentioned in price includes.
- • Any other destination not mentioned in itinerary.
- • Any monument entrance fees, camera fees, guide charges.
- • Any expenses of personal nature.
- • GST @ Current Rate
Safety in Kashmir can vary depending on the current political and security situation. It’s essential to stay updated on the latest travel advisories from your government and consult with local authorities or tour operators for the most accurate information. Traveling with a reputable tour operator can help ensure a safer experience.
The best time to visit Kashmir and Gulmarg is typically during the spring and summer months, from April to September, when the weather is pleasant, and the landscapes are lush and colorful. However, Gulmarg is also popular for winter sports from December to February.
As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, tourists did not require a special permit to visit most parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Gulmarg. However, it’s crucial to check the current entry requirements, especially if the situation has changed since then.
Depending on the season, pack clothing suitable for the weather. In the warmer months, bring comfortable clothing, but also pack some warm layers as temperatures can drop at night. In the winter, dress warmly, and bring appropriate cold-weather gear, including thermal clothing, gloves, and a good quality jacket. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes for outdoor activities.
It is generally recommended to drink bottled or purified water in Kashmir to avoid any potential health issues. Tap water may not be safe for consumption in some areas
Respect the local customs and traditions. In Kashmir, it’s essential to dress modestly, especially in more conservative areas. When visiting religious sites, cover your head and remove your shoes. Seek permission before taking photographs of locals, and always ask for their consent.
Mobile phone networks and the internet may have intermittent connectivity in certain areas of Kashmir, particularly during periods of unrest. Be prepared for possible disruptions and check with your service provider for international roaming options.
You can book this tour through reputable travel agencies and tour operators specializing in trips to Kashmir. Research and read reviews to choose a trusted operator. They can assist with itinerary planning, accommodation, transportation, and any necessary permits.
- Cash is widely accepted in Kashmir, but it’s also a good idea to carry a credit or debit card for larger expenses. ATMs are available in major towns, but it’s wise to carry some cash, especially in more remote areas.
Please keep in mind that travel conditions and requirements can change, so always check for the latest information and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator to have a safe and enjoyable trip.