OVERVIEW

Kargil is located at a distance of 205 kilometers from Srinagar and is second largest town in Ladakh district of Jammu and Kashmir. Kargil is at an altitude of 2,676 metres and is situated along the banks of the Suru River. Also visit Kargil War Memorial on your tour to Kargil. Gulmarg, Meadow of Flowers which lies in a cup shaped valley in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, Avantipura, is known for two ruined Hindu temples. Both of the temples were constructed by King Avantivarman, between 855 and 883 AD. Sonmarg an alpine valley is situated at the bank of Nallah Sindh, 87 kms northeast from Srinagar, Visit the famous Mughal Gardens, Chashme Shahi (Royal Spring), Nishat Bagh (Garden of Pleasure), Shalimar Bagh (Abode of Love), which the Mughals laid out in the 16^th century along the banks of Dal Lake in the heart of Srinagar.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

ITINERARY DETAILS

DAY 01 : ARRIVAL SRINAGAR

Srinagar arrival & welcome and transfer to a jetty, from where you will be transferred to the houseboat on a shikara. These are usually moored at the edges of the Dal Lake and Nageen lakes. Some of the houseboats there were built in the early 1900s, and are still being rented out to tourists. These houseboats are made of wood, and usually have intricately carved wood paneling. The houseboats are of different sizes, some having up to three bedrooms apart from a living room and kitchen. Many tourists are attracted to Srinagar by the charm of staying on a houseboat, which provides the unique experience of living on the water in a cedar-paneled elegant bedroom, with all the conveniences of a luxury hotel. Enjoy a romantic Shikara ride around this serene lake, snow-capped mountains.
Overnight stay in houseboat at Srinagar.

DAY 02 : SRINAGAR – GULMARG – SRINAGAR

Arrivel and Transfer to Gulmarg, Meadow of Flowers which lies in a cup shaped valley in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, at an altitude of 2,730 m (8,957 feet), 56 kms from Srinagar. The natural meadows of Gulmarg, which are covered with snow in winter, allow the growth of wild flowers such as daisies, forget-me-nots and butter cups during spring and summer. The meadows are interspersed by enclosed parks and small lakes, and surrounded by forests of green pine and fir. The Gulmarg, Gondola is a tourist attraction in itself. It is one of the highest cable cars in the world. It has two stage ropeway, the first stage transfers from the Gulmarg resort at 2,600 m (8,530 feet) to Kongdoori Station at 3,080 m. The second stage of the ropeway, which has 36 cabins and 18 towers, takes skiers to a height of 3,950 m (12,959 feet) on Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Apharwat Peak (4,200 m (13,780 feet). Gulmarg also has a famous ski resort and has the world’s highest 18 hole golf course.
Return back to Srinagar and overnight stay in hotel.

DAY 03 : SRINAGAR – PAHALGAM – SRINAGAR

Pahalgam, ‘Valley of Shepherds’. En-route you will have an rare opportunity to visit the Saffron fields, Avantipura Ruins, Avantipura cricket bat factory & Anantnag Sulpher Springs.
On your visit here you can see thousands of cricket bats displayed by the roadside. Avantipura, is known for two ruined Hindu temples. Both of the temples were constructed by King Avantivarman, between 855 and 883 AD. The larger of the two is dedicated to Vishnu and known as the Avanti Swami Temple. A huge wall encloses the central shrine with four smaller shrines around the centre. Mattan Temple, Few kilometers ahead of Anantnag pond full of holy fishes is believed to be creations of Lord Shiva. The water of the pond changes colors’ which is considered good and bad according to the local belief.
Return back to Srinagar and overnight stay in hotel.

DAY 04 : SRINAGAR – SONMARG – KARGIL

Sonmarg an alpine valley is situated at the bank of Nallah Sindh, 87 kms northeast from Srinagar, it is a popular tourist destination, nestled within the imposing Himalayan peaks. It lies at an altitude of 2800 metres above sea level. The drive to Sonmarg is through yet another spectacular facet of country side in Kashmir, this time it is the Nallah Sindh, the largest tributary of the Jehlum River in the valley of Kashmir. The mountains around Sonmarg are covered with several glaciers, one of the most famous being the Thajiswas Glacier. This scenic river of ice is set amidst lush meadows and foliage and is a 3 kms walk or pony ride.
On the way to Kargil visit zero point where you can find lot of snow.
Till evening reach Kargil and overnight stay in hotel.

DAY 05 : KARGIL LOCAL SIGHTSEEING

After the breakfast start to drive to Drass, Known as 2^nd coldest Inhabitated place on earth and visit to Drass War Memorial Hall, full day tour at Drass and other places of Kargil.
Overnight stay in hotel at Kargil.

DAY 06 : KARGIL – SRINAGAR

After breakfast drive towards to Srinagar.
Overnight stay in hotel/ houseboat at Srinagar.

DAY 07 : SRINAGAR LOCAL SIGHTSEEING

Visit the famous Mughal Gardens, Chashme Shahi (Royal Spring), Nishat Bagh (Garden of Pleasure), Shalimar Bagh (Abode of Love), which the Mughals laid out in the 16^th century along the banks of Dal Lake in the heart of Srinagar. Also visit Shankaracharya Temple located on a hillock and enjoy panoramic views of the entire city, along with the famous Dal Lake & River Jhelum.
On the way, visit the handloom centre famous for production of Pashmina/ Shahtoosh shawls and carpets famous all over the world.
Overnight stay in hotel/ houseboat at Srinagar.

DAY 08 : DEPATURE with sweet memories.

After breakfast, check-out the hotel and proceed to Srinagar airport and drop.