Kashmir Expedition Without Gulmarg Stay

Itinerary No: 9

6 Nights 7 Days

Srinagar-Sonamarg-Pahalgam-Gulmarg

Day 01 Arrival – Srinagar Day 02 Srinagar – Sonamarg – Srinagar Day 03 Srinagar – Gulmarg – Srinagar Day 04 Srinagar – Pahalgam Day 05 Pahalgam – Local Exploration Day 06 Pahalgam – Srinagar Day 07 Srinagar (Departure)

Day 1 Arrival Srinagar

Explore the Local Garden

• Upon arrival at Srinagar Airport, guests will be promptly transferred to their designated hotel in Srinagar. Following a brief refreshment period, guests will embark on an enriching visit to the renowned Mughal Gardens, which encompass Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashm-e-Shahi, all gracefully situated along the picturesque Dal Lake. An exquisite dining experience and a comfortable overnight stay await guests at the hotel in Srinagar.

Day 2 Day Visit to Sonamarg

Srinagar – Sonamarg – Srinagar (One way – 80 Kms; 3 Hrs by Road)

• Following a hearty breakfast at the hotel, embark on a day excursion to Sonamarg, renowned as "The Meadow of Gold," nestled at an elevation of 9000 feet. Sonamarg boasts a picturesque setting with snow-capped peaks contrasting against the azure sky. The serene Sindh River traverses the valley, offering ample opportunities for trout and mahaseer fishing. For an immersive experience, ponies are available for hire (arrangements to be made independently) for a journey to the Thajawas glacier, a prominent local attraction during the summer months. Optional Visit Tour / Direct Payment Basis 1: Zojila Pass Exploration: The passage from Sonamarg to Zojila, encompassing points such as Zero Point or Gumri, promises an extraordinary journey. En route, Baltal, the base camp for the revered Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine, and the pathway leading to the Holy Amarnath Cave, are visible. Other notable attractions along this route include Nilgraad, aptly named for the azure hue of the Sindh River under clear skies during summers. Optional Visit Tour / Direct Payment Basis 2: Sarbal and Fish Point Excursion: Sarbal stands as the final village in Kashmir, characterized by quaint traditional dwellings. Fish Point features an artificial pond crafted by Jammu & Kashmir Tourism, accompanied by a captivating natural waterfall serving as its water source. Visitors can partake in various water activities at this scenic spot, including water ball and boat rides. Optional Visit Tour 3: Exploration of Thajawas Glacier on Foot or by Pony: Traverse through woodlands and meadows to reach the expansive Thajawas Glacier, renowned for sledding and photography opportunities. An exquisite dining experience and a comfortable overnight stay await guests at the hotel in Srinagar. IMPORTANT NOTE:For Sonamarg Visit during heavy snowfall vehicles go till Gagangir which is 10 km's away from Sonamarg. In this case the only possible mode of transportation is Ponies. The guest has to pay on actual basis.

Day 3 Day Visit to Gulmarg

Srinagar – Gulmarg – Srinagar (One way - 50 km; 2 Hrs by Road)

• After indulging in a wholesome breakfast, guests will set off on a captivating day trip to Gulmarg, a revered destination revered for its scenic grandeur and historical significance, initially discovered by the British in the 19th century. Nestled amidst the Pir Panjal range, Gulmarg boasts awe-inspiring landscapes and is home to one of the world's highest green golf courses. A plethora of optional activities, including the famed Gulmarg Gondola ride, golfing, pony rides, ATV rides, day treks, and camping, offer guests an array of memorable experiences. Optional / Own Arrangements: Gulmarg to Kungdoor (Phase 1): The 1st phase of the Gondola takes tourists to the height of 8530 ft to Kongdori Station. Upon returning to Srinagar, guests will relish a delectable dinner and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay at the hotel in Srinagar. Optional / Own Arrangements: Kungdoor to Aparwath (Phase 2): the second stage of the Gondola goes up to the height of 12293 ft. Note: We will not provide transfers from hotel to Gondola start point as the movement of our vehicle is not allowed. Guests must arrange by themselves and pay there on actual.

Day 4 Travel to Pahalgam; the Valley of Shepherds

Srinagar – Pahalgam (One way – 94 Kms; 3 Hrs by Road)

• Following a sumptuous breakfast, guests will embark on an enchanting day excursion to Pahalgam, a destination renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. En route, guests will visit Bat factory and Apple Valley, further enhancing their journey. Pahalgam's serene ambiance, nestled amidst snow-covered peaks and verdant forests, provides an idyllic retreat for guests. Check in to the Hotel in Pahalgam and savour a delightful dinner and retire for the night at the hotel in Pahalgam.

Day 05 Explore Pahalgam

(Optional/Own Arrangements)

• Optional sightseeing opportunities, including visits to Chandanwari, Betaab Valley, and Aru Valley, (ABC Valley) promise captivating experiences. One can also enjoy rafting on the Lidder River. Upon returning, savour a delightful dinner and retire for the night at the hotel in Pahalgam.

Day 6 Journey Back to Srinagar and Explore the Local Destinations and the Market

Pahalgam – Srinagar(One way – 94 Kms; 3 Hrs by Road):

• After enjoying a hearty breakfast, guests will proceed towards Srinagar. Thereafter, immersive exploration of local attractions in Srinagar, including the revered Shankaracharya Temple and the enchanting Pari Mahal. Subsequently, guests will partake in a memorable 1-hour SHIKARA boat ride on Dal or Nageen Lake, offering a captivating glimpse into the aquatic life and cultural heritage of Srinagar. A delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay await guests on a houseboat, ensuring a serene conclusion to the day's adventures.

Day 7 Embark with Cherishing Memories

Srinagar (Departure)

• As the journey draws to a close, guests will enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before preparing for departure. Following check-out procedures, guests will be escorted to Srinagar Airport, bidding adieu to the enchanting land of Kashmir with “cherished memories to cherish forever.”

Inclusions :-

• 04 nights / 05 days stay in above mentioned properties
• Meals (Breakfast and Dinner) as per the package in the Hotel
• 01-Hour Shikara ride at the lake
• Accommodation and Transportation as per itinerary

Optional / Exclusions ? :-

• Gondola tickets are subject to availability, kindly book your Gondola tickets online through this link - https://jkcablecar.payu.in/Gondola Ride link.
• Aru valley, Betaab valley & Chandanwari visit by local taxi in Pahalgam is roughly around Rs. 3500 per local taxi.
• Betaab Valley Entrance Fees
• Wildlife fees at Aru valley
• Drung Waterfall visit by Local taxi (Tour starts and ends at Tangmarg): Approximately Rs 2800/- (One taxi can accommodate 5 to 6 guests)
• Drung waterfall visit by ATV (Tour starts and ends at Tangmarg): Roughly around Rs 2500 per person for return transfers
• Gastronomy Tours: Experience local Kashmiri cuisine with local family. Cost will be shared on request
• White water Rafting at Lidder river (Pahalgam): Starts from May and ends in July: Cost varies from 1500 to 2000 per person
• Mughal Gardens Entrance Fees – Cost on actual basis
• GST 5% Over and above (We pay 18% GST on our profit, and we don’t charge Gst in this case. if you want bill with 5% GST then GST charges will be applicable over and above invoice amount)

Important Instructions: -

• Kindly note that liquor shops are not available in Pahalgam & Gulmarg. Hotels in these regions do not serve liquor. Guests are advised to procure liquor from Srinagar, as options are limited in these regions.
• For the latest Kashmiri weather forecast, guests are encouraged to visit Accu weather.
• We will not provide transfers from hotel to Gondola start point as the movement of our vehicle is not allowed. Guests must arrange by themselves and pay there on actual.
• (Gulmarg to kingdom is phase 1 and Kungdoor to Apharawat is phase 2). You must book phase 1 if you want to cover both phases. 2nd phase start point is the place where its phase ends.
• All passengers must report 02 hrs prior to the departure due to security checking at the airport.
• We reserve the right to re-arrange itinerary to suit hotel availability without changing the total number of days in each destination and without compromising any services.