Kashmir Delights: Customizable Journey with Doodhpathri and Sonmarg Adventure

Upon arrival at Srinagar International Airport, you'll be welcomed by our representative who will assist you to your houseboat or hotel. After checking in, take a leisurely walk along Boulevard Road with enchanting views of Dal Lake. In the evening, set off on a 2-hour Shikara ride on Dal Lake, capturing the serene beauty as the sun sets behind the mountains. Return to your hotel for a delightful dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Pahalgam, passing through saffron fields, the historical Avantipura ruins, and the charming village of Bijbehara, known as the breadbasket of Kashmir. En route, you can sample some exotic local bread from the vendors. The journey continues through Anantnag, the second-largest city in the region, as you drive parallel to the Lidder River. On reaching Pahalgam, check in at your hotel, and then enjoy leisurely nature walks to unwind. Dinner and an overnight stay in Pahalgam.

Following a hearty breakfast at the hotel, spend your day visiting the picturesque Betaab Valley and Aru Valley. Betaab Valley is a stunning expanse nestled beside the Lidder River, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas and a picturesque landscape adorned with emerald-green meadows, a river meandering through, and snow-capped mountains in the background. It's a place of lush forests with deodar and pine trees, along with colorful flowers. 

Betaab Valley gained fame after the Bollywood film "Betaab" was shot here in 1983. Aru Valley, on the other hand, is famous for its lush meadows, pristine lakes, and mountains, serving as a base camp for treks to Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake. The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy individual activities. Dinner and an overnight stay in Pahalgam.

After breakfast, continue your journey towards the enchanting Gulmarg. The drive takes you through colorful villages, rice fields, and offers insights into the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. You'll arrive in the quaint market town of Tangmarg, from where you'll drive another scenic 14 kilometers to reach Gulmarg. Once in Gulmarg, board the Gondola cable car system and ascend towards the mountain range. The 4-5 minutes of ropeway will carry you past colorful shepherd hutments to the lower ridge of the peak. From here, you can capture numerous photos (at your own cost) of the neighboring mountain ranges, standing tall like sentinels guarding the natural beauty of the Kashmir valley. Descend back to the base of Gulmarg after an hour or so. Post this exciting day, check in at your hotel in Gulmarg, enjoy dinner, and have an overnight stay.

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast and prepare for the journey to the majestic mountain resort of Sonamarg. The route to Sonamarg offers picturesque countryside views, with rolling hills, green forests, clear water streams, and flourishing rice fields. You'll pass through the town of Kangan, known for meeting the local needs of the region. From Kangan, you'll drive towards Mammar, famous for its trout farm, where you can stop for a warm cup of tea (at your own cost). Continue towards Sonamarg, making a stop at the tourist spot of Gagangir. This spot is located in the middle of the River Sindh, appearing like an island with snow glaciers covering some areas. In Sonamarg, you'll embark on a 3-hour walk or horseback trip to Thajwass glacier. After returning, explore the small town market, observing the local way of life. Post this adventurous day, check in at your hotel in Sonamarg, enjoy dinner, and have an overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive back to Srinagar, where you will arrive in the afternoon. You will embark on a half-day local sightseeing tour, which includes a visit to the famous Mughal gardens of Nishat and Shalimar. These gardens, created over 14 years, are a testament to the exquisite taste of the Mughals. Set against the backdrop of the sprawling Zabarwan mountains, these gardens boast lush lawns, blooming flowers, and cascading water fountains. You'll have the opportunity to explore these gardens before driving to the Shankaracharya Temple, situated atop the Shankaracharya Hill in the Zabarwan Range of Srinagar. 

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and offers stunning views of the city below. Afterward, you'll enjoy a relaxing shikara ride on Dal Lake as it glides through the sparkling waters, providing a perfect setting for a lovely evening. You can also shop at the colorful floating markets on the lake. Return to your hotel in Srinagar for dinner and an overnight stay.

On this day, embark on a day trip to the breathtaking Doodhpathri. Explore lush meadows, pristine lakes, and unique landscapes. The valley is aptly named the "Valley of Milk," as it is believed that Sheikh Noor ud-Din Noorani, a famous Kashmiri saint, prayed here, and when he pricked the ground with his staff, milk flowed from it. The water in the meadows has a milky appearance and remains cold throughout the year. 

Doodhpathri is a picturesque alpine valley located in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, at an altitude of 2,730 meters (8,957 feet) above sea level. It boasts snow-clad mountains, meadows of pine, fir, and deodar, along with an abundance of wildflowers such as daisies, forget-me-nots, and buttercups during spring and summer. After exploring Doodhpathri, return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

After a relaxed morning breakfast, you will be driven to Srinagar Airport for your flight home. On the way to the airport, make a brief stopover for some last-minute shopping in the city center. At the airport, our driver will assist you with luggage screening and drop you off outside the terminal gate. This marks the end of your memorable journey through the captivating landscapes of Kashmir.