8th - 18th June 2012
9 Nights - 11 Days ~ From £1,980
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 home via Delhi.
London • Delhi • Srinagar • Gulmarg • Delhi • Agra • London
Joan Pollock
 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.
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. Part proceeds of this tour will be paid to support Spiti charity projects.
The Itinerary:
Day 1 London-Delhi
Depart Heathrow on Jet Airways direct flight to Delhi..
Day 2 Srinagar
Arrive Delhi. Transfer to the domestic terminal for flight to Srinagar. On arrival transfer to the houseboats on Dal Lake for five nights. Enjoy the timeless beauty of Dal Lake. Evening boat ride on Dal Lake. (LD).
Day 3 Srinagar
Morning Shikara Cruise. Afternoon visit the Shalima rGardens created as the “Gardens of Love” by the Mughul Emperor Jehangir for his beautiful wife. Afternoon at leisure. (BLD).
Day 4 Srinagar
Breakfast at Cheshma Gardens. Visit the Old town of Srinagar to see the Temples & Mosques. Then wander in the bazaar and soak up the local atmosphere. (BLD).
Day 5 Srinagar
Set off by car to Manasbal Lake for a water safari. Picnic lunch at a Moghul Garden. Later visit a silk growing workshop and local village. (BLD).
Day 6 Srinagar
Early monring vist to the vegetable market by Shikara, see the flower boats and local people bargaining for vegetables. Return to the houseboat for breakfast. Afternoon at leisure. (BLD).
Day 7 Gulmarg
Drive to Gulmarg (8,500ft) in the foothills of the Pir Panjal range of the Himalaya. Stay 3 nights at the Highlands Park Hotel, where you can see spectacular views of the Nanga Parbat - the Ninth highest mountain the world. Visit the village of Kanihama and meet the master craftsmen weaving Kani Shawls. Kani Shawls have been mentioned in Ain-e-Akbari written during the time of Mughal King Akbar. (BLD).
Day 8 Gulmarg
After breakfast enjoy a cable car ride up the mountain to see the fascinating scenery of Himalayan mountain range and Nanga Parabat. (BLD).
Day 9 Gulmarg
Take a guided walk in the alpine meadows with a picnic lunch to experience the beauty of unspoilt nature at it’s best. (BLD).
Day 10 To Delhi
After breakfast drive to Srinagar Airport to board flight to Delhi. Transfer to Le Meridien Hotel, Delhi for 1 night. (B).
Day 11 To London or Optional extension to Agra
Late morning departure on Jet Airways direct flight to London.
Optional Extension Agra*
The excursion has an early start to catch the express train to Agra. Morning sight seeing will include Agra Fort and the Tomb of Itmad-du-daula. Lunch is included and will be taken in a hotel with time to relax.
Late afternoon sightseeing of the Taj Mahal towards sunset. Later board the return train to Delhi, dinner is served on board. Overnight stay at LeMeridien Hotel, Delhi. (B)*
Clients taking the Agra extension will fly back to London on Day 12.
The Cost:
Per Person sharing twin or double room accommodation £1,980.00
Single Room supplement £295.00
Agra Excursion - inclusive of meals £235.00
(Minimum 2 Pax travelling together)
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.
* £25 will be paid to support Spiti projects.
Cost Includes:
• International flights with Jet Airways in economy class.
• Internal flights in economy class.
• Accommodation in a double/twin sharing room with en-suite facilities.
• All meals whilst on the Houseboat and in Gulmarg. Daily breakfast in Delhi.
• English speaking guide during sightseeing.
• Transfers as per the itinerary by air-conditioned coach.
• Services of Joan Pollock as trip director.
• Full ATOL Bonding.
Cost does not include:
• Visa Fee for India (£40.00 per person. We can assist in securing India visa at a handling fee of £25.00).
• Any expenses of a personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, beverages, gratuities etc.
• Camera fees at monuments or other places of interest.
For Bookings and Enquiries: please call 020 8901 7320 or E-mail:
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