Classic Kashmir
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Kashmir – that centuries old holiday idyll that was the playground of both the Moghuls and the British – offers some of the most pristine and wonderful countryside anywhere on the subcontinent. Oft quoted as being “an earthly paradise” Srinagar and its environs provide the perfect backdrop to this itinerary which sees you exploring beyond the city limits and heading out into the hills and waterways of the Vale.
From the floating paradise of your houseboat to the ...
Kashmir – that centuries old holiday idyll that was the playground of both the Moghuls and the British – offers some of the most pristine and wonderful countryside anywhere on the subcontinent. Oft quoted as being “an earthly paradise” Srinagar and its environs provide the perfect backdrop to this itinerary which sees you exploring beyond the city limits and heading out into the hills and waterways of the Vale.
From the floating paradise of your houseboat to the grand palace estate of Karan Mahal, you can spend your days exploring on foot and by shikara (small wooden gondola-type boats), discovering floating markets, historic architecture and sumptuous gardens. From Srinagar, escape the crowds and immerse yourself in nature in the Aru Valley, deep in the Himalayan foothills. Explore the Sonamarg region where you can spend the night in a secluded tented camp meet with a local nomadic family, in between walks and picnics accompanied by spectacular views.
This relaxed itinerary of Kashmir is perfect for anyone wanting to have an adventure but also wanting to unwind and explore this amazing place both in comfort and at a slow and steady pace.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested 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 SRINAGAR
DAY 1: ARRIVE SRINAGAR
On arrival in Srinagar you will be met and transferred to your luxury houseboat. Late afternoon you can enjoy your beautiful surroundings with a Shikara ride on Dal Lake. From the open lake, where uninterrupted views stretch away beyond the wooden houseboats and forested foothills to the snow-capped peaks beyond, you’ll drift silently into the narrow waterways. This is the world of the Kashmiris, where you will pass floating gardens, where women in colourful salwar kameez and traditional headscarves tend their vegetables. On this one-hour shikara ride, you’ll float by small wooden homes, bakeries, shops, rose gardens and honey sellers. You’ll weave your way through narrow avenues of willows, passing locals in plain wooden shikaras, bringing vegetables back from the market.
DAY 2: SRINAGAR: EXPLORE THE OLD TOWN
DAY 2: SRINAGAR: EXPLORE THE OLD TOWN
Wake up with the sun and soak up spectacular sunrise views from the deck of your houseboat as you enjoy a fresh breakfast. You will then set off on a guided heritage walk through Old Srinagar, a fascinating place where various rulers have left their mark. Walk through the narrow streets, stopping off at forts, mosques, temples and tombs in the company of an expert guide who will give you a detailed insight into the city’s culture and history. Then spend time wandering around the local bazaar, home to spices and souvenirs, copper craftsmen and carpet workshops, where you can meet with locals and soak up daily life. After enjoying a traditional Kashmiri lunch at a local restaurant, climb up to Shankaracharya temple for some breathtaking views across the valley, before returning to the houseboat for an afternoon at leisure.
DAY 3: SRINAGAR: FLOATING MARKET & MUGHAL GARDENS
DAY 3: SRINAGAR: FLOATING MARKET & MUGHAL GARDENS
After enjoying an early morning cup of hot chai, board a shikara boat and set off for the floating vegetable and flower market. Here you can paddle around and watch the locals at work as they buy and sell their goods, a beautiful and colourful sight on the lake. Be sure to pick up some snacks, especially the macaroons which are very tasty! Return to your houseboat for breakfast and a leisurely morning, before heading out this afternoon to explore the Moghul gardens. First you will visit the Shalimar Gardens, the most famous of all Kashmir’s Moghul Gardens, where you can enjoy a walk among the fountains, flower beds and mighty chinar trees, to the black marble pavilion. From here, continue around the lake to the Nishat Gardens and visit the garden at Chashma Shahi, meaning royal spring, before finishing the tour at the impressive Pari Mahal, or Palace of Fairies. This is one of the most impressive sites in Srinagar, where you can soak up stunning views of the lakes from this unique eight-tired stone-arched construction.
DAY 4: SRINAGAR: KARAN MAHAL FREE DAY
DAY 4: SRINAGAR: KARAN MAHAL FREE DAY
Enjoy a slow morning before transferring to the stunning Karan Mahal estate. First constructed in the 1920s, Karan Mahal was once the residence of the Crown Prince of Jammu and Kashmir – Dr. Karan Singh, the son of Maharaja Hari Singh. Due to Dr. Karan Singh’s subsequent appointment as Governor and Head of State, the estate has witnessed many significant political and social events. Recently restored by the royal family of Jammu and Kashmir, the property’s elegant interiors include handwoven Kashmiri carpets, handcrafted wooden ceilings, and an endless collection of stunning historical artefacts. These luxurious interiors are complimented by extensive gardens and orchards, framed by spectacular views of the nearby lakes and mountains. Soak up the atmosphere of a bygone era, as you taste age-old recipes, listen to Kashmiri folk songs, and enjoy the very best of Kashmiri hospitality.
DAY 5: SRINAGAR: AVANTIPURA, PAHALGAM & ARU VALLEY WALK
DAY 5: SRINAGAR: AVANTIPURA, PAHALGAM & ARU VALLEY WALK
Today is dedicated to Kashmir’s sublime natural beauty as you set off for the Aru Valley – a lush valley nestled deep in the Himalayas next to the Lidder River. Soak up the scenery as you drive past paddy fields and fields of saffron, eventually reaching the hill station town of Pahalgam, leading on to Aru Valley itself. Here you embark on a stunning 3-hour hike through the valley and hills, stopping at a special viewpoint along the way to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch. In the afternoon, return to Srinagar, stopping en route to visit the Hindu temple at Avantipur, where you can admire the impressive 8th century ruins. This is a long but very rewarding day, taking you away from the busier areas and deep into the peaceful Himalayan landscape.
DAY 6: SRINAGAR: FREE MORNING & MANISBAL LAKE
DAY 6: SRINAGAR: FREE MORNING & MANISBAL LAKE
Enjoy another leisurely morning on the estate, or do some exploring independently and go in search of those well-earned souvenirs. This afternoon your water adventures continue as you journey from Dal Lake to Manasbal Lake. Again boarding a shikara, you will float down the famous river Jhelum and enter Manasbal Lake, which is famous for its water lilies and lotus flowers.
DAY 7: SRINAGAR – SONAMARG
DAY 7: SRINAGAR – SONAMARG
Set off today for the wonderful mountain village of Sonamarg, stopping en route to visit the 8th century Shiva temple complex of Naranag. Continue on to the camp, located in the foothills of the mighty Himalaya, where you can settle into your beautiful tent and enjoy a delicious lunch. The tents are well-equipped with proper beds and mattresses, Kashmiri carpets, basic en suite toilet and washing facilities, and wonderful large windows to allow you to take in your stunning surroundings. After relaxing at the camp this afternoon, you can then embark on a nature walk around the surrounding area. This evening you will then be served a delicious dinner as you sit around the fire and enjoy some spectacular star-gazing.
DAY 8: SONAMARG - SRINAGAR
DAY 8: SONAMARG - SRINAGAR
With the whole morning at your disposal to enjoy the hills, you can take a picnic lunch and go for a gentle but rewarding walk around the surrounding area. Along the way there’ll be opportunities to meet with members of a local Gujjar (nomad) family and share a cup of salty tea with them. This afternoon you then return by road to Srinagar for your final night.
DAY 9: DEPART SRINAGAR
DAY 9: DEPART SRINAGAR
You will be transferred from your houseboat to the airport today, in time to catch your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Sonamarg Fixed Camp, Sonamarg
Sonamarg Fixed Camp is located in the foothills of the mighty Himalaya, home to some of the area's most stunning scenery. Here you can settle into your beautiful tent and enjoy a delicious lunch. The tents are well-equipped with proper beds and mattresses, Kashmiri carpets, basic en suite toilet and washing facilities, and wonderful large windows to allow you to take in your very special surroundings. You can enjoy numerous nature walks around the surrounding area, after which you will be treated to a delicious dinner as you sit around the fire and enjoy some spectacular star-gazing.
Sukoon Houseboat, Srinagar
Opened in April 2013, the former Neil Armstrong houseboat is easily the most luxurious on either lake. Owned and run by Altaf Chapri, a real visionary in the world of Indian boutique tourist accommodation, the place oozes style and charm. Situated on the western bank of Dal Lake with uninterrupted views of the lake's mirror-like, shimmering waters and the green hills beyond, it has arguably the best location. It consists of 5 beautiful rooms, each with magnificent bathrooms - the last one being a bigger suite - a spacious living room and dining area, a front porch and stunning roof terrace. It has two members of staff per room, thereby offering a level of service unmatched anywhere else on the lake. It has a wonderful, French-trained chef that knocks up top a la carte dishes - many with a local Kashmiri flavor - and it has Wi-Fi, a small library and a motorised launch should you need to get to shore quickly. All in all the Sukoon houseboat has been designed to take those lucky enough to get a room here to another level. It is one of the most peaceful places you'll ever stay... particularly if you book the whole thing!
Karan Mahal, Srinagar
First constructed in the 1920s, Karan Mahal was once the residence of the Crown Prince of Jammu and Kashmir – Dr. Karan Singh, the son of Maharaja Hari Singh. Due to Dr. Karan Singh’s subsequent appointment as Governor and Head of State, the estate has witnessed many significant political and social events. Recently restored by the royal family of Jammu and Kashmir, the property’s elegant interiors include handwoven Kashmiri carpets, handcrafted wooden ceilings, and an endless collection of stunning historical artefacts. These luxurious interiors are complimented by extensive gardens and orchards, framed by spectacular views of the nearby lakes and mountains. Soak up the atmosphere of a bygone era, as you taste age-old recipes, listen to Kashmiri folk songs, and enjoy the very best of Kashmiri hospitality.
Hotel Rating
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.
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We believe these terms and conditions for making a booking are amongst the most generous in the travel industry right now, and we hope they will give you the confidence, when you feel ready, to go ahead and book your next adventure.
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, 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.
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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.
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Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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