Kashmir the Paradise on Earth with Taj Mahal

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Arrive by International flight, after traditional Indian style ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) by Exceptional Escapes representative, he would assist you at the airport & transfer to hotel for check in.

Delhi takes pride in being the capital of the country for many dynasties. It is in fact a city wrapped in legend, where time flows differently, and where every moment becomes a moment of history. A vibrant melting pot, it encapsulates two very different worlds, the 'old' and the 'new', each representing delectably different experiences. Come experience it...

Overnight Hotel – Delhi

Day 02: Delhi - Srinagar {IndiGo 6E 653 @ 09:50 / 11:30 Hrs}
         
Post breakfast transfer to airport board flight fo Srinagar , on your own for Srinagar upon arrival at Srinagar airport, after traditional Indian style ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) by Exceptional Escapes representative, he would assist you at the airport & 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.

Laterproceed for sightseeing of Srinagar visiting the Mughal Gardens, Chashmi-e Shahi (The Royal Spring), Nishat (The Garden of pleasure) Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love).Hazratbal and Shankracharya temple.

In the evening we will take you to experience the Shikara ride on the Dal Lake.

Overnight Houseboat – Srinagar (B, D)

Day 03: Srinagar – Sonamarg – Srinagar (86 Kms / 2 Hrs)

After breakfast day excursion of Sonamarg which is one of the most beautiful drive from Srinagar. Sonamarg is at 98 kms from Srinagar. We will take about 3 hours to reach Sonamarg. 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. Return to Srinagar.

Overnight Houseboat – Srinagar (B, D)

Day 04: Srinagar - Pahalgam (96 Kms/ 3 Hrs)

After breakfast we check out from the hotel and driven to Pahalgam. On arrival check in to the hotel Arguably Pahalgam is one of the most beautiful places on earth; the town of Pahalgam (Village of Shepherds) offers breathtaking views of Himalayas. On arrival we check in to the hotel. After reaching Pahalgam we have rest of the day free for individual activities.

Day is at leisure.

Overnight Hotel – Pahalgam (B, D) 

Day 05: Pahalgam

Post breakfast proceed for Guided sightseeing in Pahalgam of Aru, Chandanwari and Betab valley (using Time bound Local union vehicle)

Chandanwari at 2,895 m and 16 km (10 miles) from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the Amamathyatra. The road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is curvy, sometimes a relatively flat terrain, with quite a few steep curves. It can be undertaken by car (not busses and trucks for most part) with some skilled driving. From Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper, being accessible on foot or by pony only. 11 km from Chandanwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag, after which, 13 km away is the last stop, Panchtarni. A narrow spiralling path from Panchtarni leads to the Amarnath Cave.

ARU A small village, 11 kms upstream the Lidder River, is a beautiful locality. The route is picturesque with ample campsites. This village is the starting point for treks to the Kolahoiglacier.This charming meadow can be reached by walking along a mountain path. The river Lidder disappears at GurKhumb and reappears after 27 mts.

Betaab Valley, situated just 7 km up on Pahalgam, has got its name from Sunny Deol’s movie, Betaab, which was shot extensively in this area. Surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks and dense pine and deodar forests, this valley is the mouth of River Sheshnag. There is a beautiful garden in the valley, with a bridge to cross the river. The Pahalgam Development Authority has proposed to develop this valley as a beautiful holidaying spot and is thus, carrying out several construction activities in the region.

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You may go for walks or pony ride to one of the many beautiful spots around Pahalgam,

Rest of the day is Free for relax.

Overnight Hotel – Pahalgam (B, D) 

Day 06: Pahalgam - Gulmarg (142 Kms/ 4-5 Hrs)

Post breakfast check out from the hotel and driven to Gulmarg. On arrival check in to the hotel. Later proceed for guided visit of Gulmarg.

Gondola Lift of the many things to do in Gulmarg, Gondola ride is probably the one thing that tops the list of any tourist in Gulmarg. Gondola lift is a cable car which is the world’s highest and longest cable car. The cable car has been designed in collaboration with a French firm called Pomagalski.

Khilanmarg If you are visiting the “meadow of flowers”, then this place is one of the must visit for sightseeing in Gulmarg. Khilanmarg is 4 kms from Gulmarg. The place is surrounded all over from mountains and it provides a great view during spring season when it is filled with wild flowers.

Nagin Valley Surrounded by natural beauty from every corner, the Nagin Valley is a beautiful meadow which offers enthralling sights to the visitors. Initially, the place was closed, but it is now open for locals and tourists. The place is a great attraction for those who look up to camping and trekking.

Strawberry Valley the valley makes you taste those fresh strawberries during summers. That is not enough! Walk down the valley to get through the unexplored part of Gulmarg. The place is famous for its Bollywood connection as many important sequences of movies have been shot here.

Gulmarg Golf Course Established back in 1904 by the British, Golf Course of Gulmarg is located at a height of 2650 m above sea level and one of the most popular places to visit in here.

Baba Reshi Shrine Named after a known Muslim scholar and Saint, Baba Reshi Shrine is 5 kms from Gulmarg and is located at a height of 2133 m above sea level. The saint after whom this shrine was built was a member of the court of King Zain-ul-Abidin.

Evening is FREE for relax.  

Overnight Hotel – Gulmarg (B, D)

Day 07: Srinagar - Delhi @ UK 713 @ 10:30/ 1210 Hrs
Delhi - Agra (220 Kms / 3-4 Hrs through Yamuna Expressway)

Post breakfast transfer to Srinagar airport to board the flight to Delhi, upon arrival straight drive to Agra: beautifully situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from the year 1526 to 1628, remains major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Rest of the day leisure to explore local market and famous inlay marble art work of Agra.  
Overnight Hotel – Agra (B)

Day 08: Agra - Delhi (220 Kms /3-4 Hrs Through Yamuna Expressway)

Delhi Departure

Morning guided visit of Taj Mahal “Symbol of eternal LOVE Taj Mahal” at dawn (Closed on Friday), which stands on the banks of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was completed in 22 years.

Post breakfast guided visit of Agra Fort, taken over from the Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. The Fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It was built from red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble & intricate decorations.
Later transfer to Delhi airport to board your international flight for onward journey taking back a wonderful holiday.

Later drive to Delhi, upon arrival transfer to airport to board your international flight for onward journey taking back a wonderful memory of Exceptional Holiday.

Tour Concludes: Exceptional Escapes Manager will assist you with your transfer to the airport for boarding onward flight.