Breakfast on the Houseboat

After breakfast, we will depart for Pahalgam & en route from Srinagar to Pahalgam, we will visit Awantipora- A town that had a temple dedicated to Avantiswami.

Avantivarman built a Hindu temple in Awantipora dedicated to Vishnu called “Avantisvamin” before he became king, and during his reign, he built a second Hindu temple in Awantipora called “Avantisvara” dedicated to Shiva. Both temples were built in spacious, rectangular, paved courtyards.

Later, depart for Pahalgam.

Pahalgam is a hill station in Kashmir towards the south. Its lush green meadows and pristine waters attract thousands of tourists from all over the world each year. It is located 45 kilometers (28 mi) from Anantnag on the banks of the Lidder River at an altitude of 7,200 feet (2,200 m). Pahalgam is the headquarters of one of the five tehsils of the Anantnag district.

Lunch at a local restaurant. (On your own).

Upon arrival, check in to the hotel.

Later, visit the Aru, Chandanwari, & Betaab Valleys – These valleys are about 12 Km from Pahalgam and lush green. One can walk around this place and enjoy its beauty, but of course, it is a very touristy place and you will find many people around.

Betaab Valley, originally called Hajan Valley or Hagan Valley, is situated at a distance of 15 km from Pahalgam in Anantnag district in India’s union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The valley got its name from the Sunny DeolAmrita Singh hit debut film, Betaab. The Valley is northeast of Pahalgam and falls between Pahalgam and Chandanwadi and is en route to Amarnath Temple Yatra. The valley is surrounded by lush green meadows, snowclad mountains, and is covered with dense vegetation.

Return to the hotel.

Dinner & overnight at the hotel.

Early morning walk to Deodar Forest (People who love early morning quiet scenery with a river flowing next).

Return & have breakfast at the hotel.

Today we will have an early breakfast and depart for the most interesting day.

We will start our day with the Baisaran trek – The trek to the Baisaran Pahalgam valley is decorated with many viewpoints. The trek to the Baisaran valley can be done by walking; it is not too difficult, so going on foot is also preferred by people or you can take a pony ride. (Pony rides on a direct payment basis).

The valley is dotted with pine trees encircling it, and snow-covered peaks are seen taking a sneak peek inside the valley. The breathtaking view of the valley is famous for its picturesque beauty and gives an unmistakable similarity to the Swiss valley. The whole area is marred with unexceptional beauty. Baisaran is one of the places that will find a place on your memory pin-board once you leave.

Lunch (On your own).

After lunch, we will visit the CHEESE FACTORY – The Cheese Factory in Kashmir will re-define your purpose of visiting the valley. They make natural artisan cheese from fresh mountain milk in the Himalayan mountains of Kashmir.

Later, we will enjoy the walk around the Lidder River.

Return to the hotel.

Dinner & overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, we would depart for Srinagar en route stop for some photos & visit the Martand Sun Temple.

Martand is a Hindu temple located near the city of Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It dates back to the 8th century CE and was dedicated to Surya, the chief solar deity in Hinduism; Surya is also known by the Sanskritlanguage synonym Martand.

We will now stop at Saffron Village Pampore – It is famous worldwide for its saffron and is known as the Saffron town of Kashmir. Pampore is one of the few places in the world where saffron, the world’s most expensive spice, grows.

There are huge fields of saffron and also shops where you can buy the best quality saffron and dry fruits.

Later proceed to Srinagar.

Upon arrival, Check-in at the hotel.

We will now visit the Mughal Garden – Set on the shores of the pristine Dal Lake, the Shalimar Bagh is the largest Mughal Garden in the Kashmir valley and thus one of the most famous tourist attractions in Srinagar. This garden once served as the favourite summer destination of Emperor Jahangir and his court. This beautiful masterpiece, also popularly known as the ‘house of love’, was originally called ‘Farah Baksh’, which literally translates to ‘delightful’.

Later visit the Shankaracharya – It is situated on top of the Shankaracharya Hill on the Zabarwan Range in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is at a height of 1,000 feet (300 m) above the valley floor and overlooks the city of Srinagar. The shrine may date to c. 200 BCE[citation needed] although the present structure probably dates to the 9th century AD. It was visited by Adi Shankara and has ever since been associated with him; this is how the temple got the name Shankaracharya.

Drive back to the hotel.

Dinner & overnight at the hotel.

Early breakfast before heading to Gulmarg.

After breakfast, drive to Gulmarg.

Gulmarg is the crowning glory of Jammu & Kashmir and is located 2,650 meters above sea level. Known as the “Meadow of Flowers”, it boasts the world’s highest golf course.

Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel.

Later we will visit St. Mary’s Church. Standing tall, even after 100 years of its construction is the Victorian architectural wonder of St Mary’s Church, which is situated near the Golf Course in Gulmarg. More like a tiny countryside chapel in appearance, this church has grey stone walls that add to its vintage look.

Visit the Maharani Temple & Strawberry Valley.

Drive back to the hotel.

Dinner & overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

After an early breakfast today, we will enjoy the Gondola ride up till phase 1.

We will now leave for Srinagar.

Check-In to the hotel and have some rest.

We will now visit the Hazratbal Mosque, one of the iconic mosques in Srinagar.

Later we will head to explore the old town and backwaters of the old town.

Hop on to our shikaras and start the journey to downtown – the old Kashmir.

Get down from the Shikara and start exploring the down by walking.

Ladies! Here, you can shop around.

Today we will have a farewell dinner and that little Meraki Talk to know what learning & experiences we are taking back.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, depart for home.