India Secrets of Kashmir Cultural Discovery Tour

Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Inder Dugal

Born in Delhi to a Sikh father and American mother, Inder grew up in the capital city at a time of strong British influence in India. After studying in the US, the lure of India and its wonders finally pulled him back and into the travel world. Today, as a guide and tour director, Inder works closely with guests to ensure the best experience possible. He blends an understanding of Western perspectives with a local's approach to customs and languages (Hindi and Punjabi). A self-taught chef, history buff and travel enthusiast, with a great sense of humor, he will bring your MT Sobek adventure to life.

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                    [Headline] => Arrive in New Delhi
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Welcome to India! Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in vibrant New Delhi and transfer to the luxury Taj Mahal (Taj Man Singh) Hotel.
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                    [Latitude] => 28.556162 N
                    [Longitude] => 77.099958 E
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                    [Headline] => See the Sights of Historic Delhi
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After our welcome breakfast, tour New Delhi today, beginning with a drive through Lutyens\' Delhi, named for the British architect who was responsible for much of the building during the British Raj. Pass the Presidential Palace, the imposing 138-foot-tall India Gate, and Birla House, former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Take an afternoon walk through stunning UNESCO-listed Humayun\'s Tomb and Lodhi Gardens. Dinner is on your own.
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                    [Latitude] => 28.604906 N
                    [Longitude] => 77.223462 E
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                    [Headline] => Fly to Dharamsala & Explore the Dalai Lama Temple
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Fly to Dharamsala, the seat of his holiness the Dalai Lama. In the afternoon, take a serene kora (circumambulation) of the Dalai Lama Temple and Namgyal Monastery, strolling with the monks as they chant, and learning about the various deities and forms of the Buddha. Within the complex is Kalchakra Temple, whose empowerment ceremonies are believed to contribute to world harmony.
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                    [Latitude] => 32.238357 N
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                    [Headline] => Experience Tibetan Rituals & Traditions
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Visit the Tibetan Parliament and, time permitting, the Tibetan Traditional Medicine and Wellness Centre to meet a traditional healer. Travel to Gyuto Monastery, famous for its tantric rituals. Explore the workshops of craftsmen practicing traditional Tibetan painting and woodcarving. Conclude with an exclusive tour of the Zen-inspired Dolma Ling Nunnery, where the nuns spend up to three years in solitude!
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                    [Latitude] => 32.200869 N
                    [Longitude] => 76.361792 E
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                    [Headline] => Enjoy a Scenic Hike in the Himalayan Foothills
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Drive to the Gallu Devi Temple above Dharamkot, surrounded by pristine forests. Head out for a scenic 4.5-hour forest trek to Triund (9,275\') in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, offering spectacular views of the Dhauladar Mountains and the Kangra Valley. Return to Dharamsala and enjoy some free time before dinner.
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                    [Latitude] => 32.254574 N
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                    [Headline] => Arrive in Amritsar & Sundown Flag Ceremony
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Today drive to Amritsar, capital of the state of Punjab, and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, travel to the Wagah border for VIP access to the extraordinary sundown flag ceremony. The sight of soldiers from Pakistan and India, dressed in fantastically ornate uniforms and good-naturedly trying to outdo each other in pomp and pageantry, is an experience you\'ll never forget. Return to Amritsar and make a quick photo stop at the Golden Temple, spectacularly lit at night.
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                    [Latitude] => 31.618960 N
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                    [Headline] => Explore the Magnificent Golden Temple
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This morning, you\'ll tour the magnificent Golden Temple in Amritsar, the holiest temple of the Sikh faith. You\'ll visit the inner sanctum, climb to the roof for an amazing view of the city, and see the world\'s largest kitchen, which offers free meals to some 50,000 people each day, regardless of caste or religion. Next, take a short rickshaw ride through the lanes of the old town, filled with tea and spice traders. This afternoon, fly to Srinagar, where you\'ll visit the Mughal pleasure gardens and the Palace of the Fairies, overlooking jewel-like Dal Lake.
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                    [Latitude] => 34.110586 N
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                    [Headline] => Meet Locals in Pahalgam, Valley of the Shepherds
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Depart Srinagar and head to remote Pahalgam, Valley of the Shepherds. Here, visit the Shepherd Project, which helps native Gujjar women sustain themselves through traditional weaving and embroidery. Meet the women and hear their stories as you join them for tea. Return to your hotel in Pahalgam for a traditional Tarami dinner.
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                    [Latitude] => 34.015090 N
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                    [Headline] => Scenic Trek in the Aru Valley
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Head out after breakfast for a drive to the scenic Aru Valley and begin your trek through pristine meadows and thick pine forests, visiting the local shepherd communities along the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness, ending with traditional Kashmiri saffron tea and the local kalari cheese, a dense ripened cheese indigenous to the region. Return to Srinagar for dinner at your leisure.
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                    [Latitude] => 34.102566 N
                    [Longitude] => 74.881442 E
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                    [Headline] => Walking Tour of Old Srinagar
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Step back in time on a walking tour of old Srinagar. Wander through ancient spice and fabric markets, and metal workshops. Pay a visit to Budshah Tomb, resting place of King Zain al Abidin, and two incredible mosques - the lavishly decorated, 13th-century Khanqah of Shah Hamadan, and the immense Jama Masjid, built in 1400. Both feature an unusual blend of Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic designs. Explore mysterious Shankaracharya Temple, an ancient temple to Shiva. After lunch, visit Hazratbal, one of the holiest places in the state, housing a relic of the Prophet Mohammed.
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                    [Latitude] => 34.078922 N
                    [Longitude] => 74.843724 E
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                    [Headline] => Boat on Lake Dal & Hike in Dachigam National Park
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After breakfast, depart for a hike in unspoiled Dachigam National Park. A top naturalist offers insights on the local plant and animal life. Take a shikara (classic wooden boat) ride on Lake Dal to see how the 150,000 people live on the lake — with schools, shops, homes and floating farms. Enjoy onboard tea service as you cruise through the communities. This evening, wrap up your fascinating Kashmir journey with a special farewell dinner accompanied by Sufi music.
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                    [Longitude] => 75.03775 E
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                    [Headline] => Depart from Delhi
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Fly back to Delhi and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the day rooms of the JW Marriott. Transfer to the airport for your flight to home or onwards.
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    [ActivityHighlight] => This trip is ranked moderate. You will be walking 2-5 hours a day on several days through forests and villages where some tracks are quite uneven. Elevations are between 780\' in Delhi and 9,400\' at Triund. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy such an experience.
    [Trip_Level] => 3
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Accommodations

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Relax at comfortable and well-appointed hotels, including the elegant and luxurious Vivanta by Taj at Lake Dal - an exquisite five-star resort.

Taj Mahal Hotel – Delhi, India

Luxury Hotel

Dignitaries and heads of state visiting New Delhi prefer the Taj Mahal Hotel given its stateliness, its timeless hospitality and service, its original culinary innovations, and the quiet, restrained luxury that permeates every guest's stay. Central to the Taj Mahal Hotel's prominence is its old-world grace and charm, blended effortlessly with contemporary comforts and amenities.

Hyatt Amritsar-Amritsar, India

Luxury Hotel

Just 10 minutes from the famed Golden Temple, the 5-star Hyatt Amritsar offers contemporary luxury in the heart of the city. The elegant guest rooms are well equipped with ergonomic beds, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. Other hotel features include two in-house restaurants serving international cuisine, 24-hour concierge service, and a premium spa offering a range of traditional treatments.

Pahalgam Hotel-Pahalgam, India

Comfortable Hotel

Established in 1931, the historic Pahalgam Hotel is set on the banks of the ice-blue Lidder River and conveniently close to the main market. The 20 suites and 25 well-appointed double bedrooms are homey and comfortable, giving the hotel a reputation for rejuvenation. Guests enjoy warm, personalized service, complimentary high tea, and breathtaking views of the river and snowcapped mountains.

Serkong House-Dharamsala, India

Comfortable Hotel

Enjoy the warmth of Tibetan hospitality and get a true taste of Tibetan culture at Serkong House. Centrally located, this friendly, well-maintained hotel is close to everything, yet still quiet and peaceful. The 15 rooms - many offering spectacular views of the Kangra Valley - are bright, spacious, and beautifully accented with furnishings and textiles handmade by the Norbulingka Institute's craftsmen.

Vivanta by Taj-Srinagar, India

Luxury Hotel

Vivanta by Taj Srinagar is a five-star luxury resort offering modern comfort with stylish touches of traditional Kashmiri design. Perched on a hillside overlooking jewel-like Dal Lake and cradled by the majestic Zabarwan Mountains, it's the perfect base for exploring the delights of Srinagar. Bedrooms feature rain showers with separate bathtubs and private balconies with mountain or lake views.

Lake Dal Houseboat

Rustic Lodging

Welcome aboard your beautifully carved, deluxe wooden houseboat on Dal Lake, known as the Jewel in the crown of Kashmir. The excellent facilities include twin- or queen-sized beds, high-quality hotel linens, en-suite bathrooms with showers, and hot and cold running water. Enjoy air conditioning, a dining/breakfast area and a large living room as you explore the scenic lake.

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