Arrival in Srinagar

After arriving in Srinagar, meet and greet on arrival and proceed to Srinagar, then straight to the hotel. Srinagar is the state capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located at an elevation of 1,730 metres. Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley, on both sides of the Jhelum River. The beauty of the valley has drawn visitors from all over the world. Srinagar bears the Mughal's dry fruit hallmark, and traditional Kashmiri handicrafts are the hill resort's other major attractions. If there is a heaven on earth, it is here, here, and here in Srinagar.

Shankaracharya Temple is located on the Shankaracharya hill, also known as Takht-E-Suleiman, 1100 feet above the surface level of the main city. The Shiva temple was built in 371 BC by Raja Gopadatya and is thus the oldest shrine in Kashmir.

Nishat Garden, also known as the "Garden of Pleasure," was built in the 16th century (1633) by Mughal King Asif Khan. The garden claims to be the largest Mughal garden in Kashmir. The garden is popular for its unique location, which offers a magnificent view of Dal Lake as well as the snow-capped Pir Panjal mountain range, with the famous Zabarwan Mountains as its backdrop. It is located about 11 kilometers from Srinagar city. Asif Khan, the brother of Mughal Empress Nur Jehan, designed the Nishat Garden in 1633.

Shalimar Garden, also known as the 'Garden of Love,' was built in the 16th century (1619) by Mughal King Jahangir for his beloved wife Noor Jahan or (Mehr-un-Nissa. "If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, this, and this." - Jahangir, the Mughal Emperor, originally called the Farah Bakhsh or 'Delightful Garden,' the Shalimar Bagh is known as one of the Mughals' finest foundations. The Shalimar Bagh is near the Dal Lake in Srinagar. The bagh has four terraces and a number of fountains, shaded trees, and numerous flower varieties that bloom in spring and autumn. The best views of the garden's beauty are available during the autumn and spring seasons, when the leaves change color and the flowers bloom.

The smallest of Srinagar's Mughal gardens, Chashma Shahi or 'Royal Spring,' has always been a favourite of royal families (from Mughals to Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab and even the Dogra rulers). In 1632, the renowned Mughal emperor Shah Jahan designed the garden. 'Chashma' is an Urdu word that means "waterfall." The garden gets its name from a mountain spring/waterfall that feeds it. The famous fresh water spring within the garden is thought to have medicinal properties.

Pari Mahal, also known as The Angels' Abode, is a seven-tiered garden at the top of the Zabarwan mountain range, overlooking Srinagar and southwest of Dal Lake. The architecture depicts Islamic architecture and art patronage during the reign of the then-Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Cheshmashahi is a five-minute drive away.

Sonmarg Excursion

After breakfast at a hotel in Srinagar, drive to Sonamarg, which is located at an elevation of 2730m and has a backdrop of snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh River, which runs through the valley, is teeming with trout and mahseer. The drive to Sonamarg takes you through the Sindh Valley, which offers yet another spectacular view of Kashmir's countryside. It is the starting point for a long trek that takes you past several mountain lakes. Sonamarg is Kashmir's best natural beauty reserve. A picturesque setting is provided by lush green meadows, foaming rivers, and streams that cut through the lofty mountains. It is an ideal location for those who have a desire to visit the Zojila Pass, which connects Ladakh with the Vale of Kashmir. I have a deep love for nature and enjoy solitude. Sonamarg is an asset to Jammu and Kashmir tourism because it is an ideal location for setting up base camps where trekkers can catch their breath before resuming their trekking expeditions, including the Amarnath Temple. Sonamarg's major attractions include the pristine Gangabal Lake, Vishansar Lake, Vishansar Lake, and Gadsar Lake, as well as Naranag and Thajiwas Glacier. Sonamarg, the epitome of beauty, truly reflects the valley of Kashmir. To explore the natural surroundings in Sonamarg;

Here are some interesting things to do when you are in Sonamarg at your own cost.

Thajiwas Glacier: It offers many adventurous routes with incredible green water and frozen lakes all around, and Thajiwas Glacier is a major tourist attraction in the region. It is a Monsoon (July to September) that is not very vigorous, but the hilly rugged terrains can become slippery. It is difficult to begin. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas Glacier, which is a popular summer destination.

To experience snow in July, one must travel to the Sonamarg glacier or another 35 kilometers to a location called Zero Point beyond Zojila to pass along the NH. I went to where the snow stays almost all year...and then back to Srinagar in the evening. Hotel overnight stay and dinner.

Pahalgam Sightseeing - Drive to Srinagar & Houseboat stay

After breakfast at a hotel at Pahalgam, we will proceed for sightseeing in Pahalgam.

Baisaran: Baisaran is a large, grassy meadow with small rolling hills and fantastic views of the mountain peaks that surround it. The wide, mud track that leads up to it from Pahalgam village is beautifully shaded on one side by Deodhar trees, with lovely valley views on the other.

Dabiyan: Dabiyan is a small settlement of Gujjar tribes consisting of low-roofed mud huts enclosed within a wooden fence. Gujjars are a nomadic tribe that moves up to the mountains in the summer months to graze their cattle in the nearby meadows. Just before winter hits, they move back down to the plains, on foot, cattle in tow.

Gauri Shankar Temple: This temple is one of the oldest temples in Pahalgam. The Amarnath Yatra also begins here. The temple is small but much revered by the Hindus.

Visit the Zoo: Around 1 km from Pahalgam town, wildlife lovers can see different species of deer, leopard, and bear at the zoo.

Visit club Park: Club Park is one of the oldest parks in Pahalgam. It is crowded, specifically on weekends. The garden blends perfectly with its surrounding hills and river running nearby and looks more like a naturally created garden.

Trout fishing at Lidder River: If you want to indulge in some fishing, there is no better place than Pahalgam. As much fun as it is, it doesn’t come cheap. Fishing permits are issued only in Srinagar by the Fisheries Department. If you are a first-timer you can hire the service of a shikhara (offered by fishermen in this case) but it can be quite expensive. Pahalgam is thus also known as an ‘anglers paradise.

Rafting at Lidder River: River rafting is one popular sport here. Some people just come here to indulge in the sport. The white frothing water makes it more enticing.

Jamia Masjid Mosque: The green-roof mosque just near the main bazaar (market) with its beautiful design is a major attraction. The location of the mosque also adds another dimension to its aura. Back to Srinagar. Overnight stay and dinner at Houseboat.