India - Incredible Kashmir

Everything in India is created out of love. Love for science and truth allows us to witness the Jantar Mantar observatory in Jaipur today. Through bhakti, love for God, people erected the temples of Vrindavan and Akshardham in Delhi. One ruler's love for his wives manifested in the magnificent Hawa Mahal palace - where the women of the harem lived. An exemplary symbol of love, thanks to which we can admire the Taj Mahal mausoleum. And in our case, it's the love for travel that usually sparks the love for India.

 

Guaranteed Tour to India + visa to India as a gift / Minimum 2 people

 

Attractions to visit:

• Delhi: City sightseeing tour, visit to India Gate, Presidential Palace, visit to Akshardham Temple and Qutub Minar complex.
• Srinagar: Shankaracharya Temple, Srinagar Gardens, Shikara cruise.
• Gulmarg: Cable car ride, Rishi Baba Mausoleum.
• Pahalgam: Malleshvar Mahadev Temple, Sikh Gurudwara, wooden mosque, Amarnath Yatra.

 

Program:

Day 1. Saturday. Departure to Delhi (International/domestic flight).

Arrival in Delhi on a regular flight of one of the international airlines. After completing formalities and collecting baggage at New Delhi airport (Terminal-3), you will be greeted by a representative of our company. You will receive a traditional Indian welcome "Swagat" with a garland of flowers. After the welcome, transfer and check-in at the hotel. Short rest.

*Note: Hotel confirmation is from 12.00 on Saturday, sightseeing program starts from Sunday. *Day is suggested in the program without dinner, as most flights arrive from Saturday night to Sunday.

 

Day 2. Sunday. Delhi.

In the morning after breakfast, a sightseeing tour of Delhi. Delhi is the capital of modern India. Many dynasties and rulers have flourished on its royal land over the past three thousand years. Their legacy still lives on in many monuments, from the 13th-century Lodi Kings' mausoleum to the buildings of the British Empire, such as the Parliament Building or the Presidential Palace. The program includes a visit to India Gate, Presidential Palace, Government Buildings (from outside), Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, and Qutub Minar.

Lotus Temple (closed on Mondays) - one of the most remarkable temples in India. Built in the shape of a lotus flower, it is the largest and most beautiful Bahá'í temple and serves as a symbol for followers of this faith worldwide.

Another iconic place is the 72-meter Qutub Minar minaret, built between the 12th and 14th centuries, adorned with calligraphic ornamentation and symbolizing Muslim rule in Delhi.

Akshardham - one of the grandest Hindu temples in the world, which has entered the Guinness Book of Records. The height of the palace is 42 m, width and length are 94 and 106 m. It is adorned with 234 columns, 9 magnificent domes, 20 four-sided towers, and more than 20 thousand statues. Around the building, there are 148 elephant figures. The outer part of the temple is covered with pink stone, symbolizing love, while the inner part is made of white marble, as a sign of purity and the Absolute. In fact, it is not even a temple but a whole complex with a light and music fountain, sculptures, and canals where you can take boat rides. It's no wonder that almost a billion dollars were spent on building the complex.

Night and dinner at the hotel in Delhi.

 

Day 3. Monday. Delhi - Srinagar (domestic flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Srinagar, also known as the "paradise on earth". Its name translates as "city blessed with beauty and knowledge". Since ancient times, the city has been a crossroads of trade routes from China, Pakistan, Tibet, and India.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a guide who will assist with accommodation either in a hotel or on a houseboat (floating house). On the way to the place of accommodation, you can enjoy the magnificent landscapes of the area: forests, fields, lotus lakes, small cozy villages of local residents, and of course, extraordinary mountain ranges.

After check-in and a short rest, we will explore Srinagar and visit the ancient Shankaracharya Temple (dedicated to the deity Shiva), built in the 4th century BC on the hilltop with a poetic name Solomon's Throne. The temple is the oldest attraction of Kashmir. From here, you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of Srinagar and the lakes. Next, we will visit the Mughal gardens Nishat (Garden of Pleasure, 1632), Shalimar (Abode of Love, 1619), and Chashma Shahi (Royal Spring). All gardens are considered excellent examples of Muslim garden-park traditions, consisting of numerous terraces with magnificent views of Dal Lake and the snow-capped peaks of the mountains, as well as water channels and lush flower beds.

In the evening, we will visit a workshop for the production of pashmina - textile products made from high-quality Kashmir wool. They are made from the wool of goats living in the Himalayas at an altitude of 4000 meters, where the temperature sometimes drops below -30°. Thanks to the special properties of the wool, products made from it retain heat perfectly and are very light. In the evening - free time and overnight stay and dinner in a houseboat/hotel.

 

Day 4. Tuesday. Srinagar - Gulmarg (60 km / 2 hours)

After breakfast, we will head to Gulmarg, the Valley of Flowers, which is located at an altitude of 2730 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, we will check into the hotel. The Gulmarg Valley with meadows, slopes, and lush vegetation is a beautiful place for relaxation and shooting Bollywood movies. The ringing silence is only occasionally disturbed by the tinkling of cowbells. On a clear day, from the viewpoint, you can see the road to Mount Nanga Parbat (height 8126 meters) on one side, and Srinagar on the other. For fans of this sport, here is one of the highest-altitude 18-hole golf courses. You can reach the top by a cable car with a length of five kilometers in a four-person cabin - a gondola, and enjoy the surrounding fir Himalayan forests. In the evening, free time, overnight stay, and dinner at the hotel.

 

Day 5. Wednesday. Gulmarg - Rishi Baba Excursion

In the morning, after breakfast, we will visit Rishi Baba, the mausoleum of a Sufi saint, in secular life known as Payam Uddin, a courtier of one of the local rulers of the 15th century. Baba Payam Uddin gave away all his belongings to the poor and went to live as a recluse in a place now called the village of Rambodh. Over time, after long meditations, he began to perform miracles and heal the afflicted. Despite being a Muslim, Rishi Baba was worshipped as a saint by Hindus as well. The fireplace erected by the saint in the village is revered as a place where secret wishes come true. Thousands of pilgrims visit the saint's mausoleum all year round, bringing not only fame to the village but also good income to the local residents. Upon return, night and dinner at the hotel.

 

Day 6. Thursday. Gulmarg - Pahalgam (160 km / approximately 4 hours)

After an early breakfast, we depart for Pahalgam via Srinagar. Upon arrival, we check into the hotel. The altitude of 2740 meters above sea level confirms the name of this place - Pahalgam, which translates to "Shepherd's Valley." On the way, we will visit the saffron fields of Pampore, see the rice terraces along the road, and the ruins of Avantipura. The temples built at this site by King Avantivarman in honor of the god Vishnu 1100 years ago are still the finest examples of architectural structures in the region. Emerging at the confluence of streams from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River, Pahalgam has evolved from a pastoral village into a place of attraction for nature-loving travelers. Currently, it is the main Kashmiri resort, providing relief from summer heat, with golf courses located at an altitude of 2400 meters and trout fishing spots. To fully enjoy the mountain idyll, it is best to explore the surrounding areas on ponies or horses. Night and dinner at the hotel.

 

Day 7. Friday. Pahalgam

In the morning, after breakfast, we will explore the most secluded places of Pahalgam. We will visit the temple of Lord Shiva, built by King Jayasimha in the 11th century - Mamleshwar Mahadev, see the Sikh Gurudwara and the wooden city mosque. Then we will head to the Aru Valley, a resort village 11 km from Pahalgam, and then to Chandanwari at an altitude of 2923 meters above sea level, the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage - a pilgrimage to Hindu sites. You can take a walk through the Betaab Valley, where several Bollywood films were shot amidst the mountain beauty. Return, night and dinner at the hotel.

 

Day 8. Saturday. Pahalgam - Srinagar (96 km / approximately 3 hours)

After breakfast, departure to Srinagar, where upon arrival we check into a houseboat. In the second half of the day, a shikara ride. Traditional boats - shikaras have long been revered as a symbol of Srinagar, largely due to them Dal Lake has become the Asian prototype of Venice - with canals and water streets between houses. Many shikara owners use them for fishing or collecting algae, but most actively offer them for rent to tourists or use them as water taxis. Such boats are easily recognizable by the tent stretched over them for the convenience of guests, providing shade and protection from rain. Many shikara owners make a living by selling their goods and services from floating "shops". Also unusual are the oars in the shape of a heart. Such a form of oar can only be found here and in Palestine - not in vain, Kashmiri Muslims belonging to the Gujjar ethnicity consider themselves descendants of Noah. A boat trip on the lake will give us an impression of being connected to the eternal beauty. Evening free time and dinner on the boat.

 

Day 9. Sunday. Srinagar - Delhi (flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to the international airport for your flight.

 

Day 10. Monday. Departure from Delhi (International flight)

The price is indicated per person in a DBL room.
SGL price - 1950 €.
Extra bed - 1158 €.

 

Included in the price:

• 9 nights of accommodation according to the chosen category
• 9 breakfasts and 8 dinners
• Air-conditioned transportation as per the program
• Russian-speaking guide for sightseeing program
• Cable car ride in Gulmarg
• Shikara ride on Dal Lake
• Entrance tickets to architectural monuments
• All taxes and fees
• Group transfer on arrival from Saturday 12:00 to Sunday 07:00.
• Group transfer on the day of the end of the tour to the airport.

 

Not included in the price:

International flights. We will find the most convenient and cost-effective option.
Flight Delhi - Srinagar - Delhi (from 200 € per person, price may change)
Personal expenses.
Transportation on days without a program
Tips for the guide and driver.

Medical insurance.

Visa to India is provided as a gift.

 

Expected hotels according to the program:

Delhi - Regent Grand / Golden Grand / Golden Tulip Suites or similar
Srinagar - May Queen Houseboat
Gulmarg - Hiltop Hotel or similar
Pahalgam - Eden Resorts and Spa or similar

The company reserves the right to change hotels to ensure compliance with standards in case the specified hotels are fully booked. Standard check-in time at hotels is 13:00, check-out time is 12:00. Travel time is indicative and may change depending on traffic.