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*Paradise on Earth* *Kashmir - Tourist Guide (5 Days - By Plane)* * Note: For a trip to Kashmir, postpaid mobile connection is mandatory. ________________________________________ *Kashmir Tourism* Jammu and Kashmir is a state in the north of India. In the 17th century, when the Mughal emperor Jahangir visited the Kashmir Valley, he declared while visiting Dal Lake, “If there is a paradise on Earth, it is here.” It is a prominent tourist destination, home to Srinagar, Gulmarg, Mughal Gardens, Pahalgam, Jammu, and Ladakh. Foreigners need permission from the Indian government to visit some areas. The official language is Urdu, while Kashmiri is widely spoken. Hindi is also commonly understood. ________________________________________ * Day 1: Chennai – Delhi – Srinagar* Arrive in Srinagar at 9 AM. Visit the three beautiful Mughal Gardens. In the evening, enjoy the world-famous Shikara boat ride on Dal Lake. Check in to the hotel and overnight stay in Srinagar. *Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner* ________________________________________ * Day 2: Srinagar – Gulmarg* • Distance: 65 km • Travel Time: 1.5 hours After breakfast, depart from Srinagar at 8 AM. On reaching Gulmarg, take the Gondola ride (at own expense) to the Apharwat Peak in two phases. From 14,000 ft, enjoy panoramic views of the snow-covered Himalayas. Return to Srinagar in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay. *Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner* ________________________________________ * Day 3: Srinagar – Pahalgam* • *Distance:* 90 km • *Travel Time:* 2.5 hours After breakfast, depart at 8 AM for Pahalgam. Optional horse rides through the lush green valleys of Baisaran, known for Bollywood film shoots. Visit Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, and Chandanwari (Union taxi at own expense). Return to Srinagar and stay overnight after dinner. *Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner* ________________________________________ * Day 4: Srinagar – Sonmarg* • *Distance:* 90 km • *Travel Time:* 2.5 hours After breakfast, check out and head to Sonmarg, a scenic hill station en route to Ladakh. Visit Zero Point (ice-covered viewpoint) and Thajiwas Glacier (trekking/horse ride optional). Return to Srinagar and stay overnight in a houseboat on Dal Lake. *Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner* ________________________________________ * Day 5: Srinagar City Tour – Delhi – Chennai/Bangalore* After breakfast, check out of the houseboat and visit Shankaracharya Temple and Dal Lake. Shop at the handicraft stores near Shalimar Gardens. After lunch, proceed to Srinagar airport for your return flight via Delhi. *Meal Plan: Breakfast* ________________________________________ *Hotel in Srinagar:* *3-Star / 4-Star Category* *Examples:* *Rose Petal / Heritage Luxury / Downtown / Similar* ________________________________________ *Inclusions:* • Luxury sightseeing vehicle (Innova) • Double-sharing luxury rooms (centralized heating property) • Houseboat stay charges • High-quality vegetarian breakfast and dinner • Tamil-speaking tour manager (only in Kashmir) ________________________________________ *Exclusions:* • Airfare to/from Srinagar (Chennai/Bangalore) – Optional • Lunch and meals not mentioned • Single occupancy supplement • Entry tickets at all locations • Local guide charges in Kashmir • Horse ride, Gondola cable car, Shikara boat, and Union taxi fares • Chain wheel jeep fare (winter only) • First day morning meal & last night meal • GST (extra)