Known for its snow-capped mountains, immaculate valleys, and lively culture, Jammu & Kashmir is India’s northernmost territory. Offering well-known locations like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Vaishno Devi, it is a haven for nature lovers, fusing spiritual and cultural diversity with scenic splendor.
Overview
India’s northernmost state, Jammu & Kashmir, is well-known for its verdant valleys, snow-capped mountains, and lively culture. It features famous locations like Srinagar, Gulmarg, combining spiritual and cultural depth with natural beauty, making it a haven for nature lovers.
Highlights
- Destinations Covered: Srinagar – Gulmarg – Srinagar – Sonamarg – Kargil – Leh – Indus Valley – Nubra Valley – Pangong via Shyok River
Itinerary
On arrival at the Srinagar Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative who will assist and escort you to your waiting vehicle. From the airport it is a 35 minutes’ drive through the heart of New Srinagar city. The drive takes you past the Abdullah Bridge which connects the banks of the Jhelum River, snaking its way towards the North-Western frontier of Kashmir. Arrive and check in houseboat welcome traditional Kashmiri Kahwa will be served first, and proceed you for Srinagar Local Sightseeing to visit the famous Mughal gardens and its bagh`s like Nishat Bagh built by Nor Jahan `s brother, Asif khan in 1633 A.D Cheshma Shahi and Pari Mahal-built by Shah Jahan in
1632 A.D and Shalimar Bagh built by Jahangir for his wife empress Noor Jahan & visit to Shankarya Charya temple known as Jyeswathra, occupies the top of the hills about (1000 ft) above surrounding the Takht-e- Suleiman plains of the east of Srinagar. All these gardens are situated near the bank of Dal Lake near the zabarwan hills in the background and also visit a world-famous carpet weaving factory known for its export handicraft products, Return back to houseboat. Dinner will be served overnight at Srinagar.
After breakfast in the morning, we will begin our countryside day trip towards Gulmarg. The drive past colorful villages and rice fields, gives you an insight of the rich cultural past of Kashmir. We arrive at a small picturesque market town of Tangmarg and drive
ahead on a scenic drive of 14 kilometers to Gulmarg. , we will arrive and board the Gondola cable car system and enjoy the cable car ride. The Gondola cable car system, and ascend towards the Affarwat Mountain range. The 08 minutes of ropeway will take you past colorful shepherd hutments to the lower ridge of the Afar watt peak. From here you can click lots of photos of the nearby mountain ranges that stand tall like sentinels guarding the rich natural beauty of Kashmir valley. We descend back to Gulmarg base after an hour or so and later do some horse-riding to the strawberry valley Gulmarg – Gondola ride will be given to the snow Peak, enjoy a cable car up to Alpather via Kang Doori by Asia’s longest run cable car ride (approx. 5 kms). Altitude wise, it is the
World’s highest run cable car conquering almost 14000 feet. After an insightful day (On your Own). Evening Shikara will be providing for you & overnight in Srinagar.
This morning, I started for Kargil which is about 205 kilometers from Srinagar. En-route, stop at the valley of meadows Sonmarg for lunch and then cross the Zojila pass which is located 3900 meter above the sea level. After driving for some time, reach the Drass Village which is said to be the 2nd coldest place on earth after Siberia in Russia. By the evening, you will reach Kargil town; upon reaching there, check in at the hotel/deluxe camp for overnight stay.
Post breakfast, embark on a drive to Leh which is 230 kilometers from Kargil town. En-route visit the ancient rock cut statue of Maitreya Buddha at Mulbekh village. Later, I stopped for photos of lunar-like landscapes near Lamayuru Monastery. On the way, enjoy a mouth-tempting lunch and photo stop at the sangam of Indus and Zanskar rivers. By the evening, arrive at Leh and check in at the hotel in Leh.
Leh Excursion to Monasteries (50 Kms / 02 Hrs – One Way) Post Breakfast we proceed for Indus Valley Monastery Starting with Hemis Gompa, the largest monastic foundation of Drukpa Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism, Thiksey Monastery an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village, Shey Palace, The ancient capital of Ladakh, 3 Idiots Rancho School & Sindhu Ghat. After visiting the above places, we drive back to Leh. Evening at leisure to explore the city on your own. Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel.
Early morning drive to Nubra Valley via Khardungla Pass which is situated around 18360 ft above the sea level. It is the highest motorable pass in the world. By the afternoon reach Nubra Valley; upon reaching Nubra Valley check in at hotel/camp. After for some leisure, set out to visit white Sand Dunes, Double humped Camels, Diskit Monastery and also visit the 100 ft tall Maitreya Buddha statue. Overnight at
hotel/camp.
After Breakfast visit Deskit Monastery (Big Buddha), where you can have a magnificent view of Nubra Valley and drive to for Pangong Lake 14,500 ft, through Shayok River, Arrival at Camp, later free time at Leisure and enjoy the color changing lake and the sun set on the banks of lake. O/N Pangong Lake.
This would possibly be the last day of our Amazing Ladakh Tour with Pangong. Start your day fresh by witnessing the scenic Pangong Lake getting illuminated by the early morning rays of the sun. Post breakfast, drive back to Leh. On reaching Leh, explore the local market and check in to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Early morning transfers to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee airport for onward journey.
Cost Includes
- Pick up and drop from the airport/railway/bus station.
- Accommodation on double/twin sharing basis.
- All breakfast included at hotels.
- All transfers and sightseeing by private vehicle.
- Driver’s bata, toll, parking, road tax, fuel charges All applicable taxes.
Cost Excludes
- Service Tax – 5% GST Extra.
- Any train, bus, or air price any more meals not listed in the package's contents.
- Any other destination not mentioned in itinerary.
- Any personal costs like phone, minibar, room service, laundry, etc.
- Any fees for services or activities not covered by the included.
- Additional fees during high season, long weekends, or festival periods.
Ideal time to visit is from March to October. The summer months (March to June) are perfect for sightseeing, while winter (November to February) offers snowfall and skiing opportunities, especially in Gulmarg.
By Air: Srinagar (for Kashmir Valley) and Jammu have airports with regular flights from major Indian cities.
By Train: Jammu has a well-connected railway station.
By Road: J&K is well-connected via highways, though road conditions may vary depending on the weather, especially in winter.
While the region has experienced political tensions in the past, many areas are safe for tourists. It is advisable to check travel advisories and stay updated on the local situation before planning a trip.
The region is known for Wazwan (a traditional Kashmiri feast), Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Dum Aloo, and Kahwa (a traditional green tea).
Skiing in Gulmarg, trekking in places like Sonamarg and Pahalgam, rafting in rivers like Lidder, and exploring the cold desert of Ladakh.
