Kashmir Road Trip

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Welcome to Srinagar. As you arrive in calming Srinagar, you will see the Pir Panjal range – a part of the lesser-known Himalayas – walling up Srinagar.

Our Driver will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the Hotel. 

Freshen up, soak up vistas of the valley and get ready for a late evening walk by the Dal Lake, the concentration ground of Srinagar's economy. From inexpensive woollen clothes, shawls and jackets to upmarket showrooms, Srinagar is a destination for shopping enthusiasts. 

After exploring the nooks and corners, rest in one of the buzzing food shops overlooking well-lit houseboats, and absorb your presence in this holy land. 

After dinner, we will head back to our hotel.

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After Breakfast, we will transfer to Pahalgam, in the Anantnag district. It is at a distance of 91 km from Srinagar. Midway, you will see apples, walnuts and other dry fruits orchards. We will witness the Lidder river in full glory as soon as we reach. It originates from the Kolahoi glacier and feeds the Jhelum river. 

After we check in to the hotel, we will be out. 

The places on today's catalogue are Aru valley, Betab valley and Chandanwari. 

Aru valley is 12 km from Pahalgam. You can enjoy paragliding (self-sponsored) in Aru valley. The valley is famous for its picturesque meadows. 

Betaab valley is another valley at walking distance from Pahalgam. It got its name after the film shooting of the movie Betaab. It was originally named Hagan Valley or Hagoon. It was only after a movie named Betab was shot that it got its name as such. 

After covering these, we will go to Chandanwari. It is famous for being the starting point of the famous Hindu pilgrimage journey, Shri Amarnath Yatra. 

After this, we will head back to our hotel in Pahalgam and stay there for the night. 

Note: Cab Charges to Aru Valley, Betab Valley and Chandanwari are not inlcuded in the cost.

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After breakfast, we will get ready to visit another beautiful place: Baisaran.

Lofty mountains surround the place and the trail pass through beautiful mountains and pine trees.

We will come back to Pahalgam for a night's stay.

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After breakfast, we will start from Pahalgam to Gulmarg. It is at a distance of 140 km, and we will reach Gulmarg by afternoon. 

On the way, we will visit Drung Waterfall at Tangmarg. It is a must-visit cascading waterfall set amidst majestic mountains. It freezes entirely in winter. While winter showcases an incredible view of the waterfalls, one can spend a peaceful time near the falls in the summer. 

Gulmarg comprises two words: 'Gul', meaning ‘Flowers’, and 'Marg', meaning ‘Meadows’. After checking in to the hotel, enjoy an evening walk in the meadows of the Gulmarg. 

You can visit nearby places within walkable distance from the hotel, like Rani Temple, St Mary Church and Golf club.

After this, come back to the hotel for a night's stay.

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Reckoned among Skiers, Gulmarg also appeals to enthusiastic Gondola lovers. After breakfast, take a Gondola ride (self-sponsored). The Gondola ride is the main attraction in Gulmarg that takes you to two mountain peaks: Kongdoori and Affarwat.

As you take these rides, views from Gulmarg Gondola are truly admirable. You will even witness the magnificent Nanga Parbat if the day is clear.

The Gondola closes at around 4 pm, so wrap up the session by this time to head back home.

Later, we will pack up and head back to Srinagar.

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Altitude of Srinagar: 1,585 m
Altitude of Sonamarg: 2,730 m

Today is the day to feel the serenity of the Pir Panjal range in Sonamarg, which is also the starting point for the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. Trekkers camp here for a day for acclimatisation.

After breakfast, we will visit Sonamarg for a day trip. Sonamarg lies at a distance of 80 km and is slightly higher than Srinagar. It’s almost a 3 hours journey.

Enjoy the breathtaking views of Thajiwas Glacier. In the evening, shift to Srinagar. 

Much-awaited night stay in a deluxe houseboat is here. Come, get submerged in the royalty of this wooden boat; sleep off with the best ending to this Kashmir trip.

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After breakfast, you can set out to the airport as per flight timings.

Some things will stick to you as if they never want you to leave. Observe Jhelum; it will run along with you, like the panorama of the Kashmir valley and the glimpses of apple-loaded farms. Vibrant pashmina hanging in shops will try to deflect you towards the main town as you go. But it is a trip after all; it has to end. As much as we want you not to go, we will let you depart with hundreds of memories and views of the crown of India. 

Here, at Plan the Unplanned, we focus on two aspects of travel: exploring nature and making meaningful connections. You will start as strangers but leave with dewy eyes by the end. We would love to see you again—Check out our other itineraries and ring us soon. It would be a pleasure to see you again. Till then, take care and love life.

How to Depart from Srinagar

Srinagar is the summer capital between May and October. It is connected to different parts of India via rail, road and air. Please note that you must bear all expenses related to your travel from Srinagar to your home. 

By Air: Sheikh ul Alam Airport or Srinagar Airport, is an international airport. It is well-connected, and airlines offer regular flights from Srinagar to Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh. The airport is just 15 km away from the centre of the city.

By Rail: To depart from Srinagar by train, one must go to Jammu Tawi or Udhampur railway station. The stations are well connected with different parts of India. 

By Road: By road, you can depart from Srinagar to major cities like Delhi (876 km), Chandigarh (646 km), Leh (424 km) and Jammu (258 km). There is good bus service and cab service available.