Monday 7 January 2013

Kashmir Houseboats - Himalayan Experience

A fairy tale land defining Sufi way of life sits manifested atop northern India, and we call it Kashmir! Snow peaked Himalayas, the Ladakh and the Karakoram fold around the valley, envying, and at the same time adoring its charm. Srinagar, the capital city, bears imprints of the influence of Mughals who left their flavour in the magnificent gardens skirting the famous Dal lake, a popular host of Victorian houseboats.

Sukoon, the first eco-luxury houseboat decked on the quiet waters of the Dal Lake offers 5 rooms, adorned with traditional walnut carved furniture and pine wood flooring, and offers magnificient views of the snow covered Pir Panjal Mountains. Luscious food offered in Kashmiri, Indian and Continental cruise on its large sun deck by highly hospitable staff assures you a quality and a dreamy stay.

Take a look at the website of this fine retreat.

http://www.discoveryjourneysindia.com/lotus-retreat.html

Various shrines like Hazratbal mosque adorn Kashmir with bewildering charm, and moving from one to another offers you an opportunity to drink the lip smacking traditional Kashmiri tea – Kahwa. Kashmir is also one of the very few places to grow Saffron, the magical herb Phoenicians came hunting for in 600 B.C. It is in fact considered the secret of Cleopatra’s romantic aroma.Gulmarg Kashmir Skiing, paragliding over the slippery snow of Gulmarg, and mountain cycling through ancient routes are worth a special trip.With highly hospitable locals to complement its jaw dropping beauty and topography, Kashmir without mentioning becomes a paradise for families, honeymooners and adventurists alike. Shop for the world renowned Pashmina shawls; play golf at the Golfing Mecca of India – Gulmarg; or go bird watching in the wetlands of Surinsar, but don’t leave Kashmir awaiting your arrival for long!



The tour takes you through the vibrant alpine valleys of Kashmir and up the desolate heights of Zanskar and Ladakh for a glimpse at India's grandest natural wonder. You'll pull up the anchor at Srinagar for a relaxing houseboat cruise, gliding over the tranquil Backwaters of Dal Lake for panoramic views of the snowcapped Pir Panjal Mountains. After docking, you'll disembark and then head to the hills for Gandola cable car mountain ride or a round at one of highest golf courses in the world. Continuing your climb, you'll drive through the Suru Valley to the hidden kingdom of Zanskar. Surrounded by prehistoric glaciers and the skyscraping peaks of Nun (7,135m) and Kun (7,085m), you'll visit 1,000 years old mountain monasteries at Lamayuru & Alchi before concluding the tour at the largest gompa in lower Ladakh. Peaking through Kashmir’s whisps clouds, Gulmarg’s towering ski slopes rank among the highest in the world. Its multitude of mixed runs challenge beginners and ski veterans alike while serving up breathtaking views of the frosted Himalayas. Skiers can climb into one of Gulmarg’s 6- seater gondolas, lifting them to the summit of Mount Apharwat, the region’s tallest mountain with an elevation of 4,100 mts ! On clear days, it’s also possible to glimpse one of the world’s ninth highest mountain “Nanga Parbat” soaring up from valley floor. In – between ski runs, guests can enjoy ice-skating or cross –country skiing across the stunning powered landscape.

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