Undiscovered Kashmir

Undiscovered Kashmir

September 07th - 12th, 2022
 

Rimmed by layers of alpine peaks, the 140km-long Vale of Kashmir opens up as a giant, flat upland bowl of lakes and orchards. Tin-roofed villages guard terraced paddy fields delineated by apple groves and pin-straight poplars. Proudly independent-minded Kashmiris mostly follow a Sufi-based Islamic faith. 

We will spend 05 days in the Vale of Kashmir based on houseboats on Nigeen Lake. From there, we will make daily trips into the countryside to witness the spring change in the landscape. We will visit local schools and communities, mosques and gardens, commune with fishermen, and spend time at the famed floating market on scenic Dal Lake.

 

Trip Dates: September 07th - 12th, 2022

 

Price: INR 49000+GST (5%) On twin sharing basis

Single room supplement: INR 13500

 

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Trip leader:

Abhishek Hajela (Nikon Professional and National Geographic Traveller Photographer)

*Abhishek is fully vaccinated. 

* If Lockdown or any COVID-related protocols come into play, all fees will be refunded. If paying through an App, the refund will be minus the processing fee and in case of a bank transfer, it will be refunded minus the bank charges. 

 

Trip At a Glance:

  • A 5-day Photographic centric trip focusing on storytelling, portraits and people photography

  • Critique session of your current work and images shot on the trip will take place

  • Mini sessions will be available for all kinds of Photography needs and advice

  • Lecture on basics of photography and workflow

  • Tips on post-production, editing on lightroom, storage and other aspects will be covered 

  • Interaction with the very colourful and friendly people of Kashmir

  • Morning and evening village walks, photo sessions and guided portraits

  • Stay at a stunning Houseboat for five nights, and have local delicacies and cuisine that are typical to the region

 

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Wednesday, 07 Sep – Arrive in Srinagar
Morning flight to Srinagar the capital of Kashmir. We will check in to the Royal Houseboats and have lunch. The afternoon photo shoot will be on a Boat on lake Dal where we will spend 2 Hours through the beautiful canals and vegetable gardens.

O/N Royal Houseboats, Dal Lake (D)
Our Houseboats are situated on one of the most beautiful parts of Dal Lake with scenic views of the Zabarwan/Mahadev Mountain range (lower Himalayan range), surrounded by Lotus Flowers, Water Lilies, and Floating Gardens.

Day 2: Thursday, 08 Sep – In Srinagar

An early morning photo shoot of the floating vegetable market. 

After Breakfast, we will visit old Srinagar city, markets, Jamai Masjid constructed in the 13th Century, ancient houses with beautiful architecture and narrow streets up to Wooden Mosque Shahi Hamdan constructed in the 13th  Century. After lunch we will visit the Mughal Gardens visiting Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, all the gardens are situated on the bank of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains in the background.

O/N Royal Houseboats, Dal Lake (B,L, D)

Day 3: Friday, 09 Sep – The Valley of the Shepherds/Pahalgam
After Breakfast, we will proceed towards Pahalgam on the way, visiting the saffron fields and local families busy in their daily chores and making Mud Pots. We will continue our drive through the apple orchids and beautiful villages showcasing the best of village life and culture of Kashmir with old beautiful mud houses. 

O/N Royal Houseboats, Dal Lake (B,L, D)

Day 4: Saturday, 10 Sep - Sonmarg

After Breakfast, we will drive towards Sonamarg, on the way we will visit Jipsy men and their Villages. The beautiful Sindh River and the nearby villages of Kullan, Sonmos, Mammar, and Gund.

O/N Royal Houseboats, Dal Lake (B, L,D)

Day 5: Sunday, 11 Sep – Yusmarg / Doddhpathri

After breakfast, we will proceed for a day trip where you can experience the life of shepherd men. We will spend time in beautiful villages and their apple orchids. 

Day 6: Monday, 12 Sep – Return to Srinagar Airport and Departure

After breakfast, we will drive to Srinagar Airport to fly back home.  

 

CANCELLATION POLICY:

  • 50% of the trip cost will be charged if cancelled before ten days of the Trip date

  • 100% of the trip cost will be charged if cancelled under ten days of the Trip date

Tour Fee Includes

  • Ground transportation as per the itinerary in Tempo Traveller

  • Group transfers on arrival and departure

  • 05-night accommodations based on twin occupancy

  • All meals, starting from lunch on the 07th September till breakfast on the 12th September.

  • All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in the itinerary

  • Bottled water

The tour fee excludes

  • Airfare

  • medical and trip insurance & evacuation costs

  • Excess baggage charges

  • food and beverages not included in the group meals

  • tips to drivers

  • items of a personal nature, including alcoholic beverages, laundry, and telephone calls

  • other items not specifically mentioned as included.