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Golden Temple & Kashmir
Duration :- 12 Days Tour
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Kashmir is one of the most beautiful and popular tourist regions since the time of the great Mughals. Its probably most famous for the houseboats on Dal lake and you have not really been to Kashmir if you have not stayed in one, but there is a lot more to the Kashmir Valley than just lazing on the boat. Srinagar which is the capital of the state Jammu and Kashmir. Situated at 5,200 ft. above sea level and set amidst delightful surroundings, it is in many respects, one of the finest pleasure resorts of the world. It is also surrounded by beautiful lakes and gardens. It has been quite rightly said, " if there is a heaven on earth - it is here, it is here, it is here.

Day 01 : Delhi
On arrival at Delhi international airport, welcome and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02 : Delhi / Amritsar
Early morning transfer to railway station to board Shatabadi express train to Amritsar, dep: 0720, arr: 1300. On arrival transfer to hotel. Later sight-seeing of Amritsar Means 'lake of Nectar', and is the Holy City of the Sikhs. Amritsar is well known for its Golden Temple, the sacred shrine of the Sikhs. It is the holy city of the Sikhs, intimately linked with the colourful history of this martial race. Life is deeply influenced by the Golden Temple and the Durgiana temple. Golden temple is the spiritual nerve center of the Sikh faith. The site has been sacred to the Sikhs since the time of the 4th guru, ram Das (1574-81) In 1757 the Afghan Ahmad Shah Durrani, defeated the Sikh armies and destroyed the temple. After his departure the Sikhs under their greatest secular leader, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, restored the temple and tank. In 1830 Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated 100 kg of gold which was applied to the copper sheets on the roof and much of the exterior of the building. Also visit Jallianwala Bagh, within its high walls, General Dyer - on 13th April, 1919 fired on unarmed Indians - the most contemporary historical event of the freedom struggle of the Indians from the British rule.
Evening revisit Golden temple to witness prayers and "Palki Sahib" ceremony. Overnight in hotel.

Day 03 : Amritsar / Dharamshala
Morning after breakfast drive to Dharamshala (210 Kms / 6 hrs approx). On arrive check-in hotel. The high snow clad Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas form a magnificent backdrop to the hill resort of D Rinpoche &Dalailama

haramsala. It is full of life and yet peaceful, and not surprisingly, the headquarters of his Holiness the Dalai Lama. Covering a wide area in the form of a twin settlement, Lower Dharamsala (1380 m) is a busy commercial center, while Upper Dharamsala (1830m) with the suburbs of Mcleodganj and Forsythganj, retains a British flavour and colonial lifestyle. The charming church of St. John in the Wilderness is situated here and this the final resting place of Lord Elgin, a British Viceroy of India during the 19th century. In winter the temperature can drop to freezing point when heavy woolens are required. During summer, the climate is mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended.
Later sight-seeing of Dharamshala including His Holiness The Dalai Lama's Monastery. Overnight in hotel.

Day 04 : Dharamshala - Jammu
After breakfast leave for visit to Bhagsunath temple and SOS Tibetan refugee camp and school. Later drive to Jammu (204 kms 5 hrs approx). On arrival in Jammu check-in hotel for overnight stay.

Day 05 : Jammu / Srinagar
Early morning visit the famous Raghunath Temples. Later transfer to airport for flight to Srinagar. On arrival transfer to Dal Lake from where you will be transferred by "Shikara" (Gandola type boats) to Super Deluxe Houseboat. Afternoon free to relax on the lake. Dinner and overnight on houseboat.

Day 06 : Srinagar
Srinagar - Known as the �Venice of the East�, is situated at an average height of 5,200 feet above sea level on the banks of the river Jhelum, is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir state. It is a land of enchanting lakes, pleasure gardens, fruits and flowers and is celebrated for its peerless handicrafts, espicially embroidery, wood carving, paper mache and metal work. Visit the Jama Masjid � the largest mosque in Kashmir, Shar Hamdan Mosque � 700 years old and carved in wood, Mughal Fort and Hari Parbat are the highlights.

Morning leave for half day tour of Mughal Gardens, Nishat -"the Garden of pleasure, Shalimar - "the Abode love and Charma Shahi - "the Royal Spring". Return to houseboat for lunch. Afternoon visit the Shankracharya temple and Carpet weaving factory. Evening 1 - 2 hour Shikara ride on the Dal Lake. Dinner and overnight on houseboat.

Day 07 : Srinagar / Gulmarg (2730 M)
After early breakfast drive to Gulmarg (52 kms / 1 � hrs approx) also known as the meadow of flowers. The road from Srinagar rises gently towards the lower stopes of the Pirpanjal range passing through rice and maize fields. Gulmarg is paradise for Golfers and for winter sports.
On an clear day one can have clear view of Nanga Parbat (5th highest mountain in the world) also of Wular Lake, the largest Fresh Water Lake of Asia. Lunch at hotel. Rest of day free for independent activities. Dinner and Overnight in hotel.

Day 08 : Gulmarg / Srinagar
After breakfast leave for Srinagar. Lunch at Houseboat. Rest of the day free. Dinner and overnight at houseboat.

Day 09 : Srinagar / Pahalgam (2130)
After breakfast leave for Pahalgam (95 Kms / 2.5 hrs approx) also known as the "Valley of shepherds" en-route visit Avantipura Ruins (build in years 855 AD dedicated to Lord Vishnu), Marland Temple (build by Lalitaditya in 699 AD) dedicated to "Surya", the Sun God. On arrival check-in hotel for Lunch. Pm: Free to explore this beautiful valley. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 10 : Pahalgam / Srinagar / Delhi
After breakfast drive back to Srinagar airport in time for flight to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi Transfer to hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight in hotel.

Day 11 : Delhi / Agra
After breakfast drive to Agra. On arrival check-in hotel Later visit TAJ MAHAL, best described as 'poetry in marble' because of its beauty, grace and exquisite workmanship, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630 as a memorial to his beloved queen Mumtaj Mahal. Surely it is the greatest monument of love, and truly one of the wonders of the world. Also visit Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar, standing opposite the Taj on the banks of the Yamuna river, which contains a wealth of palaces and monuments that recall the days of Mughal splendours.

Day 12 : Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Delhi
After breakfast drive back to Delhi enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri Twenty seven miles from Agra, Akbar's Capital where phantoms of ancient pomp and splendour fill a deserted city, silent witnesses to a vanished dream. The capital had to be abandoned by the emperor for lack of adequate water supply. The marble tomb of the Saint 'Salim Chisti' and the Bulland Durwaza, the highest gateway in the world, are some of the highlights of the place.
On arrival in Delhi short sight-seeing tour of Delhi and last minute shopping. Evening transfer to international airport for flight to onward destination.