Srinagar, the enchanting city of Kashmir, has plenty to offer visitors from all over the world due to its sheer natural beauty, especially its scintillating Dal Lake. A shikara ride on the bewitching Dal Lake, luxurious houseboats, attractive gardens, majestic snow-capped mountains, ancient temples and superb handicrafts are some of Srinagar’s top attractions.
The next destination on your Kashmir offbeat tour itinerary for 8 Nights 9 Days is Gurez. This fabulous and serene valley is really the best bet when it comes to an offbeat destination. Ideally located at 2,400 meters above sea level, this valley is hemmed in by snow-capped mountains. It is blessed with stunning rivers, arresting lakes, and thick forest which is home to a range of interesting flora and fauna including the Himalayan brown bear and the endangered snow leopard. Gurex Valley has a distinctive aura that offers a unique travel experience.
DAY 01: Arriva At Srinagar
Arrive at the Srinagar airport/railway station where you will receive a warm welcome from our representativeHe will then drive you to the hotel in Srinagar
Check in at the hotel and relax for a while
After that, you can go out for a leisurely walk on Boulevard Road which offers majestic views of Zabarwan Mountain Ranges
Now it’s time to enjoy an hour-long Shikara Ride on Dal Lake
After the ride, you can go shopping in Srinagar to take back home some amazing souvenirs such as pashmina shawls, embroidered sari, saffron, walnut wood items, etc
Post that, come back to the houseboat for a memorable stay
Stay overnight at the hotel
DAY 02: Srinagar Local Sightseeing
Post breakfast, today we will take you for sightseeing in SrinagarFirst, we will head for the famous Mughal garden Shalimar Bagh boasting amazing architecture, lovely flowers, fountains and a serene ambiance to relax and just enjoy the beauty
This garden was built in 1619 by the Mughal emperor
Next on the itinerary is the Chashme Shahi, another magnificent garden winning hearts with its arresting terrace garden, pools of water, walkways, and a variety of plants
Later in the early evening, you can again explore the markets of Srinagar or just take a leisurely walk around
Remaining day at leisure
Stay overnight at the hotel
DAY 03: Srinagar To Pahalgaam Excursion
Enjoy your breakfast, then we will drive you to PahalgamOn the way to this wonderful destination, treat yourself with a visit to saffron fields donned with purple saffron flowers offering a sight to behold
You can also visit the Avantipura cricket bat factory to buy some sturdy and good quality cricket bats, available in various shapes and sizes
On your Pahalgam tour, we will take you to the mesmerizing Betaab Valley where many Bollywood movies have been shot because of its scenic beauty
You can take some pictures of yours in Bollywood style adding to some fun
A horse ride across the valley is something you should not miss out on
Then we head for the Sheshnag Lake where you can spend some quality time amidst lovely surroundings and tranquillity
Post this, we will drive back to Srinagar
Stay overnight at the hotel in Srinagar
DAY 04: Srinagar To Soanamarg Excursion
Post scrumptious breakfast, we will take you on a day excursion to the enchanting Sonmarg-a paradise beyond your imaginationKnown as the ‘meadow of gold’, Sonmarg offers gorgeous green landscapes, sky-touching mountains, awe-inspiring glaciers, stunning streams, and lakes
The drive to Sonmarg is truly mesmerizing
This valley’s main attraction is Thajiwas Glacier which remains enveloped in snow throughout the year and tourists come here from all over the world
For some more adventure, one can indulge in snow activities in Sonmarg such as skiing, ice skating, sledging, horse riding, trekking, angling, white water rafting, etc
As the day draws to a close, we will drive back to the hotel in Srinagar
Enjoy a night’s stay at the hotel
DAY 05: Srinagar To Gurez
Post breakfast, we will head for the Gurez Valley which is one of the most enchanting places in Kashmir, a perfect offbeat destination for a unique experienceYour journey from Srinagar to Gurez brings you to a high-altitude (3,300 m) Pass called Razdan Pass, offering breathtaking natural beauty
You can take a break here to enjoy the scenic beauty
Upon reaching Gurez, check into the hotel and unwind for a while
Then we will head for the bewitching Tulail Valley which is still less explored by travellers
This valley in Gurez is all about captivating surroundings, bluish lakes, snow-capped mountains and gushing rivers offering unparalleled travel experience
Tulail Valley is also known as ‘Little Ladakh’ and is inhabited by the Dardic tribe
Overnight stay in the hotel in Gurez
DAY 06: Gurez Local SIghtseeing
Post breakfast, set out to explore one of the most amazing offbeat attractions of Kashmir that you will visit on your Gurez tour- the Habba Khatoon PeakIt derived its name from 16th-century Kashmiri poetess Habba Khatoon
It is a pyramid-shaped peak which is a dominant attraction of Gurez Valley
This fascinating peak is the perfect place to capture amazing sunset and sunrise views
There is a small stream of underground water emerging from the peak and flows down into the Kishanganga River
This stream is believed to have medicinal properties
Next, you will visit the beautiful and roaring Kishanganga River that flows through the Gurez Valley and finally merges into the Jhelum River near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir
Lined with pebbles on its banks, the Kishanganga River is an ideal place for rafting
You can also enjoy camping near the river as there are several camping spots there
The dam on this river offers arresting views of sunset
DAY 07: Gurez To Srinagar
After breakfast, we will head for Srinagar by carUpon reaching Srinagar our representative will escort you to the houseboat
Check into the houseboat and relax for a while
A stay in a houseboat in Srinagar is an exciting and wonderful experience that connects you to the culture of the place
Enjoy an Indian lunch and the remaining day at leisure, explore the markets or just stroll around
Stay overnight at the houseboat for an amazing experience
DAY 08: Srinagar Local Sightseeing
Post breakfast, we will straight head for the famous and ancient Shankaracharya Temple dedicated to Lord ShivaIt derived its name from the revered Hindu saint Adi Shankaracharya who attained enlightenment at this place
Located at an elevation of 1100 feet above sea level, it also offers an amazing view of the city
Next, we will visit the beautiful Nishat Bagh
It is a perfectly laid-out garden with fascinating views of the mountains in the background
This Mughal garden is located on the banks of pristine Dal Lake and is also known as the ‘Garden of Bliss’, for it serves bliss to its visitors in plenty
It offers beautiful terraces, fruit & chinar trees, and colourful flowerbeds
Take a leisurely walk or just sit and soak in the natural beauty
Next is the visit to the Nigeen Lake, a wonderful deep blue water lake with delightful surroundings
Take a shikara ride here and treat your senses with its beauty
It is known as ‘The Jewel in the Ring’
Stay overnight in a hotel in Srinagar
DAY 09: Departure Srinagar
Today ends your Kashmir offbeat tourOur representative will drive you to Srinagar airport or railway station
Have a safe journey back home!