Srinagar, the enchanting city of Kashmir, has plenty to offer visitors from all over the world due to its sheer natural beauty, especially its scintillating Dal Lake. A shikara ride on the bewitching Dal Lake, luxurious houseboats, attractive gardens, majestic snow-capped mountains, ancient temples and superb handicrafts are some of Srinagar’s top attractions.
The next destination on your Kashmir offbeat tour itinerary for 8 Nights 9 Days is Gurez. This fabulous and serene valley is really the best bet when it comes to an offbeat destination. Ideally located at 2,400 meters above sea level, this valley is hemmed in by snow-capped mountains. It is blessed with stunning rivers, arresting lakes, and thick forest which is home to a range of interesting flora and fauna including the Himalayan brown bear and the endangered snow leopard. Gurex Valley has a distinctive aura that offers a unique travel experience.
Arrive at the Srinagar airport/railway station where you will receive a warm welcome from our representative. He will then drive you to the hotel in Srinagar. Check in at the hotel and relax for a while. After that, you can go out for a leisurely walk on Boulevard Road which offers majestic views of Zabarwan Mountain Ranges. Now it’s time to enjoy an hour-long Shikara Ride on Dal Lake. After the ride, you can go shopping in Srinagar to take back home some amazing souvenirs such as pashmina shawls, embroidered sari, saffron, walnut wood items, etc. Post that, come back to the houseboat for a memorable stay. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Post breakfast, today we will take you for sightseeing in Srinagar. First, we will head for the famous Mughal garden Shalimar Bagh boasting amazing architecture, lovely flowers, fountains and a serene ambiance to relax and just enjoy the beauty. This garden was built in 1619 by the Mughal emperor.
Next on the itinerary is the Chashme Shahi, another magnificent garden winning hearts with its arresting terrace garden, pools of water, walkways, and a variety of plants. Later in the early evening, you can again explore the markets of Srinagar or just take a leisurely walk around. Remaining day at leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Enjoy your breakfast, then we will drive you to Pahalgam. On the way to this wonderful destination, treat yourself with a visit to saffron fields donned with purple saffron flowers offering a sight to behold. You can also visit the Avantipura cricket bat factory to buy some sturdy and good quality cricket bats, available in various shapes and sizes.
On your Pahalgam tour, we will take you to the mesmerizing Betaab Valley where many Bollywood movies have been shot because of its scenic beauty. You can take some pictures of yours in Bollywood style adding to some fun. A horse ride across the valley is something you should not miss out on.
Then we head for the Sheshnag Lake where you can spend some quality time amidst lovely surroundings and tranquillity. Post this, we will drive back to Srinagar. Stay overnight at the hotel in Srinagar.
Post scrumptious breakfast, we will take you on a day excursion to the enchanting Sonmarg-a paradise beyond your imagination. Known as the ‘meadow of gold’, Sonmarg offers gorgeous green landscapes, sky-touching mountains, awe-inspiring glaciers, stunning streams, and lakes. The drive to Sonmarg is truly mesmerizing. This valley’s main attraction is Thajiwas Glacier which remains enveloped in snow throughout the year and tourists come here from all over the world. For some more adventure, one can indulge in snow activities in Sonmarg such as skiing, ice skating, sledging, horse riding, trekking, angling, white water rafting, etc. As the day draws to a close, we will drive back to the hotel in Srinagar. Enjoy a night’s stay at the hotel.
Post breakfast, we will head for the Gurez Valley which is one of the most enchanting places in Kashmir, a perfect offbeat destination for a unique experience. Your journey from Srinagar to Gurez brings you to a high-altitude (3,300 m) Pass called Razdan Pass, offering breathtaking natural beauty. You can take a break here to enjoy the scenic beauty. Upon reaching Gurez, check into the hotel and unwind for a while. Then we will head for the bewitching Tulail Valley which is still less explored by travellers. This valley in Gurez is all about captivating surroundings, bluish lakes, snow-capped mountains and gushing rivers offering unparalleled travel experience. Tulail Valley is also known as ‘Little Ladakh’ and is inhabited by the Dardic tribe. Overnight stay in the hotel in Gurez.
Post breakfast, set out to explore one of the most amazing offbeat attractions of Kashmir that you will visit on your Gurez tour- the Habba Khatoon Peak. It derived its name from 16th-century Kashmiri poetess Habba Khatoon. It is a pyramid-shaped peak which is a dominant attraction of Gurez Valley. This fascinating peak is the perfect place to capture amazing sunset and sunrise views. There is a small stream of underground water emerging from the peak and flows down into the Kishanganga River. This stream is believed to have medicinal properties.
Next, you will visit the beautiful and roaring Kishanganga River that flows through the Gurez Valley and finally merges into the Jhelum River near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Lined with pebbles on its banks, the Kishanganga River is an ideal place for rafting. You can also enjoy camping near the river as there are several camping spots there. The dam on this river offers arresting views of sunset.
After breakfast, we will head for Srinagar by car. Upon reaching Srinagar our representative will escort you to the houseboat. Check into the houseboat and relax for a while. A stay in a houseboat in Srinagar is an exciting and wonderful experience that connects you to the culture of the place. Enjoy an Indian lunch and the remaining day at leisure, explore the markets or just stroll around. Stay overnight at the houseboat for an amazing experience.
Post breakfast, we will straight head for the famous and ancient Shankaracharya Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It derived its name from the revered Hindu saint Adi Shankaracharya who attained enlightenment at this place. Located at an elevation of 1100 feet above sea level, it also offers an amazing view of the city.
Next, we will visit the beautiful Nishat Bagh. It is a perfectly laid-out garden with fascinating views of the mountains in the background. This Mughal garden is located on the banks of pristine Dal Lake and is also known as the ‘Garden of Bliss’, for it serves bliss to its visitors in plenty. It offers beautiful terraces, fruit & chinar trees, and colourful flowerbeds. Take a leisurely walk or just sit and soak in the natural beauty.
Next is the visit to the Nigeen Lake, a wonderful deep blue water lake with delightful surroundings. Take a shikara ride here and treat your senses with its beauty. It is known as ‘The Jewel in the Ring’. Stay overnight in a hotel in Srinagar.
