Day by Day itineraryDay 1: Srinagar Arrival – Sightseeing BeginsTo reach Srinagar from Ahmedabad, book the Vistara Airlines Flight UK-946 from Ahmedabad.This flight leaves Ahmedabad Airport at 08:45 am and reaches Delhi Airport at 10:25 am.After a brief halt of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, this flight goes further as Vistara Flight No UK-799 from Delhi Airport to Srinagar Airport.This flight arrives at Srinagar Airport at 13:00 Hrs.
(To know more about how to reach Srinagar from Ahmedabad, please read our travel tips related to Kashmir Tour Package from Ahmedabad, by clicking the tab Travel Tips For This Tour)
Arrive at Srinagar Airport, where our tour representative will receive you outside the Srinagar Airport's arrival gate.
You will be directly transferred to a houseboat anchored to the banks of Dal Lake. Explore this wonderful accommodation and relax for some time. Soon, we would escort you for the first activity of the Kashmir tour package from Ahmedabad, an engaging shikara ride on the lake.
After this, you would be staying in the houseboat for the first night.
About Srinagar: River Jhelum has been the witness of this beautiful city resting in the arms of nature. Srinagar serves as Jammu & Kashmir’s summer capital and has the picturesque Himalayas lending a stupendous charm to its profile. For being under the influence of Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam in the history, the city takes pride in hosting a multi-faceted cultural heritage consisting of forts, palaces, shrines and elegantly-laid gardens.
About Dal Lake: Undoubtedly the focal point of entire Kashmir Valley, this immaculate lake is a small world in itself. From accommodating houseboats and islands to hosting shikara rides, floating gardens and vegetable markets, it fully entertains and charms the guests of Kashmir. The reflection of snow-covered peaks and distant views of marvellous architecture on its rim make Dal a fascinating avenue.
About Houseboats: Kashmiri houseboats, some of them being more than 100 years old, give even the most luxurious hotels a run for their money. Accommodating living rooms, modern bathrooms, up to 3 bedrooms, kitchen and view areas, many of them are fully-furnished and beautifully-carpeted and promise personalized services. The use of traditional heaters called kangri keep them warm and cosy and you make the best out of your holiday.
About Shikara Rides: One primes reason for so many tourists choosing Kashmir packages from Ahmedabad is a shikara ride on Dal Lake. Shikaras are the gorgeously-built boats with royal-like feel for some amazing explorations of the tranquil lake. You would be surprised by the level of comfort offered by backrests and cushioned seats while enjoying the visual treat of mountain panorama and breathtaking sunset views. These boats may also take you around small islands, for birding and also close to the top attractions like Mughal Gardens.
Start the second day of the tour with breakfast and leave the houseboat to visit the royal Mughal gardens.
The three gardens, namely Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi Bagh, are the celebrated icons of Srinagar and boast of unique layouts that spellbind the visitors. After this wonderful sightseeing, you would be leaving for Gulmarg, another popular destination of most of the Kashmir holiday packages from Ahmedabad.
Check in at the pre-booked hotel and relax. We allow you to spend the rest of the day at will. You may plan to visit numerous attractions in and around Gulmarg.
Stay overnight at the hotel.
About Mughal Gardens: Shalimar is the largest, followed by Nishath, though Chashme Shahi is the most famous among the Mughal Gardens. The beautiful Persian Gardens style called Charah Bagh (consisting of lawns in four directions with a water channel in the centre) form the basis of their layouts, though it has been customized to suit the mountain terrain. Apart from the visually-appealing backdrop of towering mountain peaks, the gardens has other highlights like water pools, tall trees, flower beds, fountains, waterfalls, lush green lawns and terraced patterns. There is a sweet water spring, believed to have medicinal properties, after which the Chashme Shahi Garden gets its name. Prime Ministers of India in the past used to get the water from this spring transported to New Delhi from here. Don’t hesitate to enjoy the fresh and cool water.
Timings and Entry Fees: The three gardens open from 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. The entry fee at each garden is INR 10 per head. Please note that these attractions stay closed every Friday.
About Gulmarg: Located about 54 km. from Srinagar, Gulmarg is a world-famous ski resort with flocks of adventurers making beelines to the place every winter season. A local ruler, named Yousuf Shah Chak, called it Gulmarg (meaning, the meadow of flowers) in the 16th century. True to its name, the place blossoms with a variety of colourful wild flowers during spring and summer. The cup-shaped valley of Gulmarg is adorned with lovely meadows and pine and fir forests ringed by the Pir Panjal Range of Himalayas with many snow-clad peaks peeping in. At the height of 2,650 m., it receives heavy snowfall during winters and the striking lakes in the close vicinity freeze. It is possible to view the panorama of Nanga Parbat, Harmukh and other sky-touching peaks by climbing to some height. Gulmarg Gondola, ranked number 2 in the world in terms of height, is definitely the icon of this place.
Some Sightseeing Suggestions:
- Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve (open 10:00 a.m.-04:00 p.m.): Popular for rare species like snow leopard, musk deer, serow, red fox and brown bear and a variety of birds.
- Strawberry Valley (pony rides available): A popular spot among Bollywood directors, the valley comes alive in summers with delicious strawberries and gorgeous flowers.
- Children’s Park (open 08:00 a.m.-07:00 p.m., entry fee INR 10): Developed over a meadow with velvety grass, the place offers swings, zorbing, and other attractions.
- Gulmarg Golf Club (open 08:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; entry fee INR 800/1200 for Indians/foreigners): The 18-hole golf course is famous since the times of British and is among the world’s highest golfing grounds.
- Alpather Lake: Only a few miles from Gulmarg is this sparkling lake which turns into a skating ground during freezing winters.
- Mountain Streams: The playful streams of Ningle and Ferozepur make their way through green pastures and ideal for picnic and camping.
- Religious Places: Baba Reshi Shrine, Maharani Temple, and St. Mary’s Church
The Kashmir tour package from Ahmedabad reaches its third day and to one of its most exciting points.
Have breakfast and join us for a riveting ride in Gulmarg Gondola. After this delightful adventure, you would leave for Pahalgam.
On arrival, check in at the pre-booked hotel and take some rest. You would be free to plan the remaining part of the day. At last, stay in the hotel for another night in the valley.
About Gulmarg Gondola: Get ready to scale new heights with this thrilling cable car ride over snow-white landscapes that transform one to a magical world. There are two phases of the ride, Phase 1 from Gulmarg to Kungdoor which reaches the height of 3,080 m. and Phase 2 from Kungdoor to Apharwat at the height of 3, 950 m. There is an additional phase from Kungdoor to Mary’s Shoulder which comprises of chairlifts used by skiers. The way the exquisite natural panorama of Gulmarg unfolds so dramatically that you are left absolutely speechless.
Timings and Entry Fee: Phase 1 opens from 10:00 a.m.-05:00 p.m. while Phase 2 opens from 10:00 a.m.-03:00 p.m. The ticket costs INR 740/950 per head for Phase1/2, while there is no fee for children up to 3 years.
About Pahalgam: About 139 km. from Gulmarg is the Valley of Shepherds, Pahalgam which at the height of 2,200 m. is another pretty hill station of Kashmir. River Lidder flowing by the place offers adrenaline-spiking white water rafting adventure. Many popular Bollywood movies and songs shot in the pristine valleys in and around Pahalgam have made this place immortal. Verdant pastures in the region continue to serve the nomadic people and their livestock since time immemorial. Like the rest of Kashmir, the place too bears the influence of Hindu and Mughal rule. It is also the starting point for a number of treks to high-altitude lakes, glaciers and holy caves.
Some Sightseeing Suggestions:
- Aru Valley (about 10 km. away; entry fee INR 25 per head): The misty environment here suddenly reveals remarkable vistas like flowers-carpeted meadows and dense forests of conifers. Popular activities include fishing, camping, and trekking.
- Lidder Amusement Park (entry fee INR 100 for adults and INR 25 for kids; closed every Friday): Some fun rides and paddle boats.
- Mamal Temple: Also known as Mamleshwar Temple, it is an old Shiva Temple believed to have been built between 4th 12th centuries. A popular belief is that Lord Ganesha serves as its doorkeeper. A spring with pure water comes out from below the temple.
- Lidderwat: An unspoiled tourist place with dense forests, cloud-covered mountains, and spectacular meadows.
Post-breakfast, you would be taken for small excursions to the two most popular tourist attractions near Pahalgam.
First, visit Betaab Valley – a stunning place with nature’s grandeur spread all around. Next, visit Chandanwari which offers the heart-warming mix of spirituality and natural splendour. On return to Pahalgam, you may either visit the leftover tourist places, plan shopping or rest at the hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
About Betaab Valley (15 km. away; entry fee INR 100 per head): The place gets its name from a Bollywood film which was filmed here and offered viewers a glimpse of this heavenly place. There are meadows blooming with unseen flowers and buzzing with the melodies of bubbly streams. In the background, there are silvery peaks filling the frame. Visit the wood-made house that was used in the movie and get clicked with rabbits. During winters, the valley dons the blanket of snow and is equally enchanting as in summers.
About Chandanwari (about 16 km. away): Chandanwari bustles with pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra every year. There are some holy temples as well as mystic lakes in the close vicinity that can be visited either on foot or ponies. Don’t miss soaking feet the River Lidder’s cool water. The acclaimed greenery and scenic value of Kashmir is apparent here as well.
It’s the 5th day of Kashmir tour package from Ahmedabad and you would be doing some heritage explorations today.
Leave Pahalgam after breakfast and drive back to Srinagar. Make a halt at Awantipora, a village known for the historical temple ruins. Explore these fabulous structures that still continue to impress the visitors and then head towards Srinagar.
On arrival, check in at the pre-booked hotel and relax. Later, pay a visit to the hill temple of Shankaracharya.
After that, you can enjoy the leftover time exploring the city attractions at your will. Stay for night in the hotel.
About Awantipora: Also known as Awantipur, the town is named after the 9th century ruler Avanti Varman who is also credited with the construction of beautiful temples, later destroyed by the Islamic invaders. Separated by just a km., the temples of Avantiswamin and Avantisvara are respectively dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Presenting a mix of Indian and Greek styles, these temples had similar structures with enthralling sculptures carved in the walls. After you admire the fascinating spots, you may also visit a bat manufacturing factory that produces the world-class willow cricket bats.
Timings and Entry Fees: The temple ruins open from 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. Entry fee is INR 15 for tourists from India and SAARC countries and INR 200 for tourists from other countries.
About Shankaracharya Temple: The Zabarwan Range of mountains has a holy hill named Gopadari (also called Shankaracharya Hill) which accommodates this centuries-old temple. Originally believed to be a Buddhist temple, it became a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva after the visit of Saint Adi Shankaracharya. The temple opens at 08:00 a.m. and closes at 08:00 p.m. You may reach the temple by car (allowed only till 05:00 p.m.) or by climbing nearly 250 stairs. The mesmeric views of the Dal Lake and valleys from the top are something that would remain in your fond memories forever.
Some Sightseeing Suggestions:
- Hari Parbat: Ride a cable car to reach the top of this hill which houses many attractions like Durrani Fort, Hamza Makhdoom Shrine, Sharika Temple and Gurudwara Chatti Patshahi.
- Hazratbal Shrine (open 09:30 a.m.-05:00 p.m.): A fairy-tale structure in white marble, this Islamic shrine preserves a holy relic in the form of Prophet Muhammad’s hair in a glass casket.
- Kheer Bhawani Temple (open 06:00 a.m.-08:00 p.m.): A sacred Hindu Temple, known for the color-changing holy spring and rice pudding (kheer) offered to the Goddess.
- Tulip Garden (open 09:00 a.m.-07:00 p.m.; entry fee INR 25/50 for children/adults): Popular for thousands of tulips that grow every spring season.
- Jama Masjid: This beautiful structure was built in the late 14th century and flaunts the Indo-Saracenic architecture with absolute grace.
After you are done with breakfast, we drive you to Sonamarg, the meadow of gold, which has treasures of heart-warming sceneries and engrossing countryside, away from the chaotic city life. Enjoy your time at Sonamarg and drive back to Srinagar for the night stay at the hotel.
About Sonamarg: At the height of about 2,800 m., the picturesque town of Sonamarg experiences cold weather throughout the year. If you don’t get to see snow anywhere else, you would find it in plenty over here. If you visit the place in spring, the landscapes are also shared by lush green meadows. Indulge in activities like trout fishing or simply admire the majesty of nature. Visitors to this place also plan treks to the high-altitude alpine lakes and glaciers. Zojila Pass, Thajiwas Glacier and some pristine valleys are among the top attractions and you can visit some of them depending on the time available. .
As the Kashmir tour package from Ahmedabad approached its climax, you leave the hotel after breakfast. We would help you reach the airport or bus stand to ensure your journey back to home begins conveniently.