Kashmir | Our Most Wholesome Trip

Day 1: Welcome to the Valley of Splendour

Arrive in the paradise of Srinagar. After check-in and a brief refresh, we'll embark on a local sightseeing tour. Our first stop is the splendid Pari Mahal, perched on the Zabarwan Mountain. This seven-tiered garden offers breathtaking views of Dal Lake and whispers stories of its Mughal heritage.

Next, we'll visit the Mughal Garden of Chashme Shahi, renowned for its Persian-style landscaping and the natural spring that flows through it. As the day unfolds, we'll drive along Dal Lake, absorbing the serene beauty of the city.

• Meals included: Dinner
• Stay: Srinagar
• Travel: Approx. 2-3 hours (Airport > Hotel > Srinagar sightseeing)

Day 2: Exploring Gulmarg's Magic

After breakfast, we’ll journey to Gulmarg, a paradise known as the "Meadow of Flowers." Surrounded by the towering Pir Panjal range, Gulmarg offers activities like gondola rides and stunning vistas. We’ll ascend to Apharwat Peak via the famous Gulmarg Gondola, marvelling at panoramic views that will leave you spellbound. Spend the evening strolling through the town and soaking in the charm of this serene retreat.

• Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
• Stay: Gulmarg
• Travel: Approx. 3 hours (Srinagar > Gulmarg)

Day 3: A Day in the Clouds

Bid farewell to Gulmarg and head towards the idyllic Aru Valley. En route, marvel at the verdant landscapes and pause to capture memories amidst apple orchards. Aru Valley, nestled by the Lidder River, welcomes you with its pristine surroundings and unmatched serenity. Spend the evening exploring the valley or simply relaxing in the lap of nature.

• Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
• Stay: Aru Valley
• Travel: Approx. 6 hours (Gulmarg > Aru Valley)

Day 4: Muscle Discovery Day

Today begins with an invigorating hike from Aru Valley to Lidderwat, a high-altitude meadow brimming with natural beauty. The 3-4 hour trek takes you through lush forests, past traditional shepherd dwellings, and alongside the meandering Lidder River. Upon reaching Lidderwat, we’ll set up camp and spend the night under the star-studded sky, surrounded by the majestic mountains.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Stay: Camping at Lidderwat
• Hiking: Approx. 3-4 hours (Aru Valley > Lidderwat)

Day 5: The Descent to Serenity

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll descend back to Aru Valley. Enjoy the scenic trail and capture the serene beauty of the region. The rest of the day is yours to unwind and explore the enchanting surroundings at your own pace.

• Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
• Stay: Aru Valley
• Hiking: Approx. 3-4 hours (Lidderwat > Aru Valley)

Day 6: Sunset and Shikaras

Depart from Aru Valley and make your way back to Srinagar, where you’ll check into a traditional Kashmiri houseboat on Dal Lake. In the evening, enjoy a tranquil Shikara ride, gliding across the serene waters and witnessing a stunning sunset. Spend the night basking in the unique charm of your floating abode.

• Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
• Stay: Houseboat on Dal Lake
• Travel: Approx. 5 hours (Aru Valley > Srinagar)

Day 7: Into the Heart of Gurez

After breakfast, we’ll set out for Gurez, a remote and stunning valley known for its untouched beauty and rich culture. The journey offers a spellbinding transition from verdant forests to cascading rivers, culminating in the grandeur of the magnificent peaks, perfectly embodying the summer splendor of this alpine paradise. On arrival, settle into your accommodation and relax amidst this serene escape.

• Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
• Stay: Gurez
• Travel: Approx. 6-7 hours (Srinagar > Gurez)

Day 8: Discovering Gurez’s Charm

Spend the day exploring Gurez Valley, a hidden gem in the Himalayas. Visit Dawar, the main town, and marvel at the Habba Khatoon Mountain, named after the famous Kashmiri poetess. Engage with the local culture, interact with the warm-hearted residents, and soak in the valley’s pristine landscapes.

• Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
• Stay: Gurez

Day 9: Last Day, Last Chance

After breakfast, we’ll embark on the return journey to Srinagar. Upon arrival, enjoy some leisure time to shop for Kashmiri handicrafts, saffron, dry fruits, and Pashmina shawls. Relish a delectable farewell dinner, reminiscing about the unforgettable memories of this trip.

• Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
• Stay: Srinagar
• Travel: Approx. 6-7 hours (Gurez > Srinagar)

Day 10: Farewell, Kashmir

After breakfast, it’s time to bid adieu to the enchanting land of Kashmir. Transfer to Srinagar Airport for your onward journey, carrying back cherished memories of your summer trip.

• Meals included: Breakfast
• Travel: Approx. 30 minutes (Srinagar > Airport)

Inclusions:

• Accommodation in twin-sharing hotel rooms at Srinagar, Gulmarg, Aru Valley and Gurez Valley (Check photos here)
• Twin-sharing camping tents at Lidderwat
• Stay in a boathouse at Dal Lake on a twin-sharing basis
• Shikara boat rides
• Gulmarg Gondola (cable car) rides (subject to availability)
• Tickets/entry cost wherever applicable (Chashme Shahi, Pari Mahal, Hari Parbat, Mughal Gardens, etc)
• Two meals a day i.e. breakfast and dinner while in Kashmir [Veg & Non-veg (if available)] & all lunches in Aru Valley/Lidderwat
• Private internal transport during the trip (tempo traveler/jeeps)
• All activities as per itinerary
• Visits to places as per itinerary
• First-aid kit and assistance
• All permits, tolls, and parking charges
• Assistance by Vagabond EMs

Exclusions:

• One meal a day in Kashmir
• Travel insurance (we recommend you take one)

Early bird: Rs. 44,000/- (+5% GST)

Vagafam: Rs. 42,500/- (+5% GST)

• Earlybird prices expire 45 days before the date of departure
• Vagafam is anyone who has joined us on 3+ experiences
• You can block your seat for an advance of Rs.15,000 /-
• The balance amount will have to be paid 30 days before the trip
• Reach out to us for group discounts

Accommodation:

• Rooming will be on a double-sharing basis (Check photos here)
• The hotels in Srinagar, Aru Valley, Gurez, and Gulmarg will have running hot water facilities
• Camping at Lidderwat will be on a double-sharing basis

Meals:

• Vagabond will provide 2 meals a day. We will take care of breakfast and dinner every day in Kashmir and breakfast, lunch and dinner at Aru Valley
• The food we're providing during the trip will be regular nutritious food [Veg & Non-veg (if available)].

Transport:

• The entire journey inside Kashmir will be in privately booked tempo traveler buses or jeeps (Mahindra Xylo or similar) depending on the group size.

1. Footwear: Shoes meant for rugged outdoor conditions, slippers/flip-flops. 
2. Warm wear: Lightweight fleece or down jackets, a beanie, scarf/muffler, and gloves (mornings and evenings can be chilly)
3.  Accessories: Torch, cap, polarized sunglasses, Swiss knife (optional), water bottle (1L), multi-plug device
4. Toiletries: Towel, soap, face wash, lip balm, sunscreen (min 40 SPF), hand sanitiser, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper
5. Medical: Personal medication (Asthma, Allergen medication, etc.), crepe bandage (each person should have a roll), basic medicines (aspirin, cold and flu, painkillers, motion sickness, etc.)
6. Personal recreation: Camera, binoculars, books, music, cards, etc.
7. Miscellaneous: A rucksack (for maximum convenience), an extra day bag for day outings, valid photo ID/address proof, 3 passport-sized photographs

Tips: Avoid jeans and other kinds of rigid/uncomfortable clothing.

• The temperature in Srinagar during the day would be about 25°C and will drop to 10°C at night. 
• Please carry some winter wear.
• It is advisable to carry a few extra pieces of quality temperature-appropriate winter wear as opposed to several layers of regular clothing.
• On your journey to Srinagar, please book a flight that lands at 12 pm or before.
• The ideal time to book your return flights will be after 11 am. 
• Despite this being a backpacking trip, we will be running on a fixed schedule. Punctuality will be appreciated.
• Most of Kashmir follows Islam. Please be sensitive with your language, honor the local cultures and do not be disrespectful.
• This is a backpacking trip. Please be prepared for a good amount of walking.
• While we're moving in groups to various places, try to stick to the group and not wander off.
• Gondola rides are subject to availability
• Please Note: This is a trip and not a multi-day trek. Our main luggage will always remain in our rooms while we head out to explore the town/village. If there's a hike/overnight camp, we will only carry a day bag for that duration and not lug all our bags everywhere.
• The trip schedule is subject to change. The day of visits to the mentioned places could be shifted back and forth.
• A week prior, you will be added to a WhatsApp group with all the other participants and your assigned Experience Manager. Further instructions will be shared on this group and you can coordinate your travel with your co-travellers. If you have any doubts before this, feel free to WhatsApp us at 74000 54929

1) What region of north India are we traveling to?

Our trip will begin in Srinagar. We’re in the capital city of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Located in the north of India, this lake city is situated in a valley between the Zabarwan and Pir-Panjal Mountains. 

2) What altitude would we be traveling to?

Srinagar is at 5200 feet above sea level. It’s not too high and one does not really need to worry about altitude sickness. 

3) What will the temperature be like while we're there?

Temperatures rise to a maximum of 22-25°C during the day and can drop to a minimum of 10°C during the night. 

4) Is there mobile connectivity in Kashmir?

Only postpaid BSNL, Airtel and JIO networks get coverage in Kashmir. 

5) Are there any ATMs where we're traveling?

All major banks such as HDFC, SBI, and ICICI bank ATMs are available in Srinagar. They accept international Visa and MasterCard. AMEX is not widely used in India. UPI transfer works as well. Please carry adequate liquid cash while traveling away from Srinagar.

6) Can I smoke/drink on this trip?

We at Vagabond do not refrain our participants from smoking or drinking on our backpacking trips apart from wherever necessary. Since Kashmir is an Islamic-majority area, alcohol is not easily available. It is also not very polite to consume alcohol. In any case, please indulge in these activities responsibly. Any misbehaviour on any account will warrant severe penalties.

7) What will the group size be?

We will be a maximum of 15 travelers including 1-2 Vagabond EMs.

8) Is there any age limit to join this trip?

No. There is no age limit to join this trip. However, based on our previous experiences, the age group of travelers is usually between 21-35.

9) Can I join this expedition solo?

Of course, you can! We have a good number of solo travelers on almost every Vagabond experience.

10) How physically fit do I need to be to join this trip?

This trip doesn't have a very high physical requirement. You need to be able to walk long distances on flat plains and be able to do a few climbs too. Our Kashmir expedition doesn't have much physical activity but it's always safe to be in a good physical condition. Those who have a low tolerance for cold should be prepared with temperature-appropriate clothing.

11) Are there doctors/hospitals in Kashmir?

Most of the places we’re visiting have well-equipped hospitals and clinics.

12) When should we book our flights?

On your journey to Srinagar, please book a flight that lands at 12 pm or before. The ideal time to book your return flights on the last day would be after 11 am.

13) Will we need to carry all our bags every day?

This is a trip and not a multi-day trek. Our main luggage will always remain in our rooms while we head out to explore the town/village. If there's a hike/overnight camp, we will only carry a day bag for that duration and not lug all our bags everywhere.

• There isn’t an age restriction on any of our experiences, everyone is welcome. However, the average Vagabond customer is anywhere between 20 – 35 years old. The experiences involve a good amount of time spent with the group. Depending on what experience you’re opting for, there could be a lot of walking and physical exertion.
• It’s important to understand that most of our experiences include very rustic accommodation and not a luxurious means of transport. These may be basic in their facilities, but the hospitality is homely and comforting. If you’re someone who doesn’t like compromising on your comforts while travelling, this experience may not be very enjoyable.
• Most of our trips have a healthy number of solo travellers. We encourage you to join us solo, especially if you’re tired of waiting on your friends. We promise you’ll return with many more.
• We try our best to be responsible travellers. Everyone is welcome to explore with us, but we pay utmost importance to cleanliness on all our experiences. We encourage you to #LeaveNoTrace behind while you discover the beauty of the outdoors.
• It’s important to understand that in a limited amount of time, only a limited amount of experiences can be had. We like to cover a few places in-depth rather than just ticking off a long list of things-to-do and places-to-go. However, if you are that kind of traveller, on almost all trips you can feel free to wander by yourself to places of your interest.
• At a Vagabond Experience, it’s important to stay open-minded and positive when things don’t go as per plan. The essence of traveling in a group is being able to help each other out when in need. The weather could go bad, and plans could get altered. In such situations, we urge you to have faith in your group leader to make the most informed decision for the group.

Years of experience: We’ve been leading trips around the country since 2014. Our time in this field has helped us learn about places and people. This knowledge about the destination contributes to a safe, wholesome, and enriching group experience.

Footfall: Since our inception, we’ve led more than 5,800 people on treks, backpacking trips, camps, and meaningful experiences. Rest assured, we’ve dealt with all kinds of people.

Safety first: Given the time we’ve spent in the travel field, we know and believe in the importance of safety. All our experience managers are first-aid certified, and carry a well-equipped first-aid kit on every trip.

Solo traveller-friendly: Over the years, we have had a healthy number of solo travellers who have been from diverse backgrounds. Especially those who got tired of waiting on their friends to agree to a plan.

Group size: Taking large groups of people compromises on an intimate interpersonal experience. Thus, we do small groups which makes it easier for people to get to know each other over the course of the trip.

No discrimination: At Vagabond, we believe that your age, social class, caste, gender or sexual orientation doesn’t determine your travel experience. Everyone is welcome to travel with us and explore new places, and new ideas.

Flexible itinerary: On a Vagabond experience, you’re free to stray away from our scheduled itinerary and explore the place on your own. You do you. We’re not your school teachers. We’re here to facilitate a better understanding of the place and help you experience it in your own comfort zone.

Mindfulness to nature: Over the years we’ve seen the places we visit turn filthier by the day. We don’t want to contribute to that any further. At a Vagabond experience, we encourage you to reduce your contribution to waste and follow sustainable tourism practices as much as possible. Check out #LeaveNoTrace

In-depth research: We're not a tour & travel agency. Every experience we offer you has been researched and experienced first hand by our core members. We visit the locations ourselves and curate an experience that we believe to be in sync with our ideologies.

• More than 30 days prior to the date of departure, 20% of the full payable amount will be deducted.
• Between 29 to 15 days prior to the date of departure, 50% of the full payable amount will be deducted.
• Between 14 to 7 days prior to the date of departure, 75% of the full payable amount will be deducted.
• 6 days to the date of departure, no refund shall be admissible
• 3.8% of all booking amounts are payment gateway charges. This amount is not refundable
• The cancellation policy applies to the full payable amount and not just to the advance blocking amount (if you've chosen that option)
• Please refer to the further Terms and Conditions mentioned in the footer of the website

• All timings and activities are subject to weather, group size, capabilities of participants, etc.
• Vagabond holds the right to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances (for eg. unfavorable weather)
• By registering for this trip, you agree to have read through and abide by the Vagabond Terms & Conditions mentioned in the footer.

For further inquiries, feel free to Whatsapp/call: 7400054929

PS: We respect and love our personal lives. Please contact us only between 11 am and 7 pm on weekdays.

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