Wangnoo and the valley of Kashmir THE VALLEY KASHMIR The beautiful Valley of Kashmir lies at the foot of the Himalayas and stretches for about 130 km, Its unparalleled beauty, lush green landscapes and forests, tranquil lakes surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountain peaks, bird life and flora are legendary and offer those who visit it a unique opportunity to experience the gentle peace and natural environment of one of the few remaining truly unspoiled areas of the world. THE LAKES Dal Lake, the larger of the two main lakes, forms the waterfront to the city of Srinagar and is set against a backdrop of encircling mountain ranges Shikaras laden with produce and essential for daily life on the lake glide silently over the water, criss-crossing the lake and stopping at any houseboat where a sale may be likely Nagin Lake, the smaller, clearer, spring-fed lake, lies about 4 km from Dal Lake and is known as “The Jewel in the Ring” because of its tranquil beauty. Willow and poplar trees are mirrored in the silken waters of this peaceful setting with its spectacular sunsets and the majestic silhouette of the Himalayas on its eastern side. With fewer houseboats and a lack of commercialization, it offers all the facilities of the larger lake, but in a serene and secluded setting, permitting the visitor to remain undisturbed amongst the natural splendor of the magnificent surroundings. THE YAADGAR HOUSEBOATS The name Yaadgar in Kashmiri means “a home that cannot be forgotten” and that is exactly the feeling our clients carry away with them after a stay on one of the Yaadgar houseboats. The group has five houseboats, all classified Deluxe by the Department of Tourism. These are moored on the west side of Nagin Lake, granting a superb view of the Himalayas. Each boat has been built by hand; its exquisite interior intricately carved from fragrant cedar wood and sumptuously decorated using beautifully carved walnut furniture, hand-woven wool and silk rugs, khadi embroidery and richly-coloured papier machie items. All provide the guest with a feeling of gracious living which is the perfect compliment to the rich natural beauty of the surrounding scenery. The houseboats have a sitting room, dinning room, and from one to five bedrooms. Each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and a double and single bed so that it may be used for single , double or triple occupancy. The comfortable veranda at the front of each boat is the perfect setting from which to view the mountains and watch the shikaras skimming silently across the still waters. To complete your pleasure, a personal house-boy is on hand at all times to care for you and ensure your personal comfort. THE WANGNOO FAMILY Ahmed Wangnoo and his two sons, Mohammed and Addullah, currently own and operate five of the finest houseboats in Kashmir. Four generations of the family have preceded them in this activity. Their fine reputation has kept them in the forefront in welcoming guests from every corner of the world from several decades. They pride themselves in offering the kind of luxurious service which brings their guests back to Kashmir and to their houseboats time and time again. For many of these guests, it has become a Yaadgaar – the home they cannot forget. You too are warmly invited to visit and enjoy the personal attention and courtesy which the family extends to each and every one of its guests. SRINAGAR The old city of Srinagar, which dates back to the 3rd Century B.C., lies on both sides of the Jhelum River in the heart of the Kashmir Valley. The river is spanned by nine historic bridges and its waterways are an ideal means by which to tour the city whilst reclining in one of the typical Kashmiri shikaras. Alternatively, a walk through the ancient, narrow streets of ornately carved cedar houses Old mosques and shrines which bear testimony to Srinagar’s fascinating and historic past abound. On the outskirts of the city, fragrant Mogul gardens nestle between the lakes and the mountain ranges, while the banks of the waterways and the lake-sides are lined with the elegant wooden houseboats which are distinctive only to Kashmir. SIGHTSEEING The Valley provides endless possibilities for sightseeing and there are many half-day and full-day excursions available, starting at the door of your houseboat. Locally, you can quietly and inexpensively tour the lakes in a small, comfortable Shikara, visit the Moghul gardens at Shalimar, Nishat or Chasm-e-shahi, climb the Shankaracharya Hill to visit the Hindu Temple and enjoy a panoramic view of Dal Lake. Further afield, Dachigam Wildlife Reserve offers an opportunity to see the brown bear and hangul in their beautiful forest habitat, or you can travel to some of India’s foremost archaeological sites. PAHALGAM - There are spectacular full-day trips into the heart of the mountains of Pahalgam, a meadow of shepards and old rueins historical monuments, Avantipura, saffron fields and spring with its forests and rushing river, GULMARG “the meadow of flowers”, a summer and winter resort set amidst the snow-capped Pirpanjal mountain range and offering one of the best 18 hole golf courses in India, enjoy Gandola Chair Car. Alternatively, you can journey east SONAMARG, Meadow of Gold, where forests of sycamore trees and meadows carpeted with alpine flowers form the gateway to Ladakh. Trip from Sonamarg to the Tajwas Glacier are easily arranged. Sonamarg is the starting Point for several mild and high altitude trekking routes. LADAKH - Leh, the capital of Ladakh or Little Tibet lies 270 miles to the east of Srinagar. This is a barren mountaineous region, justly famous for its monasteries and lamas as well as its colourful people. It takes two days by road. The Wangnoos can take you there by car or jeep and you will have the choice between camping on the way and in Ladakh, or staying in hotels. Due to the heavy winter snowfalls, entry to the region is only possible during the summer months. All this, and much more, awaits our guests. TREKKING Trekking in Kashmir is the ultimate mountain experience. An adventure in itself, it also provides an incomparable opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and views and is an ideal escape from the pressures of daily life. Treks can be long or short, gentle or challenging, to suit young or old and individual needs. Throughout, you will be attended by the Wangnoo family and our support staff. A detailed brochure outlining the different treks on offer by the Wangnoo family will be mailed to you at you request, and, of course, we will be delighted to put together a tailor-made itinerary to suit specific interests and requirements. Water-trekking, trout fishing in crystal streams and rivers, bird watching are further experiences which should not be missed during a stay with us. You have only to advise us of your wishes and we will do the rest. HANDICRAFTS The craftsmen of Kashmir are famous throughout the world, where their creations are to be found in the finest and most exclusive shops. During your visit, you will have an opportunity to watch these artisans at work and to marvel at their skills. The incomparable beauty of the Kashmiri carpet is renowned, but only in Kashmir can you have the chance to see the silk and wool spun, dyed, dried, woven and knotted in to the most intricate designs imaginable. Few visitors can resist the beautiful shawls, woven in the finest Kashmir wool and pashmina, often decorated with delicate and intricate silk embroidery. HOW TO GET THERE Kashmir can be reached without difficulty by air, train or bus. WHEN TO VISIT Each season in Kashmir has its own charm. Summers are warm and sunny, whilst in winter temperature drop below freezing, providing ideal conditions for skiing at the Gulmarg resort. Spring is a beautiful time of year when the countryside is a mass of blossom. For those who are susceptible to the warm shades of autumn, this is a time of intense beauty when the mountainsides are clothed in golds and reds and the light at this altitude is at its clearest. March to November is the ideal period for trekking and camping. Fishing permits are issued from 1st April to 30th September.

Services available at Wangnoo House Boats are

Wangnoo House Boats has multi-cuisine restaurant that serves

Book now