The Vale of Kashmir

The Vale of Kashmir

10 days from £2320 per person

Boy in a small wooden boat punting across a lake in Kashmir with mountain backdrop

The enchanting Kashmir valley is the perfect summer retreat. Soft mountain air, pine forest, serene lakes and spectacular Himalayan mountain scenery offer a direct contrast to the sapping heat of the north Indian plains. Dividing the visit into two parts, this itinerary begins with three nights aboard a traditional Nagin Lake houseboat before concluding with three further nights on dry land closer to the city of Srinagar. Ample time will be spent experiencing the lakes and visits will also be made to some of the fabulous Mughal gardens. The best time to visit Kashmir is from April to early October.

Route: Delhi – Nagin Lake – Srinagar – Delhi

Itinerary Highlights

Delhi, the political heart of India, is a city of two halves. Explore the bustling markets and atmospheric lanes of Old Delhi then head to New Delhi which was designed by Lutyens in the 1930s.

Serene blue lakes, well-tended gardens and comfortable houseboats are the attractions of Srinagar, all complemented by a magnificent backdrop of high snow-capped mountain peaks.

Visit the stunning Mughal gardens of Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh as well as the vibrant floating fruit and vegetable markets on Dal Lake – the quintessential Kashmiri experience.

Itinerary: The Vale of Kashmir

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today depart the UK on the Virgin Atlantic flight to Delhi. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Delhi

Delhi is India's capital and a city of two halves. Old Delhi – the heart of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries – is an historic district of grand mosques, majestic forts and crumbling monuments. In contrast New Delhi, with its large government buildings, wide tree-lined avenues and pretty white-washed bungalows was purpose-built in the 1930s by the British as a colonial capital and remains the epicentre of Indian political power. (N)
Accommodation in Delhi: Claridges Hotel
Upgrade option: Imperial Hotel

Day 3 Delhi to Srinagar – by air / Srinagar to Nagin Lake

This morning transfer to Delhi Airport and fly to Srinagar. On arrival in Srinagar travel to the shores of Nagin Lake and board a premium Houseboat which will be your base for the next three nights. The houseboats are comfortable, with traditional Kashmiri furnishings and a spacious veranda with wonderful views of the lake and snow-capped mountains. There is no better way to experience the enchanting beauty of Kashmir than on a houseboat. In the afternoon cruise in a shikara through the floating gardens that link Nagin Lake to Dal Lake. (B/D)
Accommodation: Houseboat

Day 4 Nagin Lake

This morning visit some of the beautifully maintained Mughal gardens for which the area is famous for. Visit Nishat Bagh, known as the Garden of Gladness, and the pretty Shalimar Bagh. Later that afternoon drive north of Srinagar to the Jhelum Valley and explore scenic Manasbal Lake. Spend the rest of the day at leisure where you can watch life go by on Nagin Lake. (B/L/D)
Accommodation: Houseboat

Day 5 Nagin Lake

Rise early today and before sunrise leave the houseboat and travel by shikara to the colourful floating vegetable market that takes place each morning. Experience the hustle and bustle of traditional life. Return to the houseboat and enjoy the reminder of the day at leisure on the lake. (B/L/D)
Accommodation: Houseboat

Day 6 Nagin Lake to Srinagar

After breakfast transfer by car to Srinagar. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glistening lakes, Srinagar’s Himalayan setting is both dramatic and beautiful. In the old city, the unique Kashmiri wooden architecture still remains, and you will find an abundance of temples, mosques and markets. Srinagar is also home to some of the finest ornamental gardens in the wider subcontinent. After you have checked into your hotel, take a guided tour of Srinagar. Starting at the northern edge of the old city to visit the Sufi shrine of Makhdoom Sahib which is located close to the Hari Parbat Fort. There are great views over Nagin Lake from this vibrant place of worship. Later return to the heart of the historic quarter and visit the unique Jama Masjid, the city’s largest mosque, the Shah Hamadan Mosque and Budshah Tomb. You will also have the opportunity to experience the colourful bazaars. (B)

Accommodation in Srinagar: Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Vivanta by Taj – Dal View Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 Srinagar

Today you will take a shikara down the River Jhelum cruising under the seven bridges of Srinagar to Chatabal. During your excursion, stop along the river to visit some colourful Hindu temples and interesting mosques. In the afternoon visit the 14th Century Ali Masjid Mosque at Eidgah and travel to Shankaracheria Hill for a spectacular sunset view of Dal Lake on one side and the River Jhelum together with the city of Srinagar on the other. (B)

Accommodation in Srinagar: Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Vivanta by Taj – Dal View Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Srinagar to Delhi – by air

This morning leave the hotel and transfer back to Srinagar Airport in good time to catch the flight to Delhi where you will stay for two nights. (B)
Accommodation in Delhi: Claridges Hotel
Upgrade option: Imperial Hotel

Day 9 Delhi

After breakfast commence on a guided tour of Old Delhi exploring the intriguing forts, mosques and bazaars and learning of its history. Begin your tour at the famous Chandni Chowk market before discovering the beautiful Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Rajghat. In the afternoon continue to New Delhi which was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens it was built as a British colonial capital in the 1930s. (B)
Accommodation in Delhi: Claridges Hotel
Upgrade option: Imperial Hotel

Day 10 Delhi to the UK

Today transfer back to Delhi Airport to catch the Virgin Atlantic flight non-stop to the UK. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Domestic flights
Private car with English speaking driver
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.