Kashmir: Srinagar Extension
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Sitting at the heart of the Vale of Kashmir, and famed for centuries for its clean, clear air, its idyllic setting and of course its lakes, Srinagar has much to offer. Framed by high-forested hills that rise up in the distance to the snow-capped Himalayas, it is simply one of the most picturesque places you’re ever likely to visit. With easy connections between Srinagar and Delhi, this is the perfect add-on to any Indian adventure, where you can spend your days floating through colourful ...
Sitting at the heart of the Vale of Kashmir, and famed for centuries for its clean, clear air, its idyllic setting and of course its lakes, Srinagar has much to offer. Framed by high-forested hills that rise up in the distance to the snow-capped Himalayas, it is simply one of the most picturesque places you’re ever likely to visit. With easy connections between Srinagar and Delhi, this is the perfect add-on to any Indian adventure, where you can spend your days floating through colourful markets or wandering the famous Moghul gardens, offering the perfect introduction to the daily life and history of this fascinating region.
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 on Dal Lake with a shikara ride (a small wooden gondola-type boat). 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 - the perfect introduction to this tranquil place.
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 Mughul gardens. First you will visit the Shalimar Gardens, the most famous of all Kashmir’s Mughul 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: DEPART SRINAGAR
DAY 4: DEPART SRINAGAR
You will be transferred from your houseboat to the airport today, in time to catch your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
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!
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
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ACCOMMODATION
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ACCOMMODATION
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We understand that flexibility is now a key factor when booking a holiday, and we believe our Covid Promise and Covid Viable Test provide that.
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.
Positive Impact of this Trip
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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