Winter Kashmir Trip

After an early breakfast, leave for a full day excursion to Sonmarg, which means Meadow of Gold, has its backdrop of snowy mountains against the blue sky. The drive offers incredible scenic beauty, dense pine forests and gigantics mountains. The place provides an ideal base for various trekking routes, high mountain lakes, glaciers, and Shri Amarnath Holy cave. The river meanders along here & abounds with Trout & Mahseer. Sonamarg's importance lies in the fact that it is the last halt on the Kashmir side for the drive from Srinagar to Leh. Ponies / vehicles ( Direct payment basis ) can be hired for the trip up to Thajwas Glacier, Which is a major local attraction during the summer. Return back in the evening to Srinagar for overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, check out from Hotel / Houseboat & drive to Gulmarg via Bye-Pass for overnight stay. Gulmarg, called as "Meadow of Flowers". Gulmarg is at an altitude of 8700 – ft. Gulmarg also referred as Meadow of Flowers is a famous Ski Resort & the world's highest 18 hole Golf Course. The place was prominent during the British time. 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 favorite 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. On arrival, check in to the pre-arranged Hotel. One Can go for the Gondola Ride up to 1st or 2nd Phase. The Gulmarg Gondola is a tourist attraction in itself. It is one of the highest cable cars in the world, reaching 3,979 metres. The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from the gondola main station in Gulmarg to a shoulder of nearby Mt. Affarwat Summit (4,200 m (13,780 ft)). Gulmarg is also called as "heartland of winter sports in India", as it is a gathering ground for all things extreme sports and outdoors related. In the winter, the diverse and extreme terrain combines with torrential snowfall to create a snow destination that is among the best in the world. From the Kongdoori station, Skiers can ski down a groomed trail through the woods that descends 450m in about 3.8 km. There are also countless off-piste possibilities through the beautiful Khilanmarg meadows on the foot of Mount Affarwat, which offer a scenic view of Nanga Parbat. The Affarwat ridge at 3850+ metres offers an avalanche controlled ski area that offers a wide field of snow to descend 800 m in approximately 3 km of skiing, and is for advanced skiers only. Due to Gulmarg's steep terrain, the region is popular amongst advanced and extreme skiers from around the world and has been visited by a number of ski professionals and featured in a number of ski films also. Overnight stay at Hotel.

NOTE : In case of snowfall, our vehicle will be able to drop you at Tangmarg only ( 10 Kms before ) from where you need to hire Snow Jeep ( chained vehicle ) directly ( November - March ). Else Vehicle will drop you at Gulmarg Hotel only from where you can either hire ponies / ATV bikes or can go by walk for Gondola Ride as vehicles are not allowed for sightseeing or any movement.

Note: As per the new rules from Cable Car Corporation all Gondola tickets has to be pre-booked online only (www.jammukashmircablecar.com) by the Guest with valid ID proof only to avoid on site inconvenience

After a leisurely breakfast, check out from Hotel & leave for overnight stay at "Pahalgam" called as "Valley of Shepherds". Pahalgam is situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River, Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Enroute visit Pampore Saffron Fields. Enjoy the nature & walk around the bank of river Lidder. Pahalgam is famous for some trekking routes also & is the base camp for Amarnath Pilgrimage. Pahalgam is also famous for Indian film Industry (Bollywood). Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceeds 25 Degree C. Upon arrival, check in to the pre-arranged Hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, time free to enjoy and explore the Beauty of "Pahalgam"( By Union Vehicle – ON OWN ). One can go to Chandanwari ( 16 Kms from Pahalgam ) which is the starting point of Amarnath Yatra, Aru (10 kms from Pahalgam) which is a fine meadow of picturesque scenery and starting point of trekking of (Liddarwat, Kolahoi Glacier & Trsar Lake) & Betaab Valley.

ARU VALLEY It is located around 12 km from Pahalgam, 11 km upstream from the Lidder River. Noted for its scenic meadows, lakes and mountains, it is a base camp for trekking to the Kolhoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake. The village lies of the left bank of the Aru river, which is a tributary of the Lidder river The Aru valley is noted for its scenic meadows. It is popular among the tourists for its peaceful environment and scenic beauty. Other popular tourist activities include fishing of trout in the Lidder river, trekking, hiking, horse riding, sightseeing and photography.

BETAAB VALLEY It is situated at a distance of 15 kilometers from Pahalgam. The valley got its name from the Sunny Deol– Amrita Singh hit debut film Betaab. The valley surrounded by lush green meadows, snow clad mountains and covered with dense vegetation. Betaab Valley is a very popular touristic destination. Betaab Valley is also a favorite campsite of travellers as it also serves as a base camp for trekking and further exploration of the mountains. The valley is a walk-able distance from Pahalgam. The crystal clear & chilly water of the stream bubbling down from the snowy hills is a delight; locals here drink this water too. Baisaran and Tulian Lake are few nearby attractions that can be visited.

CHANDANWARI Chandanwari - Situated 16 km from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra, which takes place every year in the month of Sawan (Rain). It is famous for snow sledging on a snow bridge. Taxi cabs can be hired from Pahalgam for a roundtrip. Snow fights" is what people generally indulge in here before they sledge back down. Many prefer to sip a cup of tea of snack at the nearby dhabas. Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari is an idyllic spot for a picnic. Filmgoers will recognize it instantly as it has been the location of several movie scenes.

Later, check out from Hotel & transfer to Srinagar. On arrival, check in to the pre-arranged Hotel/Houseboat. In the evening you take a Shikara ride on world famous Dal Lake, where you visit the floating vegetable gardens & Open Dal Lake. While riding the Shikara's there are plenty of opportunities for bird watching with plentiful species including Kingfisher, Little Bittern, Common Pariah Kites, Grebe etc. Overnight stay.

Tour concludes. Xploindia thank you for your patronage and ensures a punctual transfer to Domestic Airport | Railway Station to catch the flight | train for your onward Destination.