Kashmir Backpacking Trip
About The Trip
As Nayeema Mahjoor describes the beauty of Kashmir, she says “Kashmir, in fact, had become like a mistress of the country that wanted to keep her close but never tried to win her heart.”
Located in the nation's north, Kashmir is a Union Territory of India and a popular tourist destination worldwide. There is a market for adventure, skiing, religious, winter sports, pilgrimage, snowboarding, and health tourism in addition to conventional leisure travel. It is a popular holiday spot for travellers from across the world due to its rustic appeal and beautiful scenery. Lakes and gardens may be found in Kashmir Valley.
Saffron fields in Pampore, meadows in Aru, and Betab Valley in Pahalgam are all unquestionably included on the list. And Gulmarg is something no traveller can overlook visiting. Gulmarg is at its best all year round. A trip in a gandola and a stop at Affarwat Peak are essential.
Before we go to Yusmarg, commonly known as the Meadow of Jesus, the adventure doesn't end! Before leaving Srinagar, we go up to the stunning, blue Nilnag lake.
Join us on an excursion to backpack in this paradise on earth and experience the welcoming friendliness of the locals and the breathtaking natural wonders.
Price
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Shikara Ride at Srinagar
Day 2: Gulmarg Sightseeing
Day 3: Pahalgam Sightseeing
Day 4: Srinagar Sightseeing
Day 5: A trip to Yousmarg
Day 6: Departure from Srinagar
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
Exclusions
Detail Itinerary
Breakfast, Dinner
Details
Srinagar, located in the middle of the Kashmir Valley on the Jhelum River's banks, is encircled by Ladakh and four other districts. The city is renowned for its houseboats, lakes, and gardens. Dried fruits and traditional Kashmiri crafts are particularly popular there.
The Jhelum River, known as Vyath in Kashmir, runs through the city on both sides. The river flows through the city before continuing to meander through the valley and deepens in Dal Lake. The nine historic bridges that link the two halves of the city are well-known.
The group will meet at a designated location in Srinagar. The team will introduce themselves, followed by a quick ice-breaking session.
Post that, we'll check into the allocated Houseboat. We'll have a Shikara ride on the immaculate Dal Lake
Kashmir's "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir" or "Srinagar's Jewel" is Dal Lake, a popular recreation area. The lake is a crucial location for commercial fishing and water plant harvest.
We will spend the night on the houseboat in Srinagar while we have dinner.
Breakfast, Dinner
Private Vehicle
Hotel
Details
Distance: 50 Kilometers
Time taken: 2 Hours
The rice fields, clusters of walnut, pear, and mulberry trees, apple orchards, and woods that lead to the snow slopes are only a few of Gulmarg's outstanding features. A deep, soft layer of snow covers the equally well-liked location in the winter, providing the greatest conditions for skiing.
After breakfast, we'll check out of our houseboats and head to Gulmarg.
We will check into our hotel in Gulmarg and take a beautiful stroll to Khilanmarg, a little valley that is the ideal location for Gulmarg's ski runs and other snow-related activities. The renowned Gulmarg Gondola ride offers breathtaking aerial views of the whole valley for tourists to enjoy. We would also go to the highest green golf course in the world.
After returning to Gulmarg, we'll eat dinner and spend the night there.
Breakfast, Dinner
Private Vehicle
Hotel
Details
Distance: 142 Kilometers
Time taken: 4 Hours
Pahalgam, another stunning hill town in Kashmir is noted for its lovely meadows and has great spiritual importance as the starting point of the venerable Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage.
We'll travel to Pahalgam after breakfast. On the way, we would stop by Pampore's stunning Saffron Fields, where the entire area is blanketed with flowering violet blossoms, creating an incredible sight to see.
We'll check into our hotel in Pahalgam and explore Aru Valley, known for its picturesque meadows, and the Betaab Valley, which is tucked between the Pir Panjal and Zanskar ranges of the Himalayas. We'll also go to Chandanwadi, the Amarnath Yatra's beginning point and a hub for winter sports.
We'll return to our hotel after our sightseeing excursion followed by Dinner and an overnight stay in Pahalgam.
Breakfast, Dinner
Private Vehicle
Hotel
Details
Distance: 90 Kilometers
Time taken: 2 Hours
We'll check out of our accommodation and return to Srinagar after breakfast.
We'll check into our hotel once we arrive in Srinagar and then go for a neighbourhood sightseeing tour of the city. The most well-known Mughal Gardens, which were constructed under Mughal Emperors, would be our first stop. We'll stop at Cheshma Shahi, which features a natural spring that emerges from the centre of the garden, Nishat Bagh, which is tucked away on Dal Lake's eastern side, and Shalimar Bagh, the most exquisite Mughal garden and also known as the Abode of Love since the Mughal Emperor Jehangir constructed it for his queen.
We'll return to our hotel after our sightseeing excursion followed by dinner and stay.
Breakfast, Dinner
Private Vehicle
Hotel
Details
Yusmarg, the crown jewel of the Bagdam area, is home to several picturesque locations. Tourists are mesmerised by its natural beauty in places like Sang-e-Safed Valley, and Yusmarg is renowned for having some spectacular flower springs. The PirPanjal range has some of its highest peaks, including Tattakutti (4,725 m) and Sunset Peak (4,746m).
After breakfast, we'll travel to Yousmarg Valley
We'll return to Srinagar after enjoying some leisure time. The evening is spent in Srinagar after dinner.
Details
We'll check out of our hotel after breakfast. By their departure times, the group will part ways bidding adieu to the team and other group members. Reach our respective homes with good memories to cherish.
Things To Carry
- Day backpack (20 – 30 Ltrs): When you are on a local sightseeing tour, you are required to carry only a few necessary items and for that, you need a day backpack as you will leave your bigger one at your designated stay.
- Floaters or Sandals: When you are spending your day at leisure, a good pair of sandals and floaters will help you to move freely.
- 1 Down Jacket / Main Jacket: It’s emphasized that you need to carry proper layers so you can avoid getting cold which is why you need to carry an insulated jacket that you can put on over your other clothes.
- 1 Pair of Thermal: Thermal is a piece of garment that helps in keeping your body warm in cold temperatures. It is a necessary item that you need when traveling to cold regions.
- Outdoor Shoes: A comfortable shoe is required when traveling outdoors, especially in the mountains. They shouldn’t be chunky, instead, they should be lightweight and sturdy.
- 3 Quick Dry Tees: You must keep at least three pairs of quick dry tees so that you can wash them in between stops for proper hygiene.
- 3 Pair of Cotton Socks: Cotton socks are extremely comfortable to move around in and are lightweight as well which is why you can always count on a good pair of cotton socks while traveling. However, keep in mind to change them and avoid wearing them if they are moist.
- 1 Pair of Woolen Socks: A good pair of woolen socks, especially merino, are comfortable, limit odors and provide adequate insulation from the cold so you can wear them at night.
- 1 Poncho: A poncho is an evolved form of a raincoat that provides coverage to your body as well as your bag and ensures total water protection from rains.
- Quick-dry towel: A quick dry towel will help in maintaining proper hygiene. It must dry quickly because the wet fabric will only increase the chance of bacterial growth.
- Gloves: Insulated gloves help in maintaining proper body heat in your hands.
- Sanitizer: Prevent the risk of infections and maintain proper hand hygiene by making sure you carry a hand sanitizer.
- Sun Cap: A lightweight sun cap with side flaps is perfect to keep your head cool and avoid sunburns on a sunny day.
- Lip Balm: Your lips can become chapped due to the harsh cold winds so it's important to keep them moisturized.
- Cold Cream & Sun Screen (SPF 40+): To avoid sunburns and chafing, you need to put on sunscreen as well as cold cream.
- Water Bottle (1 Ltrs): Hydration is extremely important when it comes to traveling. To carry a water bottle that you can refill with Himalayan water is a must.
- Bag for all your Toiletries: A bag with all your essentials including napkins, toothpaste, sanitizers, paper soap, etc should be carried in a ziplock bag.
- Personal Basic Medical Kit: Carrying a medical kit with bandages, Dettol, medication for headache, nausea, etc is necessary.
- Sunglasses / People who use spectacles (Use Photochromic glasses instead of contact lenses): Photochromatic glasses are specs that are designed to transform into anti-glare shades depending upon exposure to the sun. They are good when it comes to eye protection but one can also opt for clip-on glasses etc.
- Mobile charger / Power bank: Although you'll get electricity at most places, it is always advisable to carry a charged power bank in case of emergencies.
- Documents: Identification proofs like Aadhar Card, Drivers License.
- Extra Polythene: In case your clothes get wet or your garments don’t dry, you can carry them in polythene. However, make sure that all the plastic that you are carrying into the woods leaves with you. Don’t litter.
- Camera: This should be obvious.To make sure that you get to capture all the great moments from your trip. Make sure that you have enough storage and some extra batteries as well.
Policy and Terms
- No cancellations will be taken over calls or WhatsApp msg. Please reply to the email with the payment receipt that you have received at the time of booking.
- Free Cancellation up to 45 days before the departure date
- 44 Days to 30 days of Departure date. 10% of the total Trip cost along with the booking amount will be charged as a cancellation fee.
- 29 Days to 20 Days of Departure date. 25% of the total trip cost along with the booking amount will be charged as a cancellation fee.
- 19 Days to 10 Days of Departure date. 50% of the total trip cost along with the booking amount will be charged as a cancellation fee.
- 10 Days to 6 Days of Departure date. 75% of the total trip cost will be charged as a cancellation fee.
- 6 Days to Trip Departure date. 100% of the total trip cost will be charged as a cancellation fee.
- No Show. No refund.
- In case of government orders, harsh weather conditions, protests, landslides, or any other unforeseen circumstances, we work out the best possible alternate plans or trips/treks. At times even if certain activities are canceled, the organization provides the best alternative but no refunds are provided.
- If a trek is called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc.), JustWravel will issue a trek voucher for the full amount and if possible will provide an alternate trek. The voucher can be redeemed up to the same amount for the same trek or another trek in the next 365 days from the trek departure date.
- If a trek or trip cannot be completed due to natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh, etc.). No refund would be provided.
- Any extra expense coming due to any natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh, etc.), Will be borne by the customer. The company will not be liable.
- Cancellations policy will differ during the peak season and in popular places.
Additional Information
How is the Trip /Trek Organised?
For the proper organization of Backpacking Trips and Himalayan treks, Plan the Unplanned team is associated with a local experienced team that’s registered with ATOAI (Adventure Tour Operators Association of India)
Moreover, we have been working with them for 10 years. Their highly skilled staff with 20+ years of experience, professional local guides and BMC certified trek leaders are the reasons for our continuing partnership with them. The team shall manage all operations, medical and mechanical backup starting from the base location.
Only when we have over 8 bookings from Bangalore, do we send our leaders from Bangalore.
Note: To properly utilize resources, a batch from PTU is clubbed with trekkers who originally book with the local team. This is how all trekking organizations manage their treks. An exclusive PTU batch is only formed when we have a majority of bookings ( over 8 and above ) from PTU
From : INR 28000/-
INR 26000/-
per person
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Kashmir Backpacking Trip
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