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.