Kashmir Winter Experience - Hand-held experiential tour package

1. THE KASHMIR VALLEY
Like you have never seen before

4. This winter, wander off the beaten track and experience
Kashmir in a way travellers have never done before. With a
dramatic fall in militancy over the last few years, the state
has been opening up to tourism like never before. The state
is blessed with landscapes that would put the alps to shame,
and the warmth and hospitality of rural Kashmiris is best
explained when experienced.
Trip dates:
Saturday, January 14, 2012 to Sunday, January 22, 2012

7. Trip outline
Kashmir Winter Experience
Kashmir in the winter is a breathtaking sight. The landscape is covered in a blanket of
pristine snow for as far as the eye can see.
The aim of this trip is to see the Kashmir which has been hidden from view for more than
half a century due to political turmoil. The stunning vistas comprise ice-clad peaks,
snow covered rolling highlands, endless forests of pine and
gurgling mountain streams full of trout.
And of course, the Kashmiris. Among the most warm-hearted folk you will find on the
planet. You will be taken into the heart of Kashmir, a region called Rafiabad where time
has stood still. Be prepared to be welcomed into homes and fed till you can eat no more.
Everyone has a story to tell and they want to equally know about you. Allah Kasam!
You will... Go on the trail of the elusive Himalayan wolf and the snow leopard. Ski down
the slopes of Gulmarg. Put your faith in a humble pony to traverse the slopes of
Sonamarg. Stay in a houseboat on the gorgeous Nagin lake.

10. Accommodation
You will stay with a diverse mix people that include urban and rural families
and heritage hotels.
The stays will be the best that are available on our budget at the cut-off
date for bookings.
Food
You will get to dig into the richness of Kashmiri cuisine, especially the Wazwan.
In the rural heartland you will get to taste cuisine that has never made to a
restaurant table anywhere in the world.
Vegetarians need not worry, you will be comforted to know that Kashmiri cuisine
has rich pickings for you. Apples in spicy broth, yummm!
Transport
There will be one vehicle which will take you through the entire journey.

13. ITINERARY
Saturday, January 14
Depart Bangalore, fly through New Delhi to Srinagar. Land at Guest House in Srinagar. Evening in Srinagar and Wazwan dinner .
Sunday, January 15
Breakfast and morning walk around Dal Lake. Last chance to buy essentials. Post-lunch depart for Gulmarg.
Spend afternoon exploring Gulmarg on foot.
Monday, January 16
Early breakfast. Till lunch, skiing. Post lunch depart for Rafiabad, Baramulla Dist. Reach Ladu Ladoora village and settle down into a
traditional Kashmiri rural dwelling. Evening tea and gupshup with locals
Tuesday, January 17
Early morning departure with packed breakfast for Trek Route 1. Lunch at farmer's house enroute. Back at Ladu Ladoora by sunset
Wednesday, January 18
Early morning departure with packed breakfast for Trek Route 2. Lunch at farmer's house enroute. Back at Ladu Ladoora by sunset
Thursday, January 19
Post-breakfast drive to Srinagar. Freshen up at guest house, lunch and leave for Gagan Gir. Evening at Gagan Gir.
Friday, January 20
Very early departure with packed breakfast for pony ride on Amarnath Trail. Back for late lunch to Gagan Gir. Depart for Srinagar. Check in
to houseboat on Nagin Lake.
Saturday, January 21
Free day to chill out in Srinagar. (Optional, day trip to Pahalgam). Drinks on the house with dinner.
Sunday, January 22
Fly to Delhi and onwards to Bangalore.

16. The organiser
Anand Sankar is a travel writer, photographer and founder of the outdoor activity
centre, Basic Halli (www.basic-halli.in), which is located near Bangalore.
As a full-time photojournalist, Anand has worked with some of India's leading
media houses. His assignments have taken him to all corners of India, and led
him to develop a deep sense of attachment with the outdoors. A keen
communicator, he took time out from work to understand and interact with the
diverse people and cultures he encountered.
The guests will be hand-held by Anand through the journey. For those keen on
photography, there will be time for on-the-field guided sessions by Anand.
You can connect with Anand at:
https://about.me/anandsankar
www.facebook.com/halliboy
http://in.linkedin.com/in/wolfandman

19. How to book
Tariff: Rs 60,000 per person
The number of guests for the tour is limited to six
The tariff includes air fare (from Bangalore), stay, airport transfer on onward
journey from Bangalore, transport in J&K, all fees and meals
The cut-off date for bookings is January 2, 2012
An advance of Rs 40,000 must be paid to book. The balance amount must be paid
by 23:59 hrs January 11, 2012
Tariff & Cancellation Policy:
A refund of Rs 20,000 will be given on cancellations made before 23:59 hrs, January 11, 2012. No
refund on cancellations after 00:00 hrs January 12, 2012. During the tour there will be no refunds
for cancellation of either part of or the entire itinerary due to force majeure events such as snowfall
or avalanche or any natural or man-made disaster. During the North Indian winter there is a high
possibility of flight delay or cancellation due to fog, there is no option but to grin and bear with it. If
there is any extra cost in rescheduling flights due to weather it will have to be borne by the guest.
You can contact Anand Sankar on +91 98867 81587
or
email him at wolfandman@gmail.com

22. Checklist
- Guests need to be reasonably medically fit and possess stamina for a
moderately hard day-long trek.
- Guests will have to invest in good quality winter wear and a pair of good
trekking shoes.
- Guests will have to bring their own alcohol. Alcohol availability in Kashmir
cannot be guaranteed. Only on the final night, drinks will be on the house.
- Guests will have to sign an indemnity waiver before the start of the tour. On
request, high-risk travel insurance can be arranged at extra cost.