Kashmir Gentle Walking

Srinagar (1,600m)- summer capital of Kashmir. Welcome upon arrival at Srinagar airport by our team and drive past the crocus fields and fruit orchards to the shores of the Dal Lake where we stay 2 nights in the eco luxury houseboat Sukoon. Be welcomed by your smiling hosts at the Houseboat Sukoon - a slice of paradise on a Himalayan lake.
Lunch on board, on the upper deck at Sukoon.
In the evening, enjoy a gentle shikara (Kashmiri canoe) ride through wetlands in the heart of the lake to see people farming on the manmade islands cultivating flowers and vegetables.
Sukoon enjoys an incomparable position moored on the shores of Dal Lake with glorious views across Dal Lake to snow covered peaks of Pir Panjal, old fort and hilltop temple.
Dinner served at Sukoon.

Inhale the morning air as you tuck into a hearty breakfast on the sundeck of Sukoon, aptly named Fizaa (ambience). This morning is a fascinating walk through the by-lanes of the old city with our most informative local guide, observing the markets, heritage buildings and day to day life, as well as having an understanding of Sufism that reflects the Kashmiri way of life.
The walk begins at Zaina Kadal (bridge). Across the bridge is a living breathing museum of Islamic architecture, where as far as the eye can see are located homes, more than a century old. Tramp through the old quarters of Srinagar city into narrow streets, past structures and buildings, relics from an earlier period, trying to retain their dignity in the fast changing world so alien to them. Perambulating through the narrow lanes and by lanes you come out at the grand mosque of Jami Masjid and later at the Shah Hamadan mosque. One of the most important mosques Jami Masjid is an impressive wooden structure, notable for the more than 300 soaring pillars supporting the roof; each made of a single deodar tree trunk. The main gate is to the south and the outer cloisters surround a spacious, green and peaceful inner courtyard. Shah Hamdan Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Srinagar. The wooden mosque stands right beside the Jhelum River and is noted for the papier-mâché work on its walls and ceilings. No nails or screws were used in the construction of this all-wooden mosque. Originally built in 1395 it has been destroyed by fire in 1479 and again in 1731.
The last stop today on our itinerary is the Zaina Kadal Market to soak up the atmosphere so typical of a local market like the bazaar of Ali Baba. After a traditional Kashmiri lunch in a local restaurant, drive up to the Shankaracharya temple. The car will take you to the foot of the flight of stairs, leading to the temple point and no further. The rest of way you have to climb but the effort is rewarding because the bird eye views of the valley from the temple precincts are truly breathtaking around sunset. After visiting the temple you take shikara crossing back to Sukoon and it delights!
Dinner served at Sukoon.

After breakfast transfer in open top 4 wheel drive Mahindra Thar jeep, climbing through apple orchids and hairpin beds then off road to reach Qayaam Gah, set on a secluded ridge of the Vale of Kashmir high above the calm waters of Dal Lake with a backdrop of the rugged Zabarwan Hills - for a 2-night stay. Overnight at Qayaam Gah, set on a secluded ridge high above the calm waters of Dal Lake with a backdrop of the rugged Zabarwan Hills, Qayaam Gah Retreat is a place to slow down and tune out of the modern world immersed in peace and tranquility with superlative views of the majestic beauty of the Vale of Kashmir.
Dinner at the hotel.

Wake in the peaceful hillside surroundings of Qayaam Gah, then after a healthy mountain breakfast set off to explore the forests, grasslands and rural villages of the Dachihgam National park and Dara mountains side with a picnic trout lunch on banks of a mountain stream. Drive back to Qayaam Gah for High Tea on Qalb offer great views of the Lake and surrounding mountains.
Dinner at the hotel.

Morning after very early breakfast at Qayyam Gaah, a long drive about 12 hrs over Zoji La pass (3,530 m) to Leh, the capital of the ancient Buddhist Kingdom and transfer to Heritage Stok Palace. Lunch on the way in local restaurant.

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