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FROM
KASHMIR TO KASHMIR
A cultural tour of India & Pakistan
At
long last Kashmir is back! In keeping with our philosophy
of "journeys without frontiers" we
go beyond political limitations and combine the
two Kashmiris in one spectacular journey. This
carefully tailored 19-day tour is an insight into the
rivalry
of the different parts of Kashmir not for the military
might that we have heard so much of, but more for
the scenic grandeur, friendliness of the people,
cultural attractions and, above all, hospitality.
Day 01: Arrive Islamabad
Khush Amdeed! Our journey to the enchanting Kashmir begins with a warm welcome at Islamabad Airport. This afternoon we visit the old garrison town of Rawalpindi and the modern capital city of Islamabad. Here we visit the Shakarparian (sweet hills) Gardens before driving past various modern streets and buildings - graceful with a touch of Islamic architecture. Our tour culminates at one of the world's largest mosques, Shah Faisal Mosque, home to a University specializing in Islamic Philosophy and Law.
Overnight: Islamabad Serena (1 night) (D)
Day 02: Islamabad / Chilas
We begin our journey traveling alongside the Indus River. The road takes us to Batakundi where we join the world famous Karakorum Highway. We enjoy the majestic scenery en route with photo stops and visits to villages and the local folk. Just before reaching Chilas we see the spectacular peaks of the Himalayan range including the incredible Nanga Parbat, the 9th highest mountain in the world. Upon arrival at Chilas, an important halting station on the KKH, we are transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Shangrila Indus View (1 night) (B, D)
Day 03: Chilas / Hunza
This morning we visit Shatial where we see the large concentration of petroglyphs and rock inscriptions. We continue our scenic drive on the Silk Road and cross the traditional halting town of Gilgit before reaching Karimabad, the capital of Hunza. The drive from Gilgit to Karimabad becomes more and more spectacular as we get closer to the Hunza valley and the majestic Rakaposhi peak. Hunza is one of the most beautiful places in the world and it is here that John Hilton got his inspiration for his famous novel.
Overnight: Baltit Inn (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 04: Hunza
Very few places in the world compare with this small
mountainous region. The scenic beauty of this area,
with its greenery and snow-capped mountains, makes
it truly paradise on earth. During the summer season
there grows here an abundance of delicious apricots,
peaches, pears and grapes. Hunza lies on the ancient
trade route to Kashgar in the Chinese province of
Sinkiang. Today, the Karakoram Highway runs along
this route and Karimabad is the main town of the
Hunza Valley. Hunza is well known for the longevity
of its people due mainly to their simplicity of life
and diet coupled with the clean mountain air of the
region. Tibetan traders referred to the beauty of
this humble paradise as "Shangri-La".
Our tour will include meeting the local folks and visits to some of the important historical sites including the recently renovated Baltit Fort and the Ganesh watchtower. For many years the Baltit Fort served as an administrative headquarters and home to the former Mirs (rulers) of Hunza. The porters who accompanied the Balti bride of the Mir of Hunza built this fort as an expression of love some 700 years ago. The construction style originates from Ladakh. We also visit the viewpoint, the Fort Museum which houses an excellent collection of artifacts and musical instruments from different parts of Hunza. We also have an opportunity to see the many rural, educational and health programs operating in this area. Evening is an optional tour of Baltit Fort by night. (B, D)
Day 05: Hunza / Gilgit
Early morning we take a jeep ride to Dweaker's Eagles nest where we have a majestic view of the valley. Here we are enjoy a typical Hunza breakfast. Morning is free to explore around the town before driving southwards to the ancient silk route town of Gilgit. Afternoon we take a tour of Gilgit that will include visits to a local school, a Gilgiton home, the popular polo grounds and the typical mountain bazaar. Before driving back to our hotel, we make a side excursion to Kargah to see the impressive rock carvings of the Buddha.
Overnight: Gilgit Serena Lodge (1 night) (B, D)
Day 06: Gilgit / Islamabad / Taxila / Abbotabad
Today we take a scenic flight* over the Himalayas to Islamabad. Upon arrival in Islamabad we drive on the historic Grand Trunk Route to Taxila, once the seat of oriental culture. Taxila is famous for its rare specimens of stucco from the Gandhara period excavated from Sirkap and various Buddhist Stupas and Monasteries. The museum houses various objects and sculptures dating from the 4th century BC. to the 5th century AD. From here we continue to the hill resort town of Abbotabad. Abbotabad, besides being a beautiful mountain town, is the gateway to Azad Kashmir.
Overnight: Pearl Continental (1 night) (B, D)
Day 07: Abbotabad / Garhi Habibullah / Muzaffarabad (Azad Kashmir)
We leave the beautiful hill station of Ghari Habibullah
and ascend to Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir
- the "other" Kashmir. Muzaffarabad's sister city
of Srinagar, Muzaffarabad traces its history back
to 1662 AD. and is the gateway to the enchanting
valleys of Neelum and Jhelum. Our tour starts with
a visit to the Plate Fort, which offers a panoramic
view of the city, and continues to the viewpoint
of Sathra where we enjoy a fantastic view of the
valley. En route we stop to take photos and join
the villagers for tea and roti. Upon arrival in Sathra
we take time to explore the local crafts at the colourful
Kashmiri bazaar.
Overnight: Muzaffarab Hotel (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 08: Azad Kashmir
We start the day with a visit to Bagh located along the bank Mahla Nulla. The town is fast growing with rich traditions and offers the best of Azad Kashmir in terms of beauty, culture, wares, etc. Suddhan Gali, another mountain enclave, is located at 2287m above sea level, it offers clean mountain air imbued with the fragrance of the many flowers growing in the valley. We visit the homes of Kashmiri mountain dwellers and have some free time before returning to Muzaffarabad. (B, D)
Day 09: Azad Kashmir / Lahore
Early morning we take off for Lahore - the first
capital of the Moghuls. The drive takes us via the
famous resort of Murree before we descend at Islamabad
Airport for our short flight to Lahore. Our afternoon
in Lahore starts with a visit to the magnificent
Badshahi Mosque. Built in 1674, it is a fine example
of some of the most artistic Moghul architecture.
Next we visit the Lahore Fort where we study several
pavilions, including the Shish Mahal, the "Palace of Mirrors",
which was built by Shah Jahan in 1631 as a private
apartment for his empress. Later we visit the fascinating
Lahore Museum which houses the famous statue of the
Fasting Buddha and Kim's Gun, immortalized by Rudyard
Kipling. Our day culminates with the evening spent
at the breathtaking Shalimar Gardens.
Overnight: Avari Hotel (1 night) (B, D)
Day 10: Lahore / Amritsar (Drive145 kms / 90miles)
Morning we continue with our tour of Lahore before driving to Wagah border to cross into India, following the historical Grand Trunk Route. The border formalities are an interesting experience and are warmly received on the Indian side and driven to the famous city of Amritsar.
Evening we make a pilgrimage to the Golden Temple - the holy temple of the Sikh community. The Golden Temple or Darbar Sahib is the most sacred temple for Sikhs. It is a symbol of the magnificence and strength of the Sikh people all over the world. In the evolution of the Darbar Sahib, is entwined the history and ideology of Sikhism. In its architecture are included, symbols associated with other places of worship. This is an example of the spirit of tolerance and acceptance that the Sikh philosophy propounds. We spend the afternoon at the temple and see the various ceremonies taking place. Evening we stroll through the narrow lane galleys of this historical and very interesting city.
Overnight: Ritz Hotel (1 night) (B, D)
Day 11: Amritsar / Jammu (Drive 215 Kms / 132 miles)
The road journey to the other Kashmir, in India, is an interesting experience in serenity. We go uphill to the winter capital of Kashmir. The state officially named as Jammu and Kashmir has two distinct areas - Jammu which has a Hindu majority while Kashmir is inhabited mainly by Muslims. Upon arrival at Jammu, we take a leisurely tour of this one time summer capital of Kashmir and a city that has played a pivotal role in the history of post partition India.
Overnight: K.C. Residency (1 night) (B, D)
Day 12: Jammu / Srinagar (Drive 295 kms / 182miles)
Today we depart for Srinagar. The 295 km journey is through Udhampur, Kud, Batote, Patnitop, Ramban and Qazi Gund. We pass through the Banihal Tunnel that links the Valley of Kashmir to the outside world. Upon arrival in Srinagar we drive to Dal Lake and take on a typical Kashmiri Shikara to our gaily decorated sandalwood houseboat. Evening we are treated to a Kashmiri dinner in the luxury of our deluxe houseboat.
Overnight: House Boat (3 nights) (B, D)
Day 13: Srinagar
Our Srinagar experience starts with a tour of the
city starting with the Mughal Gardens. The three
famous Mughal Gardens lay along the Dal Lake - the
Chashme Shahi or Royal Springs, the Nishat Bagh or
Pleasure Gardens, and the Shalimar Gardens or the
Abode of Love. As we visit one garden after another,
each more beautiful than the last, while admiring
the terraced flowerbeds, splashing fountains and
marble pavilions. Next stop is to visit the old city
of Srinagar. Srinagar, known as the "Venice of the East",
is situated at an average height of 5,200 feet above
sea level on the banks of the river Jhelum, and is
the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir state. It
is a land of enchanting lakes, gardens, fruits and
flowers and is revered for its peerless handicrafts,
especially embroidery, woodcarving, paper mache and
metal work. We also visit the Jama Masjid - the largest
mosque in Kashmir, the 700 year old Shar Hamdan Mosque,
Hari Parbat, and a lot more. Evening is free to take
an optional sail on the shikara - a favourite past
time of the Kashmiris. (B, L, D)
Day 14: Srinagar
Our day starts with a visit to the enchanting
Gulmarg- a bowl of jade protected by
stalwart pines and snow clad peaks beyond a meadow
of flowers. Enjoying the scenic beauty
we also see Khilanmarg - carpeted with
wildflowers. A 40-minute uphill journey
offers an unrivaled spectacle of the
wide
spreading waters of Wular and other lakes.
Gulmarg has long been famous for golfing.
The 8 hole Gulmarg Golf Club has been
in existence for over 100 years. (B, L,
D)
Day
15: Srinagar / Kargil
Today we drive from Srinagar to Leh. Kargil
is the mid point between these two mountain
civilizations and at Kargil one meets people
from many different parts of India, and
the world, who overnight there en route
to their destinations.
Overnight: Hotel D’Zojila
(1 night) (B, D)
Day 16: Kargil / Leh – (230
kms/09 hrs)
Early morning, after breakfast,
we depart for Leh driving over
Namika-La-Pass 3600mts and
Fatu-la- Pass 4000 Mts. En
route we visit the Mulbekh
Chamba, Lamayuru Monastery,
Alchi, Likir and Phyang Monastery.
Leh, is located at an altitude
of 11, 499 feet / 3505m). It
is not only a mountain town,
but is also known for its festivities
and performances by local monks,
Tibetan refugees, women spinning
prayer wheels.
Overnight: Hotel Khangri (2
nights) (B, D)
Day 17: Leh
This is our day for an excursion
to Shey, Thiksey and Hemis.
Shey was once the residence
of the royal family and is
famous for its huge gilded
statue of Buddha. Thiksey is
one of the largest and most
impressive monasteries famous
for its many images, stupas
and exquisite wall paintings.
It also houses a two-story
statue of Buddha. Hemis is
well known for its festival
in summer. (B, D)
Day 18: Leh / Delhi
Today we bid farewell
to Ladakh as we
are transferred
early in the morning
for our flight
to Delhi. Upon
arrival we are
met and transferred
to our hotel. Later
we take a brief
tour of the famous
Old Delhi visiting
the Red Fort -
one of the magnificent
palaces of the
East with Diwan-e-Am,
where once stood
the jeweled Peacock
Throne - studded
with diamonds and
precious stones,
and the graceful
Pearl Mosque, Jama
Masjid which is
considered the
biggest mosque
in India, Chandni
Chowk - a typical
bazaar with narrow
lanes and traditional
traders, Raj Ghat
where Mahatma Gandhi
- the father of
the Nation was
cremated and the
Government Buildings.
Afternoon we take
another brief tour
of New Delhi visiting
the Qutb Minar,
Lotus Temple, Humayun's
tomb where the
second Moghul Emperor
Humanyun lie buried
along with other
relatives, India
Gate, Parliament
House, Laxmi Narayan
Temple (Birla Mandir)
and Connaught Place.
Overnight: Hotel
Metropolitan Nikko
(1 night) (B, D)
Day
19:
Delhi
departure
Today
we
bid
farewell
as
we
are
transferred
to
the
airport
for
our
departure
flight.
(B)
Departure Dates | | 2008
English Speaking Departures
Sep 6
| Inclusions | | Tour Price Includes | Tour Price Does Not Include | | Accommodation
as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes |
International Airfare | | Meals
as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner) |
Departure
/ Airport Taxes |
Domestic
air tickets Gilgit / Islamabad and Leh / Delhi | Travel Insurances | | All Sightseeing and Transfers | Visa Fees | | Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites | Drinks/Beverages with meals | | Services
of local English speaking guide |
Tips/Gratuities to Drivers & Guides | | Porterage | |
| Visa Support as required | |
| Tour Price | | We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat. | | From Kashmir to Kashmir | | Departure | Double Occupancy | Single Room Supplement |
| 2008 |
Coming Soon or
call for more info 1.800.663.0844 |
| Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour | | Canada - West Coast |
CA $
1600 |
USA - West Coast | US $ 1400 | | Canada - East Coast |
CA $
1400 |
USA - East Coast |
US $
1200 |
| Participants | | This
tour operates on a minimum of 04 and a maximum of
15 participants. | Notes | Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844. |
 | |
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| © Copyright 1999-2008 Bestway
Tours & Safaris |
Site last updated May 02,
2008 |
| Photographs by Peter
Langer & Mahmood
Poonja |
Site by antoinette |
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