9 DAYS ~ FROM £1,598
Kashmir is a secret hideaway discovered by the cognoscenti a millennia ago! The grand Mughul Emperors came to relax and delight in their exquisite scented gardens. Later the British followed in their footsteps building elegant Houseboats on the famed Dal and Nagin Lakes. Today Kashmir is a tourist retreat, far from the maddening crowd. Relax on your private deluxe Houseboat, explore the ancient city of Srinagar, discover ancient Temples and unwind in the beauty of the mountains in Gulmarg.
Delhi • Srinagar • Gulmarg • Delhi
 Day 1. To Delhi
Departure from Heathrow on direct Jet Airways flight.
Day 2. To Srinagar
Arrive Delhi in the morning. Connect to domestic flight to Srinagar. Transfer to Houseboat on Dal or Nagin Lake. Take a relaxing afternoon Shikara ride on the lake, glimpsing, slowly gliding, by the unique lifestyle of the Mir Bahris – a vibrant community who live upon the lake. Evening at leisure, relaxing on the front deck of your Houseboat. Four nights on Deluxe Houseboat.
Day 3. Srinagar
Morning visit to the Shankar Archariya Temple view point to delight in the stunning beauty of the Dal Lake. Then drive to the Shalimar Garden built by the Emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur Jehan. In the afternoon tour the city of Srinagar visiting Shah Hamadan Mosque, a pagoda like structure built entirely of wood. The interiors are intricately carved, flamboyantly painted and decorated with large chandeliers. Visit the Jamma Masjid, the local market and drive past Hari Parbat Fort.
Day 4. Day cruise on River Jhelum
Leave the Houseboat after breakfast by Shikara for a day cruise on the river Jhelum. Taste traditional Kashmiri Kahwa whilst on board, cruising under the 7 bridges of the city of Srinagar. See the old British buildings, and the delightfully varied architectural styles. The river banks are dotted with Hindu Temples and Mosques. Have a picnic lunch at Shadipur before returning back to Houseboat by road.
Day 5. Srinagar
Day at leisure to rest and relax or take a leisurely walk on Boulevard Road.
Day 6. To Gulmarg
Mid morning depart to Gulmarg – “The Meadow of Flowers.” The journey in itself is a visual pleasure with roads bordered by avenues of poplar, hiding flat expanses of lush rice paddy fields and small quaint villages. A stop at the ‘View Point’ is essential to see the distant snow covered Himalayas. Rest of the day at leisure to relax. Stay at the Highlands Park for two nights.
Day 7. Gulmarg
Take a breathtaking Gondola ride to savour the scenery of the valley of Gulmarg. In summer Gulmarg is a challenging golf destination, and in winter becomes a skier’s paradise.
Day 8. To Delhi
Morning at leisure. Fly to Delhi in the afternoon. Overnight stay at the Maidens.
Day 9. To London
Morning transfer to the airport for Jet Airways flight to Heathrow.
With love from India... Saffron
Kashmir is the home to the world’s finest saffron, with its fragrant, sensuous aroma and dark purple maroon hue. Chefs worldwide seek it out for its superb culinary qualities.
Suggested extensions: Agra & Jaipur
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