Day 01:
Jammu - Katra
Pickup from Jammu Airport /
Railway Station drive
to Katra. Katra is the base camp for the visitors to
the shrine of the Goddess Vaishno Devi situated in
the Trikuta hills. This place is visited by nearly
four million tourists every year. Rest of the day
free for leisure.
Day 02: Katra - Vaishno Devi - Katra
Early in the morning we proceed further to visit the
Holy temple of Vaishno Devi. This temple is situated
on the top of the Trikuta hill about 12 km away from
Katra. To visit this temple one has to hire a pony
or travel by foot. Popular belief holds that anybody
who walks the Himalayan trail to her abode to ask
for a boon rarely goes back disappointed. After
visiting the temple we return back to hotel in Katra
the same day.
Day 03: Katra - Jammu
In the morning after having breakfast drive to
Jammu. In the afternoon we reach Jammu. In the
evening we visit Raghunath Temple. This temple is
dedicated to Lord Ram and was built by Maharaja
Gulab Singh. Three of the inner walls of the main
temple are covered with gold sheets. Temples
dedicated to Gods and Goddesses referred to in
Ramayana surround the main temple.
Day 04: Jammu - Srinagar
In the
morning
after having breakfast drive to Srinagar. The
Mughals journeyed across the torturing hot plains of
India in summer towards the cool environs of
Srinagar and hence called it a paradise. Srinagar,
the state capital, is situated at an altitude of
1,730 metres above sea level. Srinagar has been
described by some visitors as the Venice of the East
as well. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the
hotel.
Day 05: Srinagar
Today we visit the famous Mughal gardens in
Srinagar. The Mughal emperors often visited Kashmir.
They planted gardens with sloped terraces and
flowing watercourses. Chashma Shahi, Nishat Bagh and
Shalimar Bagh are the three famous Mughal gardens in
Kashmir. Chashma Shahi means the Royal Spring and is
dedicated to the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The
spring waters are believed to have curative
properties. After visiting the Chashma Shahi we
visit the Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. Nishat Bagh
is the larger of the two gardens and has an
impressive plantation of Chenar trees on its highest
terrace. This garden was built by Noor Jahan’s
brother, Asaf Khan and lies alongside the Dal lake.
Shalimar Bagh was built by the Mughal emperor
Jahangir, whose love for Kashmir was legendary. The
Shalimar Bagh is a series of stone pavilions and
flowing water with paint box bright flowerbeds.
Day 06: Srinagar - Gulmarg - Srinagar ( 112 Kms)
In
the morning after having breakfast drive to Gulmarg,
the Meadow of Flowers. In Gulmarg you would be able
to find European surroundings and 18-hole Golf
Course. During the British Raj, Gulmarg hosted the
Britishers and Europeans and these Britishers
created a European hill resort. The slopes of
Gulmarg make it Asia's only heli-skiing resort.
There are immense beauty and adventure activities
that make Gulmarg much more than a cool hill resort.
In Gulmarg while walking along the circular path you
only have to look down to have a complete view of
the valley and Srinagar. You can also have a fine
view of Nanga Parbat, the naked mountain which is
over 26,000 feet and dominates the entire region.
Rest of the day at leisure in Gulmarg to enjoy the
beautiful surroundings. In the evening drive back to
Srinagar.
Day 07 : Srinagar - Sonamarg - Srinagar (about 170
km)
In
the morning drive to Sonamarg. Sonamarg is situated
on the Srinagar-Leh Highway, about 85 km from
Srinagar. Sonamarg, a small but uniquely beautiful
hill resort, is located on the Ladakh road. Sonamarg
means the golden meadow. It derives its name from
the golden colour of its massed spring flowers. The
main attraction in Sonamarg are the Bisansar Lake
and Krishnasar Lake. These two beautiful lakes adds
to the beauty of Sonamarg. The Krishnasar Lake is
famous for the Trout fishing. After visiting
Sonamarg drive back to Srinagar.
Day 8 : Srinagar / Pahalgam/Srinagar (196 Kms)
After breakfast full day excursion of Pahalgam. Take
a pony ride to one of the many beautiful spots
around Palahgam (at your own cost). Return to the
houseboat/hotel by the evening for overnight stay.
Day 9 : Srinagar
After breakfast time free till departure. Transfer
by car to Srinagar airport for departure to next
destination.
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