India Secrets of Kashmir Cultural Discovery
New Delhi, India to New Delhi, India
Unravel the mysteries of Kashmir, recently opened to tourism, on this behind-the-scenes journey through one of India's most remote regions. Hike the pristine mountains around Srinagar, take tea with local villagers, visit Lake Dal's vibrant floating market, and tour the mythical “Seat of Solomon.” Experience the deep spirituality of the Dalai Lama's community in Dharamsala, behold the magnificent Sikh Golden Temple at Amritsar, and witness the colorful pageantry of the Wagah border ceremony. All this plus classic Tibetan, Indian, and Kashmiri meals equals the cultural exploration of a lifetime!
- Dive into three unique regions — the ancient capital of Amritsar, Dharamsala's Tibetan community-in-exile, and isolated Kashmir Penetrate three unique regions
- See the stunning Sikh Golden Temple and get VIP seats to the India-Pakistan Wagah border ceremony
- Have tea with Kashmiri villagers, hike untouched forests, and experience Lake Dal's floating markets
Internal Airfare: $880
Minimum Age: 13
- Adventure and Active
- Educational and Learning
Day: 1, duration: 2
Taj Mahal 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.
Day: 3, duration: 3Serkong House
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.
Day: 6, duration: 1Hyatt Amritsar
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.
Day: 7, duration: 1Lake Dal Houseboat
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.
Day: 8, duration: 1Pahalgam 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.
Day: 9, duration: 3Vivanta by Taj—Srinagar, India
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.
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.
Inclusions
Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
Snacks and water between meals
Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
Baggage transfers and porterage
Exclusions
International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
Travel Protection Program
Personal expenses
Reason #01
MT Sobek's immersive Secrets of Kashmir itinerary is led by expert local guides who understand the complexities of the region.
Reason #02Only MT Sobek uniquely combines Sikhism, Buddhism and Islam and three different geographical areas of India.
Reason #03As part of our philanthropic endeavors, we donate $250 per guest to benefit the Tibetan Nuns Project at the Dolma Ling Nunnery & Institute.
ActivitiesCultural touring by private van and foot, with easy walks to explore Kashmir's historical wonders and meet local people.
LodgingRelax at comfortable and well-appointed hotels, including the elegant and luxurious Vivanta by Taj at Lake Dal — an exquisite five-star resort.
ClimateIn April and September, low temperatures will range from 40°F - low 60°F and highs will range from 50°F - 100°F.
Who will meet me on arrival?An MT Sobek representative will meet you at the Delhi Airport.
Do I need a visa for India?Yes, you do, but you can go online to apply for an Indian e-visa, which is fast and convenient.
Is Kashmir safe?We only run our trips if we believe the situation is safe. We monitor the situation in Kashmir regularly through our local partners in the area, and using a global risk management company who we retain.
Since Kashmir is a Muslim-majority state, do women have to cover themselves?No, women do not have to cover themselves except when going into the mosques. We do suggest trousers when walking here. Local women wear scarves or chadors, but no one expects visitors to do so.
Can I do an extension to the Taj Mahal or Varanasi?Absolutely! Please call your Adventure Coordinator as we can organize extensions throughout India.
Does this trip contribute to any local conservation efforts?Yes! MT Sobek makes a donation of $250 per traveler to the Tibetan Nuns Project for all participants that join the trip. Travelers will also get to volunteer at the free kitchen at the Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar, which feeds ups to 50,000 people a day — all with volunteer labor!
What is the minimum age for this trip?The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.
Day: 1, duration: 2
Taj Mahal 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.
Day: 3, duration: 3Serkong House
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.
Day: 6, duration: 1Hyatt Amritsar
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.
Day: 7, duration: 1Lake Dal Houseboat
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.
Day: 8, duration: 1Pahalgam 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.
Day: 9, duration: 3Vivanta by Taj—Srinagar, India
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.
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.
Inclusions
Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
Snacks and water between meals
Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
Baggage transfers and porterage
Exclusions
International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
Travel Protection Program
Personal expenses
Reason #01
MT Sobek's immersive Secrets of Kashmir itinerary is led by expert local guides who understand the complexities of the region.
Reason #02Only MT Sobek uniquely combines Sikhism, Buddhism and Islam and three different geographical areas of India.
Reason #03As part of our philanthropic endeavors, we donate $250 per guest to benefit the Tibetan Nuns Project at the Dolma Ling Nunnery & Institute.
ActivitiesCultural touring by private van and foot, with easy walks to explore Kashmir's historical wonders and meet local people.
LodgingRelax at comfortable and well-appointed hotels, including the elegant and luxurious Vivanta by Taj at Lake Dal — an exquisite five-star resort.
ClimateIn April and September, low temperatures will range from 40°F - low 60°F and highs will range from 50°F - 100°F.
Who will meet me on arrival?An MT Sobek representative will meet you at the Delhi Airport.
Do I need a visa for India?Yes, you do, but you can go online to apply for an Indian e-visa, which is fast and convenient.
Is Kashmir safe?We only run our trips if we believe the situation is safe. We monitor the situation in Kashmir regularly through our local partners in the area, and using a global risk management company who we retain.
Since Kashmir is a Muslim-majority state, do women have to cover themselves?No, women do not have to cover themselves except when going into the mosques. We do suggest trousers when walking here. Local women wear scarves or chadors, but no one expects visitors to do so.
Can I do an extension to the Taj Mahal or Varanasi?Absolutely! Please call your Adventure Coordinator as we can organize extensions throughout India.
Does this trip contribute to any local conservation efforts?Yes! MT Sobek makes a donation of $250 per traveler to the Tibetan Nuns Project for all participants that join the trip. Travelers will also get to volunteer at the free kitchen at the Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar, which feeds ups to 50,000 people a day — all with volunteer labor!
What is the minimum age for this trip?The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.
About MT Sobek
To feed your spirit of adventure, Mountain Travel Sobek offers a wide range of unique and perfectly paced itineraries led by incredible local guides. We keep groups small, usually fewer than 10 people, and seek out great food and characterful accommodations everywhere we go.
Beyond the seamless logistics and careful attention to detail, our aim is to create a space for truly special moments in unforgettable places.
We are the Adventure Company—come explore with us.
About MT Sobek
To feed your spirit of adventure, Mountain Travel Sobek offers a wide range of unique and perfectly paced itineraries led by incredible local guides. We keep groups small, usually fewer than 10 people, and seek out great food and characterful accommodations everywhere we go.
Beyond the seamless logistics and careful attention to detail, our aim is to create a space for truly special moments in unforgettable places.
We are the Adventure Company—come explore with us.
