Kashmir - The Winter Wonderland

A spectacular winter trip of Kashmir's unique and carefully picked sites, where you'll find a white wonderland in all its grandeur. It's a visual treat to see this beautiful landscape blanketed in a beautiful covering of snow. A white Kashmir will always hold a special place in your heart.

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. Overnight stay at the houseboat. (-, -, -) 

Day 02 | Pahalgam -  Baisaran Valley 

 If you are an early riser, take the early morning shikara ride to the floating market. Highly recommended! This morning 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 | Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, Chandanwari 

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.

Aru Valley is 14 km upstream from Pahalgam and is the base camp for trekking to the Kolhoi Glacier, the largest in Kashmir and Tarsar Marsar Lake. Aru Valley 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.  (B, -, D) 

Day 04 | Martand - Srinagar 

This morning we start on our return journey to Srinagar. En route we visit Martand Sun Temple, possibly the most famous of all Hindu temples in Kashmir. Built in the 8th century, this temple is dramatically located on a hilly plateau with a backdrop of the snow-strewn Pir Panjal peaks and looking over the Kashmir valley. Now in ruins, this is a must visit place to understand the heritage of Kashmir.  We return to Srinagar and explore the various landmarks in Srinagar (depending on the availability of time). 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. You have the option to do cafe-hopping in the evening  (B, -, -) 

Day 05 | Sonamarg

If you are an early riser, take the early morning shikara ride to the floating market. Highly recommended! After breakfast, we head to Sonamarg (2740 meters) which means "golden meadows," and it is indeed gorgeous, with brilliant clear skies, snowcapped mountains, and the massive Thajiwas Glacier. It's immaculate and unadulterated beauty, like something out of a dream! Spend time walking around and engage in some snow activities. (B, -, -)   

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 sightseeing, and indulge in the plethora of thrilling and adventurous activities like skiing, snow-biking, snow-sledding, etc. Overnight stay at Srinagar. (B, -, -) 

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: January 18, 2025 (Saturday)

End Date : January 24, 2025 (Friday)

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 29500 per person (Pay INR 10000 to Book Now!)

• These rates are for Indian Nationals only.
• Group Size: Minimum of 6 participants - Maximum of 16 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

• Comfy stays on a Double/Twin sharing basis for 6 nights/7 days. (5 nights in comfort hotels/homestays; 1 night in a houseboat).
• 6 Breakfast and 2 Dinner (Set Menu) at our place of stay 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 depending on the number of participants. (Not at disposal)
• Entry tickets to places of interest (for places mentioned in the itinerary)
• Services of the Trip Captain who acts as a facilitator and a story-teller
• One hour complimentary shikara ride on Day 1
• Alternative vehicles will be used in places like Pahalgam, and Gulmarg where only local vehicles are allowed to be used.
• All Permits, Tolls & Parking Charges

EXCLUSIONS

• Airfare from your home town to Srinagar & return
• Meal/Snacks other than mentioned in Inclusions. 
• 5% GST extra
• Camera/Video charges.
• Pony-ride, Horse ride (being a responsible travel company, we do not encourage rides on animals)
• Activities like Gondola ride, Boating, Skiing, Sledding, Snow-biking, ATV, etc.
• 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.

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

A refund of the money/equivalent voucher in case of cancellation will be made within 10 working days after the 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.