Welcome to the Srinagar, the Lake City. On arrival at Srinagar Airport, being your tour of Kashmir Exotica Tour'. You will be transferred to Houseboat. Proceed on a city tour visiting the Shankracharya temple situated on the highest hill of Srinagar, the famous Mughal Gardens-Chashmashahi, Nishat & Shalimar. These gardens were Mughal Emperors concept of Paradise and today these are popular picnic spots. Also visit a handicraft shop where you can purchase local Hand Crafted items-Shawls, Jackets, Bed Covers, Paper Mache, Carpets & much more! In the evening leisurely stroll alongside the Dal Lake exploring the local markets. Overnight stay at the Houseboat.
Today you embark on a full day excursion to the picturesque 'meadow of gold’ Sonamarg. Sonamarg is last stop of Kashmir district. From here starts the territory of ladakh. Situated at an altitude of 2743 mt above sea level. The fast flowing Sindh River makes it popular for trout and masher fishing in summer. You can opt for a pony ride to one of the glaciers for some fun in snow and ice (by your own payment).
Doodhpathri, valley of milk, located in Budgam district, lies in bowl shaped valley in Pir Panjal Range. Its an alpine valley covered with snowclad mountains. Not a lot of tourists come to this place, since the road conditions are not favorable. After some quiet and peaceful time at Doodhpathri, be back to Srinagar for overnight stay.
After breakfast we will drive to Yusmarg. The distance of 57 kms will be covered in about 2 hours. The drive to Yusmarg is an enjoyment in itself. Grassy pastures stretching to acres of land, the dense forests full of pine trees, with the backdrop of splendid snow capped mountains leave you almost speechless. Later drive back to Srinagar.Return to the Hotel in Srinagar in the evening and enjoy comfortable overnight stay.
Early in the morning leave for Pahalgam the 'valley of shepherds' which is situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from river Lidder and Sheeshnag Lake. En route visit the Awantipora ruins, an 1100 year old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and built by King Awantivarman. On arrival into Pahalgam enjoy the surrounding beauty or walk to Baisaren, which is about 2 km from Pahalgam. A small village set in pine and fir forest is pleasing and offers good view. Return to the Hotel in Srinagar in the evening and enjoy comfortable overnight stay.
In the morning u will proceed for Aru valley, and chandanwari by car (at your own cost). Aru is small village, 11 kms upstream the Lidder River, is a beautiful locality. The route is picturesque with ample campsites. This village is the starting point for treks to the Kolahoi glacier. The most beautiful of these is the huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine .Hajan and Beetab valley on the way to chandanwari. Night halt at Hotel in Pahalgam.
In Pahalgam, visit Betaab Valley and Chandanwari as well as take a horse riding trip to Baisaran meadows.(at your own cost). After sightseeing around the mountain valley for most of the day, we will drive back to Srinagar and transfer to the hotel/ houseboat for overnight stay.
After breakfast in the morning, proceed towards Gulmarg. Enroute you get to see the beautiful Tangmarg town and drive ahead on a scenic drive of 14 kilometers to Gulmarg. Arrive in Gulmarg early in the afternoon and check in at the hotel. Later, begin a short tour, boarding the Gondola cable car system (the 08 minutes ropeway). Descend back to Gulmarg after an hour and later indulge in some horse-riding. Overnight stay at Gulmarg.
After having breakfast enjoy Gondola Cable Car Ride world’s highest and the Asia’s longest cable car (at your own cost). Enjoy photography, horse riding and shopping at this beautiful snow point. In the Afternoon return to Srinagar and do local sight seen of remaining Srinagar. Houseboat in Srinagar in the evening and enjoy comfortable overnight stay.