Kashmir and the Hidden Valleys of Drass trip
Here is your 5-night, 6-day itinerary covering the best of Kashmir and the historic, high-altitude town of Drass.
This unique trip takes you from the lush valleys of Srinagar, through the meadow of gold in Sonamarg, across the thrilling Zojila Pass, and into the stark, beautiful landscape of Drass (Ladakh), before returning to Srinagar.
Itinerary
Arrival in Srinagar & Local Sightseeing
Morning: Arrive at Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar. Check into your hotel or luxury houseboat on Dal Lake.
Afternoon: Visit the famous Mughal Gardens, including Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, known for their terraced lawns and cascading fountains.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxing 1-hour Shikara ride on Dal Lake during sunset.
Night: Stay overnight in Srinagar.
Srinagar to Sonamarg (The Meadow of Gold)
Morning: Drive to Sonamarg (approx. 2.5 hours). The route runs alongside the Sindh River.
Afternoon: Hire a local pony or union vehicle to visit the breathtaking Thajiwas Glacier, where you can experience snow even in early summer.
Evening: Stroll around the golden meadows and enjoy local Kashmiri tea (Kahwa) by the riverbank.
Night: Stay overnight in Sonamarg to acclimatise for the mountain pass tomorrow.
Sonamarg to Drass via Zojila Pass
Morning: Start early to cross the legendary Zojila Pass (11,575 ft), the gateway to Ladakh. Enjoy the dramatic transition from green valleys to rugged mountains.
Afternoon: Reach Drass, the second coldest inhabited place in the world. Visit the historic Kargil War Memorial (Vijaypath) to pay homage to the Indian Army heroes.
Evening: Explore the local Drass market and view the majestic Tololing Heights and Tiger Hill from the valley.
Night: Stay overnight in Drass (or nearby Kargil, depending on stay preferences).
Drass to Srinagar Return
Morning: Begin your return journey back through the Zojila Pass. Keep your camera ready for incredible panoramic views.
Afternoon: Reach Srinagar by late afternoon. Check into your accommodation.
Evening: Spend time shopping for authentic Kashmiri handicrafts, pashmina shawls, and saffron at Lal Chowk or the floating markets.
Night: Stay overnight in Srinagar.
Day Excursion to Gulmarg (Meadow of Flowers)
Morning: Take a day trip to Gulmarg (approx. 2 hours from Srinagar).
Afternoon: Ride the famous Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, up to Phase 1 (Kungdoor) or Phase 2 (Apharwat Peak) for sweeping snow views.
Evening: Return to Srinagar in the late evening.
Night: Stay overnight in Srinagar (Highly recommended to spend this final night in a Dal Lake houseboat).
Departure from Srinagar
Morning: Enjoy breakfast looking out over the water.
Afternoon: Transfer to the Srinagar Airport for your onward flight home.
Before You Travel
PLEASE NOTE :
• Ladakh is a high-Altitude place in Trans Himalayas. It is a Road journey Destination. So, Guest should be
aware of the destination as here the journey is more beautiful than the destination.
• Ladakh is a territory with a very limited vegetation and most of the vegetables & fruits are transported
from Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar & Manali by road. Places like Nubra valley & Pangong Tso are remote
areas and hence there is limited supply of food items, groceries, vegetable & fruits at local markets.
Therefore, our buffet menus at Nubra & Pangong may have limited / repetitive options depending on the
availability of the items. Kindly co-operate for the same.
• Mobile with only postpaid (Billing) connection only works in J&K & Leh Ladakh. The best of all are BSNL
(MTNL – Dolphin), JIO, AIRTEL.
• In this region there is no relevance between the distance and time travelling as it depends upon the
conditions of roads, climate and congestion of traffic.
IN LAMAYURU, ALCHI, NUBRA VALLEY, PANGONG LAKE, TSOMORIRI LAKE, SARCHU/JISPA :
• Hotel/Tented accommodations available are only with basic amenities & simple food cooked by the locals.
• There is no telephone landline connection and the guest has to bear with it.
• Due to shortage of power the guest sometimes, may have to bear with candle light.
• Once the package is booked & confirmed no refund will be entertained.
• Buttermilk & Masala Milk will not be provided at all places.
PERSONAL CARE :
• The guests are advised to take adequate personal branded medicines with them from their home town.
• The guest can take Dimox tablets on the prescription of the family doctor only. It is useful in High altitude
sickness.
• Please carry heavy woolens with you.
• Acclimatization is mandatory for visitors travelling by air. It is important to take complete rest for 24 hours
after arriving at Leh airport.
THINGS TO CARRY :
• Minimum Luggage, shoes, Woolen Monkey cap/Balaclava, Woolen Hand Gloves, Woolen FootGloves,
Jacket/Sweater, Wind sheeter, Thermal wear, Cap, Black Sun glasses / Goggles, Torch, Personal Kit - Tooth brush
and paste, Comb, Shaving kit, Sunscreen lotion, cold cream, etc, Personal Medical kit (Case file in case of severe
illness), Electral Powder, Glucon C or D, Camphor balls (Kapoor), Dimox tablets (Consult your family doctors
before taking it), Towel, Photo Address Identity proof original,