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.
In the morning drive to Gulmarg, the meadow of flowers. The route from Srinagar to Gulmarg is fascinating. You will be mesmerized by its beauty. Gulmarg is famous all over the world for Skiing and Snowboarding. During the British Raj, Gulmarg hosted the Britishers and Europeans and as such they created a European hill resort and named it Gulmarg. In Gulmarg you would be able to find European surroundings and 18-hole Golf Course and enjoy gondola cable car to appahrwhat and Kongdoori. Return to the Hotel in Srinagar in the evening and enjoy comfortable overnight stay.
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).
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 Awantipura 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. Night halt at Hotel in Pahalgam.
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.
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.