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Sonamarg - Srinagar Break(6 Nights)

Srinagar, Sonamarg, Srinagar

for Off-Beat Traveller, Honeymooner, Getaway Seeker

Holiday Overview

Hot Air Balooning in Srinagar
Hazratbal Mosque
Locals moving around in the Nasim Lake
Floating Garden
Views of Hari Parbat
Nishat Garden
Chashma Shani Garden
Houseboats by the Boulevard
Nagin Lake Views
Floating Market
Nasim Lake Views
Views from Shankracharya Hill
Manasbal Lake (Photo Courtesy: Mehrajmir13)
Thajiwas Glacier
Horse Riding in Sonamarg (Nivalink Trip Dated - 20 April 2013)
Stunning views around Sonamarg
Sledding Guides
Sledding in Sonamarg
Tea Shop enroute Thajiwas Glacier
River views enroute Sonamarg
Picture Perfect Kullan Village

This is a short break itinerary that allows guests a glimpse into Srinagar (renowned for Lakes, Houseboats) and Sonamarg (renowned for stunning close range Himalayan views).

Route

Sonamarg(3) - Srinagar(3)

Summarised Itinerary
  • Day-1 Srinagar Arrival. Transfer to Sonamarg.
  • Day-2 Excursions / Walks / treks around Sonamarg
  • Day-3 Nature Walks
  • Day-4 Sonamarg - Srinagar enroute visit Avantipur ruins.
  • Day-5 Sightseeing in Srinagar
  • Day-6 Gulmarg day excursion
  • Day-7 Departure
Sightseeing Summary

Sonamarg - Thajwas Glacier (5.00 kms), Naranag Temple (50.00 kms)

Srinagar - Hari Parbat (4.00 kms), Shikara ride in Dal Lake (5.00 kms), Jama Masjid Srinagar (5.00 kms), Shankaracharya Temple (10.00 kms), Chashma Shahi (10.00 kms), Nishat Bagh (14.00 kms), Shalimar Gardens (16.00 kms), Kheer Bhawani Temple (22.00 kms), Avantipur temple ruins (29.00 kms), Manasbal Lake (30.00 kms), Naranag Temple (35.00 kms), Gondola Ride in Gulmarg (50.00 kms)

Preferred Arrival /Departure Destination
Arrival - Srinagar Departure - Srinagar
Best Season to Travel
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Popular Extensions to the Itinerary

Additional day in Srinagar would enable guests to explore Srinagar and areas around at a more leisurely pace.

Distances
  • Srinagar to Sonamarg -85 kms (3 hrs)
  • Sonamarg to Srinagar -85 kms (3 hrs)
Route

Srinagar - Sonamarg(3) - Srinagar(3)

Detailed Itinerary

Day-1 Srinagar Arrival. Transfer to Sonamarg.  Srinagar Arrival. Transfer to Sonamarg (85 kms - 3 hours). Guests interested in activities may take a 12 kms detour enroute from Ganderbal towards Manasbal lake for watersports. A visit to Khir-Bhawani temple and Naranag temples enroute around Ganderbal is possible.

Day-2 Excursions / Walks / treks around Sonamarg Possible walks around the area / day trekking to one of the high altitude lake or enjoy stunning snow peak views around the area. Thajwas Glacier visit is also recommended.

Day-3 Nature Walks Spend the day at leisure in the camp or take nature walks around the area.

Day-4 Sonamarg - Srinagar enroute visit Avantipur ruins. Transfer to Srinagar (85 kms - 3 hours). Visit Dal Lake and enjoy the Shikara ride in the evening. Time permitting visit local markets.

Day-5 Sightseeing in Srinagar Day sightseeing in Srinagar visiting Mughal Gardens (Chesmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar), Jama Masjid, Shankaracharya Temple, Hari Parbat etc.

Day-6 Gulmarg day excursion Full day excursion to Gulmarg (50 kms - 1.5 hrs one-way). Go for famous Gondola Ride (Cable Car. Online booking in advance is recommended), Asia's highest and longest cable car. Its a two-stage ropeway. The first stage transfers from Gulmarg to Kongdoori Station. The second stage takes skiers to a height of 3,747 m (12,293 ft). The timing of the gondola is 10 AM to 5 PM (It's highly dependent upon the weather at both stages).

Day-7 Departure Depart for the onward journey.

Detailed Sightseeing

Sonamarg :

  • Thajwas Glacier - Thajiwas is a major attraction during the summer months where guests can enjoy snow experience. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier.

  • Naranag Temple - The Naranag temple is a set of 8th century Lord Shiva temples and attraction for the tourists. The site consists of a cluster of temples facing each other at a distance of about 200 meters. The area is noted for its scenic meadows, lakes and mountains, it is a base camp for trekking to the Mount Haramukh (16,870 ft asl) and Gangabal Lake.

Srinagar :

  • Hari Parbat - Hari Parbat or Koh e Maran is a hill overlooking Srinagar. It is the site of a Durrani fort (1808) and home to Shakti Temple and Muslim shrines of Khwaja Makhdoom Sahib and Akhund Mullah Shah. There is also a Gurudwara, which commemorates the visit of Guru Hargobind.

  • Shikara ride in Dal Lake - Shikaras are narrow boats to ferry guests from Houseboats to the banks of the lake. Its also the vehicle to ferry supplies. Shikara rides in Dal Lake has been one of the romantic experiences even since Kashmir has been visited by tourists. Shikara ride offers guests a leisurely lakeside experience. Vastness of the lake being such that guests can spend a couple of hours moving around the area into different corners of the lake. Some areas around Boulevard around are very busy and where Shikaras literally jostle for space. Whereas ones a bit away from Boulevard especially around Nagin is quiet and serene.

  • Jama Masjid Srinagar - Jamia Masjid is a mosque in Srinagar in the middle of the old city built in 1400 AD. The mosque has Indo-Saracenic architecture, a large courtyard and 370 wooden pillars.

  • Shankaracharya Temple - An ancient temple dating back to 250BC where the philosopher Shankaracharya is believed to have stayed here when he visited Kashmir ten centuries ago to revive Sanatan Dharma

  • Chashma Shahi - Chasma Shahi, originally designed in 1632 are a set of Mughal Gardens situated at 10 kms from town centre (5 kms from Boulevard) in Srinagar, overlooking Dal lake.

  • Nishat Bagh - Nishat Bagh are a set of Mughal gardens at 14 kms and is characterised by terraced lawns, cascading fountains, paint-box-bright flowerbeds with the panorama of the Dal Lake and Pir Panjal mountain range in front of them. Nishat was designed in 1633 AD by Asaf Khan, brother of Nur Jehan.

  • Shalimar Gardens - Shalimar Gardens are a set of Mughal Gardens at 16 kms from Srinagar and are popularly visited by tourists. Shalimar Gardens (or Shalimar Bagh as its popularly known locally) were built by Mughal Emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur Jehan. The Gardens are characterised by terraced lawns, cascading fountains, paint-box-bright flowerbeds with the panorama of the Dal in front of them.

  • Kheer Bhawani Temple - Kheer Bhawani Temple is a Devi temple at 22 kms from Srinagar and is considered sacred to Hindus of Kashmir.

  • Avantipur temple ruins - Avantipur temple ruins lie South East of Srinagar and ruins of a 9th century temple are the attraction for visitors

  • Manasbal Lake - The Manasbal lake is located at 30 kms from Srinagar. Road to Wular Lake, the largest lake in Kashmir, passes through this lake. The Mughal garden, called the Garoka, built by Nur Jahan overlooks the lake. The lake is a good place for birdwatching as it is one of the largest natural stamping grounds of Aquatic birds in Kashmir. The rootstocks of lotus plant which grows extensively in the lake are harvested and marketed, and also eaten by the local people. Other Tourist attraction in the lake area are the Manasbal Temple, the ruins of a terraced Mughal garden and sculptured stones of some Buddhist shrines on the banks of the lake.

  • Naranag Temple - The Naranag temple is a set of 8th century Lord Shiva temples and attraction for the tourists. The site consists of a cluster of temples facing each other at a distance of about 200 meters. The area is noted for its scenic meadows, lakes and mountains, it is a base camp for trekking to the Mount Haramukh (16,870 ft asl) and Gangabal Lake.

  • Gondola Ride in Gulmarg - Gondola ride in Gulmarg is perhaps the most awesome when it comes to views. The ride is split in two stages and both require diff tickets. Tickets can be sourced online. Both stages are a must do. The Gondola ride is subject to weather.

Destination Overview

Sonamarg - Sonamarg (85 km from Srinagar) is the last major town before Ladakh and has one of the closest and best Himalayan views found at any destination in India.

Srinagar - Srinagar is the summer capital city of Kashmir. Srinagar is a city famous for its lake experience. Houseboats, Shikaras and Mughal gardens, Handicraft shops all combine to give a unique holiday experience.

Access
Prefered Arrival : No ImageSrinagar
Prefered Departure : No ImageSrinagarNo ImageUdhampur(231kms), Katra(280kms), Jammu(300kms)
Distances
  • Srinagar to Sonamarg -85 kms (3 hrs)
  • Sonamarg to Srinagar -85 kms (3 hrs)

Ready Cost estimate for this itinerary is not available.

However Nivalink would be able to readily offer a cost estimate or customise the itinerary as per specific requirements.

All Nivalink packages offer a Quality Assurance for superior recommendations and hassle free travel experience.

Call 022-6150 6363 to speak to our travel planner or email jk-19@nivalink.co.in to connect with our travel planner for details on the itinerary: Sonamarg - Srinagar Break.

Email to expert@nivalink.co.in to connect with sector expert for specific ideas and recommendations.

Travel Ideas incorporated in the itinerary

Lines indicate the best available driving routes.
Arrows indicate connectivity other than Road (e.g. Waterways or Air).
Please click on the markers for more detailed Information.

Distances
  • Srinagar to Sonamarg -85 kms (3 hrs)
  • Sonamarg to Srinagar -85 kms (3 hrs)

Expert Speak

This short break is excellent for guests looking to explore best elements of Kashmir natural beauty i.e. Close range Himalayan views of Sonamarg (and Gulmarg) and lakeside character of Srinagar.

Expert Connect

Nivalink has taken over 300 trips across India and select destinations overseas over last 10 years to verify hotels, evaluate destinations and understand its suitability with different profiles of customers across different seasons.

At Nivalink you are able to connect directly with experts who have travelled to these destinations and are able to offer novel ideas, honest perspectives and help you narrow down choices.

Email to expert@nivalink.co.in to connect with sector expert for specific ideas and recommendations.

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