After breakfast drive towards Gulmarg.Gulmarg is (8700 ft i.e. 2652 meters,the resort was named Gulmarg“meadow of flowers”by Sultan Yusuf Shah of the Chak Dynasty who frequented visit the place with his queen HabbaKhatoon in the 16th century. Wild flowers of 21 different varieties were collected by the Mughal emperor Jahangir for his gardens in Gulmarg.Gulmarg also discovered by the Kashmiri romantic poet in the 16th century who was inspired with its grassy slopes covered with wild flowers. It is one of the India’s premier Hill resorts. Gulmarg today is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty – It also turns into India’s premier Ski resort in winter. The Gondola (Cable Car) offers rides to the upland meadows of Kongdori and beyond to the top of Apharwat range to a height of 14000 feet for viewing the Himalayan Peaks in summer and for downhill skiing in winter. In Gulmarg to explore the natural surroundings, Here are some interesting things to do by own cost when you are in Gulmarg: Gondola (Cable Car):Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest in the world reaching 3,979 metres. The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from Gulmarg to a shoulder of nearby Mt. Apharwat Summit (4,200 m (13,780 ft)). The first stage transfers from Gulmarg at 2,600 m (8,530 ft) to Kongdoori at 3,080 m. The second stage which has 36 cabins and 18 towers, takes passengers to a height of 3,950 m (12,959 ft) on the Apharwat Peak (4,200 m (13,780 ft)). A chair lift system connects Kongdoori with Mary’s shoulder for taking skiers to higher altitude.
St Mary’s Church: The Roman Catholic St Mary's Church is located in the valley of Shepherds in Gulmarg. It was built in 1902, during the period of British rule, and was constructed in a British style. Made of grey brick with a green roof and decorated wooden interior walls, it has been described as a "Victorian architectural wonder" In 1920 the church saw the wedding of the brother of Bruce Bairnsfather; Miss Eleanor Hardy Tipping married Capt. T. D. Bairnsfather, with newspapers describing the church as "very prettily decorated" and with the service conducted by Rev Canon Buckwell in the presence of both organ and a full choir.
Snow Sking& Snow Sledge and much more places to visit and evening back to Srinagar overnight stay at hotel.
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After breakfast drive towards Pahalgam via Awantipora Ruins & Saffron fields. Pahalgam (2133 mts) also known as ‘The valley of Shepherds or Trekker’s Paradise. Pahalgam is the most famous place for Indian Film Industry. Pahalgam offers breath-taking views. One can just enjoy the town of Pahalgam trek to some of the most beautiful places on earth. One can trek to Lidderwater.Pahalgam is also the entry point for the famous Amarnath Cave, a holy site for Hindus.In evening move back to Srinagar for an overnight stay.
Here are some interesting things to do by own cost when you are in Pahalgam : In local taxi you can visit;
Visit Betaab Valley:Betaab Valley is 15 km from Pahalgam town and is one of the most beautiful valleys around Pahalgam. The valley is famed as a setting for a popular Bollywood film, Betaab.
Visit Aru Village: Aru village is around 12 km from Pahalgam. Taxis are available from Pahalgam on shared basis. It is a beautiful village, visited by far lesser tourists and is more peaceful than Pahalgam. Some scenes from the film ‘JaabTak Hai Jaan,’ were shot here. The ride from Pahalgam to Aru has some of the most picturesque view points. Pony rides are organised on the gentle slopes at Aru. Spend one night in Pahalgam.
Visit Betaab Valley:Betaab Valley is 15 km from Pahalgam town and is one of the most beautiful valleys around Pahalgam. The valley is famed as a setting for a popular Bollywood film, Betaab.
Visit Aru Village: Aru village is around 12 km from Pahalgam. Taxis are available from Pahalgam on shared basis. It is a beautiful village, visited by far lesser tourists and is more peaceful than Pahalgam. Some scenes from the film ‘JaabTak Hai Jaan,’ were shot here. The ride from Pahalgam to Aru has some of the most picturesque view points. Pony rides are organised on the gentle slopes at Aru.
By ponies/horses you can visit Baisaran: Baisaran is a large, grassy meadow with small rolling hills and fantastic views of the mountain peaks that surround it. The wide, mud track that leads up to it from Pahalgam village is beautifully shaded on one side by Deodhar trees, with lovely valley views on the other.
Dabiyan: Dabiyan is a small settlement of Gujjar tribes consisting of low-roofed mud huts enclosed within a wooden fence. Gujjars are a nomadic tribe which moves up to the mountains in the summer months to graze their cattle in the nearby meadows. Just before winter hits they move back down to the plains, on foot, cattle in tow
Gauri Shankar Temple: This temple is one of the oldest temples in Pahalgam. The AmarnathYatra also begins here. The temple is small but much revered by the Hindus.
Visit the Zoo: Around 1 km from Pahalgam town, wildlife lovers can see different species of deer, leopard and bear at the zoo.
Visit club Park: Club Park is one of the oldest parks in Pahalgam. It is crowded, specifically on weekends. The garden blends perfectly with its surrounding hills and river running nearby and looks more like a naturally created garden.
Trout fishing at Lidder River: If you want to indulge in some fishing, there is no better place than Pahalgam. As much fun as it is, it doesn’t come cheap. Fishing permits are issued only in Srinagar by the Fisheries Department. If you are a first timer you can hire the service of a shikara (offered by fishermen in this case) but it can be quite expensive. Pahalgam is thus also known as a ‘anglers paradise.
Rafting at Lidder River: River rafting is one popular sport here. Some people just come here to indulge in the sport. The white frothing water makes it more enticing.
Jamia Masjid Mosque: The green roof mosque just near the main bazaar (market) with its beautiful design is a major attraction. The location of the mosque also adds another dimension to its aura.back to hotel overnight stay in Pahalgam.
