Kashmir Backpacking
Cost (+5% GST)
18,999/-
Duration
5N/6D
Pickup/Drop
Srinagar
Known as Heaven on the Earth, Jammu & Kashmir is where Mother Nature has bestowed all her love. Enclosed by the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges; and festooned with verdant meadows, lush valleys, dense forests, and splendid temples, this new union territory of India is a holiday destination to instantly fall in love with. Kashmir is & will always be heaven on earth & for all the right reasons because Travelling across this place is what dreams are off!
This is a trip that is the perfect balance between leisure & adventure. From enjoying shikhara rides and houseboat accommodation on Dal lake in Srinagar to exploring offbeat places like Aharbal waterfalls; Kashmir has it all! Also known as the Niagara Falls of Kashmir, the mighty strength of this fall is something to behold. On this journey, we also set out to traverse across South Kashmir.
The list includes the Saffron fields of Pampore and the meadows of Aru & Betab Valley in Pahalgam. And something no backpacker can forget to explore Gulmarg. All year round, Gulmarg is in its full glory. A gondola ride & visit to Affarwat Peak is a must! Join us on the adventure of backpacking in this heaven on earth to enjoy the warm hospitality of people and the wonderful gems of nature.
Short Itinerary
Day 1: Srinagar Arrival | Local Sightseeing Of Srinagar
Day 2: Day Excursion to Gulmarg (85 km / approx. 3hour drive)
Day 3: Day Excursion to Sonmarg (90 km / approx. 3-hour drive)
Day 4: Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, And Chandanwari Visit (102 km / approx. 3.5-hour drive)
Day 5: Drive back to Srinagar
Day 6: Fly Back From Srinagar
Tour Plan
- Today after having breakfast we drive to visit the famous Mughal gardens in Srinagar which are Nishat Bagh (the garden of Pleasure), Shankaracharya Temple, Hazratbal Shrine and Shalimar Bagh (abode of love).
- These gardens are situated on the banks of Dal lake.
- Nishat Bagh is the larger of the two gardens and has an impressive plantation of Chinar trees on its highest terrace.
- Both the gardens are built on a symmetrical plan of central waterways with fountains dividing a series of gardened terraces.
- Night stay at Hotel in Srinagar.
- Today after having breakfast we drive to visit the famous Mughal gardens in Srinagar which are Nishat Bagh (the garden of Pleasure), Shankaracharya Temple, Hazratbal Shrine and Shalimar Bagh (abode of love).
- These gardens are situated on the banks of Dal lake. Nishat Bagh is the larger of the two gardens and has an impressive plantation of Chinar trees on its highest terrace.
- Both the gardens are built on a symmetrical plan of central waterways with fountains dividing a series of gardened terraces.
- Night stay at Hotel in Srinagar.
Note: Transit cab/pony not included
- Today you embark on a full-day excursion to the picturesque ‘meadow of gold’ Sonmarg.
- The fast-flowing Sindh River makes it popular for trout and mahseer fishing in summer.
- You can opt for a pony ride to one of the glaciers for some fun in snow and ice (by your own payment).
- Return to the Hotel in Srinagar in the evening and enjoy a comfortable Stay.
Note: Transit cab/pony not included
- After early morning breakfast, we’ll check out of our hotel and head for a sightseeing tour of Pahalgam.
- We’ll visit Aru Valley which is known for its scenic meadows. We’ll also visit the enchanting Betaab Valley which is nestled between the Pir Panjal and Zanskar ranges of the Himalayas.
- Lastly, we’ll visit Chandanwadi which is the starting point for the Amarnath Yatra.
- Night stay in Pahalgam.
Note: Transit cab/pony not included
- Drive back to Srinagar.
- Enjoy the exotic view of dal lake in Srinagar
- Overnight stay at a houseboat.
- Have a delicious breakfast
- Departure to Srinagar airport with sweet memories.
- Trip End Here.
Included/Excluded
- Transportation (Srinagar to Srinagar)
- Accommodation (3 nights at Srinagar Hotel, 1 night at Pahalgam, and 1 night at a houseboat)
- Meal Breakfast and dinner ( From Day 1 Dinner to Day 6 Breakfast) Gondola Cable Car ticket (1st phase depends on weather condition)
- Gondola Cable Car ticket (1st phase depends on weather condition)
- Shikara ride
- Local guide
- Sightseeing as per Itinerary
- Medical Kit
- Fuel Charges
- Driver Charges
- Parking Charges
- All required Permits
- GST (5%) is applicable extra.
- Lunch not included
- Transit cab & pony for Gulmarg, Sonmarg & Pahalgam
- Any other food or beverage charges that are not included in the package.
- Any other food or beverage charges that are not included in the package.
- Any other costing involved due to any kind of natural calamity, or forced circumstances, which are out of our control.
- Any other expense not mentioned in the inclusion column.
- Any personal expenses like a tip to the drivers, entry to monuments/monasteries, camera/video camera charges, laundry, telephone bills, tips, etc
- Any other adventure activities which are not mentioned in the inclusions
Cost
- Triple Sharing:
20,99918,999/- (5% GST extra) - Double Sharing:
22,99920,999/- (5% GST extra)
Batches
OCTOBER
- 02 Oct to 07 Oct
- 05 Oct to 10 Oct
- 12 Oct to 17 Oct
- 19 Oct to 24 Oct
- 26 Oct to 31 Oct
NOVEMBER
- 02 Nov to 07 Nov
- 09 Nov to 14 Nov
- 16 Nov to 21 Nov
- 23 Nov to 28 Nov
- 30 Nov to 05 Dec
DECEMBER
- 07 Dec to 12 Dec
- 14 Dec to 19 Dec
JANUARY 25
- 04 Jan to 09 Jan
- 11 Jan to 16 Jan
- 18 Jan to 23 Jan
- 25 Jan to 30 Jan
FEBRUARY 25
- 01 Feb to 06 Feb
- 08 Feb to 13 Feb
- 15 Feb to 20 Feb
- 22 Feb to 27 Feb
Note
- Book your flights with an option of a free date change.
- Numerous factors such as extreme weather conditions, road conditions, the physical ability of participants etc. may lead to changes in itinerary. We reserve the rights to change any schedule in the interest of safety, comfort and general wellbeing of guests.
- In case of changes in weather such as snowfall, there will be a change in vehicle from Tanmarg to Gulmarg. In such a situation, chained 4×4 vehicles will be provided.
- The age limit of our group departures is 18 to 42 years due to the power packed itineraries that we provide to our travellers. We can customise trips for travellers beyond the mentioned age bracket.
- We’ll only visit Drung waterfall if it’s frozen.
- Schedule your arrival flight before 12 PM, as our sightseeing starts at 1 PM.
- We can swap the Pahalgam stay with Gulmarg and vice versa based on weather conditions and hotel availability. This way, there will be no change in the sightseeing options, as the number of nights at each destination will remain the same.
- As per recent Gulmarg local authority guidelines, only ATVs are permitted for accessing Drung Waterfall. The cost for the same will be borne by you.
Things to carry
Must Carry
- Authentic Government ID Card and Driving license for bikers.
- Comfortable warm clothing like woolen socks, caps, fleece jackets or warmers, down jackets, and toiletries.
- Sunscreen & lip balm, Good U/V protection sunglasses
- Personal Medicines (if any) & few medicines for altitude sickness (a must)
- Power Banks (No Electricity at Pangong Tso)
- Only postpaid numbers will work in Leh City & apart from that most of the area is no network zone
Gears
- A rucksack bag and a day pack
- 3-litre water bladder or water bottle
- A sun cap and a woolen cap
Clothes
- A sun cap and a woolen cap
- UV protected sunglasses
- One cotton long sleeve and 2 short sleeve t-shirt
- 1 fleece jacket
- 1 heavy Thick jacket/down jacket
- 1 pair of gloves
- At least 2 long pants (trek pants and cargo pants are favorable)
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 2 pair of socks
- A small towel
- A rain jacket or a poncho
Footwear
- Above-the-ankle waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good grip
- Flip flops/sandals
Medication
- One strip of Diamox
- Glucose powder
- Medicines for headaches, diarrhoea, motion and altitude sickness
- Dettol, Bandages & Cotton
Personal Accessories
- Toothpaste, toothbrush
- Paper soap, or sanitizer
- Sunscreen minimum of spf40, lip balm, cold creams
- Body spray
- LED torch light
- Water bottles and snacks (dry fruits, energy bars, electrol, etc)
- Love for yourself and for every living, and non-living thing
Your Curiosities, Our Clarity
Q. What clothing should I pack for one of your adventures?
A. We always recommend packing as light as possible however the specific requirements for your tour will vary widely depending on where and when you are traveling. Our ‘Trip Details’ document includes a suggested packing list and these can be downloaded from each individual trip summary page. The checklist is tour-specific and based on the experience of our ground staff.
Q. What are the age restrictions on your tours?
A. To travel independently you must be at least 18 years of age. There are no upper age limits for most of our tours (although 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours are restricted exclusively to 18-to-39-year-olds). Also, travelers with pre-existing medical conditions are required to complete a medical questionnaire. Our Family Adventures are open to families with children aged between 6 and 17 years of age. Our standard (non-family) adventures are open to children aged 12 years or older when accompanied by a parent (max. two children per adult). The two-children-per-adult restriction does not apply to our Family adventures.
Q. I’m a single traveler, will I be charged a single sharing?
A. Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin-share basis and, if you are traveling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another Ek Karvaan traveler of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement or rarely a mandatory single sharing. Although you can ask for your own private room while on tour. The cost and the details vary by trip, so please refer to each trip summary page for details and you can contact our team.
Q. Can you provide me with a list of the hotels we will be staying at?
A. Starting and ending hotels are listed on your travel itinerary. We use a variety of hotels en route and so a complete list of hotels won’t be provided until day 1 of your tour. If your family requires contact information, or in case of emergency, please have them phone +91 87796 79882 / +91 85959 43035. If our office is closed please refer to the emergency phone number that is found on the Trip Details document, these numbers can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Q. Can I join a tour late or leave it early?
A. It’s extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary please consult an ekkarvaan Specialist before you book your adventure.
Q. What is the most appropriate type of luggage to bring?
A. We strongly recommend bringing a backpack or duffel bag, as suitcases can be cumbersome and difficult to store in buses, under seats, etc.. Keep in mind that you will normally have to carry your own luggage on and off buses and trains and up and down hotel staircases. Suitcases with wheels may not work well on dirt or cobblestone roads.
Q. Who are my travelling companions?
A. For privacy reasons, we cannot provide you with advance details on your traveling companions. However, our tours appeal to a wide range of travelers, most of whom share an adventurous spirit and a desire to experience these destinations at a grass-roots level.
Q. How is Ek Karvaan able to offer such competitive prices?
A. Our unique style of off-the-beaten-track, face-to-face travel is the only way to really experience a destination, but it also serves to keep the costs down. We spend your money providing an authentic experience, instead of on lavish hotels and expensive western-style meals. We pass these savings on to you with our low prices. Another thing you’ll notice is the inclusions. While we don’t include everything, we do throw in the major highlights of a destination, the things that everyone goes to see. On every trip page we show you the ‘Included Highlights’ of your trip, things that many other companies charge locally for. We leave many other activities as options, to provide you the freedom and flexibility to choose what you want to do on a daily basis.
Q. Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodation before or after my tour?
A. Yes, in most cases we can arrange additional accommodation at our starting or ending hotels, Please contact a Ek Karvaan Specialist for price information or check under “Hotels, Transfers & City Breaks” on the tour page of our website for prices. If we are unable to provide you with the extra nights we will give you the name of a hotel you can contact directly.
Q. Is it safe for Solo Female Travelers?
A. Yes it is very safe for female solo Travelers to travel with us. Our transport and stay operators are registered vendors and have been associated with us for quite a lot of years and we have never faced even a single complaint regarding safety. All our fixed departure trips also have a Trip Lead both male/female to handle things operationally. So if at any time you face any concern you can tell the trip leads and they will rectify it.
Q. How can I trust Ek Karvaan? I am going on a trip for the 1st time.
A. Ek Karvaan is a registered Tour Operator and an MSME-registered organization. We are also recognized by StartUp India. So you might be hearing about us or planning to travel with the community for the first time, but we are in operation since March 2020 and do about 50+ weekend getaways, road trips, Bike tours, and treks every month. Catering to about 250 – 300 + travelers every month. We are present on majorly all the Social Media Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Spotify, and Linkedin among others. Feel free to do thorough research about the Community before booking your travel. Safe Travel is the best Travel!
Q. How many people can join a tour?
A. We keep our group sizes low so you have the freedom to move around and get involved with your surroundings, as well as more personal attention from our local guides. This intimate size ensures that your group will not crowd your experience. You can expect up to 15 travelers on a trip but the average is 10-12. Check individual trip pages for maximum group sizes.
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