Srinagar, Lolab Valley & Daksum
Shutterbox Kashmir Photo Tour
Overview
On visiting the Kashmir Valley, Jehangir, a Mughal emperor, is said to have exclaimed “If there is paradise anywhere on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here!” The legendary poet Amir Khusro described Kashmir as “heaven on Earth”. This heavenly paradise is a land of many wonders, a region of India unlike any other. From the spectacular Mughal gardens, to the experience of staying on a houseboat on one of Kashmir’s lakes, to the natural scenic beauty that Kashmir is most famous for, this place has something for everyone. Hiking to the many lakes and meadows spread in the hills is a great way to enjoy enchanting views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, and maybe spot some birds and connect with nature. The people of Kashmir, along with their history, culture and cuisine, are also unique to the region, and a delight.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Houseboat at Nagin Lake
Connect morning flight. Arrival at Srinagar. You will be met and transferred to the houseboats.
Let's get sightseeing out of the way today. It is so pretty here. We will see how much we can cover in the time available to us.
The sites are Mughal Gardens, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Cheshamshahi, Tulip Bagh, Pari Mahal, Shankara Charya Hill Temple.
Dinner and overnight stay at houseboats
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House
Leave for Lolab valley stopping enroute for photography. The poets describe Lolab as a true destination and the land of love and beauty.
Lolab Valley is shaped like a fruit bowl and is spread over 25 km long and 05 km wide. It has a combination of three valleys - Potnai, Brunai and Kalaroos Valleys. Besides the main river, it is popular for its natural springs called Lavnag. The local architecture is different, the houses are built by logs of Fir Trees and Pine Trees so one can see fine joinery. Lolab Valley still remains one of the remote destinations.
It has breathtaking scenery of lush green surroundings and hills, meadows, rice fields, apple orchards, almonds, walnuts and other fruits.
There will be endless opportunities for photography.
Overnight stay at Lolab Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House
Full day free to explore Lolab. You can learn a lot from Aman and hone in your skills. Many sessions will take place where he will help you learn more about camera, composition, storage and editing.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Houseboat
Morning photography in Lolab. Then we proceed slowly to Srinagar stopping on the way for sights and photo shoots.
The heritage city of Srinagar has various sights to enchant the most jaded traveller. Its roads and bustling bazaars are a photographer's delight. Traditionally dressed men and women on their way to the city's many mosques and shrines, buildings with their rich warm colour these are some of the old city's moods which linger in the corners of a traveller's mind
Nine bridges span the River Jhelum, and many tiny ones intersect the network of waterways that flow through the old city.
The view from any of the old city's bridges is wholly and unmistakably Kashmiri. Old brick buildings line the banks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Kokernag
Drive to Pahalgam, visit the saffron fields of Pampore and Awantipora ruins on the way. From here on we proceed towards Daksam (8500 ft)- a trekker's paradise. Daksam is also famous for its trout - and anglers' heaven.
Daksam in Kashmir Valley is a must for those fond of walking and nature. This day will be a lot different from the earlier ones. Overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Houseboat
Drive to upper reaches through the wildlife sanctuary of Daksum Sanctuary, there are chances to see some wildlife. Sinthan Top (12300 ft above sea level) Sinthan Top overlooking the Bidhar river hiking through trail and lush green surroundings to Sinthan Top Divides Kashmir Valley from Kishtawar (district) of Jammu area. Drive back to Srinagar for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
An early morning start by Shikaras, before dawn, to visit the Vegetable market to watch the trading of vegetables. Vegetables are grown inside lake on small plots of land and Floating Gardens and later take to a particular spot in the lake for trading for wholesale trading. Later taken again by boats to shore for loading in trucks to distribute to shops in various parts of Srinagar. There is a lot of hustle and bustle while trading the vegetables and it is going on traditionally from centuries. It is a to a fascinating experience, the way the trading is done. Later return to the houseboat.
Leave for the airport for the return flight.
Highlights
- Eastern Himalayan Panorama
- Great Landscapes
- Buddhist Culture
- Traditional and Modern Architecture
- Sikkimese Food
- Some of the best high altitude drives
Included
- All Transfers in private vehicle All sightseeing
- Meals as per itinerary Photo Guide - India's Ace Photographer Mr. Aman Chotani | All currently applicable taxes
Video
Location
Stories
Ladakh
North India, the land of Ladakh, looks as though it was made for birdwatching and photography.
Gir National Park Gujarat
Sometimes it is not just the species spotted but also the amazing moments. Some of our guests had the unique opportunity to witness the mating of Asiatic Lions in the Gir Forest, truly a special moment.
Delhi
Surajpur is an amazing wetland close to the nation’s capital. Apart from being one of the monsoon homes for the Bristled Grassbird, it is also home to another sought-after species: the Bengal Bush Lark.
Rajasthan
One advantage of living near the birding hotspot of Bharatpur is that you can see some amazing birds, like the graceful Sarus Crane, in your backyard during this lockdown
