Chronicles of Virginia

Wanderlust Chronicles

Join me on a travel journey filled with stories, tips and beautiful destinations around the world.

Assam

Assam-Arunachal

Kashmir

🌿 5-Day Assam Adventure Itinerary

Ideal Season: November – April
Weather: 16–28°C (pleasant days, cool mornings)
Highlights: Kamakhya Temple, Brahmaputra riverfront, Kaziranga National Park safari, Sivasagar’s Ahom heritage and Bogibeel Bridge near Arunachal border.

🌸 Day 1 – Arrival in Guwahati & Temple Trails (Early Morning arrival)

Arrival: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), Guwahati.
Transfer: 20 km | 45 mins to city.
Activities:

Visit Kamakhya Temple, one of India’s most revered Shakti Peethas. Pre-booked entry pass required to join shorter queue.
Explore Umananda Temple (on Peacock Island, ferry from Uzan Bazaar).
Visit Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra for Assamese culture & crafts.
Optional sunset cruise on the Brahmaputra River.
Food: Enjoy Assamese thali at Heritage Khorikaa.
Stay: Overnight in Guwahati (Hotel Vivanta / Gateway / Mid-range homestay).
Tip: Kamakhya gets crowded in the morning; best visited before 9 AM.
If you buy Assam silk check for Suwalkuchi Silkmark for authenticity

🐘 Day 2 – Guwahati → Kaziranga National Park

Distance: 195 km | 4.5–5 hrs drive via NH27.
Activities:

Depart early (7 AM) from Guwahati.
En route tea gardens & Assamese countryside views.
Afternoon: Visit Kaziranga Orchid & Biodiversity Park (largest orchid collection in NE India).
Evening cultural folk show (Bihu & bamboo dance).
Stay: Jungle lodge or resort near Central Range (Iora, Diphlu River Lodge, Infinity).
Food: Local cuisine at resort – fish tenga, bamboo shoot curry, payash.
Tip: Book next morning’s safari permits in advance (limited availability).

🦏 Day 3 – Kaziranga Safari & Drive to Dibrugarh (via Sivasagar)

Morning Safari:

Jeep Safari (6:30 AM) or Elephant Safari (5:30 AM) at Central Range (Kohora).
Spot one-horned rhino, elephants, swamp deer & migratory birds.
Return to lodge for breakfast and checkout by 10 AM.

Drive to Dibrugarh: 230 km | 6 hrs total (via Nagaon–Jorhat–Sivasagar).
En Route Stop:

Sivasagar: Visit Rang Ghar, Talatal Ghar, Sivadol Temple, and Joy Sagar Lake – the Ahom dynasty’s architectural marvels.
Continue to Dibrugarh, the tea capital of India.

Stay: Heritage tea bungalow or hotel (Mancotta Heritage Tea Estate / Tea County).
Food: Assamese dinner or Continental at the bungalow.
Tip: Sivasagar sightseeing takes ~1.5 hrs; plan lunch break there.

🌉 Day 4 – Bogibeel Bridge & Arunachal Border Excursion

Activities:

Visit Bogibeel Bridge – India’s longest rail-cum-road bridge (4.94 km) over the Brahmaputra.
Drive to Arunachal Pradesh border area (Ruksin or Pasighat side) for scenic views of the Siang River and Himalayan foothills.
Optional: Tea garden walk and visit a local tea factory near Dibrugarh.
Stay: Same hotel or tea bungalow in Dibrugarh.
Evening: Brahmaputra sunset view and dinner at The Junction or Namphake Kitchen.
Tip: Carry ID proof if visiting near Arunachal border; Inner Line Permit not needed for border view points only.

✈️ Day 5 – Departure from Dibrugarh

Morning: Relaxed breakfast at the tea bungalow.
If time allows, visit the Dibrugarh University Botanical Garden or Grahm Bazaar local market for tea & handicrafts.
Departure: Dibrugarh Airport (DIB) – 15 km | 30 mins from city.
Food Tip: Try “pitha” or “laru” with Assamese tea before your flight.

✳️ Travel & Comfort Notes

Best time: November–April (Kaziranga open from Nov–Apr only).
Safari Costs: Jeep Safari ₹2,500–3,500 per person; Elephant Safari ₹1,500–2,000 (book 1 day before).
Cash: Carry ₹5,000–₹10,000 (limited ATMs in Kaziranga).
Network: Jio & Airtel strongest.
Permits: No special permits needed unless crossing into Arunachal.
Safety: Early morning drives preferred; fog common till 8 AM in winter.

🏞️ 6-Day Assam–Arunachal (Sela Pass)

Route: Guwahati → Kaziranga → Bomdila → Dirang → Sela Pass → Guwahati
Ideal Season: November – April Weather: 10 – 28 °C (pleasant in plains, cold at Sela Pass)
Highlights: Kamakhya Temple, Brahmaputra cruise, Kaziranga safari, Sela Pass (13,700 ft), Bomdila Monastery, Dirang Valley and Himalayan drives.

🛬 Day 1 – Arrival in Guwahati & Temple Trails

Arrival: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU).
Transfer: 20 km | 45 min.
Activities: Visit Kamakhya Temple; Umananda Temple (Peacock Island ferry); Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra; evening Brahmaputra sunset cruise.
Food: Assamese thali at Paradise or Khorikaa.
Tip: Visit Kamakhya early morning to avoid queues.

🐅 Day 2 – Guwahati → Kaziranga National Park

Distance: 195 km | 4½–5 hrs via NH 27.
Activities: Drive through tea gardens; visit Kaziranga Orchid & Biodiversity Park; enjoy evening folk dance (Bihu show).
Stay: Iora Resort / Infinity / Diphlu River Lodge.
Food: Fish tenga, bamboo-shoot curry and rice beer(xanj).
Tip: Pre-book next morning’s safari.

🌳 Day 3 – Kaziranga Safari & Drive to Bomdila

Morning Safari: Jeep (6:30 AM) or Elephant (5:30 AM) in Central Range to spot rhinos, elephants and swamp deer.
After breakfast: Drive to Bomdila (210 km | ≈6 hrs) via Tezpur & Bhalukpong.
En route: Tea estates and Kameng River valley.
Stay: Bomdila
Food: Assamese thali, momos.
Tip: Carry warm layers; night temps ≈ 8 °C.

🏔 Day 4 – Bomdila → Dirang → Sela Pass → Bomdila / Dirang

Distance: 110 km round trip | 4–5 hrs.
Activities: Drive to Dirang Valley – visit Dirang Monastery, Kiwi farms and Dirang Dzong; continue to Sela Pass (13,700 ft) for snow-clad views, Sela Lake and Jaswant Garh War Memorial.
Stay: Dirang/Bomdila
Food: Hot noodle soup and tea by the valley.
Tip: Carry jacket, gloves and sunglasses – Sela often near 0 °C.

🚗 Day 5 – Bomdila → Guwahati

Distance: 265 km | ≈7 hrs.
Activities: Descend to the plains; short halt at Tippi Orchidarium or Nameri National Park gate; reach Guwahati by evening.
Stay: City hotel or airport stay.
Food: Dinner at Naga Kitchen or local eatery.
Tip: Leave early; fog possible after sunset in foothills.

✈️ Day 6 – Departure from Guwahati

Morning: Relaxed breakfast; shop for Assam tea and souvenirs at Fancy Bazaar.
Departure: Guwahati Airport (GAU). Food Tip: Try pitha or laru with strong Assam tea before flight.

🧭 Travel & Comfort Notes

ILP (Inner Line Permit) required for Bomdila–Dirang–Sela – apply at arunachalilp.com.
Best time Nov–Apr (Kaziranga open & Sela snow).
Use SUV/Innova for mountain sections. Carry ₹10000–15000 cash (limited ATMs).
Jio/Airtel best till Dirang.
Avoid night drives in hills.

🌸 6-Day Kashmir Summer Itinerary

Ideal Season: May – August
Weather: 15–28°C (pleasant days, cool nights)
Highlights: Dal Lake shikara rides, Gulmarg meadows & gondola, Pahalgam’s Aru–Betaab–Baisaran valleys, Sonamarg glacier visit and Kashmir willow bat factory stop.

☀️ Getting There
Option 1 – By Air:
Fly into Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport (SXR), Srinagar — direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chandigarh.

Option 2 – By Train (New Vande Bharat Route):
Route: New Delhi to Srinagar 13 hours between Delhi and Srinagar
Stops at Ambala Cantt, Ludhiana, Kathua, Jammu Tawi, Vaishno Devi Katra, Sangaldan and Banihal.

🌼 Day 1 – Arrival in Srinagar & Dal Lake Charm
Arrival: Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport (SXR) or Srinagar Railway Station (Nowgam)
Transfer: 12 km | 30 mins to hotel or houseboat
Activities:

Check into a houseboat or lakeside hotel
Shikara ride on Dal Lake (1 hr at sunset)
Visit Mughal Gardens – Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi
Evening stroll on Boulevard Road

Food: Authentic wazwan dinner at Ahdoos or Stream Restaurant
Evening: Tea and kahwa by the lake under pastel skies
Tip: Evenings cool (18°C); light jacket recommended

🌻 Day 2 – Srinagar → Gulmarg (Meadow of Flowers)
Distance: 50 km | 2 hrs
Activities:

Gondola ride to Phase 1 & 2 (Khilanmarg/Apharwat)
Short meadow walk or pony ride
Visit St. Mary’s Church and the world’s highest Golf Course
Explore Strawberry Valley for postcard-perfect photos

Stay: Overnight in Gulmarg (Hotel Heevan, Shaw Inn or The Khyber)
Food: Local trout or Rogan Josh with kahwa
Tip: Start early (8 AM) to beat tourist rush

🌷 Day 3 – Gulmarg → Pahalgam via Pampore
Distance: 145 km | 4.5–5 hrs total
Route: Gulmarg – Tangmarg – Srinagar Bypass – Awantipora – Bijbehara – Pahalgam

En Route Highlights:

Pampore: Saffron fields and hot kahwa tasting
Sangam: 🏏 Visit a Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat Factory (30–40 min stop)
Watch craftsmen shaping bats by hand; buy one directly (₹1,500–₹3,500)
Avantipur Ruins: Optional short photo stop

Arrival Pahalgam (2 PM):

Pony ride or trek to Baisaran Valley (Mini Switzerland) – 3–4 hrs
Soak in views of pine forests and snow peaks

Stay: Riverside resort or cottage in Pahalgam
Food: Dinner by the Lidder River (Dana Pani or Troutbeat Café)
Tip: Evenings are crisp (12°C); perfect for bonfire

🌺 Day 4 – Aru & Betaab Valley Excursion
Distance: 25 km round trip | 1 hr total drive
Activities:

Aru Valley: Short hikes, riverside picnic, ziplining
Betaab Valley: Verdant meadows, riverside strolls and snow peaks in backdrop
Optional: Visit Pahalgam Club Park or trout farm

Food: Trout or mutton yakhni lunch at Dana Pani
Evening: Shop for pashmina, woollens and walnut crafts in Pahalgam market
Tip: Visit Betaab first; it gets busy by noon

🌿 Day 5 – Pahalgam → Sonamarg → Srinagar
Distance: 180 km round trip | 5–6 hrs total
Activities: Scenic drive via Srinagar–Ganderbal–Kangan

Sonamarg: Pony ride or short trek to Thajiwas Glacier
Optional: River rafting in Sind River (till early July)
Return to Srinagar by evening and relax by Dal Lake

Weather: 10–20°C; carry a light fleece or stole
Stay: Overnight in Srinagar (houseboat or boutique hotel)
Food: Dinner with traditional kahwa

🌸 Day 6 – Srinagar City & Departure

Morning:

Visit Shankaracharya Temple for panoramic views
Shop at Lal Chowk or Polo View Market for saffron, papier-mâché and pashmina

Departure: Airport or Railway Station transfer (12 km | 30 min)
Food Tip: Try bakarkhani with kahwa before flight

✳️ Travel & Comfort Notes
Sonamarg: ✅ Open May–October; Thajiwas Glacier accessible till early July
Aru, Betaab & Baisaran Valleys: Fully open and lush in summer
Cash: ₹5,000–₹10,000; ATMs available in towns
Network: Jio and Airtel best
Permits: Small entry fees (₹100–₹150) at Aru and Betaab
Safety: Avoid late-night drives; wildlife crossings common in forest stretches

❄️ 6-Day Kashmir Winter Itinerary

Ideal Season: December – February
Weather: -4°C to 8°C (snowy & cold)
Highlights: Gulmarg skiing & gondola, frozen Dal Lake, Kashmiri winter cuisine.

Getting There
Option 1 – By Air: Fly directly to Srinagar (Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport – SXR).
Daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chandigarh → Fastest & most convenient in winter (1.5 hr flight from Delhi).

Option 2 – By Train (New Vande Bharat Route):
Route: New Delhi to Srinagar 13 hours between Delhi and Srinagar
Stops at Ambala Cantt, Ludhiana, Kathua, Jammu Tawi, Vaishno Devi Katra, Sangaldan and Banihal.

Day 1 – Arrival in Srinagar & Houseboat Stay
Arrival: Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport or Srinagar Railway Station (Nowgam).
Transfer: 12 km | 30 mins to Dal Lake.
Activities:

Check into heated houseboat on Dal Lake.
Afternoon Shikara ride on the partially frozen lake.
Visit Mughal Gardens (if accessible): Nishat Bagh & Shalimar Bagh.
Evening stroll along Boulevard Road.

Food: Wazwan dinner at Ahdoos or Stream Restaurant.
Tip: Nights dip to -3°C; wear thermals and gloves.

Day 2 – Srinagar → Gulmarg
Distance: 50 km | 2 hrs.
Activities:

Gondola ride to Phase 1 (Phase 2 if open).
Skiing, snowboarding, sledging.
Visit St. Mary’s Church and snow-covered Golf Course.

Stay: Overnight in Gulmarg (heated resort).
Food: Hot Maggi & kahwa at slope cafés; dinner at The Khyber or Heevan Retreat.
Tip: Rent snow boots and gloves locally (₹500/day).

Day 3 – Gulmarg Snow Adventure
Activities:

Snowmobile ride to Kongdoori (₹2,000/person).
Optional skiing lesson (₹1,200/hour).
Bonfire and live Kashmiri music in the evening.

Stay: Second night in Gulmarg.
Tip: Use hot water bags; night temperatures can fall to -6°C.

Day 4 – Gulmarg → Pahalgam (Snowy Valleys Drive)
Distance: 145 km | 4.5–5 hrs.
Route: Gulmarg – Tangmarg – Srinagar Bypass – Pampore – Awantipora – Bijbehara – Pahalgam.

En Route Highlights:

Pampore: Hot saffron kahwa tasting.
Sangam: Visit a Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat Factory (30–40 min stop).
Avantipur Ruins: Optional quick photo stop.

Arrival Pahalgam (3 PM):

Walk by the snowy Lidder River.
Visit local market for woollens & walnut wood crafts.

Stay: Riverside resort or cottage with heating.
Tip: Evenings can hit -8°C; carry flask of kahwa.

Day 5 – Betaab Valley & Aru Valley (if open)
Distance: 25 km round trip | 1 hr total drive.
Activities:

Betaab Valley: Snow meadows, pine forests, riverside tea stalls.
Aru Valley (optional): Open only if road cleared; offers frozen river scenes & snow hikes.
Trout or mutton yakhni lunch at Dana Pani or Troutbeat Café.

Evening: Bonfire & dinner by the river.
Tip: 4x4 recommended; confirm Aru access locally.

Day 6 – Return to Srinagar & Shopping
Drive: 90 km | 2.5–3 hrs.
Morning:

Visit Shankaracharya Temple (snowy city view).
Shop at Lal Chowk or Polo View Market for pashmina, saffron, papier-mâché.

Departure:

Airport transfer (12 km | 30 min) or Srinagar Railway Station (Nowgam) for return Vande Bharat.
Food Tip: Try harissa breakfast or kahwa with bakarkhani before departure.

✳️ Travel & Comfort Notes

Sonamarg: 🚫 Closed from mid-Dec to March due to heavy snow and avalanche risk. Road open only till Gagangir.
Aru Valley: 🚫 Often closed to vehicles in deep winter; open partially.
Baisaran Valley: 🚫 Closed during winter (Dec–Feb) due to deep snow and unsafe pony trails. Opens again in March–April.
Clothing: Thermals, snow boots, gloves, moisturizer and lip balm essential.
Cash: ₹10,000–₹15,000 (limited ATMs beyond Srinagar).
Network: Jio & Airtel best coverage.
Safety: No night drives — roads icy & unlit.
Permits: None required for Srinagar–Gulmarg–Pahalgam circuit.