Kashmir Backpacking Trip (6D/5N)

• Start the day with Breakfast at our stay.
• Get set for a day trip to Gulmarg, situated at an altitude of 8500 feet, famously known as the “Meadow of flowers”.
• The 2 hour journey from Srinagar to Gulmarg itself is mesmerizing.
• If the temperature is too cold, we can rent snow jackets or fur coats and gumboots on rent at Tangmarg town before Gulmarg.
• One of the highlights of Kashmir trip is to enjoy famous Gondola ride to Apharwat mountain of Gulmarg. There are 2 stages for this highest cable car ride in Asia. First stage is called Kongdoori which takes us to 12000 feet altitude. Second stage is named after Apharwat peak itself that takes us to 14000 feet altitude.
• Second stage note: If there is bad weather, the authorities may close Apharwat Gondola ride suddenly without prior notice.
• Ticketing note: Owing to the popularity of the cable car ride, the tourism board of Kashmir has enforced tourists to buy Gondola tickets online from Gulmarg Gondola official website. It’s better to book it well in advance. Once you book our Kashmir trip, our bookings team can help you out on Gondola booking.
• Our private vehicle would be allowed only till Gulmarg main parking lot. From there we need to walk about 1 km to reach Apharwat base station. Once we show Gondola e-tickets along with the ID card, we are good to go!
• Each Gondola can accommodate up to 6 people. The cable car passes above world’s highest Golf course, which is lush green in non-winter months.
• The winter months usually present a thick canopy of snow in Gulmarg. Travelers can indulge in different snow activities like Skiing, Snowboarding, and Sledging.
• Caution note ⚠ : Though Gondola ride is a beautiful experience, it can be chaotic sometimes. Long queues are quite normal. Add to this, “some people” may try to skip line or break the queue by taking help of locals. It can be same with other snow activities. It’s very unorganized and no travel agencies can help. Tourists have to expect inconvenience before going there.
• Start back to Srinagar by early evening, reach before night.
• Finish Dinner and rest for the night.

• Check out of Srinagar stay after Breakfast.
• Go on a scenic road trip to Pahalgam which is translated to “Valley of Shepherds” in the local language.
• Enroute to Pahalgam, we will visit Awantipura ruins that was home to a 1100 year old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, built by King Awantivarman. The architecture is quite interesting with stone/pillar carvings and related history of the ancient town which is worth a visit.
• At Pahalgam, we will visit Baisaran valley surrounded by snow capped mountains and lush green meadows. Owing to the pristine beauty, Baisaran is called as Mini-Switzerland. The meadows of Baisaran are accessible by a Pony ride that costs 1500-2000 depending on the season.
• Caution note ⚠ : Though Baisaran is a beautiful place, the unorganized local tourism managing Pony rides and their union have made it very commercial and can cause inconvenience to travelers. Another issue is the hygiene of washrooms at tourist places. It’s better not to get the need to use them😄
• Reach back our Pahalgam stay by late evening, finish Dinner.
• Good night!

• Finish Breakfast at the stay.
• Check out and head to Srinagar.
• Visit Shankaracharya temple that is located on top of a hill.
• It’s a peaceful experience to visit the main Shiva temple and the location of Shankaracharya’s meditation after a short climb up of about 250 stairs. One can see panoramic view of Srinagar town and valley from the top.
• Break for Lunch at a nearby restaurant close by Dal Lake.
• Only around May: We will give a visit to Tulip garden.
• Other months: We will give a visit to one of the Mughal gardens and spend some time.
• Go on a famous Shikara ride of Dal Lake, pose for selfies and reels.
• Check into Srinagar House Boat stay and spend rest of the evening socializing.
• Dinner served on board the house boat. Take good rest.

• Freshen up, have Breakfast.
• Today we shall take a picturesque road trip to Sonamarg, that means “Meadow of Gold”.
• The free flowing Sindhu river (Indus river) on the banks of Sonmarg is famous for trout fish. We can have Lunch at one of the restaurants by the river.
• Travelers can take a Pony ride to Thajiwas glacier situated at 9200 feet altitude. In summers, one can even take a hike to nearby waterfalls around the glacier.
• Caution note ⚠ : If there is bad weather, the authorities may close Sonamarg route midway without prior notice. Tourists may have to return back to Srinagar in such situation.
• Head back to Srinagar guest house by late evening.
• Gather around socially one last time during our Kashmir trip, finish Dinner and rest for the night.
• Say good bye to our Kashmir guide / tour leader!

• Start the day early with a Breakfast at our stay, pack our bags, check out around 9 AM.
• Head to Srinagar’s famous Lal Chowk for shopping. There is a clock tower named “Ghanta ghar” at the center. The market over there is famous for Pashmina shawls, handicrafts, winter wear, crafts, souvenirs, spices etc. Don’t forget to sip Kashmiri Kahwa one last time.
• Finish Lunch.
• We shall drop you at Airport latest by 3PM. You may book return flights after 6 PM.

• Toiletries, moisturizer, light towel, lip balm, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste etc.
• A lightweight large Backpack for the entire trip (50-60 liters). Strictly no trolleys. Please remember this is a Backpacking trip.
• A small bag for basic items (to carry valuables, water bottle, snacks, etc. for outdoor activities).
• Photo identity proof with address (Aadhar/Passport/Voter ID – shall be collected online before trip)
• Thermal inners and warm clothes in winter (cold climate).
• A rainproof jacket with a hood depending on weather forecast (to protect from cold winds, sudden rain).
• Thick socks, track pants, full sleeve t-shirts (to keep your body warm).
• Cap/Hat/Sunglasses (to protect from harmful sun rays).
• Sunscreen (SPF 50 or more).
• Power bank, charger, camera, binoculars (if you wish to).
• Hand sanitizer and liquid hand wash for Camping and outdoors.
• Proper water bottle for your trip. You may fill at our stays.
• Disposable garbage covers (To separate used/unused, wet/dry clothes).
• Water-resistant good grip shoes for travel, extra slippers to use at stays.
• Personal medications that you may feel necessary (remember ghat roads, cold climate), basic first aid kit.

• Organizers will get in touch with you, or vice versa.
• Once minimum number of people book this trip (at least 4 members), Organizing team will give a green signal to book your flights.
• A Whatsapp group will be created for all the registered folks 5 days before the event.

• The itinerary is fixed. No special requests to change itinerary/schedule shall be entertained. Travellers are not allowed to advice/instruct the Organizers (Driver or Trip Leader or Operations Manager) to change the itinerary.
• Cooperate with the Organizers in following the schedule set for the day (especially getting up and getting ready in the morning). This will ensure travellers won’t miss out on the real fun part that is traveling and visiting all places in itinerary.
• Every traveler is responsible for his/her for your own safety. Do not indulge in any illegal or silly activity that causes harm to self or fellow travelers.
• Do not wander into the forest away from the designated trail for treks. There may be snakes, scorpions, and dangerous animals.
• Unexpected situations: In rare scenarios, we might not be able to cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary because of unpredictable reasons like bad weather, landslides, wild animal presence, abrupt blocking of sites by the police/forest/local authorities, delay in travel because of an issue with our group itself, traffic conditions, etc. In most cases, if the time permits, the Organizers will take travelers to an alternative place. But in some cases, we may have to skip places altogether.
• No alcohol & smoking during travel, treks, and other outdoor activities. There would be a separate window and space (usually at night) to have these at the stays for interested people.
• Travelers are expected to respect each other and help one another. Avoid discussing sensitive matters like sex, politics, and religion/caste/race.
• Using foul or abusive language, eve-teasing, arguing with fellow travelers/Organizers, and/or involving in the physical assault will not be accepted and will stand a chance of being deserted by the group then and there.
• Every traveler is expected to digitally fill & submit a liability/waiver form given by the Organizers before the trip. This liability form will discharge Muddie Trails of any unexpected incident like injury/death/theft etc.

Cancellation by Traveler

• 80% refund if a cancellation request is sent 30 days before the trip start date.
• 50% refund if a cancellation request is sent between 30 to 15 days before the trip start date.
• An email has to be sent to muddietrails@gmail.com to raise a cancellation request.
• No refund within 15 days of the event start time whatever is the reason (Health, COVID, Accident, Family crisis, Office issue, or anything else).
• No refund during/after the event.
• No refund on the partial payment (advance) done to block your seat for the trip.

Cancellation by Muddie Trails

Muddie Trails may decide to cancel the event if there are less than 3 travelers signed up for the trip/trek.

What if we don’t get the minimum number of people for the trip?
We have 2 options in this case:
Option 1: Complete refund.
Option 2: Switch to any other long trip of the same dates or future dates. The difference amount will be collected from you or paid back according to the new trip cost.

Note: We do not recommend to book flight tickets until the trip is confirmed with atleast 3 travelers signed up.

Cancellation due to external factors

Muddie Trails may have to cancel the event in case of external factors that are beyond our control like Natural Disasters, Extreme Weather Conditions, Red Alerts, Political Disturbances, Bandh/Curfews, Local Issues, Road Blocks, Train cancellations, Covid-19 or any other disease outbreaks etc.

In these scenarios:

• No Refund is allowed.
• 100% trip amount can be used for any other new trip of the same weekend or future weekends. The difference amount will be collected from you or paid back according to the new trip cost.
• Once you confirm your participation on the new trip, all the above Cancellation policies will apply for the same.