Celestial Kashmir

Upon your arrival in Srinagar, a GoIndia representative will meet and greet you, and transfer you by a chauffeur-driven car to a Deluxe Houseboat on Dal Lake for a two-night stay. As you settle in, enjoy a hot cup of Kahwa, a saffron-infused drink that sets the perfect mood for your honeymoon. Begin your experience with a traditional Kashmiri welcome ceremony, accompanied by local music and dance. Afterward, indulge in a relaxing spa treatment on the houseboat, featuring Kashmiri herbs. For dinner, enjoy a luxurious candlelit meal with local delicacies on the houseboat. You will also take part in a flower arrangement workshop using local flowers. In the evening, enjoy a shikara ride on Dal Lake, taking in the local flora and fauna, and try your hand at fishing, guided by a local expert. You’ll return to your houseboat for the night.

After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Pari Mahal, Shalimar Bagh, and Nishat Bagh, where you will participate in a guided photography session focusing on the gardens’ architectural beauty and floral diversity. For lunch, enjoy a traditional Wazwan feast, and learn about this unique Kashmiri culinary tradition. Later, engage in a hands-on artisan workshop making traditional paper-mâché crafts, followed by a Kashmiri cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional dishes. Visit a local handloom factory to see the intricate process of shawl weaving. In the afternoon, visit Polo View Market for shopping and participate in a handmade paper-making workshop. In the evening, immerse yourself in a Kashmiri music and dance performance at a local venue. End the day with a relaxing night at your houseboat accommodation.

Today, enjoy a full-day excursion to Sonmarg, also known as the “Meadow of Gold.” You can opt for a guided nature trek through the meadows, followed by a picnic lunch by the Sindh River. A pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier is also available, where you can enjoy snow activities like snowball fights or making snowmen. Visit a local trout fishing site, where you’ll learn fishing techniques from local fishermen. Additionally, enjoy workshops on local handicrafts, such as willow basket making. In the evening, drive back to Srinagar and check-in to your hotel for an overnight stay.

This is a leisure day to explore Srinagar at your own pace. Start with a wellness session that includes a traditional Kashmiri spa experience with local herbal treatments. Visit a local artisan’s workshop to learn about traditional crafts such as shawl weaving and papier-mâché. Participate in a yoga class on the houseboat, offering serene views of Dal Lake. You can also engage in a mini boat race with locals on Dal Lake, and explore the Kashmiri handicraft market, learning about the craft-making processes. In the evening, take a peaceful stroll along Boulevard Road and enjoy the sunset over the lake. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay..

Depart early for Kargil, making a stop at Drass, the second coldest inhabited place on Earth, to visit the Kargil War Memorial and pay homage to the soldiers. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch along the route, and interact with the locals at the markets to learn about their culture. Visit Mulbekh Monastery, home to a unique statue of Maitreya Buddha carved into a rock. Continue the drive to Kargil, where you will check in and spend the night at your hotel.

Depart for Leh today, enjoying the stunning landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, participate in a traditional Ladakhi tea ceremony and then explore the local market for unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Visit the Hall of Fame Museum to honor the Indian army’s valor and attend a local craft fair (if available) to see artisans showcasing their skills. Afterward, take some leisure time to acclimatize. In the evening, enjoy an interactive talk with a local historian about Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage. Stay overnight at your hotel in Leh.

Embark on a full-day excursion to the Indus Valley Monasteries: Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis. At Hemis Gompa, attend a Buddhist prayer session and learn about local spiritual practices. Participate in a monastic workshop, focusing on Tibetan Buddhist art forms, and visit a local nunnery to understand the lives and practices of Buddhist nuns. You can also engage in a community service project at a nearby village, giving back to the local community. Take a photography tour focusing on the monasteries’ intricate architecture. Return to your hotel in the evening for an overnight stay in Leh.

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Pangong Tso, the stunning high-altitude lake. Participate in a photography workshop to capture the lake’s captivating colors and reflections. You’ll also have a cultural exchange with local nomadic families, learning about their lifestyle and traditions, and sample traditional snacks from local vendors around the lake. If you opt for an overnight stay at Pangong Tso, enjoy a stargazing session in the evening. You can also try your hand at local fishing with traditional nets on the lake’s shores. In the evening, return to Leh for an overnight stay.

Suggested Extension: The Little Tibet – Ladakh

Before leaving Srinagar, enjoy a private breakfast at a floating café on Dal Lake, surrounded by lotus gardens. As you drive toward Kargil, stop at the Zoji La Pass for a photography tour, capturing stunning shots of the Himalayas with tips from a local guide. Arrive in Kargil and enjoy a starlit dinner on your hotel’s rooftop, offering sweeping views of the rugged mountains under the night sky.

Embark on an exhilarating rafting adventure on the Indus River, navigating through scenic gorges and passing ancient monasteries along the way. Stop at Alchi Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a meditation session with monks, and learn about the spiritual significance of its murals and architecture. In the evening, enjoy a rooftop dinner in Leh, accompanied by live traditional Ladakhi music, with views of the Leh Palace.

Begin the day with a visit to a local Amchi (Tibetan medicine) clinic, where you can learn about Tibetan healing practices based on herbs and spiritual rituals, and opt for a personalized healing consultation. Then, enjoy a private shopping experience in Leh’s bustling market, guided by a local artisan to find unique Tibetan artifacts. Later, visit a traditional Ladakhi pottery workshop and craft your own clay pots under the guidance of expert artisans, keeping your creation as a unique souvenir.

Experience an early morning meditation and prayer session with the monks at Thiksey Monastery, followed by a visit to Stok Palace, where you’ll enjoy a royal tea session in the palace gardens and hear stories from the descendants of the Ladakhi royal family. You’ll also gain exclusive access to the monastery’s library, exploring ancient Buddhist texts usually off-limits to visitors. The day ends with a visit to a Ladakhi village, where you’ll enjoy a home-cooked dinner, engage in storytelling, and learn about their unique way of life.

Travel to the Khardung-La Pass, the world’s highest motorable road at 18,380 feet, where you can take in panoramic views of the snow-covered peaks. For those seeking adventure, enjoy an optional Yak safari in Nubra Valley, experiencing dramatic landscapes and peaceful surroundings. Later, enjoy a luxury picnic at Diskit Monastery, with stunning views of the Himalayas and the Diskit Buddha, followed by an evening of leisure and shopping in Leh.

Your journey concludes with a scenic flight over the majestic Himalayas, offering breathtaking aerial views of the mountain range. Upon arrival in Delhi, enjoy a farewell royal-themed dinner at a heritage restaurant, where you’ll savor Mughal-inspired cuisine as you reflect on your incredible journey through Ladakh and Kashmir.

Fly back to your home country.