Duration : 08 Nights/ 09 Days
Destination Covered :Jammu - Katra - Patnitop - Pahalgam - Gulmarg - Srinagar - Matta Kheerbhawani - Sonmarg
Arrive at Jammu station / Airport. Jammu is the on rail connection to reach Jammu & Kashmir where maximum trains come most from all major parts of India. After arrive transfer to Katra the main town for Mata Vaisnov Devi Darshans. Jammu is the gateway to Kashmir valley and strategically located on river Tawi and on the foot hills of Pir Panjal ranges. Jammu is popularly known as city of temples and the winter capital of J&K . After arrival at Katra check into hotel. Later start your trek for the Darshans at the Bhawan. After Darshans stay over night at hotel.
After a late breakfast leave for Patnitop which is on the national highway to Kashmir and halfway to Srinagar summer capital of J&K state. Patnitop nestled amidst Seojdhar & Peer Panchal ranges. Lavish meadows & mighty mountains welcome you if you leave the beaten track and stray in to forested nooks & corners quietly, gently and patiently. You will discover that Patnitop, which is seen and left unseen. Stay overnight.
The places of interest in Patnitop is a visit to Natha top, Nag temple etc. This morning after breakfast if time permits visit the Nathatop and later drive to Phalgam. One of the most panoramic meadows of Kashmir blessed with the enchanting Lidder River crossing through the meadow. It is a 3 hours spectacular drive from Srinagar to Pahalgam crossing though the Saffron fields at Pampore. Pampore is the only place blessed with the cultivation of Saffron in whole India. Also famous for the romantic episode of most popular king Baadshah & Habakhatoon a local farmers daughter. Further, ahead are Avantipura ruins the former capital of Kashmir under king Avantipuram. It is a beautiful drive through villages & farm land and will pass along the river Jehlum at certain points till you reach Martand natural springs. The crystal clear water of these springs has medicinal properties and home to only Sun temple on the top of hill in the valley. Stay overnight.
Today full day at Pahalgam to relax and rejuvenate your body, mind & soul. Visit the Pahalgam club for some recreations or simply relax on the banks of Lidder Valley famous for its glacier cold water. Stay overnight.
After breakfast drive to Gulmarg the Meadow of Flowers. One of the most silent vallies in Kashmir. Very popular for its snow fall in the winter and a popular skiing destination. It is a smooth drive till Tangmarg 15 km short of Gulmarg when the Zig Zag route starts through the forest of pine trees. One of the most spectacular and pollution free drives. Gulmarg has one of the finest high altitude Golf courses of the world. Gulmarg is incomplete without a horse ride and newly introduced Gandola lift which takes you 5 km to Kong Dori & Affarvat hills Stay overnight.
Today leave for Srinagar the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir state on the banks of river Jehlum. Lakes and gardens are the charm of Srinagar city with the back drop of Hariparbat , Shankaracharya hill & Zabarvan ranges. On arrival transfer to hotel. Later in the afternoon enjoy a Shikara ride (A boat well decorated to the mood) on Dallake. Stay overnight.
After breakfast drive to Tulumula a nearby place to Srinagar city to visit one of the famous and sacred Hindu shrine of Mata Kheerbhawani. The most sacred and auspicious Durga temple. It is said on the instructions of Lord Rama the Goddess traveled from Lanka to this lagoon like place. As she was carrying snakes with her she found this place most suitable as surrounded by nearby lakes and marshy lands. Later drive back to Srinagar. Afternoon free for shopping and independent activities. Stay overnight.
After breakfast proceed to Sonmarg via Kangan famous for trout fish. Sonmarg the meadow of Gold is one of the finest locations on the banks of river Sindh with the back drop of Zojila hill. It is an important gateway to Shree Amarnath Ji Yatra & Kargil via world second largest place Drass. Sonmarg is famous for its glaciers and river Sindh. Did you know the art of navigation was born in the river Sindh 5000 years ago? The very word navigation is derived from the Sanskrit word NAVGATIH. Stay overnight.
After breakfast visit the famous Mughal gardens which are along the semi circular road along the Dallake with a spectacular view of the lake and Zabarvan hills at the back drop. These gardens are developed by Mughal emperor Jahangir when they fall in love with the valley and said "If there is heaven on earth. It is here, it is here, it is here "and later transfer to Airport for your flight back home.