Saffron the most priced spice of them all is grown only in Kashmir in India. The delicate flowers are harvested in a short window of 10 - 15 days from the end of October. We will spend an entire day with Saffron from the fields to the kitchen understanding how the world's best saffron is produced in Kashmir.
This tour happens at the end of Autumn and there are still chances to see the Fall Colours.
| Days | 7 Nights / 8 Days |
|---|---|
| From | Srinagar to Srinagar |
| Booking Procedure |
Step 1: A. Rs. 21,000 + 5% GST per person (Includes Air tickets issuance) B. Rs. 10,000 + 5% GST per person (Excludes Air tickets issuance) Step 2: Balance payment, One month prior to the departure date
* The Air ticket amount will be adjusted as per actuals in the balance payment |
On arrival in Srinagar, we will meet up with our local representative in Kashmir and drive to our hotel. In the evening enjoy an orientation tour of the city.
Early in the morning on the stroke of the morning Azan (prayer) we will head out to visit the floating market on the Dal Lake and experience a truly unique feel of the local vendors on their shikaras. The Sunrise can be enjoyed on our way back to the hotel where we will have breakfast. In the morning we will head out by road to view some of the local sights of Srinagar including Lal Chowk, Downtown and enjoy local lunch. We will also have a chance to shop for the 'sozankar' embroidery weaving, the art of the valley. Stay at Hotel / Homestay.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast after which we will head to Yousmarg. On the way though we will visit Charar e Sharif. The surroundings of the Charar E Sharif Dargah are surreal, and a visit to the ancient monument is a very Sufi experience. Enjoy tea at one of the local tea stalls and drive to Yousmarg. The evening is free to take a horse ride (optional) in the surrounding meadows. Yousmarg is known as the meadow of Jesus.
Early mornings are best to get a real glimpse of the nature-enriched surroundings here in Kashmir. We will check out of Yousmarg and descend into the plains via Shopian and later visit the most beautiful waterfall in Kashmir, the Aharbal waterfall. The blue water gushing out through the canyon is a sight to take time with. Later we would make a lunch halt before driving to the Verinag springs which is known as the birth of the river Sindh. The drive from Verinag to Kokernag is a beautiful one. Arrive in Daksum for dinner.
After an easy morning, we will proceed to Aru Valley via Pahalgam. On this tour, we avoid crowds and touristy areas, and this is the reason why we choose Aru over Pahalgam. Once in Pahalgam we will take a different transport to visit the Chandanwadi, from where the Amarnath Trek starts, and Betab Valley (photo stop only). After lunch in Pahalgam we will drive parallel to the Lidder river to climb to the picturesque town of Aru in the Aru Valley. This would be the best drive for this tour.
After a leisurely breakfast, we will enjoy a walk in the village of Aru and to a point where a mountain stream runs into the Lidder River. Spend time in peace with nature in the sound of the gushing waters of the freshly melted snow. After lunch relax for a bit before embarking on an evening hike to a viewpoint in Aru.
After breakfast, we will reach the Saffron farm at Pampore, the only saffron growing area in Kashmir to experience everything related to saffron. It starts from the plucking of the lavender flowers to sorting out the strands to enjoying a hearty lunch at a farmer's home. Overnight stay in the houseboat.
After breakfast proceed to the airport to fly back to your respective home cities.
Note: The plucking of flowers is highly weather dependant, if due to bad weather we aren't able to experience this we will make some alternative arrangements to get you as close as possible to the Saffron in Kashmir experience.
| Srinagar - Mahatta Homestay |
| Yousmarg - Hotel JKTDC |
| Aru Valley - Hotel Milkyway |
| Srinagar - Khilona Houseboat or similar |
| Kokernag (Daksum) - Hotel Paradise Retreat |
| ₹ 47,750/- for an adult on twin sharing basis |
| ₹ 42,750/- for 3rd adult or child of 12 yrs & above in the same room. |
| ₹ 70,500/- for Single Occupancy |
(5% GST will be added to the total tour cost)