Srinagar-Sonmarg-Doodhpathri-Pahalgam-Drop

After arrival in Srinagar, meet and greet our representative at the airport. Proceed for a comfortable transfer to your hotel or houseboat for check-in and refreshment. Srinagar is approximately 12 km from the airport to the city center, and it takes around 30 minutes to reach by road.

 

Sightseeing in Srinagar:

• Dal Lake – Enjoy a scenic Shikara ride (approx. 1 hour) gliding through floating gardens, vibrant markets, and the serene backdrop of the Zabarwan Mountains.
• Mughal Gardens – Visit Nishat Bagh (“Garden of Bliss”) and Shalimar Bagh (“Abode of Love”), known for their Mughal architecture, terraced lawns, and fountains.
• Chashme Shahi – A beautiful garden built around a natural spring believed to have medicinal properties.
• Shankaracharya Temple – Located atop a hill, offering panoramic views of Dal Lake and the entire Srinagar valley.
• Pari Mahal – Also called the Palace of Fairies, ideal for photography and sunset views.
• Local Handicraft Emporiums – Explore Kashmiri carpets, papier-mâché, Pashmina shawls, and wooden carvings.

 

After sightseeing, enjoy an evening Shikara ride on Dal Lake at sunset, witnessing the golden reflections on the water — one of Srinagar’s most iconic experiences. Return to your hotel or houseboat for dinner and overnight stay in Srinagar.

After breakfast at your hotel/houseboat in Srinagar, proceed for a full-day excursion to Sonamarg, famously known as the “Meadow of Gold.” The distance between Srinagar and Sonamarg is approximately 100 km, and the drive takes around 2 ½ hours one way through beautiful countryside, Sindh Valley, and pine forests along the Sindh River.

 

Sonamarg Sightseeings:

• Thajiwas Glacier: The most famous attraction of Sonamarg, located about 3 km from the main market. It is reachable only by pony ride or local union cab. Pony Ride Cost: ₹800 – ₹1,500 per person (round trip, negotiable - Cost vary quite a lot, so the figure suggested may not work during your visit.). Local Cab Cost: ₹1,500 – ₹2,000 per cab.
• Zero Point (Baltal): Located near the Zojila Pass at 11,500 ft, offering snow even in summer months.
• Access: Local union cab from Sonamarg taxi stand. Approx. Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹7,000 per cab (round trip).
• Baltal Valley: Base point for the Amarnath Yatra; scenic stop en route to Zero Point.
• Sindh River Viewpoint: Perfect spot for photography or light refreshment breaks.

 

Local Taxi Union Rule:
Taxi vehicles from Srinagar cannot go beyond Sonamarg main parking. For visiting Thajiwas Glacier, Zero Point, or Baltal, travellers must hire a local Sonamarg union cab available near the taxi stand.

Satiate yourself with liplicious breakfast and pack your bags for more fun and more exciting day. Leave for the famous and exotic places of Kashmir; Doodhpathri. Doodhpathri at an altitude of 8, 957 ft above sea level is an alpine valley covered with snow clad mountains and the meadows of Pine Fir and Deodar. Enjoy the lunch at JKTDC restaurant. Mesmerised with the beauty return back to Srinagar for a delicious dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel or houseboat in Srinagar. The distance between Srinagar and Pahalgam is approximately 90 km, taking about 3 hours by road, through saffron fields, apple orchards, and scenic countryside.

 

En Route Sightseeing:

• Awantipora Ruins: Ancient 9th-century Hindu temple ruins built by King Awantivarman along the Jhelum River.
• Pampore Saffron Fields: Kashmir’s famous saffron-growing belt (blooming season: October–November).
• Apple Orchards & Walnut Farms: Enjoy a brief stop to taste or purchase local produce.

 

Upon arrival in Pahalgam—the Valley of Shepherds—check in to your hotel and relax amid the pine-clad mountains and the Lidder River’s soothing sound.

Pahalgam Sightseeings:

• Betaab Valley: A lush green valley surrounded by snow peaks, named after the Bollywood film Betaab. (Entry ₹100–₹150 per person)
• Aru Valley: A tranquil meadow about 12 km from town, ideal for photography, horseback rides, and picnics.
• Chandanwari: Starting point of the Amarnath Yatra and a scenic snow point (accessible seasonally).
• Baisaran Valley (Mini Switzerland): A breathtaking hilltop meadow offering panoramic views of the Lidder Valley and snow ranges.
• Lidder River Point: Serene riverbank spot perfect for light adventure activities like rafting (seasonal).

 

Local Taxi Union Rule:
Private vehicles from Srinagar are not allowed to operate local sightseeing within Pahalgam.
Travelers must hire local union cabs from the Pahalgam taxi stand for Aru, Betaab, and Chandanwari circuits.

• Exact Taxi Union Rates are already displayed on the board of the Taxi Union Stand based on the number of places and vehicle we need.
• Bisaran Valley: Only reachable by pony ride or trek (approx. 5 km uphill). Pony Ride Cost vary ₹1200 – ₹5,000 per person (round trip; negotiable based on season and route).

Note: Sightseeing and pony rides in Pahalgam are subject to weather and time availability.

After breakfast at your hotel in Pahalgam, complete any remaining local sightseeing before heading back to Srinagar. The distance between Pahalgam and Srinagar is approximately 90 km, taking around 3 hours by road through scenic valleys, saffron fields, and lush pine forests.