Jammu and Kashmir is located among the Himalayan, Pir panjal and Karakoram mountain ranges. It is famously known as the “Paradise on Earth” because of its gorgeous valleys, mountains, lakes, forests and meadows. Along with its breathtaking landscape, Jammu and Kashmir. The state of Jammu and Kashmir has two capitals according to the season. While Jammu is the winter capital of the state, Srinagar is the summer capital. This contributes largely to its tourism during the major seasons.
There are a plethora of places to see and things to in Kashmir for all kinds of travelers. If you are planning a trip to Jammu and Kashmir, you must know about its places of attractions, activities offered and a few other interesting things which also form an integral part of Kashmir tourism.
The Dal Lake and the Mughal Gardens in Srinagar accentuate the Kashmir tourism. There may not be a heaven or a land of milk and honey, but there is Kashmir Valley, which attracts travelers from all over the world. Drifting shikaras on sparkling lakes on a summer evening, the vibrancy of Mughal gardens in spring, enjoying snowfall on a winter’s day, and apple picking in an autumn’s afternoon are some of the ways to put a state of ecstasy on your face.
Day 01 Arrive Delhi (By Flight)
Arrive Delhi, meet-assist at airport & transfer to hotel.
Full day city tour of Delhi.
Dinner & overnight at hotel.
Delhi- India’s capital and a major gateway to the country. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New & Old Delhi is the distinction between the capitals of the British & the Moghuls respectively.
Tourist Attractions: Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Built by Shah Jahan, Red Fort, which was also built by Shah Jehan. This massive fort was built from 1638 to 1648, Chandni Chowk and Rajghat – the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Witness the India Gate, The Presidents House & the Parliament, Qutab Minar.
Day 01 Arrive Delhi (By Flight)
Arrive Delhi, meet-assist at airport & transfer to hotel.
Full day city tour of Delhi.
Dinner & overnight at hotel.
Delhi- India’s capital and a major gateway to the country. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New & Old Delhi is the distinction between the capitals of the British & the Moghuls respectively.
Tourist Attractions: Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Built by Shah Jahan, Red Fort, which was also built by Shah Jehan. This massive fort was built from 1638 to 1648, Chandni Chowk and Rajghat – the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Witness the India Gate, The Presidents House & the Parliament, Qutab Minar.
Day 02 Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
In the morning after breakfast transfer to airport and catch the flight for Leh.
On arrival visit Leh.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel.
Take an early morning flight to reach Leh, the capital of Ladakh situated at a height of 11800 ft above sea level. As you land at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, transfer to your hotel is promptly arranged. Check into your room and spend the day taking rest and adapting to the low air pressure, which is must to settle yourself to the high altitudes of Ladakh. Late afternoon, visit Shanti stupa, a true Buddhist architectural gem. Use the evening to scout local markets.
Leh town offers a number of sightseeing options for the visitors. A historic town that served as the royal capital of the Old Kingdom, it is dominated by the nine-storey palace built by King Singge Namgyal in the grand tradition of Tibetan architecture, which is said to have inspired the famous Potala in Lhasa built about half a century later.
Day 03 Leh
In the morning after breakfast visit leh.
Dinner & Overnight in the hotel.
After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll drive to Spituk. Today we’ll cover Spituk Monastery, the famous Magnetic Hills, teh conflunce of Indus and Zanskar River near Nimoo and visit to Pather Sahib an inportant Sikh Pilgrimage Site.
Stock Palace 14kms – South east of Leh: Where the present day royal family resides. Stok Palace and museum was built in the year 1825, by King Tespal Tondup Namgyal. At present the place has a collection of royal dresses and crown etc. which is open for travelers.
Shey Palace 15kms south of Leh: Was built by Deldan Namgyal in the beginning of 17th century AD. The main image inn the monastery is three story statue of Buddha Shakamuni, made of copper gilt which was made by Deldan Namgyal in the memory of his father Singay Namgyal. The statue is the only of its kind in the region.
Thiksey Gompa 17kms south of Leh: The most beautifully in all the monasteries in Ladakh, belongs to the Gelukspa order.
Hemish Gompa 45kms south of Leh is one of the most famous and largest monasteries of Ladakh. It belongs to the Dupka order of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery was founded by the first incarnation of Stasang Raspa Nawang of Stagsang Raspa Nawang gyasto in 1630, who was invited by King Singay Namgyal and offered a religious estate throughout the region.
Day 04 Leh – Nubra Valley – Leh (By Road) (160 Kms. / 7-8 hrs. Appx.)
After breakfast leave for Nubra Valley, driving across Khardong-la alt: 18,380 ft.
After descending from the pass, drive on for sightseeing of Sumoor area and Samstaling Gompa.
Later, drive back to Leh.
Dinner and Overnight in Leh.
Nubra Valley is situated about 150 km north of Leh, the capital town of Ladakh, India. Its name is derived from Ldumra the valley of flowers. The average altitude of the valley is about 10,000 ft. above the sea level. The common way to access this valley is to travel over the Khardung La from Leh where one will first encounter the Shuok Valley. To enter the Nubra valley,
Day 05 Leh – Alchi – Lamayuru (By Road) (120 Kms. / 03 hrs. Appx.)
In the morning after breakfast drive to Lamayuru.
On arrival visit Lamayuru.
Dinner & Overnight in the hotel.
After refreshing we will take you to Monastery of Alchi and Lamayuru. After toady’s journey back to Leh for dinner and overnight stay.
Alchi Gompa 69kms West of Leh: The most famous and largest of all the gompa built by Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo in 11th century.
Lamayuru Yungdrung Gompa 125kms West of Leh is remarkably built on a rock. Lamayuru belongs to the Drigngpa order of Tibetan Buddhism.
Lamayuru: Often called moonland, Lamayuru has some beautiful mountains capes formed by a drained lake that are unique to the place. The slopes with their soft and creamy appearance were once working as walls of the enormous lake. Lamayuru’s Yung-Drung Gompa stands precariously perched a little high up the village. Visit the gompa, its prayer hall and its monastic school where children study Tibetan scriptures. Lamayuru is also the starting point for the trek to Padum over Sengge La.
Day 06 Lamayuru – Kargil (By Road) (104 Kms. / 05 hrs. Appx.)
In the morning after breakfast drive to Kargil.
On arrival visit Kargil.
Dinner & Overnight in the hotel.
Kargil at an altitude of 2,704 m, 204-km from Srinagar in the west and 234-km from Leh in the east, is the second largest urban centre of Ladakh and headquarters of the district of same name. It’s situated in a lovely valley with apricot trees growing in the intensively cultivated fields. Once A Trade Route! A quite town now, Kargil once served as important trade and transit centre in the Pan-Asian trade network.
Day 07 Kargil – Sonamarg – Srinagar (By Road) (204 Kms. / 05 hrs. Appx.)
In the morning after breakfast drive to Srinagar via visit Sonmarg.
On arrival, transfer to hotel.
Dinner & Overnight in the hotel.
Sonamarg: is situated at a height of 2740 m in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Sonamarg is a small and beautiful hill resort. Sonamarg literally means the ‘Meadow of Gold’ and is known so due to the flowers that wraps the meadow in the spring. In the earlier days, Sonamarg lies on the main trading route into central Asia. Sonamarg is the last major point in the Kashmir valley before the Zoji La pass into Ladakh. At the pass, the green and lush Kashmiri landscape changes to the barren and dry landscape of Ladakh. Sonamarg offers various places of interest to the tourists like Nilagrad, Bisansar Lake & Krishnasar Lake and Nichnai Pass.
Srinagar is famous for its lakes and the charming rows of houseboats floating on them. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. Srinagar is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region of India. It is located in the Kashmir valley. River Jhelum passes through Srinagar city. Srinagar is 876 km north of Delhi. It is rightly called the Pride of the Kashmir Valley.
Day 08 Srinagar – Gulmarg – Srinagar (By Road) (100 Kms. / 05 hrs. Appx.)
In the morning after breakfast visit Gulmarg.
Afternoon, return back from Gulmarg and visit Srinagar.
Dinner & Overnight in the hotel.
Gulmarg: “Meadow of Flowers “ was discovered in 16th century. Gulmarg is a hill station in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The town, nestled in the Himalayas, and very close to the Line of Control receives heavy snowfall in winters and is a popular ski resort. Historians describe the famous love couples, Habba Khatoum poetess of Kashmir and King Yousuf Shah Chak, and Jehangir and Noor Jehan visiting Gulmarg for enjoying life, Gulmarg is on full bloom during the Summer with flowers like bluebells and daisies. Horse riding and Buggy Ride in Gulmarg is a delightful experience.
Srinagar – Dal Lake visiting best gardens Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Pari Mahal. Srinagar tour visiting main sights and mosques.
Shalimar Gardens:- Shalimar Gardens are the piece de resistance of Srinagar’s many gardens and parks. The Mughal Emperor Jehangir for his wife laid this royal garden out four hundred years ago.
Nishat Bagh Gardens: Nishat Bagh, though smaller than Shalimar, is more intensely beautiful. Descending in tiers to the Dal’s edge, Nishat is well known for its stately chinar plane trees, imported to Kashmir from distant Persia by the Mughals. Many of the giant chinar trees have been planted by the Mughals.
Pari Mahal: Pari Mahal is as much a monument as garden. This was initially a garden built by Dara Shiko for his Sufi teacher, Mulla Shah. Once punctuated wth several springs that have since dried up, the Pari Mahal gardens are now the pride of the state. Pari Mahal is illuminated at night, and can he seen, located on the spur of a hill, from most places in Srinagar.
Day 09 Srinagar – Jammu (By Flight)
Early morning, shikara boat ride at Dal lake.
Breakfast and later transfer to the airport for flight to Jammu.
Dinner & Overnight in the hotel.
Dal Lake is a major tourist attraction in Srinagar. Located on the eastern end of the city, the Dal Lake comprises of a series of lakes, including the Nagin Lake some 8 kms from the city center. One can enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains dotting Srinagar from this lake. You can enjoy taking a ride on traditional Kashmiri boats or the Shikaras to discover the intricate network of waterways of this lake.
Jammu: The city of Jammu comprises of two distinct parts that are the Old Town that overlooks the Tawi river and the New Town. Some of the famous tourist attractions in Jammu are the Raghunath Temple, Bahu Fort, Art Gallery and Amar Mahal Museum.
Raghunath Temple The most outstanding landmark and famous tourist attraction in Jammu is the Raghunath Temple. Raghunath Temple is situated in the heart of the city and surrounded by a group of other temples. This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, and one of the largest temple complexes in the North India.
Amar Mahal Palace Museum: the Amar Singh built The Amar Mahal Museum in 1907. This museum is more like a French chateau with its sloping roofs and turrets. The Amar Mahal Palace is built on an eyrie overlooking the Tawi river. A French man designed the museum.
Day 10 Jammu – Dharamshala (By Road) (200 Kms. / 05 hrs. Appx.)
In the morning after breakfast drive to Dharamshala.
On arrival, visit Mcleod Ganj.
Later, transfer to the hotel.
Dinner & Overnight in the hotel.
Tsuglagkhang: Tsuglagkhang Dalai Lama’s Temple, is the most important Buddhist monument in Mcleod Ganj. Although a relatively modest structure, it enshrines three magnificient images, including an enormous gilt statue of Shakyamuni, statues of Avalokitesvara and Padamasambhava, or Guru Rinpoche, the Indian scholar who introduced Buddhism and Tantric teachings to Tibet in the 8th century.
Dip Tse: Dip Tse Chok Ling Gompa, this beautiful little gompa lies at the bottom of a steep track which leads off the laneway past the Om Guest House. The main prayer hall houses an image of Shakyamuni, as well as two enormous drums covered in goat skin and painted around the rim, which were made by monks at the gompa. Also here are some superb butter sculptures, which are made during Losar. Fine and detailed sand mandalas are also made here.
Library: Library of Tibetan Works & Archives, down at Gangchen Kyishong, halfway between Kotwali bazaar and Mcleod is the repository of Tibet’s rich literary heritage, containing about 40% of Tibet’s original manuscripts, as well as an excellent general reference library on the Himalayan regions and a photographic archive
Tibetan Medical & Astrological Institute: Tibetan Medical & Astrological Institute is at Gangchen Kyishong, about five minutes walk below the main entrance to the library area. There is a museum, library, research unit and a college at which Tibetan medicine and astrology is taught. The museum has a well-displayed exhibition of materials used in Tibetan medicines.
Day 11 Dharamshala
In the morning after breakfast visit Dharamshala.
Dinner & overnight in the hotel.
Dharamsala- Set against the snow-clad Dhauladhar Mountains, Dharamshala nestles on the high slopes in the upper ranges of Kangra valley. It is a picturesque town set among thick conifer forests. Dharamshala, where the celebrated Dalai Lama has settled in exile is a spectacular Tibetan township.
Blessed with marvellous landscapes, Dharamshala is a travellers paradise with lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, gushing rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower-adorned meadows, beautiful temples and striking monasteries, it feels like you have stepped back in time. Dharamsala offers sightseeing that ranges from temples, churches and monasteries to museums, ancient towns to places of natural beauty.
Triund Triund is situated above Mcleodganj, about 20 kms. from Dharamshala. Triund lies at the feet of the perpetually snow clad Dhauladhar at the height of 2975 m. The snow line starts at Ilaqa, 5 kms. from Triund. It is a popular picnic and trekking spot. Accommodation is available in the rest house of Forest Department, but water has to be fetched from a distance of about 2 kms. Ropeway is being installed from Dharamshala to this place.
Dharamkot Dharamkot is a popular viewpoint located on the the crest of the Dharamkot hill, about 11 kms. from Dharamshala. This picnic spot offers a panoramic view of the Kangra velley, Pong Dam lake and surrounding Dhauladhar peaks. One can reach Dharamkot by a simple trek from Bhagsu. The scenery from Dharamkot is simply breathtaking and here you can also meet the Gaddi folks.
Dal Lake the picturesque Dal Lake is a popular picnic spot situated amidst the hills and deodar trees. The pine forests surround this lake. The lake lies 11 kms. from Lower Dharamshala and connected by motorable road. It is also a starting point for excursion and trekking. Dal lake is located next to the Tibetan Children’s village. A colourful annual fair is also held here in the month of September every year.
St. John’s Church The St. John’s Church lies on a motorable road between McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj, 8 kms. from Lower Dharamshala. The St. John’s Church has a monument dedicated to Lord Elgin, one of the 19th century viceroys of India, who was buried here in 1863 AD. The St. John’s Church is a Gothic building with cobblestones floors and stained glass windows. There is a Christian cemetery around it where various other British soldiers were buried.
Day 12 Dharamshala – Amritsar B – D By Road 190 Kms. / 5 hrs. Appx.
In the morning after breakfast drive to Amritsar.
On arrival transfer to hotel.
Dinner & Overnight in the hotel.
Amritsar: Popularly believed to have been laid in 1574, the city of Amritsar is one of the most traveled tourist destinations in India due to the existence of several religious sites. Golden Temple: Also called Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple was laid by Guru Ram Das in the 14th century. Jalianwala Bagh: it bears testimony to the disaster called Jallianwala Bagh Massacre at the time of the rule of the British Raj. Wagah Border Literally defining the Indo-Pakistan border, Wagah is just 28 km from the main town of Amritsar.
Wagah Border: Wagah is the only road border crossing between Pakistan and India between Aritsar and Lahore cities.Wagah also termed as “Wagha” in Pakistan.The international border between India and Pakistan is located at a distance of 28 km from Amritsar. The ceremonial display of the Beating Retreat and Change of Guard makes it an extraordinary spectacle. The soldiers from both countries demonstrate great enthusiasm and spirit as nationalistic fervor rises amidst roaring applause.
Day 13 Amritsar – Delhi (By Flight)
In the morning after breakfast visit Amritsar.
After visit Amritsar transfer to airport catch the flight for Delhi.
On arrival, transfer to Delhi International airport for flight back home.
Jallianwala Bagh: In 1919, the British under the command of General Dyer fired randomly on a peaceful gathering of people in demand of freedom, resulting in hundreds of men, women and children killed on the spot. The bullet marks on the boundary walls bring alive the agonizing tale of cruelty of the British rule. This event was one of the major incidents of India’s freedom struggle. The memorial well is also present here in which some people jumped to escape the firing. The story of the massacre is told in the Martyr’s Gallery at the site.
Golden Temple: Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple, on account of its scenic beauty and golden coating for English speaking world, is named after HariGod the temple of God. The Sikhs all over the world, daily wish to pay visit to Sri Amritsar and to pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib in their Ardas. Guru Arjan Sahib, the Fifth Nanak, conceived the idea of creating a central place of worship for the Sikhs and he himself designed the architecture of Sri Harmandir Sahib.
Day 14 Depart Delhi (By Flight)
Early morning, board the flight to fly back home.
| City | Night(s) | 5* Hotels |
| Delhi | 01 | Radisson Blu |
| Leh | 03 | Grand Dragon |
| Lamayuru | 01 | Niranjana Hotel |
| Kargil | 01 | Zojila Residency |
| Srinagar | 02 | Vivanta by Taj |
| Jammu | 01 | Fortune Inn |
| Dharamshala | 02 | White Heaven Estate |
| Amritsar | 01 | Radisson Blu |
| Delhi | 01 | Radisson Blu |
– Meeting and assistance by our representative.
– Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
– 13 Nights hotel accommodation.
– Daily Breakfast and Dinners at the hotels.
– Gondola Cable Car Ride at Gulmarg to first phase.
– Air tickets in economy class for DEL – IXL, IXR – IXJ & ATQ – DEL.
– All Inner line Permit / Permits in Protected Areas in Kashmir & Ladakh Region.
– Entrance fees to monuments.
– Local English / French / German / Italian / Spanish / Chinese / Russian speaking guide.
– Covering all main / major monuments and tourist attractions in each city.
– All transfers, sightseeing, excursions as per the program by private vehicle.
– Transport, Parking, Gasoline & Toll ways.
– All taxes.
– Tips
– International Air Fare
– Visa Fees
– Travel Insurance
– Personal expenses and drinks.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.