Charismatic Kashmir: Tulip Festival Trip

“If there is a heaven on earth, it's here, it's here, it's here.” Mughal Emperor Jehangir said it all when he visited Kashmir in the 17th century.

Described by Kashmiris as ‘Heaven on Earth’, the Vale of Kashmir is astonishingly beautiful with sparkling blue skies, mighty snowcapped mountains, shimmering rivers, pristine lakes, dense lush green forests, and lush meadows making it a perfect destination for travelers. The opulence is enhanced by the Tulip Festival, which takes place at the same time.

On this 7 days trip to Kashmir Valley, you will experience the exotic beauty and the magic of Kashmir and get to curate some of the most enjoyable, pleasant, and everlasting memories of your life!

Day 01 | Srinagar 

On arrival at the Sheikh–Ul–Aalam International Airport, Srinagar, you will be received and transferred to our heated houseboat. Situated at an elevation of 5,200 feet (1,585 meters), Srinagar lies on the banks of River Jhelum with deep and mesmerizing valleys cascaded in sky-scraping mountains and evergreen beauty, Srinagar blends together the tints of nature, beauty, harmony, and romance. Later in the day, after a steaming cup of Kashmiri Kahwa (Local Tea), we take the famed shikara ride on Dal Lake - the best way to enjoy the vastness and the scenic views of the lake. Experience the spectacular sunset views and get immersed in the scenic beauty of the Dal Lake. End the day with a lip-smacking Wazwan, a traditional Kashmiri Thali for dinner (at cost). Overnight stay at the houseboat. (-, -, D) 

Day 02 | Pahalgam -  Baisaran Valley 

If you are an early riser, take the early morning shikara ride to the floating market. Highly recommended! After breakfast, we drive to Pahalgam (2440m), the Vale of Kashmir’. On the way, we visit the saffron fields and the ruins of Avantipura, an eleven-hundred years old Vishnu temple. We reach Pahalgam, made famous by Bollywood, by evening. Check into the homestay/hotel and relax for some time. Take a pony ride to the Baisaran Valley which takes about an hour one-way or spend time by the river. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Pahalgam/Aru. (B, -, D) 

Day 03 | Betaab Valley & Aru Valley 

Today, we start our day trip to the Betaab Valley, a gorgeous expanse by the Lidder river that offers spectacular views of the green-carpeted meadows and snow-capped mountains. Then we head to the popular Aru Valley. Vast meadows and rivulets surrounded by the mist-covered mountains full of deodar and pine add to the beauty of this valley. (B, -, D) 

Aru Valley is 14 km upstream from Pahalgam has umpteen alpine lakes (about 20 of them) around it and is renowned for skiing and heli-skiing during winters when Aru turns to a winter wonderland covered with snow as far as the eyes can see. We also visit Chandanwari, another valley blessed with picturesque beauty. We return to Srinagar for our overnight stay. (B, -, D) 

Day 04 | Srinagar - Tulip Festival

After breakfast, we venture out to explore the various landmarks and sightseeing spots in Srinagar. Starting off with a visit to ASIA'S LARGEST TULIP GARDENS where you'll get to witness millions of tulips! Later, we visit the stunning Mughal Gardens, Pari Mahal (Palace of the Fairies), Shalimar Bagh (Garden of Love), Nishat Garden (Garden of Pleasure), and the sacred Shankaracharya Temple. We also, visit the Handicraft Emporium that will offer you an insight into Kashmir’s local arts and crafts, traditions, and cultures. (B, -, D) 

Day 05 | Doodhpathri

After breakfast, we head to the “valley of milk” Doodhpathri, a high-altitude bowl-shaped valley in Pir Panjal Range for exploration. A stretch running atop a grassy slope passes adjacent to hundreds of chopped trees before opening into Doodhpathri vividly nestled amid towering snow peaks and pines, velvet-green meadows, and gushing Doodhganga. Overnight stay at Srinagar. (B, -, D)   

Day 06 | Gulmarg

This morning after early breakfast, we head to Gulmarg (meaning “meadow of flowers”) a cup-shaped valley in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalaya, situated at an altitude of 2,650 m (8,694 ft). Throughout the winter, Gulmarg is buried in snow, creating a stunning scene of vast white meadows adorned with partially frozen pine trees and gigantic mountains in the distance. 

Noted for having one of the world's highest gondolas (cable car), Gulmarg is a place not to be missed in Kashmir. Prepare yourself to be charmed with the most memorable gondola rides in Gulmarg, one of the highest in the world. 

Enjoy the picturesque scenery of Gulmarg. Wander around this gorgeous setting, take a high-altitude gondola ride, do some local sightseeing, and indulge in the plethora of thrilling and adventurous activities like skiing, snow-biking, snow-sledding, etc. (B, -, D)

Day 07 | Departure 

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back home. It’s time to bid goodbye to your new friends. Head back home with a bagful of sweet memories!!! (B, -, -)  

The itinerary is loosely drafted and allows you to do as little or as much as you like.

This itinerary is just to give you an idea of the tour structure but by no means final and is subject to change.

Start Date: April 02, 2023 (Sunday)

End Date: April 08, 2023 (Saturday)

Pick-up / Drop at Sheikh–Ul–Aalam International Airport, Srinagar (IATA: SXR, ICAO: VISR)

Pls ensure that you arrive by 11 AM (Airport Pick-up @ 12 PM) on Day 01 & depart after 2 PM (Airport Drop @ 12 PM) on Day 08.

INR 28500 per person (Pay INR 15000 to Book Now!)

• These rates are for Indian Nationals only.
• Group Size: Minimum of 6 participants - Maximum of 14 participants (+) WANDERING SARATHY as your Trip Lead
• Please make sure that the trip has reached the minimum number of participants before you reserve your flight ticket.
• Opt for Zero Cancellation Fee Protection Extension while booking your flights so that you get a full refund in case of cancellation.
• Suitable for singles/solo travelers/couples/ small groups of friends
• Suitable for members between the age group of 16-50 years. Generally, we have participants between 20-35 years.

INCLUSIONS

• Well sanitized, comfy stay on a double sharing basis for 6 nights/7 days. (One-night houseboat stay).
• Simple Breakfast & Dinner (Set Menu) at our place of stay. Meal plan as mentioned in the Itinerary.
• Group airport transfer for arrival and departure in Srinagar airport. If your flight arrival is at a different time, extra charges will be applicable.
• Local sightseeing by an exclusive NAC Toyota Innova or Tempo Traveler (Not at disposal)
• Gondola Tickets/Chair Lift Pass
• One hour complimentary shikara ride on Day 1
• Alternative vehicles will be used in places like Pahalgam, and Gulmarg where only the local vehicles are allowed to be used.
• Entry tickets to places of interest (for places mentioned in the itinerary)
• Services of WANDERING SARATHY who personally leads the group and doubles as a storyteller
• All Permits, Toll & Parking Charges
• Service charges & Taxes

EXCLUSIONS

• Airfare from home town to Srinagar & return
• Food/Snacks other than mentioned above. We’ll be having lunch at hygienic restaurants which are generally inexpensive (own expense). It would cost about Rs.100/- per meal.
• Camera/Video charges
• Pony-ride, Horse ride (being a responsible travel company, we do not encourage rides on animals)
• Activities like Boating, Skiing, Sledding, Snow-biking, etc.
• Additional requests, orders, and services availed in the houseboat/hotel/homestay
• Use of transport for personal use and beyond the designated trip route. 
• Additional costs arising due to mishaps, political unrest, natural calamities like – landslides, road blockage, etc. In such a case, extra will have to be paid on the spot by the participants directly.
• Personal expenses such as laundry, bottled water, soft drinks, incidentals, porter charges, tips, medicines, etc.
• Any item not specified in the ‘Inclusions’.

Please confirm your participation by paying INR 10000 to book your seat. Rest to be paid 30 days before the tour start date. 

Pls write to us at unusualescapes@gmail.com for our Bank Account Details to transfer the Booking Fee (or) pay via Google Pay at 9052220466. Your spot will be confirmed as soon as we receive your Booking Fee.

**If you can find anyone else to replace you, there’ll be NO cancellation charges. We will then refund your money in full including the non-refundable booking fee.

All cancellations must be received in writing and sent to us via e-mail. We act this cancellation policy based on hotel, airlines, car rental, and other contractors’ policies. The following rules apply for cancellations:

• Full Refund if canceled 60 days before departure
• 45-59 days before departure - cancellation charge at 10% of trip cost
• 30-44 days before departure - cancellation charge at 25% of trip cost
• 15-29 days before departure - cancellation charge at 50% of trip cost
• Within 14 days of departure - cancellation charge at 100% of trip cost

Refund of the money in case of cancellation will be made within 10 working days after cancellation request is received (by mail). If you can find anyone else to replace you, there’ll be NO cancellation charges. We will then refund your money in full.