Kashmir – The Secret Garden

A name when softly murmured stirs memories of bygone Golden Ages. The whisper evokes a portrait of beauty: stunning snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, flower strewn valleys dazzling the eye with all the colours of the rainbow. Pine forests fill the air with their scent, rivers teeming with plump fish and lakes, with delightful floating gardens…This is Kashmir!

9 days from £2,229.00 per person

London - Delhi - Srinagar - Gulmarg - Delhi - London

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Itinerary View Map

Day 1 : To Delhi

Departure from Heathrow on direct British Airways flight.

Day 2 : To Srinagar

Arrive Delhi and connect to domestic flight to Srinagar. Then transfer to the Houseboat. After lunch a relaxing ride on a traditional ‘Shikara’ - the famous local boat of the Lakes. Four nights stay at Houseboat.

Day 3 : Srinagar

Morning at leisure to soak up the beauty of the lake and the mountains from the sundeck of your Houseboat. After lunch leave the Houseboat by Shikara for the Pari Mahal Ghat. Visits include the Pari Mahal, Nishat and Shalimar Mughal Gardens. The Pari Mahal was originally a Buddhist Monastery and later converted to an Astrological School by Dara Shikoh - eldest son of Emperor Shah Jahan. The Nishat - or The Garden of Bliss – with its glorious views of the snowcapped mountains, was created by Asif Khan on the banks of Dal Lake. The lovely Shalimar Bagh - The Abode of Love - was the inspiration of Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jehan.

Day 4 : Srinagar

After breakfast a walking tour discovering the heritage and culture of the city. See the ancient Shrines and Mosques, wander the streets lined with soft hued burnt brick buildings and see some of the famous Srinagar bridges. End the tour at the Nagar Nagar Interpretation Centre in the Old City to learn about the fascinating Afghan and Mughal City within the Hari Parbat Fort. Partake in a delicious cup of Kahwa - the traditional Kashmiri Tea. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 5 : Srinagar

Delightful day’s outing to see the beautiful Manasbal Lake: it’s considered the gem of Kashmiri lakes, especially when the waters lilies are in bloom. For lunch take a leisurely picnic at ‘Daroga Bagh’ now generally known as Jharokha Garden, and again built by Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan. The views over the Lake are superb. Later visit a Silk Worm ‘farm’ and see how these fascinating worms (actual the pupa part of their lifecycle) weave their magical ‘thread’.

Day 6 : To Gulmarg

Early morning optional visit to the bustling vegetable market and then an hour and a half journey will transport you to ‘The Meadow of Flowers’. Stop at Kanihma - a little village en route - to see the dying art of Kani Shawl weaving. Then start the climb to Gulmarg through fir-covered hillsides. Two nights stay at Hotel Highlands Park.

Day 7 : Gulmarg

Take a breath-taking Gondola ride for a spectacular view of the lovely scenery of the Valley of Gulmarg or enjoy a walking tour to the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve.

Day 8 : To Delhi

Morning drive to Srinagar. Fly to Delhi in the afternoon. Overnight at Shangri-La's Eros Hotel.

Soaring above the clouds a view from the airplane window

Day 9 : To London

Morning transfer to the airport for British Airways flight to Heathrow.

Looking to extend your holiday ? Contact our consultants today for your options.

Itinerary map

Prices

Price per person (Double/Twin share)
£2,229.00

Cost includes:

International and internal flights in economy class.
Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
• Houseboat on Full Board. Highlands Park Gulmarg on Half Board. Breakfast only in Delhi.
• All transfers and sighteeing by an air-conditioned vehicle.
Entry fee and services of a local english speaking guide.
Full ATOL Bonding.

Cost does not include: