Kashmir

Arrival in Srinagar by air. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After freshening up, begin exploring the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Visit the exquisite Mughal Garden — a Charbagh-style garden of terraced lawns, cascading fountains, and blooming flower beds laid out by the Mughal emperors. Then ascend to Shankar Acharya Mandir, one of the oldest temples in Kashmir, perched on a hilltop from where you get a stunning bird's-eye view of beautiful Srinagar city, Dal Lake, and the surrounding Himalayan ranges.

After breakfast, spend the day exploring Srinagar's local sights at a relaxed pace. In the evening, the highlight of the day arrives — a magical Shikara ride on Dal Lake, gliding past floating vegetable markets, houseboats draped in carved woodwork, and the reflections of sunset mountains on the water. Time free for shopping — pick up Kashmiri pashmina shawls, saffron, dry fruits, and hand-embroidered fabrics from the city's famous markets.

After breakfast, depart for Pahalgam — the Valley of Shepherds. En route, stop at Pampor village, famous for its saffron fields — the finest saffron in the world is grown here, and this is the best place to buy it along with local dry fruits. Continue to the atmospheric ruins of Avantipora Swami Temple, a 9th-century Hindu temple complex by King Avantivarman. On arrival in Pahalgam, check in to the hotel. After lunch, explore the charming town and its local market for shopping in the evening.

After breakfast, embark on a day of valley excursions around Pahalgam. Explore the pristine Aaru Valley with its scenic meadows, snow peaks, and mountain lakes. Continue to the lush green Betab Valley, known for its film-set beauty (named after the Bollywood film "Betab" shot here). After lunch, you may optionally visit the beautiful Baisaran Valley — reachable by pony — a high-altitude meadow surrounded by dense pine forest. Alternatively, spend the afternoon sitting by the crystal-clear Lidder River, one of the most serene spots in Kashmir.

After breakfast, depart for Srinagar. En route, enjoy a detour to the magnificent ruins of the Martand Sun Temple — an 8th-century Hindu temple dedicated to the Sun God, with stunning mountain views in every direction. Continue to Kokernag, famous for its beautiful Botanical Gardens and pristine freshwater springs — a peaceful lunch stop amid flowering gardens. Then proceed to Srinagar for the night.

After breakfast, depart for Gulmarg — the Meadow of Flowers. Upon arrival, board the Gondola Cable Car — the highest cable car in the world, ascending to 13,500 feet above sea level to the upland meadow of Kongdori. The views of the Himalayan peaks, Nanga Parbat, and the vast snowfields of Kashmir from the top are utterly breathtaking. After lunch, return to Srinagar for a final evening at leisure. Night stay in Srinagar.

After breakfast, transfer to Srinagar Airport for your return journey to your hometown. You leave carrying the memory of pashmina-soft landscapes, the sound of a Shikara oar on morning water, and the sight of Himalayan peaks bathed in the first light of dawn.