Experience the unique amalgamation of nature’s splendor and rich history as you traverse from the heart of Delhi to the serene valleys of Srinagar, and finally to the age-old temples of Kathmandu. With breathtaking Himalayan views, captivating local experiences, and delectable culinary delights, the Kashmir-Nepal Adventure promises a tapestry of memories that will last a lifetime.
Depart Canada or the USA for a lifetime experience. Your international flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment.
Welcome to Delhi, a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling Havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings.
You will be greeted by an Explore India representative at the airport and then taken to the hotel close to the airport.
After breakfast, we are transferred to the domestic airport to board a spectacular flight overlooking the Himalayas as we fly to Kashmir, the geographical area between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal mountain range. On arrival, we are transferred to our hotel. Along the way, we will see the famous Dal Lake, named the “Jewel in the Crown” which covers an area of 18 square kilometers and is lined with stunning resorts and houseboats originally conceived of by the British during their Rule.
In the afternoon we will take a Shikara (a type of wooden boat) on Dal Lake, where we will see breathtaking Himalayan views as we explore an ancient culture that is unique anywhere in the world. The Shikara communities have lived for centuries on the Dal, so complete is their infrastructure on the lake that they never have to step on land! Doctors, tailors, and bakers – you’ll see them all in wooden shops on the lake, near veggie gardens and acres of floating land.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Full-Day Excursions: After breakfast, we will begin a two-hour drive to Sonamarg, meaning “Meadow of Gold”. This picturesque town is situated at an altitude of 2,740 meters (9,000 ft) and is surrounded by snowy mountains, breathtaking glaciers, and serene lakes. The drive itself is yet another spectacular facet of the countryside in Kashmir and includes the largest tributary of the Indus River in the valley of Kashmir. It is over sixty miles long, and the glen and deep rock-girt gorge open to a grassy meadowland with village-dotted slopes. You will also observe the lifestyle of Kashmiri people in the countryside. After our arrival, we will enjoy a pony ride to the Glacier, where the immense beauty of the majestic Himalayan Mountains will surround us. We will be back in the hotel by evening.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
After breakfast, we will take a sightseeing tour of Srinagar to visit ancient mosques, Mughal gardens, and the Old City of Srinagar with its winding alleys, bustling bazaars, and traditionally dressed locals. Later, we will visit the Shankaracharya Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the oldest temples in India and is highly revered by followers of both Hindu and Buddhist religions. It is located at 1100 ft. above the city and in the heart of Srinagar. It is believed that the temple was constructed in 371 BC and was visited by the great philosopher Shankaracharya when he stayed in Kashmir. Please note that the walk to the temple is quite steep, with about 240 steps to the top.
In the late afternoon, we can shop for some of the most exclusive and unique handicrafts for which Kashmir is famous. Kashmir boasts an unrivalled tradition of craftsmanship, and some of its specialties are finely carved woodwork of walnut and oak, Kashmiri hand-woven carpets, chain stitch embroidered rugs, antique copper, crewelwork, brilliantly coloured and painted paper-mâché, leather and fur, onyx and semi-precious stones and beautifully worked silver. Shawls are also a specialty, and you can feast your eyes on the excellent pashmina goat’s wool and intricate embroidery and the even finer shahtoosh or ‘ring’ shawl, so-called because it can pass through a ring.
We will enjoy a Kashmir Wazwan dinner hosted by a local family at a private residence to experience local culture and Kashmiri hospitality.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
This morning, after leisurely breakfast, we will leave for “The Meadow of Flowers”. On the way, we will stop at Kanihma – a little village en route – to see the dying art of Kani Shawl weaving. Then start the climb to Gulmarg through fir-covered hillsides. After lunch, we will take a breathtaking Gondola ride for a spectacular view of the lovely scenery of the Valley of Gulmarg or enjoy a walking tour to the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve.
Gulmarg is counted amongst the largest and the highest altitude 18-hole golf courses in the country. Situated on the lower ranges of Gulmarg, it has emerged as one of the most popular golfing destinations in India. (Weather permitting – you can also see the views of K2 second highest peak in the world from here)
Meals: breakfast and dinner
In the early morning, we will head back to Dal Lake which is famous for its ‘floating vegetable market’, the only one of its kind in India. This is a very old market where the purchase of vegetables takes place between 5 AM to 7 AM every day. This market is famous and very colorful thus many tourists come to watch the vendors trade their goods.
Enjoy breakfast on your return to the hotel. Later we will head to Srinagar airport for our flight to Delhi. Upon your arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board the flight for Kathmandu.
Upon arrival, we will be received by Explore India Journeys representative and transferred to the hotel for check-in. With an altitude of 1,370 meters, Kathmandu’s breathtaking views will amaze us as will the elaborate ornate palaces, temples, and squares. Nepal’s capital city is a highly captivating, exciting place to visit. We will enjoy being able to stroll through the city of Kathmandu as it is ideal for exploring by foot. As we wander through the city squares, we will come across many markets and craft shops where we can buy locally-made goods. The people of Kathmandu are known to be some of the friendliest people in Asia, and we will be captivated by their hospitality everywhere we go. Nepalese cuisine is also going to tempt our palate as we experience the tastes and flavours of the region. As we visit Durbar Square with its highly detailed wooden temples and Swayambhunath, a 2,000-year-old Buddhist stupa, we will begin to appreciate the history of this enchanting ancient city. We will also be visiting Nagarkot, which is just outside of Kathmandu and is famous for its Himalayan views- the Himalayan peaks at sunrise are a magnificent sight to behold.
In the afternoon, Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square: Kathmandu is the hub of Nepal’s traditional culture and arts. This is the place for rest, relaxation, and easy day sightseeing of historic and artistic temples and monuments, as well as mountain views. Kastamandap the source of the name Kathmandu and supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree and Durbar Square with its array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka, a name derived from the statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, near the entrance of the palace. The Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the courts of the Malla and Shah Kings, who ruled over the city. Along with these palaces, the square also surrounds quadrangles revealing courtyards and temples built back as early as the Lichchavi period in the third century.
Later, proceed to Thamel on the rickshaw via the street Market, the best way to explore Kathmandu and its little alleys with local residential areas and local markets. On arrival in Thamel, stroll through nearby markets, where we can admire the work of local Thangka paintings. Thamel also acts as the pre-base camp for mountaineers. It boasts a wide range of mountaineering gear shops, foreign money exchange booths, mobile phone shops, pubs, clubs, and nightlife, along with numerous travel agents and guest houses.
Optional mountain flight overlooking some of the highest peaks, including Mount Everest
Return to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast, after which the remainder of the morning will be free for relaxation and preparing ourselves for more discoveries in the coming days.
After breakfast, visit Boudhanath Stupa and visit Pashupatinath Temple. Boudhanath Stupa is one of the oldest and biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal and also one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. Boudhanath is an imposing structure standing some 36 meters. The Stupa stands on the massive three-level mandala-style platforms surrounded by colourful private family houses. Very much like Mecca for the Buddhists, every year, tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over the Himalayan region visit the Boudhanath Stupa.
Typical Painting school at Boudha (Thangka Painting)
Thangka is a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton, silk appliqué, usually depicting a Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala. Thangka is traditionally kept unframed and rolled up when not on display, mounted on a textile backing somewhat in the style of Chinese scroll paintings, with a further silk cover on the front. So treated, Thangka can last a long time, but because of their delicate nature, they have to be kept in dry places where moisture will not affect the quality of the silk.
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most significant Hindu temples of Shiva in the world and is located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu. The temple is one of the holiest sites for Hindus and does not allow entry to non-Hindus. They are so rigid about this rule that the most famous of India’s Prime Ministers, Mrs. Indira Gandhi was barred from entering the place because by marrying a Parsi she had automatically denounced her Hindu religion. This happened when (unlike today) Nepal was almost dependent on India for all their need of petroleum, industrial products, telecommunication, electricity production, and defence.
Nevertheless, the highlight is located outside the temple on the bank of river Bagmati – The burning pyres as well as the evening Aarti – Evening Musical Prayers with hundreds of flaming lamps.
Dinner at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, we will start our journey towards Nagarkot. On the way, take a short stopover in Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur houses some marvelous architectural wonders like 55 Windows Palace, the Golden Gate, and the magnificent five-storied pagoda-style Nyatapola Temple. Bhaktapur is one of 3 royal cities in Nepal and is considered a cultural treasure. With the best-preserved palace courtyards and old city center in Nepal, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Later transfer to Nagarkot, the highest point (2175m) It is known for a sunrise view of the Himalayas including Mt. Everest, Gauri Shanker, Dorje Lakpa, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and many more.
Dinner & overnight at a hotel in Nagarkot
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Wake up early in the morning to see the sunrise of the world-famous Himalayan peaks as painted by the sun’s rays.
After breakfast, we will head out to explore the village life with a 4- to 5-hour hike through the forested mountains to Dhulikhel. Enjoy awe-inspiring mountain views as you look out over the valleys and villages, taking in the refreshing mountain breeze.
The afternoon is at your leisure.
Evening enjoys sunset views of the world-famous Himalayas.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
After breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for your flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival, transfer to Sarangkot Mountain Resort at an elevation of 1600m (5250 ft), at Sarangkot Mountain Lodge; every luxurious room offers stunning views of the glorious Annapurna mountain range.
Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty situated at an altitude of 827m from sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu Valley, the city is known as a center of adventure. It is one of the most popular destinations in Nepal, noted for its tranquil atmosphere and the beauty of the surrounding countryside. It is also a base for trekkers undertaking the Annapurna Circuit. The enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serene lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambiance of peace and magic. In the evening, you will enjoy a free lakeside walk. Sarangkot set just above Pokhara, Sarangkot is perched high in the mountains. It is renowned for its exceptionally scenic views. Visitors flock here to experience the jaw-dropping panoramic views and watch the magnificent sunrise over the Annapurna Mountain Range, one of the largest mountain ranges in the world. The ruined fort at Kaskikot also offers spectacular views of the rugged mountainous surrounds. Don’t miss the opportunity to hike along the scenic lakeside trail from Sedi, enjoy top-notch bird-watching opportunities, and catch a glimpse of the elusive tiger or leopard inhabiting the unspoiled wilderness of Sarangkot. Other popular activities include Paragliding and ziplining—dinner at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Early sunrise view over the Himalayas from the Hotel.
After breakfast, we will visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp, Devi’s Fall, the Cave of Shiva (Ghupteshwor Mahadev), and the Mountain Museum.
Later enjoy lunch at Fishtail Lodge. Later on, a one-hour boat ride in Fewa Lake later drives to Sarangkot.
Dinner at the Hotel.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
After breakfast, fly to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu airport, we were met by a local representative and transferred to the hotel. Once at the hotel, we will be assisted with checking in.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
After breakfast. We will be transferred to Kathmandu International Airport to board our flight home.
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