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06 Days || 4 Nights & 5 Days
Specific Tour
15 people
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"Gar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast,
Hameen ast-o hameen ast-o hameen ast."
This trip is going to be very different from the usual trips. We are going to see a state that is arguably India’s prettiest, visually.
We are going to Srinagar, Sonamarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam on this trip, and we shall try to visit the most beautiful locations in all these places. We shall be seeing a village that only makes cricket bats, we will be going up the highest gondola in the world, we will be doing some beginner skiing if we want to, we will be riding on shikaras in the beautiful Dal lake, we will be sitting around bonfires at night and seeing a thousand stars in the night sky. We will be sauntering in pretty valleys and we will visit India’s best skiing destination as well.
And we are going to see it in the early summers. When it is at its purest, when the Himalayan mountains have powder white snow, when the trees – the leaves and branches of the Chinars and the Deodars have a whitish silvery tinge, the meadows are carpeted green and white – making Kashmir look like a magical fairyland.
Unlike late summers, there will hardly be many tourists in this season. Wake up to the Kashmiri kahwa tea, take in the morning sun, and later road trip with your new friends. This trip is about playing in the snow, about sitting on mountains and taking in the incredibly gorgeous panoramas, sitting by bristling icy rivers, making new friends, and spending time with yourself
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 trekking. However, keep in mind to change them and avoid wearing them when they are wet.
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 the rain.
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 : To avoid sunburns and chafing, you need to put on sunscreen as well as cold cream.
Water Bottle 1 Lt.: 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, and medication for headaches, 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, and driver's License.
Travel Laundry Bag: In case your clothes get wet or your garments don’t dry, you can carry them in the bag and keep them separate from your dry clothes.
Camera: This should be obvious. To make sure that you get to capture all the great moments from your trip.
• The group assembles at the pick-up point by 8:00 PM (tentative).
• We'll meet the team captains and a small tour briefing would also be conducted.
• Afterward, we’ll head out on an overnight journey to Jammu.
• From Delhi :- 8.30 Pm (Evening) board 12445 Uttar S Kranti from New Delhi NDLS on 10th February.
Note :- We will help you out for Train / flight / bus assistance to reach Delhi or Jammu From your base city.
• Upon reaching Jammu, we will commence the first leg of our Winter Kashmir Backpacking journey.
• Upon reaching Banihal, anticipate an eagerly awaited train journey. Banihal is situated at the gateway of the Kashmir Valley, on the southern face of the Pir-Panjal Range in the Middle Himalayas. As the vibrant cherry-colored trains depart from the station, they swiftly traverse India’s Largest Railway Tunnel (11.2 km long) and cross over the Pir-Panjal Range to reach Qazigund. Here, your eyes can feast upon the expansive Kashmiri meadows, where Bakarwals tend to their adorable sheep. • In Srinagar, indulge in a steaming cup of Kahwa to warm up before checking into your houseboat .
• Enjoy a Shikara Ride in the evening (at your own expense).
• Dinner and overnight stay in the houseboat.
Note :-
• Travelers joining from Jammu will be picked up at 6:00 AM in the morning from the Airport or Railway Station.
• Travelers joining from Srinagar will be picked up at 3:00 PM in the afternoon.
• After an early morning breakfast, we'll leave our houseboats and head to Gulmarg, known as one of Kashmir's top hill stations famous for its snow-covered meadows and skiing slopes.
• The beauty of Kashmir is all-encompassing, but Gulmarg, with its journey, holds a special place in my heart. The path is adorned with pine trees, Deodars, Chinars, Amaltas, and Kikar trees, enhancing the charm of the mountainside. Gulmarg stands out as one of the most scenic places we've seen in all of India, and we're excited to spend two incredible days exploring its landscapes.
• Upon reaching Gulmarg, we'll treat ourselves to a Gondola Ride leading to Kongdoori Peak. Travelers can also participate in adventure activities like skiing, snowmobiling, sledging, and more (at their own expense).
• In the evening, we'll return to Srinagar check into our hotel, and enjoy dinner before an overnight stay.
• After breakfast, we'll visit Yousmarg Valley, a hidden gem in Kashmir known for its green pastures and pristine water bodies.
• If weather permits, we'll spend some peaceful moments in the valley before heading back to Srinagar.
• In Srinagar, we'll explore Mughal Gardens - Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi Garden. Additionally, we'll visit Shankaracharya Temple, Dal Lake, and enjoy a Shikara Ride.
• Dinner will be served, followed by an overnight stay in Srinagar.
Note : If weather conditions prevent a visit to Yusmarg, we'll explore other attractions in Srinagar.
• After an early morning breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and embark on a captivating sightseeing tour of Pahalgam.
• Our first stop will be the picturesque Aru Valley, celebrated for its scenic meadows and the enchanting Tarsar Marsar Lakes. We'll then proceed to the Betaab Valley, nestled between the Pir Panjal and Zanskar ranges of the Himalayas, offering breathtaking views.
• Our journey continues to Chandanwadi, the starting point for the Amarnath Yatra, renowned for its snow activities like skiing and snowboarding.
• We will check into our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner will be served, followed by an overnight stay.
• After breakfast, we'll check out and head to Jammu.
• Travelers who are departing from Srinagar will be dropped at Srinagar Airport.
• In the evening, we'll catch an overnight train from Jammu to Delhi.
• Once in Delhi, everyone will go their own way with lots of great memories.
• Even though the trip is ending, with GIC, it's not just the end; it's the start of something new.
For those going back to Delhi : At 7:30 Pm (Evening) board 20986 Mctm Kota Express from Jammu.
• Reach Delhi early in the morning with lots' of memories to cherish forever.
