3N4D- Srinagar Sonmarg Gulmarg

• 03 Nights & 04 Days
• India

Kashmir,  is situated at 1515 m, this northernmost area of the Indian subcontinent is separated from the Pir Panjal Range and surrounded by the Karakorum Range on the North. KASHMIR is a marvel aptly called Paradise on Earth by the Mughals who travelled long distances to spend their summers here. They patronized the development of arts and crafts and left behind a rich heritage of exquisite craftsmanship. They discovered the various hill stations and laid Srinagar’s famous Mughal Gardens here. Jammu and Kashmir is divided into 3 main regions Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, whereby Kashmir is the principal region of the state. Srinagar is the Summer state capital and is situated at an Altitude of 1,730 metres above sea level. The city is located on both the sides of the Jhelum River, which is called Vyath in Kashmir. The river passes through the city and meanders through the valley, moving onward and deepening in the Wular Lake. The city is famous for its nine old bridges, connecting the two parts of the city.Srinagar means wealth(Lakshmi) and nagar means city. Tourism is the most significant segment of the city’s economy. The city of Srinagar is a gateway to some of the most scenic and beautiful places of the Indian subcontinent. Srinagar is well known for its lakes. Dal Lake with its houseboats is famous all over the world. Srinagar is a small and beautiful city with a wonderful climate. Nagin Lake is another famous lake in the city.  History of Kashmir “Kashmir” means “desiccated land” (from the Sanskrit: Ka = water and shimeera = desiccate). In the Rajatarangini, a history of Kashmir written by Kalhana in mid-12th century, it is stated that the valley of Kashmir was formerly a lake. According to Hindu mythology, the lake was drained by the great rishi or sage, Kashyapa, son of Marichi, son of Brahma, by cutting the gap in the hills at Baramulla (Varaha-mula). When Kashmir had been drained, Kashyapa asked Brahmans to settle there. This is still the local tradition, and in the existing physical condition of the country, we may see some ground for the story which has taken this form. The Instrument of Accession in 1947 brought the province under the direct rule of the Republic of India when the then ruler of the province, Maharaja Hari Singh allowed the state to merge into the territory of India, a move which was destined to be one of the most controversial moves in the history of India. Today, Jammu and Kashmir lies at the center of a heated territorial dispute between India and her twin Pakistan, a dispute which has caused 3 direct Indo-Pakistan wars and one indirect war with China. The land is also ruled under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution which allows special provisions to Jammu and Kashmir.

INCLUSIONS

• Welcome drink on arrival.
• 1 Room on twin sharing accommodation.
• Breakfast + Dinner during the stay.
• Chauffer driven Car for pick up, drop and sightseeing as per itinerary.
• Complimentary Shikara ride once during your stay
• Driver Allowances
• Toll tax and State tax.
• All taxes.

EXCLUSIONS

• Any Air/ train fare.
• Any pony charges
• Any gondola cable car charges
• Any expenses for optional activities.
• Aru and Chandan wari in Pahalgam.
• Items of personal nature like porterage, tips, laundry.
• Any expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances like flight delay / cancellation / hike in fare, strike or any other natural calamities or any emergency evacuation expenses.
• Any additional meals.
• Anything not mentioned in Inclusions.

PLACES TO SEE IN SRINAGAR:-

•  Mughal gardens: These Gardens were laid by the mughals epitomizing love for mankind.They are located between Dal lake and Zabarwan Mountain range. 
• Cheshmashahi: Royal springs are situated in the foothills of the zabarwan range.It was laid by Ali Mardan Khan in 1632. 
• Botanical Garden: This was laid by the Government for floricultural purpose. 
• Pari Mahal (Palace of Fairies): 3kms ahead of cheshmashahi is pari mahal a school of astrology built by Prince Dara Shukho eldest son of Shahjahan who had keen interest in astrology and sufisim. One can capture a splendid view of the Srinagar city and Dal lake. 
• Nishat Bagh: It was designed by Asaf Khan, brother of Noor Jehan, in 1633 AD. It is largest of the Mughal gardens and is situated on the banks of Dal lake. 
• Shalimar Gardens: Garden of love was built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur Jehan in 1616.It is 2 major houses which is called the Diwan e Khas and Diwan e Aam. 
• Harwan Garden: Kanishka the great Kushan Emperor is said to have convened his great council of Buddhist Divines near Harwan. 
• Dal lake / Boulevard: Dal lake is home to more then a 1000 houseboats. Prince Murad son of emp Shah Jehan built the char chinar also called the Ropa Lank in the smaller Dal. The Afghan governor Aamir Khan buit the sona lank in the bigger Dal.shikara rides and water sports are a must do here.A stay in the houseboat in the Dal lake is an unforgettable experience.9kms away from Dal lake is the Nagin lake which also has many houseboats stationed there. A sunset on the boulevard is a magical site to see here. 
• Budshah’s Tomb: The grave of Zain-Ul-Abidin’s mother Is situated at Zaina kadal.
• Zabarwan Park: is a delightful picnic spot near Dal lake. 
• Maharaj Gunj: popularly known as old bazaar is an old 18th century super market constructed by Dogra emp Maharaja pratap Singh. 
• S.P.S. Musuem: Sri Pratap Singh museum houses stone sculptures artifacts which depict the culture and history of J&K. 
• Nagin Lake: 8 kms a jewel in the ring, the smallest but mostly lovely part of Dal lake (separated) by a causeway and only a short distance from Hazratbal shrine, its deep blue waters encircled by a ring of green trees has been credited for its name. The Nageen club has water sking and swimming facilities. 
• Nasim Bagh: One of the most beautiful Mughal Gardens, Nasim bagh is constructed in 1586 AD by Great Mughal Emperor Akbar. This garden serves as a brilliant example of natural beauty merged with the man made marvelous designs. This is the oldest Mughal garden and has camping facilities in the enchanting lawns of the Gardens. 
• Badamwari: An almond Garden situated in Srinagar.The Badamwari presents a mesmerizing appearance in spring in Kashmir. 
• Kathi Darwaza/Sangin Darwaza: The Hari Parbat or the Mughal Fort, located on the banks of the world renowned Dal Lake, has two gates known as Kathi Darwaza and Sangin Darwaza.Kathi Darwaza has some Persian commemorative inscriptions in the walls and ceilings. These inscriptions point light to the Persian beliefs and culture. The two Darwazas, Sangin Darwaza and Kathi Darwaza, and the shrine of Akhun Mulla Shah are worth enough to have a visit. Most of the tourists visit here to have a close look at the architectural style during Mughal period. 

RELIGIOUS PLACES IN SRINAGAR

• Hazratbal Shrine • Pir Dastagir Sahib • Jamia Masjid • Shahe Hamdan Mosque • Rauzabal • Shankaracharya Temple • Kohi Maran (Hari Parbat) • Shrine of Maqdoom Sahib • Naqashband Sahib • Pather Masjid • Aali Masjid • Chatti Pad Shahi Gurudwara • Jyesththeshvara Temple • Masjid of Akhund Mullah • Khanqah of Khwaja Moinuddin • Tomb of Madin Sahib • Holy Family Church • All Saints Church • 

EXCURSIONS FROM SRINAGAR.

•  The 3 most fascinating Holiday resorts of Kashmir are Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg are a must see here. Magnificent is a too mild term to describe these heavenly places. Kashmir is one such place that can be visited in each season be it Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter. 

• GULMARG “MEADOW OF FLOWERS“  Situated at an altitude of 2730 meters and 53 km from Srinagar, Gulmarg originally called as Gaurimarg was discovered by Sultan Yusuf shah in the 16th century. 

• Why you should visit Gulmarg?
• • Green meadows, Blue Skies, Flowers in full bloom in spring and summer.
• • Asia’s highest cable car ride the Gulmarg – Gondola.
• • Gulmarg is considered Asia’s Best ski resort, famous amongst skiers for its unique powder snow which form the perfect slopes for sking, sledging and snow boarding.
•  Gulmarg boasts of Highest Golf course in the world club established in 1902 which has a 18 hole golf course par 72 where competitions are held each year.
•  Gulmarg is one of the best summer and winter resorts in the world. 

MUST SEE:

• Gondola Ride (Asia’s highest ski lift), Maharani Temple. St Mary’s Church, Maharaja Palace, Children’s park, Baba Reishi shrine, Drand a famous picnic spot, Khilanmarg, Ningal Nullah, Trek to Alpather Lake and visit Tanmarg enroute Gulmarg. 

MUST DO:-

• Play golf, learn to ski,pony rides,Trekking and sledging snowboarding. 

• PAHALGAM “VALLEY OF SHEPHERDS” is situated at an altitude of 2130 meters and is 95kms from Srinagar it is at the confluence of sheshnag and lidder streams.Pahalgam is considered Kashmir’s premier resort , pahalgam welcomes you with fresh breeze and the famous lidder river rises from the Kolohoi glacier. 

• Why you should visit Pahalgam:-

•  • Pahalgam has an astounding golf course open to tourists.
•  • rout fishing is a popular sport here “an anglers paradise”
• • Pahalgam is known as the base camp for famous treks to Aru, chandanwari, Tulian lake and the famous Amarnath trek via  sheshnag and panchtarni.
•  •Pine trees, flora and fauna of Pahalgam is a major attraction here. 

• MUST SEE: Baisaran,Shikargha,Betaab Valley, Tulian lake, Mamal Temple, Phrislan, Aru and chandanawari, Mattan temple, Aishmuqam, Sun temple, Avantipur temple, Kolahoi Glacier, Tarsar lake.  

• MUST DO:  Play golf, Trout fishing, Trekking and pony rides. 

• Amaranth Yatra “THE ABODE OF LORD SHIVA”: Pahalgam (Nunwan) is the base camp for the Amarnathji yatra.The holy cave is trekked by 2 routes the pahalgam and the baltal way.The holy cave is 46.7 km from pahalgam at an altitude of 3953 metres believed to be the abode of Shiva.The ice Lingam formed by water droplets symbolizes Lord Shiva.Yatris visit the Holy cave during the scheduled period which is mostly July and August Months.The Hindu cave is believed to be a ddiscovery of a Muslim shepherd named Butta Malik.The trek from Pahalgam is covered within 2 to 3 days via sheeshang and Panchtarni being the stop overs. 

• SONMARG “MEADOW OF GOLD” is a trekkers heaven a starting point for many treks ….spectacular skies,snowy mountains,huge lakes,strewn with the lovliest alpine flowers at an altititude of 2667 meters and 84 km from Srinagar ,it lies in the heart of a beautiful valley by the sindh. 
• Why you should visit Sonmarg?
• Sonmarg is a trekkers paradise.
• Snow sledging and snow boarding. 

• MUST SEE: Thajiwas Glacier,Kheer Bhawani Temple,Manasbal lake. MUST DO: Ganagabal trek,Vihansar,Kishansar Gadsar Satsar and Amarnath Trek via Baltal. The Amarnathji Yatra can also be trekked from Baltal in a single day which is 14 km which leads to the Holy cave. (Route II).

• FAIRS & FESTIVALS 

• Ramadan Festival Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. The Month of Ramadan is also when it is believed the Holy Quran “was sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and a means of Salvation” It is during this month that Muslims fast. It is called the Fast of Ramadan and lasts the entire month. Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time on the concerns of their everyday lives. It is a time of worship and contemplation.   

• Eid-ul-Fitr And Eid-ul-Azha Festival In Kashmir Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha are the most famous Muslim festivals in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. If you have to experience the real fun and celebrations of Id, you have to be in Kashmir where the dominant population is of Muslims. Although, the festival is also celebrated in part of Jammu as well. Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of fasting month of Ramadan. During this day, instead of five-time namaz, people have to offer namaz six times. The day is very auspicious for all Muslims, they wear new clothes and attend many grand feasts. Eid-ul-Azha is equally important festival, which is more prominent for the Qurbani (sacrifice). People sacrifice goats, sheep and some even Camels. 
• Snow Festival / Winter Games Each year a variety of events are held in Gulmarg between Dec-Feb like the state sking championship,Kashmir snow festival. 
• Baisakhi The harvest Festival is celebrated in Mid-April. 
• Gurez Festival Showcases different Folk dances by the people of Gurez. 
• Amarnath Yatra Amarnath Yatra is held each between June-August where yatris trek to the Holy cave of Lord Shiva. 
• Urs
•  Urs are held throughtout the year at various shrines to honour saints and seers. 
• Navratri Festival
• The Navratri Festival is celebrated with festivities all over Kashmir, but a special mela is held at the Kheer Bhawani temple in the Tulla Mulla village. 
• Tulip Garden Festival :-  The Tulip Garden Festival is held each year in April in Siraj Bagh in Srinagar on the onset of Spring where 60 different variety of Tulips show their palette of colours one would see to believe. This garden Festival also includes a variety of programmes for tourist and locals which are cultural programmes, kashmiri folk dances and songs,Kahmiri cuisine wazwan and sale of local handicraft and arts. 

• Saffron Festival :- The Saffron Festival is held in October where saffron is in full bloom. 
•  

SHOPPING IN KASHMIR:

• Kashmir is also a shoppers paradise. A tourist can buy pashmina shawls.carpets,papier machie,walnuts saffron,willow wicker,leather jackets and bags,cricket bats,Honey,copper utensils, wooden handicrafts,Kashmiri embroidered suits,saris and jewellery.Bargaining could prove beneficial at famous areas in Srinagar,famous shopping destinations at srinagar is polo view,Lal chowk,Residency Road, Dal gate,Boulevard,Kohankhan,Lambert Lane,kokkar Bazaar,Bohri Kadal,Maharganj and Hazratbal.
• REACHING KASHMIR:
• BY AIR: Sheikh -Ul Alam Airport.
• BY RAIL: Jammu Tawi Station
• BY ROAD: National Highway No. 1 A .

Itinerary