Kashmir Wild Walking
Tailor Made Itinerary
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10 Days From C$3,544
Overview
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Relax aboard a traditional Kashmir houseboat on the beautiful Dal Lake
- Trek in the foothills of the Himalayas and through the beautiful Lidr Valley
- Camp amongst the mountain landscapes of the Sonomus Pass
- Enjoy the unhurried pace of Kashmir’s summer capital
- Explore the famous Mughal Gardens and fascinating old city of Srinagar
- Discover the famous floating Dal lake flower and vegetable market by boat
ITINERARY
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE DELHI
DAY 1: ARRIVE DELHI
On arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free to relax or go for local walks or sightseeing.
DAY 2: DELHI - SRINAGAR
DAY 2: DELHI - SRINAGAR
After breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel and driven back to the airport for your flight to Srinagar. On arrival at Srinagar you will be met and transferred by both car and shikara (water taxi) to your houseboat. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
DAY 3: SRINAGAR
DAY 3: SRINAGAR
This morning you will board a shikara to the floating vegetable market where you'll be able to paddle around watching the action and pick up some snacks from Mr Delicious. Then it is onto the Shalimar Gardens. Enjoy a walk among the fountains, flower beds and mighty chinar trees, to the black marble pavilion. Next you will be guided through Old Srinagar. Walk through the narrow streets, stopping off at forts, mosques, temples and tombs as well as visiting the various craftsmen through who's bazaars you'll pass.
DAY 4: SRINAGAR - ARU
DAY 4: SRINAGAR - ARU
After breakfast you will drive to Aru, where the first night's camp will be located. You will have excellent facilities with mattresses, dining, shower and kitchen tents, as well as a separate toilet tent. What time you leave, and what stops you choose to make along the way (there are some nice sites at Avantipur) will dictate the day - the drive without stops takes about 3 hours - but you should have time for a couple of short walks to help get your legs in shape for the next few days.
DAY 5: ARU - LIDR WAT
DAY 5: ARU - LIDR WAT
After a relaxed breakfast you will trek for only four hours as you acclimatise yourselves to the mountains. It is a stunning walk that takes you through forests of cedar, spruce and pines to Lidr Wat where you will camp between two rivers. En route you will meet local shepherds and be able to take a peek inside their homes. After lunch at the camp you can go for a further 2-hour walk up the Lidr Valley.
DAY 6: LIDR WAT - TARSEL LAKE
DAY 6: LIDR WAT - TARSEL LAKE
Today things get a little tougher as you walk for around 6 hours towards the stunning 3,800m Tarsel Lake. You will leave the forested areas soon after breakfast and head out onto the open mountains, with peaks and valleys surrounding you. Setting off in good time, you should reach your camp at Khamwaz in time for lunch. It is possible, if you would like to take an extended route, to walk to the beautiful turquoise, glacial lake getting in to camp later in the afternoon for tea.
DAY 7: TARSEL LAKE - SONOMUS
DAY 7: TARSEL LAKE - SONOMUS
Today will arguably be the most stunning day of the trek as you climb up to 3950m to cross the Sonomus Pass. After the pass you will have a picnic lunch in a spectacular spot before descending on towards the tree line. You should reach your final camp above a beautiful stream at Sonomus after about 6 hours. You'll have tea then some time to relax and enjoy this wonderful spot.
DAY 8: SONOMUS - SRINAGAR
DAY 8: SONOMUS - SRINAGAR
After breakfast you will carry on down through the forests, as the Sind Valley opens out, to the road-head at Symbol. On the way you will have a picnic lunch and hopefully cool off in a sparkling mountain stream before finishing the trek. Transfer to a jeep for a 2.5 hour drive to Srinagar, which you should reach by mid-afternoon. Once here you will transfer to a shikara (water taxi) to paddle round to your houseboat. Dinner will be on the houseboat.
DAY 9: SRINAGAR
DAY 9: SRINAGAR
Morning at leisure to relax and enjoy your houseboat. Late afternoon, just as the sun is setting, enjoy an hour Shikara ride on the Dal Lake. From the open lake where uninterrupted views stretched away beyond the wooden houseboats and forested foothills to the snow-capped peaks beyond, you'll drift silently into the narrow waterways.
DAY 10: SRINAGAR - DELHI
DAY 10: SRINAGAR - DELHI
Transfer to the airport after breakfast for your flight to Delhi were your tour ends.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
The Claridges, Delhi
The Claridges has been a veritable treasure in Lutyens Delhi since the 1950's. Amidst the rush of new modernity, the soul of The Claridges lives on. Refurbished, redesigned and revitalized, the hotel now offers guests an experience that is new and yet so familiar. The hotel is also in an excellent location just a short auto ride from Khan Market and not much further to Connaught Place. Under current management, the hotel has a blend of tradition and modernity. Leading designers of international repute have helped enhance the heritage and elegance of this four star hotel. There are 132 different rooms and suites, all designed with an elegant blend of 19th century character and contemporary style. Wine and dine to your heart's content in the Dhaba, inspired by rustic Punjabi villages; the Jade, serving Chinese-Cantonese cuisine; Sevilla, for all your tapas needs; Pickwicks, a multicuisine buffet that is always open; Ye Old Bakery, where the corn pudding is a must try; or the Aura, a romantic, dimly lit bar. There is also a refreshing outdoor pool, indoor gym and relaxing spa to enjoy at the end of a busy day.
Royal Houseboat, Srinagar
Situated on a quiet corner of Dal Lake, with wonderful views out over a lotus field, picturesque houseboats and the mountains beyond, besides Sukoon this is probably the most luxurious group of houseboats in Kashmir. Consisting of seven houseboats, ranging in size from the mega seven-bedroom supper boat, the Shalimar Palace, to the two-bedroom Pigeon Deluxe, they are spacious, for the most part exquisitely carved, each coming with the their own housekeeper/butler. The boats are quite close together with a busy walkway in front, so they're great if you're looking for an authentic Kashmir experience, but not so perfect if privacy is what you're after. But all in all a very good option.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
KASHMIR WILD WALKING (10 DAYS) C$3,544
MEALS
As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.
TRANSPORT
Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.
ENTRANCE FEES
Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.
EXPERT TEAM
Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.
ACCOMMODATION
As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.
ACCOMMODATION
Ultra - The best of the best, the ultimate indulgence
Luxury - Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium - Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior - Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple - No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
If you book international flights through Wild Frontiers.
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.
WHEN TO GO
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Shalmali
Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258