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Exotic Kashmir

Exotic Kashmir

Overview

Kashmir: An Exotic Escape

Journey to the heart of Kashmir, a destination where exotic beauty meets tranquil landscapes. Glide across the mirror-like Dal Lake, wander through lush Mughal gardens, and marvel at the panoramic vistas of Pahalgam and Leh. Kashmir's blend of cultural richness and natural splendor offers an unmatched experience. From thrilling adventure sports in Gulmarg to peaceful retreats in houseboats, every moment in Kashmir is a step into a postcard. Delight in the exquisite craftsmanship of local artisans and the unique flavors of its cuisine. Kashmir awaits to enchant you with its timeless charm and mystique. Discover the soul of paradise in the exotic realm of Kashmir.

Highlights

  • Arrival in Srinagar: Guests are welcomed and taken to a houseboat for their first night, including a shikara ride on Dal Lake. Room heating in houseboats may be adjusted with the season.

  • Tour Highlights:

    • Visits to historical and scenic spots like Shankaracharya Temple and Mughal Gardens in Srinagar.
    • A journey to Pahalgam, the "Valley of Shepherds," with stops for saffron cultivation in Pampore and the Avantipur ruins.
    • Excursions to Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, and Chandanwari in Pahalgam, using local taxis.
    • A picturesque drive to Sonmarg, known as the "Golden Meadow," and opportunities for trekking to high-altitude Himalayan lakes.
    • An excursion to Gulmarg, including the Asia's highest cable car project, the Gulmarg Gondola, for stunning views of the Pir Panjal Mountains and valley.
  • Meals and Extras: The package includes all major meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) along with extra toppings of snacks accompanied by coffee, tea, cold drink, or Kashmiri kahwa.

  • Special Notes:

    • A visit to the Tulip Garden is included during the tulip season.
    • The Gulmarg Gondola ticket up to Phase 1 is part of the package, subject to availability and weather conditions.
    • Due to the high demand for travel to Kashmir and limited hotel availability, accommodation options may change, possibly affecting the price.
  • Important Points:

    • The itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions and operational requirements.
    • The tour operates with a minimum of 6 passengers, with options available for those in smaller groups to join other departures or pay a supplement for a private vehicle.

This tour offers a rich exploration of Kashmir, showcasing its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and historical landmarks, making it a memorable experience for travelers.

Inclusions

Accommodations

  • Houseboat Stay in Srinagar: Includes overnight stay on a houseboat upon arrival.
  • Hotel Stays: Overnight accommodations in Pahalgam, Sonmarg, and Srinagar as per the itinerary.

Meals

  • Daily Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included throughout the tour.
  • Extra Toppings: Snacks with coffee, tea, cold drinks, or Kashmiri Kahwa provided.

Transport and Tours

  • Airport Transfers: Pickup from Srinagar airport and transfer to the houseboat/hotel.
  • Shikara Ride: A famous shikara ride on Dal Lake.
  • Sightseeing Tours: Includes visits to Shankaracharya Temple, Mughal Gardens (Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh), Saffron fields in Pampore, Avantipur ruins, ancient Sun Temple in Martand, and a Kashmiri Cricket Bat Factory.
  • Excursions: Trips to Pahalgam, Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, Chandanwari (via local taxis operated by the Pahalgam Taxi Union), Sonmarg, and Gulmarg.
  • Gulmarg Gondola Ticket: Included up to Phase 1 (KHILANMARG), subject to availability and weather conditions.

Additional Experiences

  • Sledge Ride or Snow Mobile Ride: Available in Gulmarg on direct payment.
  • Horse Riding and Sledge Riding: Available in Sonmarg on direct payment.
  • Handloom Emporium Visit: On the return journey to Srinagar from Gulmarg.

Special Notes

  • Tulip Garden Visit: Included during the tulip season as an additional sightseeing option.
  • Room Heating: Note on the seasonal removal of room heating facilities in houseboats from April onwards.
  • Flexibility in Itinerary: Possible changes in the itinerary due to weather conditions or operational requirements.

Important Points

  • Dynamic Pricing: Due to high demand and limited hotel supply, accommodations may change, potentially affecting prices.
  • Group Tour Package: Operation of tours is contingent on meeting a minimum number of passengers. Alternatives or supplements may be offered if this number is not met.

Exclusions

  1. Airfare: Flight costs to and from Srinagar are not mentioned as part of the package, implying these are likely exclusions.
  2. Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature like laundry, souvenirs, and personal snacks beyond the "extra toppings" provided are typically not covered.
  3. Additional Meals: Any meals outside of the specified breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as any beverages outside of the mentioned coffee, tea, cold drink, or Kashmiri Kahwa during snack times.
  4. Activity Costs and Entry Fees:
  • Shikara Ride on Dal Lake: While included on the first day, any additional rides would likely be at the traveler's expense.
  • Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2: If travelers wish to go beyond Phase 1 to Phase 2, additional costs are likely excluded from the package.
  • Pony Rides and Sledge Riding: In Sonmarg, these activities are noted as direct payment, indicating they are not covered by the package.
  • Local Taxi Fares: For excursions in Pahalgam (Aru, Betaab, and Chandanwari), even though the arrangement is mentioned, the cost is likely an exclusion, paid directly to the taxi union.
  1. Travel Insurance: Any travel insurance is generally an exclusion unless specifically mentioned.
  2. Tips and Gratuities: Tips for drivers, guides, and hotel staff are usually excluded and left to the discretion of the traveler.
  3. Transportation for Independent Excursions: Any transport costs related to personal sightseeing or excursions outside the planned itinerary.
  4. Room Heating: Noted that from April onwards, room heating facilities in houseboats are generally removed, suggesting any request for heating beyond this provision may incur extra charges.
  5. Gulmarg Local Transport: The need to hire ponies or local vehicles for movement in Gulmarg implies that such transportation is not included for local sightseeing.

Additional Considerations

  • Dynamic Pricing: The note regarding potential changes in hotel assignments and pricing due to limited supply suggests that any cost increases arising from such changes would be an exclusion, to be covered by the traveler.

  • Group Package Operation: The operation of the tour based on achieving a minimum number of participants suggests that if this number is not met, and travelers choose not to pay an additional supplement for a private vehicle, their tour might be rescheduled or altered.

Accommodation

  • Pahalgam - Green Heights / Similar

  • Srinagar - Hotel Sejour Luxury / Similar

Meals

  • Daily Breakfast 
  • 03 Complimentary Dinner
  • 01 Hi Tea On the lake (Kashmiri Kahwa With vegetables Pakora)
  • 01 Authentic Kashmiri lunch on the lake 
  • 01 Kashmiri Dinner

Tour program

DAY
1
Arrive Srinagar

Welcome to Kashmir – Jannat E Firdaus!! Arrive at the Srinagar Airport. Meet the local Airport Representative and proceed towards your Houseboat for check in. After you check-in and freshen up, enjoy the famous Shikara ride on Dal Lake. Overnight stay on the Houseboat. 

P.S: Kindly note that April onwards, it is the start of Summer in Kashmir, Room heating facilities in the Houseboats generally start getting removed depending as per the weather conditions.

Meal: - Dinner. 

Extra Toppings: - Snacks with Coffee / Tea / Cold Drink / Kashmiri kahwa

DAY
2
Srinagar – Pahalgam (95 Kms/ Approx 3.5 hrs)

Today after an early breakfast, check out and visit Shankaracharya Temple. Located on the Shankaracharya Hill, dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is accessible by 272 steps up the mountain. Visit the Mughal Gardens - Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. Drive to Pahalgam - Valley of Shepherds. Enroute, stop in Pampore for a demonstration on Saffron cultivation. Also get a chance to buy Kashmiri Saffron. Visit Avantipur ruins -A excavated Temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu were built by King Avantiraman in 9th century. Later proceed towards your hotel in Pahalgam. Overnight stay in Pahalgam

(Note: During the Tulip season, we will visit the Tulip Garden, as an additional sightseeing in our itinerary.)

Meal: - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Extra Toppings: - Snacks with Coffee / Tea / Cold Drink

DAY
3
Pahalgam (Half Day excursion to Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, Chandanwari)

Today after breakfast, visit Aru Valley - offering some fantastic scenes of the lush meadows and mountains. Visit Betaab valley – initially known as the Harjan Valley, this valley was renamed after the hit Bollywood movie Betaab, which was shot in its picturesque surroundings. Visit Chandanwari - starting point for Amarnath Yatra and is a popular hiking destination. Rest of the day is free to stroll in the local market of Pahalgam. Overnight at the hotel in Pahalgam.

Note :- Kindly note the Half Day excursion to Aru, Betaab and Chandanwari is done by the Local Taxis (Tavera/ Sumo/ Eeco) which run on a set schedule operated by the local Taxi Union on Pahalgam.

Meal: - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Extra Toppings: - Snacks with Coffee / Tea / Cold Drink

DAY
4
Pahalgam -Sonmarg (168 Kms / approx. 04 hrs) 

Today after breakfast enjoy a picturesque drive to Sonmarg (Golden Meadow). En-route, stop for a picture at the ancient Sun Temple in Martand. Visit Kashmiri Cricket Bat Factory. Later drive towards Sonmarg lies in Sind Valley streamed with flowers and surrounded by mountains. Sonmarg is also the base point for some interesting treks to the high altitude of Himalayan Lakes. Overnight stay at hotel in Sonmarg.

Meal: - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Extra Toppings: - Snacks with Coffee / Tea / Cold Drink

DAY
5
Sonmarg - Srinagar (83 Kms / approx 02 hrs).

After breakfast, check out and proceed towards Sonmarg. Enjoy horse riding upto Thajiwas glacier and sledge riding on snow (on direct payment). Drive to Srinagar. On arrival check into your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Srinagar.

Meal: - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Extra Toppings: - Snacks with Coffee / Tea / Cold Drink

DAY
6
Srinagar – Excursion to Gulmarg (90 kms / 3 ½ hours one way)

Today after breakfast, enjoy a picturesque drive to Gulmarg - "Meadow of Flowers". Enjoy Asia's Highest Cable Car Project Gulmarg Gondola  - The Gondola offers all tourists, scenic views of  Pir Panjal Mountains and Valley as you head towards Phase 1: KHILANMARG. You may enjoy a Sledge ride or Snow Mobile ride on the snow-covered slopes (on direct payment basis) Later proceed to Srinagar. En-route visit Handloom Emporium. Arrive at Srinagar and Check- in into the Hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Srinagar. 

Meal: - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Extra Toppings: - Snacks with Coffee / Tea / Cold Drink

Note: - In Gulmarg 

• The vehicle only provides drop to the Gulmarg hotel. For local movement guest has to either hire the pony or local vehicle on direct payment basis.  

• In case of heavy rainfall/ extreme weather conditions and Gulmarg Gondola is not operational due to adverse weather conditions or technical reasons mentioned by Gulmarg Gondola without prior notice, we will take clients to Doodh Pathri. 

• Gulmarg Gondola Ticket upto Phase 1 is inclusive of the package and subject to availability at the time of booking. Gulmarg date can change since itinerary is subject to shuffling.

DAY
7
Fly Back Home

Today after breakfast, Do spare a few minutes to share your feedback with your Tour Manager. Your valued suggestions will be most appreciated. Arrive home with pleasant memories of your Kashmir tour.

Important Points to be noted:

Kashmir is witnessing unprecedented demand for travel in recent months. Due to limited hotel supply in Kashmir, hotels offered at the booking stage may be changed at the time of actual travel. This may also lead to an increase in the price which will be informed to you prior to travel.

Being a group tour package, the departures will be operated on meeting the minimum operating strength of 6 passengers. Otherwise, passengers will be given an option of shifting to another operating departure or continue the same departure by paying the private vehicle supplement as applicable.

Exotic Kashmir

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