Kashmir (Winter Special)
Kashmir
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
All About It
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Best Season - January February December
We’re going to paradise! But before you ask, let us tell you: Yes. Everything you have heard about the beauty of Kashmir is true. This is one of the best places to witness a snowy winter in the country. Adorned by the Pir Panjal and Zabarwaan mountains, this valley has a lot to offer — from jaw-dropping natural beauty to a rich cultural heritage. This trip is truly special.
Batches (6N/7D): 12th-18th Jan '24 (Fri-Thu)
Highlights
- Witness the historic city of Srinagar in winter
- Live on a boathouse on the Dal Lake
- Winter adventure sports in Gulmarg
- Mughal architecture and design at its finest
- Experiences the famous Gondola and Shikara rides
- Visit the magical meadows at Doodhpathri
- Witness the frozen cascading Drung waterfall
Places covered: Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Srinagar, Doodhpatri, Tangmarg, Aru Valley
Day 1: Welcome to Heaven
Arrive in the winter paradise of Srinagar. Once we’re all checked in, we’re going to head out to explore the beautiful city of Srinagar.
Next stop: the beautiful spot that is Pari Mahal. This was once a residence of the unfortunate Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh. This seven-tiered garden was a place for academic and spiritual practices for Sufi scholars. Nestled on the side of the Zabarwan mountain, this garden also opens up to an aerial view of the Dal Lake.
On our way down, we’ll stop by the magnificent Mughal-era gardens of Chasme-Shahi. Built around a natural spring that originates at the top of the hill, this garden is a great example of Persian garden architecture and excellent horticulture.
We’ll drive along the Dal Lake and return to our hotel for dinner.
Travel: Approx. 2-3 hours (Airport > Hotel > Srinagar Sightseeing)
Day 2: Whatever Floats Your Boat
We’ll start our morning slowly. After breakfast to keep us warm, we’ll head out to see the beautifully designed Mughal gardens of Shalimar and Nishat. These beautiful gardens were built by Mughal kings who were nostalgic about their homeland and wanted to recreate the famous gardens of Persia. With their intricate fountains and sophisticated drainage systems, these gardens were an excellent display of scientific and aesthetic skill.
We’ll spend the evening in the most famous way to experience Kashmir — floating on water. We’ll board our shikaras and explore the Dal Lake slowly. Our rides will take us to our homes for the night: the wooden houseboats. These intricately crafted boats were used by the wealthy families of the city to experience some solace. We are also gonna get a taste of that life.
Travel: Approx. 2-3 hours
Day 3: We’re Getting High
We start our journey west today towards the fantastic Pir-Panjal mountain range which is home to many natural hidden gems. At almost 9,000 feet from sea level, Doodhpatri literally translates to ‘Valley of Milk’ owing to the milky appearance of the stream of water that flows through this beautiful valley. It is also home to some nomadic shepherds who have used this gorgeous place as their summer home for centuries.
After spending the day here, we start our journey to Tangmarg, but not without a halt at the famous Drung waterfall. This frozen cascading waterfall is truly a sight to behold. We’ll head to our hotel in Tangmarg to get a good night’s rest.
Travel: Approx. 5 hours (Srinagar > Doodhpathri > Drung Waterfall > Tangmarg)
Day 4: It’s Time For A Snowdown
We’re going to Gulmarg! Brace yourself for one of India’s crown jewels in mountain tourism. This gorgeous township is a result of years and years of patronage from nature lovers. This hill station has been a frequent favourite of royalty since the early 1500s. ‘Gulmarg’, meaning meadow of flowers, is known to have vibrant flower beds growing all over. It is truly one of nature’s special places.
Today, Gulmarg is a global tourist hotspot — winter sports like skiing and snowmobile-riding, ziplining, fancy hotels, and a lot more. We are going to take the famous gondola rides up to the perennial glacier of Afarwat. Spend time chilling and playing with snow. If you’ve travelled with us before, you would know that we take our snowball fights very seriously.
After a whole day in Gulmarg, we will start our ride back down to Tangmarg.
Travel: Approx 1 hour (Tangmarg > Gulmarg > Tangmarg)
Day 5: In Nature’s Lap
After our sojourn in western Kashmir, we will make our way eastward towards Pahalgam. Located on the banks of the Lidder River, Pahalgam is one of Kashmir’s most famous places. It acts as a base for many treks and is known for being the starting point for the holy Amarnath Trek.
We will also visit Hagan Valley AKA Betaab for a lovely view of the river and head to the edge of the forests in the beautiful Aru Valley. Nestled closer to the source of the Lidder River. Aru is a nature lover’s paradise. We’ll return to the bustling markets of Pahalgam and make ourselves home in our hotel.
Travel: 5 hours (Tangmarg > Pahalgam)
Day 6: Last Day, Last Chance
After a relaxed morning, we will start our journey back to Srinagar. Look out for apricot trees and flourishing local industries along the route. Spend time in the evening shopping for the many things that Kashmir is known for — dry fruits, handicrafts, saffron, cricket bats, and pashmina. It is very easy to get a little carried away.
We’ll go out for a feast and sample some famous Kashmiri cuisine. Spend the last night chilling together, sharing stories in each others’ warmth.
Travel: 3 hours (Pahalgam > Srinagar)
Day 7: So Long, Fare Well!
We’ll check out from our hotels after checkout. Say goodbye to heaven on earth as you make your way to the airport and go back to your life, renewed. See you soon vagabonds!
Travel: 30 minutes (Srinagar > Srinagar Airport)
Hosted by
Vagabond Experiences
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
Vagabond started out as a project by four friends with a disdain for the ordinary. The idea was simple; take people out of their comfort zones. Not like Roadies, but just enough to bond them together through beautiful and authentic experiences. Happiness, as they say, is only real when shared. And share we did. The company was founded in 2014. As fresh Bachelor of Arts degree holders, companies were lining up to hire us fine gentlemen; we’re kidding. Fueled by entrepreneurial zeal, we started with small events in the city like heritage walks through Bombay’s old quarters. As musicians and travellers ourselves, we decided to marry these two loves of our lives. That is how the idea for the first Fields of Sound™ came about. Since then, it has only been onward and upwards for us. Since 2014, we’ve made friends like family through our journey. Our little ‘Vaga’-Fam. It’s safe to say, it’s been quite an adventure. One we would like you to join :)
Inclusions
-Accommodation in twin-sharing hotel rooms (Check photos here)
-Stay in a boathouse on Dal Lake
-Shikara boat rides
-Gulmarg Gondola rides (cable car)
-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)]
-Private internal transport during the trip (tempo traveller/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
-Adventure sports (skiing, snowmobile etc.)
-Travel insurance (we recommend you take one)
THINGS TO CARRY
Footwear: Shoes meant for rugged outdoor conditions, slippers/flip-flops.
Warm wear (VERY IMP): Warm fleece/down jackets, thick socks, snow gloves, beanie, neck warmer/scarf/muffler, thermals (base layer).
Accessories: Torch, cap, polarised sunglasses, Swiss knife (optional), reusable water bottle (1L), multi-plug device
Toiletries: Towel, soap, face wash, lip balm, sunscreen (min 40 SPF), hand sanitiser, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper
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.)
Personal recreation: Camera, binoculars, books, music, cards, etc.
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.
HOW TO REACH
Pickup and Drop: Srinagar International Airport
Day 1: Please book a flight that lands at 12 pm or before.
Day 7: Book a flight anytime post 11 am.
Policy and Terms
-31 days prior to the date of departure: Rs 5,000 will be deducted
-Between 30 days and 22 days prior to the date of departure: Rs. 10,000 will be deducted
-Between 21 days and 15 days prior to the date of departure: Rs. 15,000 will be deducted
-14 days to the date of departure: No refund
(Please refer to the further Terms and Conditions mentioned in the footer of the website)
Terms and Conditions
-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. unfavourable weather)
-By registering for this trip, you agree to have read through and abide by the Vagabond Terms & Conditions mentioned in the footer.
Frequest Questions
Q: What region of north India are we travelling to?
A: 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 Zabarwan and Pir-Panjal Mountains.
Q: What altitude would we be travelling to?
A: Srinagar is at 5200 feet above sea level. It’s not too high and one does not really need to worry about altitude sickness.
Q: What will the temperature be like while we're there?
A: Temperatures rise to a maximum of 7-8°C during the day and can drop to a minimum of -2°C during the night. At Pahalgam, it will be about 5°C through the day and the temperature at night can drop to as low as -6°C.
Q: When should we book our flights?
A: 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.
Q: Is there mobile connectivity in Kashmir?
A: Only postpaid BSNL, Airtel and JIO networks get coverage in Kashmir.
Q: Are there any ATMs where we're travelling?
A: All major banks such as HDFC, SBI, and ICICI bank ATMs are available in Srinagar. They accept international Visa and Master Card. AMEX is not widely used in India. UPI transfer works as well. Please carry adequate liquid cash while travelling away from Srinagar.
Q: Can I smoke/drink on this trip?
A: 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.
Q: What will the group size be?
A: We will be between 12-15 travelers including 1-2 Vagabond EMs.
Q: Is there any age limit to join this trip?
A: No. There is no age limit to join this trip. However, based on our previous experiences, the age group of travellers is usually between 21-35.
Q: Can I join this expedition solo?
A: Of course, you can! We have a good number of solo travellers on almost every Vagabond experience.
Q: How physically fit do I need to be to join this trip?
A: 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.
Q: Are there doctors/hospitals in Kashmir?
A: Most of the places we’re visiting have well-equipped hospitals and clinics.
Q: What will the accommodation be like?
A: Rooming will be on a double-sharing basis (except on the boathouse). The hotels in Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Tangmarg will have running hot water facilities. All rooms will provide electric heated blankets
Q: What food will be provided?
A: Vagabond will provide 2 meals a day. We will take care of breakfast and lunch or dinner every day in Kashmir.. The food we're providing during the trip will be regular nutritious food (veg and non-veg).
Q: How will we travel within Kashmir?
A: The entire journey inside Kashmir will be in privately booked tempo traveller buses or jeeps (Mahindra Xylo or similar) depending on the group size.
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