Vaishnodevi with Srinagar

You will be met by Travel Excellence representative at the airport / Railway station / bus stop and you would be transferred to your Hotel, where you will proceed for check-in. Afternoon free at leisure Overnight stay at hotel.

Today early morning proceed for visit to Mata Vasihno deviji. The cave shrine of Mata Vasihno deviji or Trikuta Bhagwati (alt: 5,200 ft.) has been a beacon of faith and fulfillment to millions of devotees from all over the world. The pilgrimage to the Shrine holds great significance for the pilgrims. Everyday of the year throngs of people surge up the steep pathways that cut across the Trikuta hillsides for mile after mile. This show of faith is finely interwoven with the cultural strands of the Indian subcontinent, and these pathways have been trod on for many centuries now. Popular belief holds that anybody who walks the Himalayan trail to the goddesses’s abode to ask for a boon rarely goes back disappointed. There are many who journey year after year to pay obeisance regardless of their faith or belief, creed or class, caste or religion.Overnight stay at hotel

The cave shrine of Mata Vasihno deviji or Trikuta Bhagwati (alt: 5,200 ft.) has been a beacon of faith and fulfillment to millions of devotees from all over the world. The pilgrimage to the Shrine holds great significance for the pilgrims. Everyday of the year throngs of people surge up the steep pathways that cut across the Trikuta hillsides for mile after mile. This show of faith is finely interwoven with the cultural strands of the Indian subcontinent, and these pathways have been trod on for many centuries now. Popular belief holds that anybody who walks the Himalayan trail to the goddesses’s abode to ask for a boon rarely goes back disappointed. There are many who journey year after year to pay obeisance regardless of their faith or belief, creed or class, caste or religion.

Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast in the hotel, you will be driven from Katra to Pahalgam, en-route lunch at local Restaurant. Arrive Pahalgam and proceed for check-in. Overnight stay at the hotel

Pahalgam ( Valley of Shepherds ) – It is a resort set in a pristine village lying next to the Lidder River . Once a humble shepherd’s village with breathtaking views Now it is Kashmir ‘s premier resort, cool even during the heights of summer. It is situated at an altitude of 2,130 m above sea level and has a golf course at 2400 meters above the sea level. Surrounded with fragrant pine forests, the idyllic resort includes a golf course and spots for angling. The bubbling Lidder harbors a sizeable population of rainbow trout and mahaseer to ensure you don’t come away disappointed. The nearby forested slopes are home to the Himalayan brown bear.

After having your lunch at local restaurant, proceed to have bridle walks and feed your cameras with the picture of magnificent view of mountains.

OPTIONAL – One can enjoy Horse ride at Pahalgam.

Overnight stay at the hotel

After early breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven from Pahalgam to Gulmarg, en-route visit Saffron fields of Pampora, see the beautiful countryside, lots of rice fields and Awantipura ruins on the way.

Awantipura Ruins (1100 years Old Temple ) – Built in 09th century AD by King Avantivarman and dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Situated 29 kms from Srinagar , the temple ruins at Awantipura represent some of the finest examples of architecture of this region.

Later continue your drive to Pahalgam through the pine forest, the confluence of the streams flowing from the river Lidder & Sheshnag Lake which are famous for their scenic beauty.

Arrive Gulmarg and proceed for check-in.

Gulmarg (Meadow of Gold) – It was discovered as a tourist destination by the British in the 19th century. Prior to that, Mughal emperors vacationed in the Gulmarg valley which is about 03 kms long and up-to 01 km wide. It is exquisitely situated in a pine surrounded basin of the Pir Panjal range at an altitude of 2,730 meters above sea level and one of the most famous tourist destinations of Kashmir . It also has one of the world’s highest green golf courses with 18 holes, as well as a clubhouse, which is a historical building in its own right.

OPTIONAL – One can enjoy Gondola ride or Horse ride at Gulmarg.

For a fun-filled ride of a most unusual kind, Gulmarg’s newly constructed gondola lift from high above Gulmarg, through pine-clad slopes is exhilarating. From Gulmarg a pony track leads upwards to Khilanmarg, Kangdori & seven springs, a couple of hours by pony longer on foot.

Overnight stay at the hotel

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven from Gulmarg to Srinagar on arrival check in at your hotel / houseboats.

Srinagar (Lake City) – It is at once a collection of images: It tells the story of love of the Mughal Emperors for this paradise like vale with deep green rice fields, rivers, gardens in bloom and lakes rimmed by houseboats, where lush wild gardens of lotus and water-lily grow amidst bustling lanes.

Afternoon enjoy a relaxing Shikara ride on the lake – Its one of the most soothing & relaxing aspects of a holiday in Kashmir .

Overnight stay at the hotel / Houseboats

Morning visit important sights of Srinagar City – Shankaracharya Temple & Mughal Gardens

Shankaracharya Temple (Hindu Shrine) – Situated on the highest hill of Srinagar , it is nearly one thousand feet above the city. The temple commands a magnificent panoramic view of the Srinagar city. It is devoted to lord Shiva. The site dates back to 2500 BC. The philosopher Shankaracharya stayed at this site when he visited Kashmir ten centuries ago to revive sanatan dharma.

Nishat Bagh ( Garden of Pleasure ) – The largest Mughal garden situated on the banks of world famous Dal-Lake in the backdrop of Zabarwan hills encircles the Dal Lake . Empress Noor Jahan’s brother Asif Khan laid the Garden in 1633 AD. Nishat has seven terraces with a beautiful central water course flowing right in the middle. These terraces rise dramatically off the mountains from the eastern part of the lake.

Shalimar Bagh ( Garden of Pleasure ) – It was planted by Mughal emperor Jehangir for Empress Noor Jahan in 1619 AD and later extended in 1727 A.D. by Shah Jahan. Shaded by magnificent Chinar trees, the Shalimar is a series of stone pavilions and flowing water with paint box bright flower beds. The Garden blooms with innumerable varieties of flowers in spring and autumn.

Afternoon will be at leisure, free for independent activities.

OPTIONAL – One can also visit Hazratbal Mosque & Kheer Bhawani Temple .

Hazratbal Mosque (Muslim Shrine) – The most important Muslim shrine of Kashmir , that commands the reverence of the people beyond measure, made of white marble with a dome and a minaret. The shrine of Hazratbal is the repository of the Prophet Mohammed shelters a relic single thread of the Prophet Mohammed which Sayed Abdullah had brought here from Medina which is exhibited to the public on certain days of the year.

Kheer Bhawani Temple ( Hindu Pilgrim Place ) – A shrine dedicated to Ragnya Devi (goddess), believed to be another form of Durga Mata. Most important pilgrim place in Kashmir and the only exception being Amarnath cave, built in 1912 by Maharaja Pratap Singh, the temple was later renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh.

Overnight stay at the hotel / Houseboats

Morning you will be transferred to Srinagar airport in time to board flight to back home.

END OF THE TOUR / SERVICES & WISH YOU A MEMORABLE TOUR