Kashmir, the Valley of Paradise

Fly to Srinagar (elevation: 1,770 m / 5,807 ft) and check into a houseboat. Srinagar lies in the heart of the Kashmir Valley, which isthe capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Start your trip with a Shikara trip on Dal and Nagin lakes.

Head out to Sonamarg (2,740 m / 8,990 ft) for a full day trip. Check out “The Meadow of Gold” which lies in Sindh Valley, surrounded by mountains. Reach Thajiwas Glacier on ponies and see the gigantic glacier. Sonamarg is a base for Gangabal Lake trek or pilgrimage trek to Amarnath cave that is revered by Hindus. Stay overnight in the Houseboat in Srinagar.

Go for an excursion to Gulmarg (2,730 m / 8,960 ft), the “Meadow of Flowers”. Gulmarg, a popular skiing destination for both Indians and foreigners, has perfect ski slopes and a golf course. Dotted by small traditional houses on the green meadows and tall pine cone trees, Gulmarg makes for a picture perfect painting. Hike or ride a pony up to Khilanmarg and enjoy the view of Nanga Parbat and K2 peaks. Spend the night on the houseboat in Srinagar.

Head to Yusmarg (2,400 m / 7,875 ft), along DudhGanga stream (“the river of milk”). Take a walk in the dense forests to Nilnag Lake. These waters are abounding with trout, a paradise for fly fishing lovers. Pay homage to Charar-i-Sharief and the shrine of Muslim mystic, Nund-Reshi. Spend the night on the Houseboat in Srinagar.

Today drive through scenic, winding roads of Kashmir through the pine forests and saffron fields. Stop en route to Awantipura and visit a 1100 year old temple of Lord Vishnu. Reach Pahalgam Valley (2,740 m / 8,990 ft), the base of Kolahoi Glacier trek or Amarnath Pilgrimage. Take an afternoon pony excursion or trek along the Lidder River to Chandawari or Aru and witness the most spectacular side of Kashmir- with lush green meadows on one side and tall snow capped peak on the other. Spend the night on the houseboat in Srinagar.

Spend the day doing local sightseeing in Sirnagar. Start with Mughal Gardens: Cheshmashahi Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, built by Emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife Nur Jahan. During the afternoon drive along the old city of Srinagar and make a stop at Jamia Masjid mosque and Shah-i-Hamdan wooden mosque.

Take a boat ride to the famous floating vegetable market and get back to the Houseboat for breakfast and check out. Take a flight from Srinagar to Delhi, and connect to your onward flight.