KASHMIR SAFFRON HARVEST TOUR :

Harvesting the Scarlet Spice

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE KASHMIR SAFFRON HARVEST TOUR : Harvesting the Scarlet Spice


Witness the vibrant colors and fragrant Aromas of the Annual Saffron Harvest.
Witness firsthand how this prized spice is harvested, from fields of vibrant purple crocuses to delicate threads carefully plucked by skilled farmers.
You'll also have plenty of opportunities to explore local culture, cuisine, and customs through guided tours and immersive experiences.
Accompanied by knowledgeable local guides, you'll have access to hidden culinary gems and meet skilled artisans who produce everything from shawls to intricate woodwork.
Take a Shikara ride on the serene waters of Dal.
Stay in a cosy houseboat amidst the lovely snow-capped mountains.
Witness the breath-taking beauty of Pahalgam, the Shepherd's Valley.
Get mesmerised by the gurgling milky waters of Doodhpathri.

OVERVIEW OF KASHMIR SAFFRON HARVEST: Harvesting the Scarlet Spice

Are you looking for an unforgettable travel experience that will allow you to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of a beautiful destination? Look no further than our Kashmir Saffron Harvest Tour! This unique travel package offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of the saffron fields, learn about the traditional harvesting process, and taste some of the world's finest saffron. You'll have the opportunity to visit sprawling saffron fields nestled between stunning mountain ranges. You'll learn about the intricate process of harvesting and processing saffron from knowledgeable locals who have been doing it for generations. The guides will provide fascinating insights into this ancient spice's history and cultural significance. You'll even have a chance to meet local farmers who have been cultivating saffron for generations. And after seeing firsthand how much care goes into producing each delicate strand of saffron, you'll never take this precious spice for granted again. This luxurious adventure will take you to the heart of one of the most beautiful and popular fields of saffron.

But that's not all--along with an unforgettable cultural experience, your saffron harvest travel package includes top-of-the-line accommodations at some of the most luxurious hotels and houseboats. From plush bedding to stunning views and delicious meals made with fresh ingredients from nearby markets, every aspect of your stay will be designed with your comfort in mind.

Every autumn (Oct-Nov), the stunning landscapes of this region in northern India come alive with vibrant hues of purple as the world-renowned saffron flowers bloom. This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness one of the world's most valuable spices being harvested by hand.

You will also get to sample some of the most delicious Kashmiri dishes made from this delectable spice. Additionally, your trip will include visits to local markets where you can purchase freshly harvested saffron and other authentic Kashmiri souvenirs.

SAFFRON CULTIVATION IN KASHMIR

Saffron is known by several names, including Zafran, Kang, and Kesar, and its blooms are a representation of freshness and purity. Originally planted in Greece, saffron is now commercially grown in Iran, India, and Spain. In the Kashmir valley, saffron has been grown on 'karewas' (plateau-like lacustrine deposits) for hundreds of years. Kashmiri saffron is a premium quality spice that is grown in the beautiful valley of Kashmir, India. Known for its unique flavor and aroma, this exotic spice has been used for centuries in various cuisines around the world. But there's more to Kashmiri saffron than just its culinary uses.

In fact, it's one of the main reasons why people visit the valley. And with our exclusive travel package, you can experience the beauty of Kashmiri saffron like never before. Our travel package includes a guided tour through the picturesque saffron fields of Pampore – the largest producer of saffron in India. You'll get to witness firsthand how these delicate flowers are harvested and processed into fine strands of saffron – a process that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Kashmir is one of the top three locations in the world for saffron cultivation. Since it has been grown in the fields of Pampore near Srinagar for almost 2500 years, Kashmiri saffron is regarded as the saffron species' mythical origin.

Saffron was introduced to India by the Persian kings somewhere around 500 BC, according to historical sources. Once they had taken control of Kashmir, the Persian kings planted the Persian saffron crocus corms in the soils of Kashmir. Traditional Kashmiri traditions, however, state that two Sufi ascetics named Khawja Masood Wali and Sheikh Sharif-u-din Wali brought saffron to the area in the 11th and 12th centuries.A.D. Both of the international visitors asked a tribal chieftain in the area for help after becoming ill. The two holy men are said to have given the chieftain a saffron crocus bulb in exchange for his cooperation.

Even today, thanksgiving prayers are offered to the two saints during the late-autumn saffron harvest. In the saffron trading town of Pampore, India, the saints do actually have a golden-domed temple and tomb dedicated to them. The renowned Kashmiri poet and philosopher Mohammed Yusuf Teng, however, disagreed with this account of the history of saffron and said that the plant had been grown there for over two millennia. At that time, saffron cultivation was also mentioned in the Kashmiri tantric Hindu epics.

Saffron from Kashmir is prized worldwide. Known around the world for its superior quality, a large portion of the saffron grown in Kashmir is exported to different nations. The perfect conditions for saffron growing include a cool, dry climate, rich soil, excellent drainage, and an organic content. Kashmiri soil is renowned for having all of these ideal characteristics. Saffron Lachha, Saffron Mongra, and Saffron Zarda are the three saffron grades that are offered in the Indian market.

The residents of Pampore are fond of claiming that there is some sort of magical ingredient in the soil of Pampore that aids in the flowering and aroma imbuing on the stigmas, as saffron is not cultivated on any of the other fertile alluvial plateaus of Kashmir. The saffron stigmas are grown in Kashmir, where they grow very tall and have thicker heads. They are deep crimson in colour. The size of the stigmas reveals the soil and climate appropriateness for this product. Although Iran produces about 70% of the world's saffron, Kashmiri saffron is regarded as the best and the finest. Saffron Kahwa, a traditional Kashmiri beverage, is a must for important events every celebration in that region is marked by its aroma. It is a common ingredient in many cuisines and famous meals including the Kashmiri Wazwan, the Spanish paella and the Persian tachin, an Iranian baked rice dish. Not everyone is aware of the beauty of the saffron harvesting process, despite being familiar with the results of using the spice in food.

However, the annual saffron harvest in Kashmir, India, is a full-on spectacle, and it's a great excuse to travel to India's northernmost region in the autumn. Crocus flower stigmas are used to make saffron. Only three stigmas are produced by each flower, which makes harvesting them time-consuming and expensive. This is explained by the plant's special growth cycle, which starts with planting in May or June while temperatures are still comfortable. Farmers plant the crocus corms (or bulbs) by hand during these months, taking great care to place them at precisely the right depth and separation from one another so they receive enough light and air to grow robust and healthy throughout the summer before being harvested in the autumn when their blooming season starts.

Farmers must begin manually collecting their crop of saffron blossoms when October arrives. Each bloom must be painstakingly picked by hand to avoid damaging it, which would diminish the quality. The fragile stigmas of each bloom are picked by hand by entire families, who then dry them out slowly over a number of days to produce what we know as saffron threads. Each bloom of the saffron is spread out on a flat surface to dry naturally for up to two days in the sun before being cut open and processed. The stigmas are then carefully removed so as not to leave any behind, as even minute quantities can entirely taint a batch of saffron. The stigmas are then cleaned, examined, and divided into quality groups before being packaged for sale or export.

A pound of saffron requires roughly 80,000 flowers, and the threads must be hand-selected. That explains why it is the most expensive spice in the world. In Kashmir, the harvesting season often lasts two to three weeks, during which time visitors can observe the process up close. Visitors can sign up for a guided tour to observe how locals harvest saffron from crocus blossoms and sample freshly made meals prepared with saffron. Saffron can also be purchased as a gift to take home directly from the grower.

In Indian agriculture, this process of its cultivation is most commonly referred to as "Golden Zest." In Jammu and Kashmir, the cultivation of saffron is a traditional craft that takes up over 14,102 acres (5,707 ha) of land. About 35,000 lbs (16,000 kg) of saffron are produced annually in India; the majority of this is harvested in Jammu and Kashmir. In Kashmir, the saffron harvesting season lasts from late October until early November.

 

ITINERARY FOR KASHMIR SAFFRON HARVEST: Harvesting the Scarlet Spice

DAY 1
ARRIVAL IN SRINAGAR

You will meet our representative at the airport. Afterwards check in to a houseboat.
After checking in, relax after the exhausting journey.
Take a Shikara ride to the nearest Mughal gardens including the Nishat and Shalimar Baghs.
Visit the blooming saffron fields of Srinagar.
In the evening, browse the local market at Lal Chowk.
Overnight stay in a houseboat.

DAY 2
PAMPORE,THE SAFFRON TOWN And Pahalgam

Visit Pampore, 14 km away from Srinagar.
Pampore, also referred to as the Saffron Town of Kashmir, is one of the greatest places to begin your purple hunt.
Witness the breathtaking beauty of these fields and purchase some saffron as a souvenir.
Later drive to Pahalgam.
Check in to a hotel.
In the evening stroll in the nearby valley to take in the breathtaking beauty.
Overnight stay in a hotel.

The distance between Pampore and Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir summer capital, is approximately 9.3 miles (15 km). Saffron production in Pampore and the surrounding areas averages 4,700 pounds (2,100 kg) per year. Saffron producers in the area are typically hospitable; tourists are welcome to wander the saffron fields. It will take about 30 minutes to go from Srinagar to Pampore, and a few hours would be sufficient to experience the saffron. In late October and early November, the blossoms are harvested after they have grown into a soft purple carpet. Saffron flower harvesting or plucking requires a mild climate—not one that is extremely hot. The region is also called "Saffron Town of Kashmir".

DAY 3:
PAHALGAM

Pahalgam is a quiet little town covered in a canopy of pine trees and has crystal-clear rivers.
Enjoy breakfast while taking in the stunning vista of the snow-capped mountains as you awaken.
Head towards the lovely Aru Valley.
A small settlement called Aru Valley is renowned for its beautiful beauty and offers a variety of adventurous sports.
The Betaab Valley, one of the most well-known tourist sites that offers breathtaking views of the Lidder River while being surrounded by heavenly natural loveliness, would then be visited.
Additionally, Chandanwari, which is known for its snow bridge and serves as the starting point of the revered Amarnath Yatra can also be visited.
After an exciting day of sightseeing and activities, head back to your accommodation in Srinagar.

DAY 4
BUDGAM

Today you will be visiting the saffron fields in Budgam, almost 9 km from Srinagar.
Visit the famous tourist destinations of Budgam like Doodhpathri and Yousmarg.
Later head back to Srinagar.
Overnight stay in a hotel/houseboat.
Some of the famous tourist spots of Budgam include:

1.Yusmarg:-
Meadows of Jesus, also known as Yusmarg, is a large area of lush pastureland in the Bagdam district. Yusmarg is an amazing tourist destination that, in the most basic manner, teaches people to revere nature. Tourists are mesmerised by its natural beauty at places like Sang-e-Safed Valley, and Yusmarg is renowned for having some exceptional flower springs. The Pir Panjal range's Tattakutti (4,725 m) and Sunset Peak (4,746 m) are two of its tallest peaks. The gorgeous river Doodh Ganga adds to the adventure and difficulty of this location. Skiing is possible on Yusmarg's formidable natural slopes for thrill seekers. On the other hand, the sacred shrine of Charar-e-Sharif is said to bless the entire territory and to guard the land against all types of disasters.

Yusmarg is a short 47 km drive from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu & Kashmir, and Srinagar Airport. The journey through Charari Sharief town takes less than two hours by automobile or bus. Sometimes in the winter, snowfall causes the road to close, cutting off the Kashmir Valley for weeks.


2.Doodhpathri
Doodhpathri, often known as the "Valley of Milk," is a hill station and popular tourist destination in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district. 8,957 feet above sea level, 42 kilometres from Srinagar, the state's summer capital, and 22 kilometres from Budgam, the district's administrative centre."Doodhpathri" is Sanskrit for "Valley of Milk." It is stated that the revered Kashmiri saint Sheikh ul Aalam Sheikh Noor din Noorani worshipped here once while he was looking for something. He poked the earth with his stick in the meadows in search of water to offer prayers, and milk flowed out. He questioned whether he could only use the milk for washing purposes. As soon as he said this, milk instantly transformed into water, giving the meadow its name of Doodhpathri.

The water that is currently flowing through the meadows seems milky from a distance and is extremely chilly all year long. Its splendour is further enhanced by the thick, emerald grass covering the broad meadows and the silvery, sparkling streams meandering over the massive stones.In the spring and summer, the natural meadows, which are covered in snow during the winter, support the growth of wild flowers like daisies, forget-me-nots, and buttercups.
Tangnar, Mujpather, Dophkhal, Sochilpather, Palmaidan, and Parihas are the main draws of Doodhpathri.

Mujh Pathar:
Located 3 kilometres from Doodhpathri, Mujh Pathri (Valley of Turnips) is a small village situated beside the Shalganga River.

Tangnar:
This location is 2 kilometres from Doodhpathri and is a lovely area with little valleys and hills covered in deodar and pine trees.

Pal Maidan
The name of this location, Palmaidan, means "Big Stone Ground," in reference to the enormous stones that cover the entire land. It is located 5 km away from Doodhpathri and is a favourite location for shepherds and cowboys where they congregate in huge numbers in the summer to graze their cattle and other livestock. It is a stunning location with a small brook flowing along one side of the landscape. Deodar and pine trees abound in the area.

Diskhal:
On top of the mountain, there is a lovely meadow that views out over the Ashtaar glacier. It is a 10km walk from Shaliganga Nallah in Doodhpathri.
Access:-

Routes for doodhpathri cover a total of 42 kilometres from Srinagar to Budgam, Budgam to Khansahib, and Khansahib to Doodhpathri through Raiyar. Another route is along the Gulmarg Road in Srinagar, which runs for roughly 50 kilometres from Srinagar to Magam, Beerwah, and Arizal.

3.Tosa Maidan:
Tosa Maidan is a meadow located in the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir's Khag Tehsil. Tosa Maidan is well-known for its historical significance in addition to its status as a grassland. It is located in the mountains of the Himalayan range about 10 km from Khag and is surrounded by thick trees. One arrives in the meadow of Tosa Maidan after passing via the upper mountain regions of Drang, Zakhora, and other small settlements. Tosa Maidan is allegedly one of the pastures that shepherds from other nearby nations used to frequent in the past. This path was once utilised by the Mughals to travel to Poonch. They allegedly built a seven-story structure called Dam-Dam here.

The route that leads into Tosa Maidan is the Basmai Gali (13,000 feet). On its right side, Poonch Gali, another pass, leads to the Poonch valley. In the past, this pass was seen to be the safest, simplest, and closest way to get to Punjab. A trail also leads to Nilnag from here. The largest grassland in the vicinity, Tosa Maidan is 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. Deodars that reach the sky frame this field and provide a view of a summertime green carpet. Additionally, the fragrance of wild flowers revitalises the surrounding area.


4.Sheikh Noor-ud-Din's (RA) tomb
Sheikh Noor-ud-Din's tomb in Charar-e-Sharif, 28 kilometres from Srinagar, is well-known for
as the Kashmiri flag-bearer or Alamdar-e-Kashmir. It honours Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (RA), who propagated the Islamic faith in Kashmir's valley. After he passed away, the governor of Afghanistan, Atta Mohammad Khan, struck coins in his honour. Here, a mosque was built by Sangram Dar, an adherent of Alamdar-e-Kashmir.
Alamdar-e-Kashmir chose a rock in Khag for his meditation spot because it still held traces of his footprints. Shah Kean is the name of the king-stone. Numerous devotees come to the shrine to pay their respects.

5.Pehjan:-
Pehjan is a pasture in the mountains located around 25 kilometres from Khag in the Himalayan foothills. The location is located between Khag and Gogaldara through Anzwaer. The area is tranquil, lovely, and full of deodar trees covered in numerous asters and saussurea lappa plants (Kuth).One must traverse the verdant slopes of Gogaldara, Donwar, Brari Pather, Anzwaer, and Yanga Pather to get to this alpine meadow. It is known as "Nueer" in the native tongue. Four lush green forests surround the area.There is a large rock with seven pinus trees on top called Satte Yaeer, which is on the road to Pehjan.

6.Nocturnal Rock, or Nakwaer Pal
The 14,000-feet-tall Nakwaer Pal (also known as the nostril rock) is located on the route to the alpine pasture of Pehjan. It is this range's tallest peak. It is reported about this rock that boats used to anchor with it when the Kashmir Valley was a lake (Sati Sar). Today, it contains an iron hook. Lal Khan's Place, often referred to as (Ded Bal) or (Lal Khanen Gher), is located on the the path to Pehjan.

7.Sutharan's Sita Haran
Sitaharan, a place famous for its spring, lies close to Tosa Maidan and the Line of Actual Control. During his 12-year exile with Lakshman and Sita, (Vanvas) Ram Chander allegedly resided here, according to local tradition. The spring is named after Sita, who is supposed to have taken a bath there. Later, the name was changed to Sut Haran. There is a rock next to the spring that Sita is said to have sat on in the myth. Tosa Maidan is also reported to have its origin in the spring. The spring's water is incredibly sweet.

8.Ahij Kol:
A mountain spring called Ahij Kol rises in the Budgam district and flows through a number of towns and valleys, including the Khag Valley. After passing through numerous pastures and woodlands, the spring separates from the river Jhelum. Laen Kol spring, Sona Maen spring, and Ahij Kol spring all originate from Sukhnag.

9.Gandhak:-
Gandhak Nag, a spring with sulphur in its waters, is situated in the Budgam district's Darang Khaipora hamlet. The spring is thought to have therapeutic qualities that can treat various skin conditions. Many tourists travel to this location to take baths in the spring in order to be healed of various skin conditions.

10.Mala Kol:
One of the lovely springs in the Budgam district is also known as the Deaf and Dumb stream. This stream is said to have accompanied the saint Syed Taj-ud-Din from Sukhnag to Sikandarpora invisibly. After passing through thick woodlands, the spring unites with the Sut Haran.

11.Nilnag:
Nilnag is a lovely lake 4 kilometres from Yousmarg. The route from Yousmarg is rather difficult and travels through a lot of forest. The lake's crystal-clear blue water gave it its name, with nag standing in for lake and nil for blue. The location is also great for picnics. From the lake, there is a 13 km uphill walk to a number of locations.

12.SHRINE OF KHAN SAHIB
The shrine, which is located in the Khan Sahib block of the district of Budgam, is connected to Hazrat Salen Khan, a well-known saint who arrived in this area in the sixteenth century with his father Ismail Sahib from Pakhla village, now in Pakistan. 99 saints allegedly made their way to Ismail Sahab's home on the day his son was born to witness the newborn infant. When Salen Khan was 5 years old, his influential uncle wanted to adopt him, but Ismail Sahib refused. Ismail Sahib travelled to Kashmir on foot with his son when the former applied pressure. Syed Salen Khan encountered Bu Ali, a well-known saint, while travelling. The father of Syed Salen brought his son to the well-known Kashmiri saint Baba Naseeb-ud-Din Ghazi, where the two spent more than a year.

Ismail Sahib was later permitted to depart by the Baba, but Syed Salen Khan remained and received 13 years of religious and spiritual instruction from the Baba. Additionally, Syed Salen Khan spent some time in the cave where he meditated for almost a dozen years. Later, he picked a location in a jungle to practise meditation and prayer. He still uses the cave where he used to meditate. People started coming to visit Syed Salen Khan while he was living in the cave, and soon he was well-known as a saint of the highest calibre. After him, the location became known as Khan Sahib. The death of Hazrat Syed Saleh Khan occurred on Zilqad 17, 1019 H. He was an excellent calligrapher, and Watal Kadal in Srinagar has a copy of the Holy Quran that was written by him. The tomb of Syed Saleh Khan Sahib hosts a week-long urs (festival) in the month of Zilqad.

13.Imambara BUDGAM
For the Shi'ite Muslims of the Valley, IMAMBARA, Budgam, is a very important place of worship. Under the direction of Aga Syed Mohammad, the Imambara was first built in 1857 on the site where renowned Shi'ite religious figure Aga Syed Mehdi used to deliver prayers. Asgar Ali of Mirgund, Budgam, designed the inside of the structure. Aga Syed Sahib added on to the old structure in 1924, and paper mache work was also undertaken. The Anjuman-e-Shari Shia under Aga Syed Yusuf Al- Mosavi Al-Safvi completed another addition in 1955.There are five main entrances, each about 12 feet wide, in the current octagonal Imambara. The women are only permitted to use one of the entrances. There is a mosque built by Aga Syed Yusuf Al-Mosavi Al-Safvi right next to the Imambara.

DAY 5

DEPARTURE

Bid farewell to the lovely saffron fields and breathtaking Paradise and take wonderful memories home.

HOW TO REACH KASHMIR

AIR:
Srinagar Airport is an international airport with the IATA code SXR and is known as Sheikh ul Alam Airport. With frequent flights from Srinagar to Delhi, Mumbai, and Chandigarh, this airport is well linked. The distance between the airport and the city centre is only 15 kilometres.

By Train: One can arrive at either Banihal railway station in order to travel to Srinagar by train or access Jammu Tawi railway station. You can hire cabs or taxis from the Railway station to get to this wonderful location.

By Road: The Jammu and Kashmir UT's capital is Srinagar. Major cities like Delhi (876 km), Chandigarh (646 km), Leh (424 km), and Jammu (258 km) are easily accessible from the city. Good bus and cab service is available.