Kashmir - 4 days
Located in the vale of Kashmir, with its snow dusted mountains, serene lakes and wildflower meadows, Srinagar’s picturesque lakeside setting allows for a relaxing getaway aboard a traditional Kashmiri houseboat.
Day 1: Arrive Srinagar
Welcome to the Kashmir Valley! Arrive into Srinagar by flight or road where you’ll be met by our representative. After boarding your traditional Kashmiri houseboat docked on the shoreline of Dal Lake, the afternoon allows for an enjoyable stroll through the waterside gardens of the Mughal rulers. With a backdrop of rolling hills and the Dal lake, lies Nishat Bagh (the Garden of Gladness) laid out by Asaf Khan in 1632. Time allows you to enjoy the beauty of this and number of other Mughal gardens within the vicinity.
En route to the other gardens it is possible to see Mihrbahri people (market gardeners who have lived around the lakes for centuries) going about their daily lives, tending to their floating vegetable and flower beds cleverly shielded within clumps of floating weed and water’s edge Poplar and Willow trees.
Returning to your floating hotel, the remainder of the evening is spent at leisure and overnight aboard your houseboat. Overnight - Srinagar (L, D)
En route to the other gardens it is possible to see Mihrbahri people (market gardeners who have lived around the lakes for centuries) going about their daily lives, tending to their floating vegetable and flower beds cleverly shielded within clumps of floating weed and water’s edge Poplar and Willow trees.
Returning to your floating hotel, the remainder of the evening is spent at leisure and overnight aboard your houseboat. Overnight - Srinagar (L, D)
Day 2: Gulmarg
Today drive west through the avenues of Poplar trees and fertile rice fields, passing small villages to Gulmarg – India’s premier winter sports town. Sitting at an altitude of 2650m and offering panoramic views of Vale of Kashmir, Gulmarg is the ideal place for a little outdoor adventure. Opt to ski in the winter, hike or ride horseback along the lofty trails of Pine forest, play a round of golf, fish in the mountain streams (particularly good for trout) or picnic in the flower filled meadows, if you choose. lunch is included and after a day of outdoor pursuits return to your houseboat on the lake. Overnight - Srinagar (B, L, D)
Kashmir - 4 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Day 3: Boat trip on Dal Lake
Today take a shikara (a traditional wooden boat found only waters of the Jammu and Kashmir) to the early morning floating vegetable market. Passing many other shikara’s along the way, ferrying people, produce and freshly caught fish across the lake.
The boat ride continues with a leisurely cruise around the 15.5 sq km lake. As the shikara plies its way toward the wetlands of Bod Dal and Lokut Dal you’ll pass small island enclaves, narrow bridges, tree lined boulevards, houseboats cruising, Mughal gardens and pavilions. Returning to your houseboat in the evening. Overnight - Srinagar (B, L, D)
The boat ride continues with a leisurely cruise around the 15.5 sq km lake. As the shikara plies its way toward the wetlands of Bod Dal and Lokut Dal you’ll pass small island enclaves, narrow bridges, tree lined boulevards, houseboats cruising, Mughal gardens and pavilions. Returning to your houseboat in the evening. Overnight - Srinagar (B, L, D)
Day 4: Srinagar
Arrangements conclude after breakfast with house boat check out and onward departure transfer to the airport or awaiting transportation. (B)
A traditional Kashmiri Houseboat
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The Houseboats of Kashmir, unlike their counterparts in Kerala are usually moored at the edges of the Dal Lake. The oldest houseboat on the Dal dates from the early 1900's. All boats whether heritage or modern are made of wood and are complimented by a number of intricately carved panels (both internally and externally) featuring design and motifs typical of the region. Houseboats come in differnet sizes with varying levels of creature comforts from basic 2 star standard to 5 star deluxe. Our featured itinerary offers a 3 star standard houseboat comprising 3 bedrooms, each with its own private entrance and ensuite facilities. A communial lounge and dining area (and sometimes a small kitchen) are also available for the use of all onboard. Various other houseboat accommodation is available including deluxe, luxury and fully self contained options. Please contact us for more information. |
Tour Details
- Starts in: Arrive Srinagar / Ends in: Srinagar
- Departs: Any day of the year
- No local payment required
- Breakfast:3, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 3
- Hotel Rating: 3 star houseboat on Dal Lake
- Tour Guide: Local guide during scheduled sightseeing
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