11-Nights Secrets of Kashmir — CALL

MT Sobek

OFFER ID 1376672

India Secrets of Kashmir Cultural Discovery
Unravel the mysteries of Kashmir, recently opened to tourism, on this behind-the-scenes journey through one of India's most remote regions. Hike the pristine mountains around Srinagar, take tea with local villagers, visit Lake Dal's vibrant floating market, and tour the mythical “Seat of Solomon.” Experience the deep spirituality of the Dalai Lama's community in Dharamsala, behold the magnificent Sikh Golden Temple at Amritsar, and witness the colorful pageantry of the Wagah border ceremony. All this plus classic Tibetan, Indian, and Kashmiri meals equals the cultural exploration of a lifetime!

Dive into three unique regions — the ancient capital of Amritsar, Dharamsala's Tibetan community-in-exile, and isolated Kashmir Penetrate three unique regions
See the stunning Sikh Golden Temple and get VIP seats to the India-Pakistan Wagah border ceremony
Have tea with Kashmiri villagers, hike untouched forests, and experience Lake Dal's floating markets

Minimum Age: 13

11 nights | Call for pricing

Valid on new bookings deposited now – December 31, 2025 for travel anytime.

Other restrictions may apply. Contact your travel advisor about this Signature Exclusive Amenity.

Itinerary

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Itinerary Details

MT Sobek: Secrets of Kashmir

Day 1 Arrive in New Delhi
Welcome to India! Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in vibrant New Delhi and transfer to the luxury Taj Mahal (Taj Man Singh) Hotel.
Accommodation: Taj Mahal Hotel

Day 2 See the Sights of Historic Delhi
After our welcome breakfast, tour New Delhi today, beginning with a drive through Lutyens' Delhi, named for the British architect who was responsible for much of the building during the British Raj. Pass the Presidential Palace, the imposing 138-foot-tall India Gate, and Birla House, former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Take an afternoon walk through stunning UNESCO-listed Humayun's Tomb and Lodhi Gardens. Dinner is on your own.
Accommodation: Taj Mahal Hotel
(B, L)

Day 3 Fly to Dharamsala & Explore the Dalai Lama Temple
1.5-hour flight transfer
Fly to Dharamsala, the seat of his holiness the Dalai Lama. In the afternoon, take a serene kora (circumambulation) of the Dalai Lama Temple and Namgyal Monastery, strolling with the monks as they chant, and learning about the various deities and forms of the Buddha. Within the complex is Kalchakra Temple, whose empowerment ceremonies are believed to contribute to world harmony.
Accommodation: Serkong House
(B, L, D)

Day 4 Experience Tibetan Rituals & Traditions
Visit the Tibetan Parliament and, time permitting, the Tibetan Traditional Medicine and Wellness Centre to meet a traditional healer. Travel to Gyuto Monastery, famous for its tantric rituals. Explore the workshops of craftsmen practicing traditional Tibetan painting and woodcarving. Conclude with an exclusive tour of the Zen-inspired Dolma Ling Nunnery, where the nuns spend up to three years in solitude!
Accommodation: Serkong House
(B, L, D)

Day 5 Enjoy a Scenic Hike in the Himalayan Foothills
1.5-hour private van transfer
4.5 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,800' elevation gain/loss
Drive to the Gallu Devi Temple above Dharamkot, surrounded by pristine forests. Head out for a scenic 4.5-hour forest trek to Triund (9,275') in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, offering spectacular views of the Dhauladar Mountains and the Kangra Valley. Return to Dharamsala and enjoy some free time before dinner.

(B, L, D)

Day 6 Arrive in Amritsar & Sundown Flag Ceremony
4-hour private van transfer
Today drive to Amritsar, capital of the state of Punjab, and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, travel to the Wagah border for VIP access to the extraordinary sundown flag ceremony. The sight of soldiers from Pakistan and India, dressed in fantastically ornate uniforms and good-naturedly trying to outdo each other in pomp and pageantry, is an experience you'll never forget. Return to Amritsar and make a quick photo stop at the Golden Temple, spectacularly lit at night.
Accommodation: Hyatt Amritsar
(B, L, D)

Day 7 Explore the Magnificent Golden Temple
1-hour flight transfer
This morning, you’ll tour the magnificent Golden Temple in Amritsar, the holiest temple of the Sikh faith. You’ll visit the inner sanctum, climb to the roof for an amazing view of the city, and see the world’s largest kitchen, which offers free meals to some 50,000 people each day, regardless of caste or religion. Next, take a short rickshaw ride through the lanes of the old town, filled with tea and spice traders. This afternoon, fly to Srinagar, where you’ll visit the Mughal pleasure gardens and the Palace of the Fairies, overlooking jewel-like Dal Lake.
Accommodation: Lake Dal Houseboat
(B, D)

Day 8 Meet Locals in Pahalgam, Valley of the Shepherds
3-hour private van transfer
Depart Srinagar and head to remote Pahalgam, Valley of the Shepherds. Here, visit the Shepherd Project, which helps native Gujjar women sustain themselves through traditional weaving and embroidery. Meet the women and hear their stories as you join them for tea. Return to your hotel in Pahalgam for a traditional Tarami dinner.
Accommodation: Pahalgam Hotel
(B, L, D)

Day 9 Scenic Trek in the Aru Valley
4-hour private van transfer
Head out after breakfast for a drive to the scenic Aru Valley and begin your trek through pristine meadows and thick pine forests, visiting the local shepherd communities along the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness, ending with traditional Kashmiri saffron tea and the local kalari cheese, a dense ripened cheese indigenous to the region. Return to Srinagar for dinner at your leisure.
Accommodation: Vivanta by Taj—Srinagar, India
(B, L)

Day 10 Walking Tour of Old Srinagar
Step back in time on a walking tour of old Srinagar. Wander through ancient spice and fabric markets, and metal workshops. Pay a visit to Budshah Tomb, resting place of King Zain al Abidin, and two incredible mosques — the lavishly decorated, 13th-century Khanqah of Shah Hamadan, and the immense Jama Masjid, built in 1400. Both feature an unusual blend of Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic designs. Explore mysterious Shankaracharya Temple, an ancient temple to Shiva. After lunch, visit Hazratbal, one of the holiest places in the state, housing a relic of the Prophet Mohammed.
Accommodation: Vivanta by Taj—Srinagar, India
(B, L, D)

Day 11 Boat on Lake Dal & Hike in Dachigam National Park
Scenic boat ride & 2 hours/2 miles hiking
After breakfast, depart for a hike in unspoiled Dachigam National Park. A top naturalist offers insights on the local plant and animal life. Take a shikara (classic wooden boat) ride on Lake Dal to see how the 150,000 people live on the lake — with schools, shops, homes and floating farms. Enjoy onboard tea service as you cruise through the communities. This evening, wrap up your fascinating Kashmir journey with a special farewell dinner accompanied by Sufi music.

(B, L, D)

Day 12 Depart from Delhi
1.5-hour flight transfer
Fly back to Delhi and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the day rooms of the JW Marriott. Transfer to the airport for your flight to home or onwards.

(B)

Featured Destinations

Delhi (New Delhi)

Dharamshala

Amritsar

Srinagar

Srinagar, India, at an altitude of 5,800 ft/1,800 m, is the capital of the troubled region of Kashmir. Located 400 mi/645 km northeast of Delhi, it was once a favored vacation spot, but Srinagar today suffers frequent attacks by militants that have badly crippled businesses, public institutions and the daily lives of the local residents. In less difficult times, Srinagar has been known for its houseboat vacations on Dal Lake and Nagin Lake, which arose after the local maharajah forbade foreigners to own land. The British, who went there to escape the summer heat, built floating castles instead.

Those accommodations range from dark, moldy, claustrophobic quarters to masterpieces of carved wood, Oriental carpeting and fine furnishings. Most boats contain two or three bedrooms, a shared dining room, living room, porch and sunroof. Some, particularly those on Nagin Lake (which is farther from town), have magnificent views of the mountains. Sellers paddle from boat to boat, peddling everything you could want, and plenty you don't want: cold drinks, fruit, nuts, fresh flowers, film, baked goods, papier-mache boxes, woolen shawls, silk carpets, leather goods, money-changing services and on and on. Some boat owners will protect guests from the scurrilous peddlers, but other owners won't—they get a cut from any sale.

If the Kashmir situation improves enough to allow a visit to Srinagar, be sure to take a nighttime ride through the floating community in one of the gaudy shikara gondolas, and visit the local market and Mughal gardens (Chashma Shahi, the Nishat Naseem and especially Shalimar, which has a nightly sound-and-light show). For exercise, climb 1,000-ft/300-m Sankaracharya Hill to see the ancient Shiva temple and beautiful views (it's within city limits).

If the floating salespeople have whetted your appetite for Kashmiri handicrafts, you may want to visit a papier-mache, carpet or wood-carving factory in town. Day trips to other lakes can also be made. Nearby Manasbal Lake is especially pretty, and the large Wular Lake takes about a day to see. A half-day trip can be taken to the Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wall Muslim shrine at Cherar-i-Sharif. If rest is all that you desire, two weeks in Srinagar can fly by. If you're just going to see what's there, one or two nights will do.

Pahalgam

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

10/04/2024 - 10/15/2024

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* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

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Length

11 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Deluxe

Remarks

Prices subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1376672

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