TASTE OF SUMMER: Journey through Kashmir's Strawberry Harvest

HIGHLIGHTS OF "TASTE OF SUMMER: Journey through Kashmir's Strawberry Harvest"

You'll get to sample delicious strawberries straight from the source, learn about different varieties and farming techniques, and even pick your own basket of fresh berries to take home with you.

Get enchanted by the expansive views of the Strawberry fields, Zabarwan mountain and the lake, which are complemented by the waves that the shikarawala's rowing creates.

As you ride the second-highest Gondola in the world at Gulmarg, take in the breath-taking views of the Kashmir Valley and the snow-capped mountains.

Take a Shikara ride on the serene waters of Dal.

Stay in a calm houseboat away from the bustling markets and din of city life.

Treat your taste buds to delicious Kashmiri strawberries, Noon Chai and Wazwan, among others.

Visit the Tulip garden since it is the time when it is opened for tourists.

OVERVIEW OF "TASTE OF SUMMER: Journey through Kashmir's Strawberry Harvest"

Are you looking for a unique vacation experience that combines adventure and delicious food? Look no further than our Strawberry Harvest Tour travel package! With our "TASTE OF SUMMER: Journey through Kashmir's Strawberry Harvest" you will get a chance to journey through the picturesque countryside of California during strawberry season, where you'll be able to taste the freshest, juiciest berries straight from the fields.

This unique tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through some of the most picturesque landscapes in India, while also allowing you to experience the magic of strawberry harvesting first-hand. The tour starts with a scenic drive through the stunning countryside of Kashmir, the rolling hills of Kashmir, where you'll be surrounded by acres upon acres of luscious strawberry fields. You'll be able to take in breath taking views of snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys as you make your way towards one of Kashmir's famed strawberry farms.

The Strawberry fields are particularly alluring due to its undiscovered beauty, which accounts for the majority of its attraction. Summer months from April to May  are the best to visit Strawberry Valleys. In Kashmir it is the first crop of the season. Additionally, fruit harvest time has arrived, transforming the area into a magnificent vista of scarlet and green.

You can taste some fresh strawberries and possibly take some with you back home in addition to feasting your eyes on beautiful scarlet berries that are virtually overflowing with juice.

Our tour includes visits to some of the top strawberry farms in the region, where you can witness first-hand how these delicious fruits are grown and harvested. You'll have the opportunity to meet with local farmers and learn about their sustainable farming practices. But the fun doesn't stop there! Of course, there will be plenty of opportunities to sample strawberries in all forms - from classic strawberry, shortcake to more creative offerings like strawberry salsa or even strawberry-infused mock-tails.

In addition to exploring the world of strawberries, our travel package also includes comfortable accommodations at charming bed and breakfasts along your route. With our exclusive travel package, you can experience the beauty and flavour of this beloved fruit first-hand.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and pick your own berries – a truly unforgettable experience that's fun for all ages. And don't worry about getting dirty – we provide everything you need, including baskets and aprons.

The top Strawberry Fields of Kashmir are listed below.

1.STRAWBERRY VALLEY, GULMARG

The Strawberry Valley, one of Gulmarg's less popular tourist destinations, has kept much of its embryonic beauty, with sweeping green meadows covered in vivid red strawberry farms. When the fruits are at their ripest and it is almost time for a harvest, the summer is the greatest time to visit the plantations.

This sight straight out of a picture book, the luscious green meadows with vivid red fruits dotting the entire area and clear blue skies above, is one you would most definitely not want to miss. As most locals would tell you when you are touring the area, the Strawberry Valley in Gulmarg is a little off the beaten path and is located "right behind a hill.". This largely explains the location's pristine beauty, which is still unaffected by a heavy influx of tourists.

Due to the harvest season, the valley is busiest in the summer. Visitors are welcome to stroll among rows of strawberry plantations to take in the area's vibrant beauty. Carry a basket with you if you choose, and after having a stroll among nature's abundance, take a peaceful lunch under a tree. The sheer charisma and vitality of the locale made it one of the most sought-after settings for Bollywood filming in the past.

HOW TO REACH GULMARG

From a few Himachal Pradesh cities, Gulmarg is well connected to the important towns of Jammu and Kashmir. There are direct buses running from Delhi to Gulmarg. This route is serviced by both public and private deluxe and luxury buses.

Gulmarg is accessible by self-driving automobile and is around 60 kilometres from Srinagar on the route. However, it takes a while because of the winding high-altitude routes.

TRAIN

The railway station at Jammu, which is 290 kilometres from Gulmarg, is the one that is closest to the mountain resort. From Jammu to Srinagar, you can take a bus, or you can take a taxi straight to Gulmarg.

Gulmarg's local transport

Gulmarg is a small village in the mountains and is reached by Gulmarg's local transport

The majority of visitors to Gulmarg walk because it is a small hill town. For a journey around the town, one can also reserve a cab.

2.GAASU, KHIMBER SRINAGAR

In the village of Gaasu, Khimber on the outskirts of Srinagar, the sight of harvesting of the Kashmiri strawberry is beautiful. Gaasu is popularly known as the Strawberry Bowl of Kashmir due to its abundance and quality of strawberries.

HOW TO REACH SRINAGAR

By Air:

Named Sheikh ul Alam Airport (IATA code SXR) , Srinagar Airport is an international airport. This airport is well connected and airlines offer regular flights from Srinagar to Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh. The airport is located just 15 km away from the centre of the city.

By Rail:

To reach Srinagar by train, one has to reach Banihal railway station or Jammu Tawi Railway Station in Jammu. From the Srinagar Railway station, you can hire Cabs / taxis to reach this magnificent place.

By Road:

Srinagar is the capital of the Jammu and Kashmir UT. The city is well connected with major cities like Delhi (876 km), Chandigarh (646 km), Leh (424 km) and Jammu (258 km). There is good Bus service and Cab service available.

3.TANGMARG

Tangmarg is a fruit bowl town located in the Baramulla District, an hour's drive west of Srinagar, about 13 kilometres short of Gulmarg on the Narbal-Tangmarg Road and 39 km from Srinagar. It is a well-known rest station along route to Gulmarg. It is located on the lower slope of the Pir Panjal range. Visitors can also make the 5 km hike from here to Gulmarg. Rolling hills, lush woods, snow-capped peaks, and clear springs are a few of the area's standout characteristics.

The Tangmarg encompasses the well-known tourist destinations of Zandpal, Drung, Gogaldara, Ningle Nallah, Babarishi, and Baderkoot. The area is also well known for its indigenous artwork and crafts, so visitors can indulge in some shopping while they're there.

Narbal crossing is reached from Srinagar through Nowgam, Hyderpora, Bemina, and Lawaypora. Tangmarg is reached via Narbal, Magam, Dhobiwan, Kunzer, and Druroo on the Narbal-Tangmarg Road.

HOW TO REACH TANGMARG

AIR

Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport in Srinagar is the closest airport by air and is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Leh, and Jammu by Air India, SpiceJet, Indigo, and

Go Air.

Rail

Jammu Tawi station (336 km/8 hours) is the closest railhead.

Road

To get to the Narbal crossing, take the NH1A Srinagar Bypass from Pantha Chowk on the outskirts of Srinagar, going through Nowgam, Hyderpora Chowk, Bemina, Parimpora, and Lawaypora.

Turn left from the intersection onto the Narbal-Tangmarg Road (also known as the Srinagar-Gulmarg Road), continue via Narbal, Magam, Dhobiwan, Kunzer, and Druroo, and then pass the Hokersar Nala on a bridge to reach Tangmarg.

Simply turn left into MA Road off NH1A, then cross the Budshah, if you miss the turn onto the Srinagar Bypass and arrive in Srinagar City instead. Bridge Flyover for the Qamarwari-Batmaloo Road, which connects to NH1A at Parimpora. Tangmarg is a stop on the bus route from Srinagar to Gulmarg. You can also take cabs or sumos.

ITINERARY FOR "TASTE OF SUMMER:Journey through Kashmir's Strawberry Harvest"

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN SRINAGAR

Arrive at the chosen location to meet our guide, who will give you a brief rundown of the tour.

After that, you'll be driven to a houseboat in Srinagar.

After checking in, relax after the exhausting journey.

Take a Shikara Ride on the serene waters of Dal.

The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy your stay while taking in the allure of the area around the hotel.

You might also go out and browse the adjacent local markets while looking for mementos.

Spend the night in a houseboat in Srinagar

Day 2 SRINAGAR LOCAL TOUR AND STRAWBERRY HARVEST

After a scrumptious breakfast, get ready for your day's travels.

Drive to Gaasu, a small hamlet on the outskirts of Srinagar.

Enjoy the scenic strawberry harvest in the Strawberry Bowl of Kashmir.

Later go to Mughal Gardens in Srinagar including Nishat and Shalimar Baghs, Pari Mahal and Chashma Shahi.

You can also go to the nearby bustling market, Lal Chowk in the evening.

Overnight in hotel/houseboat. (as per your preference)

DAY 3 GULMARG AND TANGMARG

Continue to Gulmarg, which is renowned for its natural 18-hole golf course and ski slopes and is also the highest golf course in the world.

You can take in the beauty of nature and the snow-capped mountains that you pass along the way as you go to Gulmarg.

On your way to Gulmarg stop at Tangmarg, a famous rest station on the way and indulge in the strawberry field harvest in the area.

Afterwards, head to the Strawberry Valley of Gulmarg.

The most important thing to do after you are in Gulmarg is to take the Gondola (cable car) from Gulmarg to Kongdoori and Marry Shoulder.

As you ascend higher on the cable car, take in the expansive vistas as you soar above the valley and watch as nature gradually reveals its hidden beauty.

Drive back to Srinagar in the evening and spend the night at the hotel.

DAY 4 DEPARTURE

Have a scrumptious breakfast and pack your bags. It is time to bid farewell to Paradise and take beautiful memories with you.