Kashmir - The Secret Garden
3rd - 12 September 20109 Nights - 11 Days ~ From £1,995By popular request we are repeating this holiday on the success of last two year's tours.Kashmir known as ”A Paradise on Earth” for its scenic beauty, magnificent mountains, rivers and lakes, is a wonderful place to escape the modern world. In Srinagar stay on houseboats, first used by the British Raj in the 19th century. Take a water safari in a shikara (water taxi) through the tranquil waterways. Then drive into the hills and walk or stroll in the fresh mountain air of Gulmarg before returning to Delhi.London • Delhi • Srinagar • Gulmarg • Delhi • Agra • London
Joan Pollock
As a fellow of the Royal Geographic Society she is committed to environmental and conservation issues. Her early training as a nurse has proved invaluable in creating a charity focussing on the health and education of children in The Spiti Valley, a breathtaking valley at the edge of the Tibetan Plateau in the Western Himalaya. The Itinerary: Day 1 London-Delhi Depart Heathrow on Jet Airways flight to Delhi. Departures from regional UK airports are available on request. For client wishing to travel outside the UK please contact us for land only prices. Day 2 Srinagar- (BLD) Morning arrival into Delhi and transfer to the domestic terminal for the one hour flight to Srinagar(5,200ft). On arrival transfer your houseboats on Dal Lake with views of the Himalayan Mountains in the background. Enjoy the timeless beauty of Dal Lake. 4 nights on board the houseboat. Afternoon Shikara cruise on Dal Lake, visit the local village craft centers to see how the traditional wood carving and paper mache workshops operate. Houseboat - In the 20th century, Srinagar was rediscovered by the British Raj as a place to go to avoid the summer heat on plains. Because they were not permitted to build on the local land, houseboats were introduced. Many of these were furnished in the style of the 1930s and now have modern facilities. They are moored in idyllic settings on the calm and peaceful Dal Lake. Houseboats are far remote from the conventional hotel, it’s more like staying in a floating holiday cottage. Most houseboats have between 2 and 4 bedrooms, there are no room keys. They are fashioned out of carved wood and the traditional furnishings give a wonderful cosiness. Each boat has its own houseboy to attend to your every need. Meals are taken on board in the dining room. The Shikaras are about 15 ft long with a canopy for shade. The seats and backrest are heavily cushioned, you can relax and stretch out in “Moghul style” for your boat journeys. There are 2 boatmen to paddle in traditional style through the backwaters. They wear traditional dress, a “Phiron” or loose cap and always take their hubble-bubble pipe along and keep a constant supply of embers in their Kangris or portable heater. Shikaras are the most charming water taxis. Day 3 Srinagar-(BLD) Morning visit Shalimar Gardens created as the “Gardens of Love” by the Mughul Emperor Jehangir for his beautiful wife. See the flowing water gardens and Chinar trees, famous symbols of Mughul design. Day 4 Srinagar-(BLD) Set off on a water safari by Shikara along the Jhelum River, through the town of Srinagar, passing under the famed seven bridges and into the backwaters, with the backdrop on the Pir Panjal mountains. Picnic lunch at Shadipore before returning back to Srinagar by Cars/ mini coach. Day 5 Srinagar -(BLD) Visit the early morning vegetable market by Shikara, see the flower boats, watch the local people bargaining for vegetables and return to the houseboat for breakfast. Late morning visit the old town of Srinagar by car to see the Temples and Mosques. Then wander in the bazaar and soak up the local atmosphere. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the ambiance of the area. Day 6 To Gulmarg (BLD) Today drive to Gulmarg (8,500ft) in the foothills of the Pir Panjal range of the Himalaya and stay for 3 nights at the Highland Park Hotel, where a view of the Nanga Parbat can be seen on a fine day. (26,629ft). It’s the Ninth highest mountain in the world. Gulmarg is a wonderful place to take a walk, a pony ride, get out the paints or play golf on one of the highest golf courses in the world. A stop will be made at the village of Kanihama where you will meet the master crafsmen of weaving of Kani Shawls. Kani Shawls have been mentioned in Ain-e-Akbari written during the time of Akbar Gulmarg is at an altitude of 8,500 ft and 51km west of Srinagar. It rests in a small valley with a backdrop of the lofty Pir Panjal range of the Himalaya mountains. As the area is under snow for 6 months of the year it is popular as a skiing area. It also has one of the best natural golf courses in the world. Pony trekking is available, as are plenty of walks for bird watchers in the meadows of alpine flowers. The Highland Park Hotel is on the western side. There are magnificent views of Nanga Parbat, ranked 9th highest mountain in the world. Day 7 Gulmarg -(BLD) After breakfast enjoy a gondola ride to Kongdoori a beautiful meadow in between Gulmarg and Aparwath at an altitude of 10050 from sea level on the Pir Panjal Range. Day 8 Gulmarg -(BLD) Today there will be time to enjoy the delights of nature, take a guided walk in the alpine meadows with a picnic lunch to experience the beauty of unspoilt nature at it’s best. Day 9 To Delhi -(B) After breakfast drive to Srinagar Airport to board flight to Delhi. Transfer to Le Meridien Hotel, Delhi for 2 nights. Day 10 Day return Agra -(BLD) Day at leisure in Delhi. For Agra excursion an early start to catch the express train to Agra. Breakfast is served on board. Morning sightseeing will include the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and a marble inlay workshop. Lunch will be taken in a hotel with time to relax. After experiencing the Taj Mahal at sunset board the return train to Delhi, dinner is served on board. Overnight stay at Le Meridian Hotel. Day 11 To London Late morning departure on Jet Airways flight to London. Tailor-made extension tours available on request.
The Cost: Per Person sharing twin or double room accommodation £1995.00 Single Room supplement £300.00 Agra Excursion £98.00 Premier Class flight Supplements available on request. If you wish to travel from any other country outside UK please contact us and we will give you a land only cost for the holiday.
Cost Includes: International Airfare in economy class on Jet Airways. All departure taxes from UK & India. Internal flights in economy class. Accommodation as specified in the itinerary. All meals whilst on the Houseboat and in Gulmarg. Daily breakfast in Delhi. All transport & sightseeing as specified. Services of Joan Pollock as trip director and services of an English-speaking guide. Full Atoll bonding. Visa fees and travel insurance are not included.
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During her extensive travel as a tour manager over a period of more than 25 years, Joan has studied the people, life and culture, of the countries to which she has been welcomed. In the early 1980s she escorted some of the first tours into China and the Soviet Union, and is now acknowledged as a leading expert on India. She has made friends with whole tribes and communities in many parts of the world. She is also an enthusiastic travel photographer, with her own website.
