Kashmir – Full Circuit Tour Package – Budget trip

Arrive at Srinagar (International Airport) in the morning.

You will be met by taxi and taken to your houseboat on Srinagar’s Dal Lake.

Suggested sights to visit for the day:

• Shalimar Bagh
• Nishat Bagh
• Chashme Shahi
• Pari Mahal

A Shikara (wooden boat) will bring you back to your houseboat for an enjoyable evening and for a good night’s rest – which you definitely deserve by now!

Have an early breakfast so there is enough time for your day trip to Sonamarg. A taxi will pick you up then at the Ghat closest to your houseboat and bring you to Sonamarg.

On the way you pass …

• Barwalla Waterfall
• Sindh View Environment Park
• Gagangair Park

Visit these sights on your return trip to Srinagar so that you have sufficient time in Sonamarg. Your taxi will be with you for the full day.

After lunch we recommend to start the following …

• Trekking/Horse ride to Thajiwas Glacier

Thajiwas Glacier is THE tourist attraction in Sonamarg and a horse would probably take you there blindfolded. We recommend a hike there (about 5 km, one way, 1.5hrs). However, you can also reach this place on horseback. Guides and horses are easy to find. The best starting point for this trek or horse ride to Thajiwas Glacier would be here. Your driver could either drop you there or at a hotel where you will perhaps have lunch later on.

You’ll probably be able to see some snow and even have a ride a sledge, depending on the season.

Afterwards your taxi driver will take you back to your houseboat in Srinagar.

Congratulations, you made it! After a long day outside with lots of fresh air and exercise you should be able to sleep well!

For breakfast order the tasty fresh baked lavaas or girda, a “must try” while in Kashmir.

After breakfast, get ready for the day. The Shikara (wooden boat) will take you back to the next Ghat.

Suggested sights/activities for today:

• Jamia Masjid
• Hari Parbat
• Hazratbal Shrine
• Shikara Boat Roundtrip (1h)

At the end of the day, go back to your Ghat and let the Shikara (wooden boat) drop you at your houseboat: sleep well!

After breakfast at your hotel, a taxi will pick you up and take you to Gulmarg.

At the hotel in Gulmarg, you will receive a welcome drink and a little snack.

Gulmarg is the perfect location for a big climb. Here are some recommendations for different levels of fitness.

Suggested activities/trips: 

• Trip 1: Gondola ride from Gulmarg to Kangdori (Phase 1) and return.

• Trip 2: Gondola ride from Gulmarg to Kangdori (Phase 1) to Apharwat (Phase 2) and return to Kangdori (Phase 1) to Gulmarg.

• Trip 3: Hike from Gulmarg to Kangdori (Phase 1) and return to Gulmarg by Gondola.

• Trip 4: Hike from Gulmarg to Kangdori (Phase 1) and Gondola ride from Kangdori (Phase 1) to Apharwat (Phase 2) and return to Kangdori (Phase 1) to Gulmarg.
• Trip 5: from Gulmarg to Kangdori (Phase 1) to Apharwat (Phase 2), then Gondola ride to Kangdori (Phase 1) to Gulmarg. (Only during “no snow season” and early departure needed).
• Gulmarg Children’s Park / Boat ride
• ATV ride
• Horseback
• Bicycle
• Sledge / Ski / Snowmobile

If the weather is fine and the sky cloudless, please do step out into the dark after your dinner to observe the stunning starry sky!

Day 5 – Gulmarg toPahalgam

After breakfast, a taxi will collect you at your hotel in Gulmarg and take you to Pahalgam.

On the way you pass …

• The Saffron fields near Pampore
• Anantanag
• Sun temple called “Martand” (6km beyond Anantanag)
• Lidder river valley

At the hotel you will receive a welcome drink and a little snack.

If you have not had  lunch yet, get ready for it in order to start your “Bollywood trip”!

Here is your suggested list of sights/activities for the day:

• Chandanwadi (family valley) with suggested activities like walking and hiking, riding a sledge (seasonal), pony riding
• Betaab Valley (famous for Bollywood films) with activities like zip-wire, park visit, walking and hiking

After such a long day with extensive travels – you definitely deserve a good night’s rest!

Have breakfast at the hotel in Pahalgam. After checking out, your taxi will be waiting for your return trip to Srinagar International Airport.

On your way back to Srinagar consider taking a shortcut via the so called “Apple/Walnut Valley” which gives you an impression of Kashmir’s famous horticulture. In addition, you may request your driver to stop at the following sights:

• Cricket factory in Sangam
• Avantiswami Temple ruins in Awantipora

We hope you have had a pleasant and relaxing stay – share your memories with your loved ones and kindly recommend us!