Beauty of Kashmir: Exploring on a Memorable Tour

Introduction

Some people describe Kashmir as “Paradise on Earth”; indeed, it is located in the northern region of India. It is supposed to be one of the most beautiful places on earth, with serene lakes, imposing mountains, and peaceful scenery. This blog takes you to a detailed tour of Kashmir with its vibrancy in Srinagar City, the picturesque Gulmarg, the enchanting Sonmarg, overnight at Pahalgam, and the signature houseboat experience on Dal Lake. Below we elaborate on the key attractions, best time to visit, and must-know travel tips that make your Kashmir tour unforgettable.

Kashmir Highlights

• City Tour in Srinagar: Visit the city of beauty, which is very rich in culture and history; visit Mughal gardens, Shankaracharya Temple, and local markets.
• Gulmarg Excursion: Enjoy this destination with one of the world’s highest cable cars and take a walk on the snow-covered meadows of Gulmarg.
• Sonmarg Adventure: Enjoy the natural beauty, pristine meadows, and views of the river in Sonmarg.
• Pahalgam: Overnight stay at Pahalgam, one of the beautiful towns located at the confluence of lush valleys and offering breathtaking views.
• Houseboat Experience on Dal Lake: Stay overnight on a houseboat and take a sunrise Shikara ride to visit famous floating gardens and markets around.
• Nearby Attractions: Visit notable places around these key destinations to enrich your Kashmir experience.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kashmir would be according to what you like:

• Spring (March to Early May): This is the time when the famous Tulip Garden in Srinagar is at its full bloom. It is a perfect time for a visit.
• Summer (May to August): Ideal for trekking and enjoying the lush green landscapes.
• Autumn (September to November): Entire valley gets bathed in the reddish-golden hew, giving a very special character to it.
• Winter (December to February): Ideal for snow lovers and skiing, especially in Gulmarg.

Tour of Srinagar City

Visit Mughal Gardens

Srinagar is known for its Mughal gardens laying cool and calm face of Persian-styled landscaping. The three most famous gardens are Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi.

• Shalimar Bagh: Constructed by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan, this garden is a beautiful fusion of fountains, flowers, and trees.
• Nishat Bagh: Known as the “Garden of Bliss,” it showcases a splendid view of Dal Lake and snow-clad Pir Panjal mountains.
• Chashme Shahi: Much smaller but very beautiful, this is famous for a natural spring known to have medicinal water.

Shankaracharya Temple

It is located on a hilltop and gives a bird’s eye view of Srinagar city as well as Dal Lake. The temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and a prominent religious center in Kashmir with abundant cultural heritage.

Shopping at Local Markets

Visit the bustling local markets in Srinagar – Lal Chowk and Polo View Market. They are known for the age-old traditional Kashmiri handicrafts which include Pashmina shawls, carpets, and papier mache articles. Do not forget to try some of the local dishes: Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and the world-famous Kashmiri Kahwa.

Day Excursion to Gulmarg

A Journey to Gulmarg

A day trip to Gulmarg, located approximately 50 km from Srinagar, is something nature lovers and adventure freaks should not give a miss. The scenic drive offers mesmerizing views of the valley, with the Himalayas standing majestically at the back.

Gondola Ride

The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest cable cars in the world. It operates in two sections, ferrying you first from Gulmarg to Kongdoori Station and then to Apharwat Peak. View from the top is awesome, as it is a view of snow-covered slopes with thick green meadows.

Adventure Activities

Gulmarg is a paradise for adventure seekers. It is a hot spot for skiing in the winter and hiking, playing golf, and horseback riding in the summer. Here, one can visit St. Mary’s Church to enjoy the scenic beauty present all around.

Sonmarg: The Meadow of Gold

Scenic Beauty of Sonmarg

Sonmarg is an approximate 80-kilometer drive from Srinagar. The drive to Sonmarg is a trip in itself with the Sindh River gushing by and the Thajiwas Glacier visible from a distance. A trek or a pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier becomes a very eventful excursion on each trip to Sonmarg. It is wrapped in green grasslands that allow picnicking and photo moments, and in winter it is a snow paradise.

Adventure and Relaxation

Sonmarg offers a lot of adventure activities such as fishing for trouts or trekking in the hills. One can also be relaxed in the meadows around with a calm time with nature while looking at the surrounding peaks.

Pahalgam: A Night in the Valley of Shepherds

Arrival and Accommodation

Pahalgam is about 90 km distant from Srinagar and is a small yet beautiful town, popular for its beauteous valleys and natural beauty. Spending a night in Pahalgam helps to enjoy it at a more relaxed pace. Staying options vary from budget guest houses to high-end resorts.

Betaab Valley

This place was named after the hit Bollywood movie “Betaab.” A beautiful place of lush green meadows, clear blue stream running across with snowcapped mountains in the backdrop – it’s an ideal picnic spot and one of leisure.

Aru and Lidder Valley

Though Aru Valley is located around 12 km from Pahalgam and offers stunning views, it serves as the base for a few treks. The Lidder Valley, however, is famous for a sparkling, clear river and is an ideal spot for trout fishing.

Baisaran Valley

Many tourists have given Baisaran Valley the nickname “Mini Switzerland.” It can be reached by trekking just a little further from Pahalgam or by ponies. The valley affords picturesque views of the towering mountains and the meadows and fields of deep green.

Experience on Houseboat on the Dal Lake

Arrival on the Dal Lake

The Dal Lake in Srinagar is synonymous with houseboats, experiences in a houseboat are never one to be forgotten. Putting up on a Houseboat lets one enjoy peace and calm the lake offers while still enjoying contemporary luxuries.

Shikara Ride

You cannot afford to miss a shikara ride in Dal Lake while you are in Kashmir. This ride takes place on traditional wooden boats that take you through the floating gardens, narrow waterways, and the famous Mughal gardens. It’s also a way to visit the local floating markets, from which one can buy flowers, vegetables, and handlooms.

Floating Gardens and Market

The floating gardens, popularly known as “Raad,” offer a picture-perfect view. They are essentially matted vegetation or mud gardens that float on the surface of the lake. The market is equally interesting; one can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and traditional Kashmiri wares.

Nagin Lake

This is another fabulous lake, which lies adjacent to Dal Lake but is relatively less crowded. You can enjoy a quiet shikara ride here and get beautiful views of surrounding mountains.

Cost of Package for Minimum 2 Person Deal

Now you can plan your vacation to Kashmir as it has become more pocket-friendly with tailor-made packages that would ensure you get the maximum worth of your spending. The cost per person will start from INR 18,500/- and the services to be extended will be based on a 5-day and 3-night programme. This complete package will have all of the following:

• Accommodation: You shall stay in 3-star hotels for 2 nights and for 1 night you will be hosted on a houseboat at Dal Lake.
• Transportation: Travel in an air-conditioned sedan car driven by a guide who would double as your chauffeur to make your journey comfortable, smooth, and fully informative.
• Meals: Daily breakfast and dinner that would give you a taste of local and continental cuisine.
• Sightseeing: Guided tours of all major attractions in Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam.
• Unique experiences: A ride on the gondola on Gulmarg Mountains. Do not miss the Shikara ride on Dal Lake to explore the floating markets and gardens.

This package is designed to be tension-free and aims to be a memorable one, covering almost all the major attractions of Kashmir with personalized services.

Conclusion

A tour of Kashmir is an experience in itself where you pass by some of the world’s most dazzling landscapes. From the vibrant city life of Srinagar to the tranquil beauty of Dal Lake, the hustle and bustle of a day in Gulmarg to the golden meadows of Sonmarg, the quiet valley of Pahalgam, each moment spent in Kashmir is one to behold.

Tamil Car Trip: The Ultimate Travel Companion

Named after the travelers of South India—from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, to be exact—Tamil Car Trip is probably the leading travel agent operated out of Delhi. Tailored with superior travel services in Kashmir, Tamil Car Trip operates on genuinely competitive prices, extending quality services through its very own fleet of transports placed in Srinagar. This dependable Tamil travel operator ensures that your Kashmir tour is smooth and hassle-free, taking care of the specific needs of South Indian tourists with personalized attention and care.

Last Few Words

• Travel Light: The terrains are unevenly spread; it’s advised to travel light and pack for every season.
• Local Cuisine: Do not leave behind the local food. Try the Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and the dish called Phirni.
• Cultural Sensience: Respect local culture and traditions. Dress appropriately, particularly when visiting a religious site.
• Safety: Keep abreast with the local situation at all times and take note of travel advisories.
• Kashmir is such a place that it could allure any traveler—from an adventurer to a nature lover, from someone seeking peace to someone who is just awestruck by its magnificence. Plan your trip and be ready to take it all in. You will certainly experience what one ought to remember forever with Tamil Car Trip across the land of Kashmir.

Route Map Kashmir