Places to visit: Delhi, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg
, Delhi
Duration : 4 Days / 3 Nights
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Set like a jewelled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a multi-faceted diamond, changing its hues with the seasons - always extravagantly beautiful. Two major Himalayan ranges, the Great Himalayan Range and the Pir Panjal, surround the landscape from the north and south respectively. They are the source of great rivers, which flow down into the valleys, forested with orchards and decorated by lily-laden lakes.
Kashmir is a land where myriad holiday ideas are realized. In winter, when snow carpets the mountains, there is skiing, tobogganing, sledge-riding, etc. along the gentle slopes. In spring and summer, the honey-dewed orchards, rippling lakes and blue skies beckon every soul to sample the many delights the mountains and valleys have to offer. Golfing at 2,700 m above the sea, water-skiing in the lakes and angling for prized rainbow trout, or simply drifting down the willow fringed alleys of lakes in shikaras and living in gorgeous houseboats are some of the most favoured ones.
Seasons in Kashmir
Kashmir has four distinct seasons, each with its own peculiar character and distinctive charm. These are spring, summer, autumn and winter.
Summer: Extends from May until the end of August. Light woollens may be required to wear out of Srinagar. In higher altitudes night temperatures drop slightly. Srinagar at this time experiences day temperatures of between 25oC and 35oC. At this time, the whole valley is a mosaic of varying shades of green - rice fields, meadows, trees, etc. and Srinagar with its lakes and waterways is a heaven after the scorching heat of the Indian plains.
Autumn: The onset of autumn, perhaps Kashmir's loveliest season, is towards September, when green turns to gold and then to russet and red. The highest day temperatures in September are around 23oC and night temperatures dip to 10oC by October, and further drop by November, when heavy woollens are essential.
Spring: Spring, which extends roughly from March to early May, is when a million blossoms carpet the ground. The weather during this time can be gloriously pleasant at 23oC or chilly and windy at 6oC. This is the season when Srinagar experiences rains, but the showers are brief.
Winter: Through December, to the beginning of March is winter time, which presents Srinagar in yet another mood. Bare, snow-covered landscapes being watched from beside the warmth of a fire is a joy that cannot be described to anyone who has not experienced it. Some houseboats and hotels remain open in winter-these are either centrally heated or heated with bukharis, a typically Kashmiri stove kept alight with embers of wood, quite effective in the winter.
Day-wise itinerary of A Vale of Kashmir
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Day 1: Delhi - Srinagar
Arrive Srinagar airport, welcome with flowers and transfer from airport by maruti van / tata sumo to deluxe class house-boat. Post lunch, visit the famous Mughal gardens (Shalimar Bagh & Nishat Bagh) and Shankaracharya temple.
Srinagar: Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level, spread on both sides of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nagin lakes enhance its picturesque setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year.
Day 2: Srinagar - Gulmarg
Morning bed tea, then breakfast at 8:30am. Leave for Gulmarg along with packed Lunch by tata sumo / Maruthi Van. Return to the houseboat in the evening. Dinner and overnight at houseboat.
Gulmarg: Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. Originally called Gaurimarg by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter.
Day 3: Gulmarg - Sonamarg
Morning bed tea, After Breakfast, Leave to Sonamarg along with lunch boxes. Return to Srinagar and overnight stay at the houseboat.
Sonamarg: Sonamarg is situated at a distance of 84kms from Srinagar, on the Srinagar-Ladakh Road. The drive to Sonamarg is through the Sindh Valley which presents spectacular facet of countryside in Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of 2730 m, Sonamarg (The meadow of gold) has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh River that meanders through the valley abounds with trout and mahaseer. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier, which is a major local attraction during the summer months.
Day 4: Srinagar - Delhi
Morning bed tea, After breakfast, proceed to Vegetable market in lake by Shikara (local boat). Visit the market on the lake and in lake canals, floating gardens, Nehru Park. Return to house boat. Transfer to airport.
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