This itinerary is for the traveller who wishes to spent the maximum time possible amount of time in Kashmir, but who has a limited holiday period. Minimum time is spend in the lowlands.

In Srinagar the accommodation is in luxury houseboats on the tranquil Nagin lake - with time to explore the city's mosques, temples, bustling bazaars and handicraft centres (with their beautiful hand woven carpets, wood carvings and papier mache goods.) Staying on one of these luxury houseboats is one of life’s most unforgettable experiences, with water-powered peddlers selling everything from saffron to papier-mache to the houseboat door. The houseboats are rich with hand-carved furniture and Kashmiri carpets, and three meals are served daily from a menu of western, Kashmiri and Indian cuisine. Its luxury living with the world's tallest mountains rising up at the back door. 

The included excursions take in Gulmarg, with the highest golf course in the world; and Pahalgam, a delightful mountain resort, before we head east to Ladakh.  Here you will take time to explore this fascinating city and acquaint yourself with the Tibetan way of life, visiting the outlying monasteries of Hemis and Thiksey to see the saffron-robed monks and their treasures. We return to Srinagar by road - a spectacular mountain route along one of the world's highest roads. 

In Delhi the city sightseeing tours will take in the beauty of Old and New Delhi with time to shop in the colourful bazaars, before we head off to Agra to see India's most famous monument, the magnificent Taj Mahal.  The experience will leave you with memories for a life time.

ITINERARY

DAY 01  DELHI  On arrival in Delhi, you are met by our guide and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 02  DELHI  After breakfast at the hotel, we head out by car for a comprehensive tour of Delhi.  We visit the beautiful Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.  From here we go to the imposing Mughal Red Fort and Ghandi Samadi (the hallowed cremation ground of Ghandi), before taking a walk through the labyrinth of frenetic streets that make up Chandni Chowk, the vivid, colourful bazaar abuzz with the life and soul of Old Delhi.
In the evening there is time for shopping before viewing a spectacular light and sound show at the Red Fort.  We return to the hotel for dinner and rest.
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DAY 03  DELHI - SRINAGAR  We transfer to the airport for the short morning flight to Srinagar.  On arrival, we transfer to your luxury houseboat accommodation on the stunning Nagin lake.

DAY 04  SRINAGAR  Sightseeing in and around Srinagar takes in the beautiful Hazratbal mosque, where the famous relic of the repository of a single hair of the prophet Mohammed is found, and exhibited on certain days of the year.  We explore the old city and visit the beautiful Mughal gardens, a legacy of the Mughals' great love for Kashmir. 
                                                           
DAY 05  SRINAGAR - LEH  We board our short flight to Leh, and settle into your hotel on arrival.

DAY 06 - 07  LEH  Two days are spent sightseeing in and around Leh, the capital of Ladakh, which is nestled in a valley just north of the Indus. We visit some of the Buddhist gompas here, including the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, built in 1430, which contains a fabulous three-storey-high image of the Buddha, as well as many ancient manuscripts and frescoes.  Above lies the ruined fort, from which spectacular views of Leh, blooming amidst a fluttering of brightly coloured prayer flags, can be enjoyed.  Several nearby villages with fascinating Buddhist history lie within easy walking distance, whilst within Leh a vibrant culture of colourful bazaar shops and stalls thrives. 

DAY 08  LEH - SRINAGAR  We transfer to the airport for our flight back to Srinagar.  On arrival, you relax on your houseboat.

DAY 09  SRINAGAR  The day is at leisure in Srinagar, to rest after the trek or to explore the city and shop for famous Kashmiri handicrafts.  A marvellously lazy day can be spent lounging on a Shikara boat, exploring the narrow waterways of the lake.

DAY 10  GULMARG  We take a day trip to Gulmarg, one of the most stunning hill resorts in teh country.  The journey itself is fantastic - a rich collage of shadowy poplar avenues giving way to rice fields dotted with tiny villages, that in turn give way to fir-covered hillsides with mountains soaring overhead.  In summer, Gulmarg is a paradise for golfing (the highest green course in the world is found here at an altitude of 2650m), fishing, walking and horse-riding.  In the winter, it becomes a fantastic playground for winter sports, especially skiing. 

DAY 11  PAHALGAM  Day trip to Pahalgam by car.  Situated 2130m up at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River, Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, deliciously cool even in the height of summer, and a wonderful day is spent exploring the natural pine forests and enjoying nature's splendor. 

DAY 12  SRINAGAR - DELHI  We transfer to the airport for your flight back to Delhi.  On arrival you settle into your hotel and are at leisure for the remainder of the day.

DAY 13  AGRA  We drive the 200 kms to Agra, home of India's most famous monument, the magnificent Taj Mahal.  We spend several hours exploring this sacred sight and learning its history, before heading back in the car to Delhi in the evening.

DAY 14  DELHI  The tree-lined boulevards of New Delhi seem startlingly spacious, having explored Old Delhi earlier in the tour.  We stop for lunch in Connaught Place, which houses many famous restaurants with a good choice of different cuisine. After lunch we start our tour of New Delhi at the enchanting Laxmi Narayan Temple, and take a drive past The Presidents House to India Gate. We spend time enjoying the peace and tranquillity of Humayan's Tomb, and marvelling at the Bhai Temple (a perfect lotus-shaped temple) and Qutab Minar.  The evening is spent at your leisure.

DAY 15  DELHI  We transfer to the airport or station for your onward journey.  Tour ends.

TOUR INCLUSIONS
Accommodation on a room-only basis except whilst in Srinagar. Full board on houseboat in Srinagar is included in the tour price.

All transfers by car including pick-ups and drop-offs at airport or station.

All economy class flights as specified:  Delhi - Srinagar; Srinagar - Leh; Leh - Srinagar; Srinagar - Delhi.

All sightseeing tours as specified. 

Tour Cost
Per Person on Twin Sharing :  -  USD $ 1228