Duration:8 Nights / 9 Days
Destinations:
Srinagar - Pahalgam - Chandanwari - Sheshnag - Panchtarni - Amarnath -
Sheshnag - Pahalgam - Srinagar - Jammu
Day
1: Srinagar - Pahalgam On arrival in Srinagar met upon and then
drive to Pahalgam. A distance of about 320 kms will be covered in about 10
hrs. On arrival in Pahalgam transfer to hotel for overnight stay. Pahalgam:
A quaint little village nestled on the banks of the river Lidder; Pahalgam
is an idyllic resort, with surroundings, ideal for relaxation and leisure,
in the true spirit of a traditional hill-station holiday.
Set amidst
fir and pine covered mountains; Pahalgam is renowned for its natural beauty
and has a golf course at 2400 meters. Situated at the confluences of the
Lidder and Sheshnag streams, this place is an anglers delight and even an
amateur can catch a rainbow trout from the rushing streams.
The base for several treks in the region and the cave-shrine of Amarnath, camping
equipment, ponies and skiing equipment is readily available. Kolahoi is a popular
destination via Aru a charming
Day
2: Pahalgam - Chandanwari Leave Pahalgam (Valley of Shepherds) for
Chandanwari. Pahalgam is the best base for most of the treks.
Chandanwari (2896 Mts.) is a small shut off valley at the junction of
Sheshnag stream and the stream for Astanmarg. The distance of about 16 kms
will be covered in about 4-½ hrs. Dinner and overnight stay in tents at
Chandanwari.
Day 3: Chandanwari - Sheshnag
Chandanwari to Sheshnag is about 13 kms. (3576 Mts.) The trial
climbs the Pisu Ghati and then climbs gradually to the Sheshnag Lake.
Sheshnag is one of the windiest places in this valley. The distance will be
covered in about 5 hrs. Dinner and overnight stay in tents at Sheshnag.
Day 4: Sheshnag - Panchtarni The 13 kms
trek from Sheshnag to Panchtarani (3657 Mts.) will be covered in about 5
hrs. The walk is through Mahagunas Pass (3200 Mts.) and then a gradual walk
to Panchtarani. Dinner and overnight stay in tents at Panchtarni
Day
5: Panchtarni - Amarnath - Sheshnag Start trek early in the morning
from Panchtarani to Amarnath cave. Amarnath is only 6 kms away from
Panctarani. Have a dip in the ice cold water of Amarnath stream, which flows
outside the cave. Inside the cave there is scenery of calm tranquillity of
white and glistering three massive Lingmas stand erect symbol of Lord Shiva,
Parvathi and Ganesh. Trek back towards Sheshnag. It is a descending walk
till Sheshnag. Amarnath cave: One of the holy trinity, Shiva is a living
god.
The most ancient and sacred book of India, the Rig Veda evokes his
presence in its hymns. Vedic myths, ritual and even astronomy testify to his
existence from the dawn of time. Shiva is known to have made his home in the
Himalayas. He built no house nor shelter, not for himself or his bride. He
was an ascetic, and yet married; he could be both for "he was the wild
god sporting in the forest or taking his ease on a cloud." Legend has
it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in the Amarnathji
cave.
Unknown to them, a pair of mating pigeons eavesdropped on this
conversation and having learned the secret, are reborn again and again, and
have made the cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims report seeing the
pigeons-pair when they trek the arduous route to pay obeisance before the
ice-lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva).
Day 6:
Sheshnag - Pahalgam - Srinagar Trek down to Pahalgam via
Chandanwari. On arrival in Pahalgam drive to Srinagar. Transfer to
Houseboats. Dinner and overnight stay in HAZAR DASTAN GROUP OF Houseboats.
Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of
1,730 m above sea level, spread on both sides of the river Jhelum. The Dal
and Nagin lakes enhance its picturesque setting, while the changing play of
the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures that the city is equally
attractive to visitors around the year.
Day
7: In Srinagar Morning sightseeing of Mughal Gardens visiting
Nishat Bagh (Abode of pleasure) built by Asif Khan brother in law of
Jehangir in 1632 AD. And Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love) built by Jehangir for
his wife Empress Noor Jehan. All the gardens are situated on the bark of Dal
Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains in the background. Enroute visit
carpet-weaving factory. After lunch Shikara ride on Dal Lake visiting
floating and vegetable gardens etc. Dinner and overnight stay in Deluxe
Houseboats.
Day 8: In Srinagar In
morning a trip to visit Gulmarg and rest of time is free for shopping and
individual activities. Dinner overnight Houseboats. British discovered the
hill resort of Gulmarg in 1927 during their colonial rule in India.
Originally called 'Gaurimarg' by shepherds, its present name was given in
the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its
grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers.
Gulmarg was a favourite
haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of
flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of
exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world,
and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter.
Day 9: Srinagar - Jammu Early morning transfer to TRC/Airport to
drive back to Jammu or Srinagar flight.
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