Duration
06 Nights / 07 Days
Routing
Arrive Srinagar – Sonamarg – Shekdur – Nichnai – Vishansar lake – Krishansar lake – Sonamarg – Srinagar Departure
Kathmandu
Kathmandu City Swayambhunath, Patan
Pokhara
Pokhara Valley Dhaulagiri & Machhapuchhare Peaks
Chitwan
Wildlife Safaries
Nagarkot
Best Sunrise view of Himalaya
Destinations Details
Srinagar, Dal Lake, Sonamarg, Nichnai, Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, Srinagar.
Dal Lake is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir" or "Srinagar's Jewel". The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.
Sonamarg means a 'meadow of gold'. The most important township in the fertile Sind valley, Sonamarg is the last major township in Kashmir on the road to Ladakh. Sonamarg is also the staging point for some of the most popular treks in the higher altitudes.
The most popular trek originating from Sonamarg is the Vishansar and Krishansar Trek. It covers the lakes of, Vishansar Lake and Kishansar Lake.
Day 01: Arrive Srinagar
Day Highlights: Arrive Srinagar, Chashmi-e Shahi, Nishat, Shalimar Bagh, Hazratbal, Shankracharya temple and Shikara Ride.
Upon arrival after traditional Indian style ‘Swagat’(Welcome) by Exceptional Escapes representative, he would assist you at the airport & transfer to Houseboat for check in.
Srinagar; situated on the bank of Jhelum, Srinagar is a treasure trove of beauty and it will be a pleasure for many travellers to explore the bounteous beauty of the city. The major beauty of this city are its waterfalls and gardens which were made by the Mughal emperors. Snow-capped mountains, chinar trees and beautiful valleys give a spectacular view to the city.
Welcome by traditional Kashmiri drink (Kahwah) on arrival, Post lunch,proceed for sightseeing of Srinagar visiting the Chashmi-e Shahi (The Royal Spring), Nishat (The Garden of pleasure) Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love). Hazratbal and Shankracharya temple.
Take the Shikara ride on Dal lake
Overnight Houseboat – Srinagar
Day 02: Srinagar – Sonamarg (80 kms / 2-3 hrs drive)
Day Highlights: Thajiwas Glacier
Post breakfast checkout from the hotel and leave for Sonamarg; is the last stop of Kashmir District. From here starts the territory of Ladakh. Situated at an altitude of 2743 m above sea level, Sonamarg is absolutely true to its name, which means 'Meadow of Gold'. The moment you enter Sonamarg, the first thing that you will notice will be the snow-covered mountain that forms the backdrop of the town. Covered with alpine trees from all sides, Sonamarg has few of the loveliest flower collection in Jammu and Kashmir. You may take a pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier where snow remains round the year.
Later check-in at the Hotel/Camp
Overnight Hotel/Camp- Sonamarg
Day 03: Sonamarg to Nichnai via Shekdur (9 to 10 km trek)
Day Highlights: 7 hour Trek, Sindh River, Evergreen Pine and Maple Trees
Post breakfast, start with a 3-4 km trek from the Sonamarg and reach a roadside eatery, from where you can bag up all the required commodities for the day. Here onwards, the trek will be a gradual one and alongside the Sindh River, it will take you through maple and pine forests. Completing the hike through the forests, you will be rewarded with the stunning views of the Sonamarg Valley and pictorial streams.
Here onwards, the trek will descend down and will take you to the snow-covered Shekdur Range. Relax around the vicinity for a while before you start trekking towards the Nichnai, which is located at around 11,500 ft above the sea level.
Upon arrival in Nichnai, check-in into the campsite; dinner and overnight stay in the camp.
Day 04: Nichnai – Vishansar Lake (13 km trek)
Day Highlights: 8 Hours Trek, Nichnai Pass, Himalayan Range, Vishansar Lake
Start the day early. Breakfast at the camp leave around 08:00 AM, start the trek towards the Nichnai Pass and enjoy the stunning views of the lush valleys and the untouched beauty of the region. Hereafter, cross the river and continue hiking through the banks of the river and arrive at the Nichnai Pass or the Vishansar Berry. Arriving at the pass, which is located 13,500 m above the sea level, witness and enjoy the meticulous beauty of the pass and the snow-covered peaks all around it.
Hereafter, the trek will undergo a steep descend and will lead you to a pictorial meadow of colorful flowers; while on this trek, you can also catch glimpses of a cascade that finally joins a river. Here onwards, continue with the hike and upon arriving a flat valley, continue towards its end and arrive at the campsite.
Gazing on the left of this trail, you can also behold captivating views of the Himalayan Range and also the Vishansar Lake.
Overnight stay at camp.
Day 05: Acclimatization day in Vishansar
Day Highlights: Acclimatize yourself to the weather and rest at Vishansar – Krishansar Lake
This day of the Lakes in Kashmir Trek would be a light one as you acclimatize yourself to the weather and rest at Vishansar.
Also, visit Krishansar Lake.
Overnight stay at camp.
Day 06: Vishansar – Sonamarg (22 km / 8 hours trek)
Day Highlights: Trek Ends Here and Back to Srinagar for Night Stay.
On your final day of the Kashmir Short Trek, start from the Vishansar camp, ramble on grassy land dotted with yellow flowers and pine forest. Descend and reach Sonamarg, the last leg of your trek. On arrival in Sonamarg drive back to Srinagar.
Upon arrival check-in at the houseboat.
Evening is free at leisure. You can visit the markets for last minute souvenir shopping.
Overnight Houseboat- Srinagar
Day 07: Srinagar Departure
Day Highlights Airport drop
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to airport to board the flight back home taking back Wonderful Holiday Memories….
The arrangement of our trip was so perfectly done, that i could not find even a single fault or drawback for which i could provide a suggestion. We are so much impressed and touched by the hospitality and services provided. To be frank, we have already started to plan for our next holiday, may be sometime in the end of the year. We will get back to you soon :-) Thanks again Exceptional Escapes.....you guys are truly EXCEPTIONAL!!!! - read more...
The trip in general has been exceptional
The driver was a sweetheart. Always bringing me something to eat or drink and also always carrying a beautiful smile - read more...
Airport Representative was very Good Tour & Guide Services was very Good Ground Services was excellent Hotel Services was excellent - read more...
Generally all are good except that in shimla. Silverine hotel is not a suitable hotel for elderly people as they need to walk up and downhill to the hotel….though the place is ideal for shoppers - read more...
Thank you so very much for going above and beyond to ensure that we had a wonderful trip. I have been telling everyone about your hospitality. I truly had a great time and I especially am thankful for all your organizing and to take time to show us your family and invite us to your home. You have a beautiful family and I think Choti (your little sister) is so adorable - read more...
Hi Gaurav, thanks for following up and for all your efforts in making all the necessary arrangements for my trip. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. A few suggestions on how you might improve your services for future bookings - read more...
Many thanks for putting together a wonderful and memorable vacation for us. We thoroughly enjoyed it. We did not find anything lacking from your side. It was our first visit to India and it seems like we are already planning to be back. The pace was hectic so we did not find much time to visit the local markets which we will have to make up next time - read more...
We reached home safely on Sunday morning (USA time) and slept most of the day. I cannot thank you enough for all your help and efforts in making our trip such a wonderful success. I will never forget the experiences we had and fun time we enjoyed all throughout the trip. I will send you pictures soon.....'not to worry!!!' - read more...
We waited almost two years to meet again and it was well worth it. Everybody had a fantastic time and loved every moment of it. Your friend speaks very good English now and we all wish her well in the future. It seems that shopping with your friend was the highlight of the trip, the ladies would not stop talking about it - read more...