Kashmir Grand Odyssey (6 Nights,7 Days) (Srinagar-5N) Doodhpathri Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgham

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Srinagar - Gardens, Temple & Evening Serenity

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Srinagar, the serene summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Our representative will extend a warm welcome and assist with your seamless transfer to your hotel. Check-in and take a moment to absorb the tranquility.

Afternoon: Begin your Kashmiri immersion by exploring the city's celebrated Mughal Gardens, masterpieces of landscape architecture, offering stunning views of Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Mountains:

Nishat Bagh (Garden of Joy): Stroll through this beautiful, terraced garden, known for its vibrant flowerbeds and exquisite layout.

Shalimar Bagh (Abode of Love): Discover the largest Mughal Garden in Srinagar, a poetic arrangement of cascading fountains and verdant lawns.

Late Afternoon: Ascend to the Shankaracharya Temple, an ancient Hindu shrine perched atop a hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Srinagar city and the sprawling Dal Lake.

Evening: Enjoy leisure time, perhaps exploring the local markets around your hotel. Overnight stay in Srinagar.

Day 2: Srinagar - Doodhpathri: Meadow of Milk & Untouched Beauty

Morning: After a delightful breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to the serene and relatively untouched meadows of Doodhpathri, affectionately known as the "Valley of Milk."

Journey to Doodhpathri: Enjoy a picturesque drive through lush green pastures, dense pine forests, and charming rural Kashmiri villages, offering glimpses of authentic local life.

Doodhpathri Exploration: Upon arrival, you'll be captivated by the vast, undulating meadows where the sparkling Shaliganga river flows. The name "Doodhpathri" (meaning 'Milk Valley') comes from the belief that the water here appears milky as it gushes over the stones. It's an ideal spot for nature walks, photography, horse riding (optional, at extra cost), and simply unwinding in nature's pristine lap away from the bustling crowds.

Evening: Drive back to Srinagar. Overnight stay in Srinagar.

Day 3: Srinagar - Gulmarg - Srinagar: Meadow of Flowers & Gondola Thrills

Morning: After breakfast, set out for a full-day excursion to Gulmarg, famously known as the "Meadow of Flowers" and a renowned skiing destination in winter.

Journey to Gulmarg: Enjoy the scenic drive through picturesque landscapes, dense pine forests, and past the charming town of Tangmarg, which serves as the gateway to Gulmarg.

Gulmarg Exploration: Upon arrival, the day is dedicated to enjoying Gulmarg's natural splendor and thrilling activities:

Gulmarg Gondola Ride: Take the famous Gulmarg Gondola (at your own expense, tickets can be purchased on spot or pre-booked online) – one of the highest cable cars in the world. The first phase takes you to Kongdori, and the second phase (weather permitting) ascends to Apharwat Peak, offering mesmerizing 360-degree views of snow-capped peaks and the vast meadows below.

You can also enjoy activities like pony rides, short walks through the golf course (seasonal), or simply soak in the breathtaking vistas.

Evening: Drive back to Srinagar. Overnight stay in Srinagar.

Day 4: Srinagar - Sonmarg - Srinagar: Meadow of Gold & Majestic Glaciers

Morning: After breakfast, embark on another captivating full-day excursion to Sonmarg, famously known as the "Meadow of Gold," a stunning valley nestled among snow-clad mountains.

Journey to Sonmarg: The drive to Sonmarg is truly spectacular, tracing the beautiful Sindh Nallah (river) through pine and fir-dotted mountains, with views of towering peaks emerging at every turn.

Sonmarg Exploration: Upon arrival, witness the unparalleled natural beauty of Sonmarg, with its majestic glaciers and alpine meadows.

Thajiwas Glacier (360-degree view): You can opt for a thrilling pony ride (at your own expense) or trek to the pristine Thajiwas Glacier, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of towering snow-capped peaks, verdant meadows, and pristine icy landscapes.

Zoji La Pass (Viewpoint): En route to Sonmarg or from a designated viewpoint, get a glimpse of the formidable Zoji La Pass, a vital strategic link connecting Kashmir with Ladakh (actual crossing depends on road conditions and time; typically viewed from a distance to appreciate its grandeur).

Evening: Drive back to Srinagar. Overnight stay in Srinagar.

Day 5: Srinagar - Pahalgam: Valley of Shepherds & Overnight Stay

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Srinagar hotel and set out for a full-day excursion to Pahalgam, famously known as the "Valley of Shepherds" and a popular Bollywood filming location.

Journey to Pahalgam: Enjoy the incredibly scenic drive through lush saffron fields (seasonal), picturesque apple orchards, and charming villages, all along the gushing Lidder River.

Pahalgam Exploration: Upon arrival, discover the unparalleled beauty of Pahalgam and its stunning surroundings.

Betab Valley: Visit the iconic Betab Valley, named after the famous Bollywood movie 'Betaab' shot here. It's renowned for its lush greenery, the serene Lidder River, and a stunning mountain backdrop.

Aru Valley: Explore the charming village and vast meadows of Aru Valley, serving as a base camp for various treks and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

Chandanwari: Visit Chandanwari, the starting point of the holy Amarnath Yatra. It's known for its pristine snow bridge (seasonal) and spectacular landscapes.

Note: For local sightseeing in Pahalgam (Betab Valley, Aru Valley, Chandanwari), local union taxis are mandatory from a designated stand, and their charges are directly payable by the guest on the spot.

Evening: Check into your hotel in Pahalgam. Enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the valley under the starry sky. Overnight stay in Pahalgam.

Day 6: Pahalgam - Srinagar (Shikara & Leisure)

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Pahalgam hotel. You can enjoy some final moments amidst Pahalgam's serene beauty, perhaps taking a short walk by the Lidder River or visiting the local market.

Afternoon: Begin your journey back to Srinagar.

Late Afternoon: Upon arrival in Srinagar, check into your hotel.

Evening: Experience the iconic Shikara Ride on the tranquil waters of Dal Lake. Glide past vibrant floating gardens and houseboats as the sun sets, creating a magical atmosphere. The rest of the evening is free for leisure, perhaps some last-minute souvenir shopping or simply relaxing by the lake.

Night: Overnight stay in Srinagar.

Day 7: Srinagar Departure

Morning: After a final breakfast at your hotel, check out.

Day: Our representative will assist you with your timely transfer to Srinagar Airport for your onward journey. Depart with a heart full of cherished memories from the mesmerizing Kashmir Valley, an experience that will truly last a lifetime.

Inclusions:

6 Nights' Accommodation in well-appointed hotels (5 Nights Srinagar, 1 Night Pahalgam)

Daily Breakfast at the hotels

Comfortable Private Vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary

One Shikara ride on Dal Lake (approx. 1 hour)

All applicable taxes

Exclusions:

Airfare/Train fare to and from Srinagar

Lunch & Dinner (unless specified)

Entry fees to monuments, gardens, and attractions (e.g., Mughal Gardens, Shankaracharya Temple, etc.)

Charges for Gondola ride in Gulmarg (Phase 1 & 2)

Local union taxi charges for sightseeing in Pahalgam (Betab Valley, Aru Valley, Chandanwari)

Pony/Dolly charges, snow activities (skiing, sledging, etc.), or any other optional activities

Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, tips, medical emergencies, etc.

Any additional sightseeing or activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Travel insurance