5N Kashmir: Best of Kashmir

• Wearing gloves, masks, and sanitiser is mandatory otherwise there wouldn’t be an allowance to commend the trip/trek.
• Members travelling should practice social distancing.
• There shouldn’t be any travel records in the past 30 days.
• If the trek/trip gets cancelled due to any pandemic or government order, there would be no refund instead the plan will get postponed.
• If found with any of the COVID 19’s symptoms, the person will be immediately quarantined. In this case, as well, there wouldn’t be any refund.
• Everyone travelling should have the ‘Arogya Setu App’ installed on their phones.
• If the trip didn’t happen, then you will get a full refund.
• Your money is totally safe with us.

• Make sure you are 100% comfortable with the off-road experience and extreme conditions of the Kashmir Tour Package. Expect to encounter slippery, narrow, unpaved roads and stretches of grit and rubble with water flowing through them.
• The itinerary is fixed and cannot be modified. Transportation shall be provided as per the itinerary and will not be at disposal. For any paid activity which is non-operational due to any unforeseen reason, we will process a refund & the same should reach the guest within 30 days of processing the refund.
• Also, for any activity which is complimentary and not charged to UNCIA & guests, no refund will be processed.
• AC will not be functional anywhere in cool or hilly areas.
• Entrance fees, parking and guide charges are not included in the packages.
• If your flights involve a combination of different airlines, you may have to collect your luggage on arrival at the connecting hub and register it again while checking in for the onward journey to your destination.
• Booking rates are subject to change without prior notice.
• In case of unavailability in the listed hotels, arrangements for alternate accommodation will be made in a hotel of a similar standard.
• In case your package needs to be cancelled due to any natural calamity, weather conditions etc. UNCIA shall strive to give you the maximum possible refund subject to the agreement made with our trade partners/vendors.
• UNCIA reserves the right to modify the itinerary at any point, due to reasons including but not limited to Force Majeure events, strikes, fairs, festivals, weather conditions, traffic problems, overbooking of hotels/flights, cancellation / re-routing of flights, closure of /entry restrictions at a place of a visit, etc. While we will do our best to make suitable alternate arrangements, we would not be held liable for any refunds/compensation claims arising out of this.
• The booking price does not include Expenses of personal nature, such as laundry, telephone calls, room service, alcoholic beverages, mini bar charges, tips, portage, camera fees etc.
• Any other items not mentioned under Inclusions are not included in the cost of the booking.
• In Gulmarg, the horseman union does not allow any vehicle to drop off or pick up guests at/from the gondola. All sightseeing tours are also prohibited by the union.
• Aru Valley, Chandanwari and Betaab Valley at Pahalgam are not part of the itinerary (unless included) due to restrictions by the local transport union.
• During winter, the road to Sonmarg remains closed and vehicles can only go up to Gagangir.
• For Sonmarg sightseeing, our vehicle will take the guest to the Sonmarg taxi stand. From there, the guest needs to hire a pony/local union cab for sightseeing. Thajwas Glacier, and Zero Point at Sonmarg are not included in the tour, due to restrictions laid down by the local union.
• Personal cabs are not allowed to transfer tourists to/from Thajiwas Glacier, Fish Pond, Zero Point, Baltal, Krishansar and Vishansar Lake. However, hired taxis from local unions can be taken on a direct payment basis.
• You must carry valid identification proof at the time of check-in. (PAN cards are not accepted).
• The sequence of the day-wise itinerary for the Kashmir Tour Package may change during the trip depending upon restrictions or any other unknown issues.
• We shall not be responsible for any change in the itinerary for the Kashmir  Tour Package due to union issues, landslides, flight cancellations, weather conditions or any unforeseen events. The additional cost incurred will be in addition to the package price.
• If you cancel your trip midway due to any reason, the remaining amount will be non-refundable.
• No Refund or Compensation for any unused services/transportation in any circumstance.
• The client should bear any increase in cost due to a medical emergency. There will be no refund for any unused service.
• If there is an unprecedented hike in the cost of transport during the trip (including fuel surcharge) or accommodation, it will affect the cost.
• Check-in/check-out time at all the properties will be at 1200 hrs (Noon). Some properties may not allow early check-in.
• Buffet Service will be available from 8:00 am to 9:30 am and 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
• You will get hot water in showers for a few hours in the morning. Kindly ask the receptionist about the times in advance.
• At most hotels in Kashmir, a room heater (if required) is available on request and on a direct payment basis.
• The houseboats in Kashmir operate in a different way than those in Kerala. All houseboats on Dal Lake are stationary and offer amazing views of the lake and the surroundings. Accommodation in the quaint houseboats of Kashmir is purely for the experience. Unlike hotels, houseboats are faced with certain limitations like 24×7 electricity and water supply, a television in each room, etc.
• The timings given in the itinerary and program may be changed without notice.
• Places mentioned in the itinerary may be skipped without notice.
• Guests shall be liable to pay for any damages, except normal wear and tear to an asset if any.
• Rates will be different for foreign tourists. Kindly contact us for more information.
• We will not pay, reimburse, cover losses or take any responsibility for any activity which is due to circumstances beyond our control. When we say circumstances beyond our control, it means any event which we cannot avoid even after taking all the necessary precautions. Such events include but are not limited to airport closures, war, natural disasters, nuclear disasters, pandemics, acts of terrorism, illness, death, injury, burglary, and bad weather.

Medication Kit for Kashmir Tour Package
Band-Aids: For protecting cuts, wounds, scraped knees, etc.
Elastic Bandage/Crepe: Used to treat muscular Strain and Sprains.
Pain Relief Spray: For fast relief from insect bites, scrapes, cuts, and burns.
Avomine is used to treat allergies, trouble sleeping, and nausea.
Crocin: It provides symptomatic relief from mild to moderate pain e.g headache or migraine.
Combiflam: It contains two painkiller medicines. They work together to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation
Muscle relaxant: It is used to mitigate symptoms such as muscle spasms, pain, and hyperreflexia.
Digene: Used against acidity caused by indigestion, providing quick relief.
Cetirizine: Used to relieve allergic symptoms like watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching.
ORS: Oral Rehydration Solution, It is used to treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea, a common illness in travellers.
Note: This is just an explanation of medication that may be required. Kindly consult your doctor for a prescription before trekking.

In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, the activity may be cancelled and in such cases, you can reschedule your  bookings. However, no refund will be provided in any condition.

• 30 days or more: 90% of the total Package Cost is refundable
• 21-30 days: 75% of the total Package Cost is refundable
• 11-20 days: 50% of the total Package Cost is refundable
• Less than 10 days: No refund

Introduction:
Kashmir is a region located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. The region is divided between India and Pakistan, with each side claiming it as its own. Kashmir is home to a number of ethnic and religious groups, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Buddhists. The majority of the population is Muslim. Kashmir has a long history of conflict, with various groups fighting for control of the region. India and Pakistan have fought two wars over Kashmir, in 1947 and 1965, and there have been a number of armed uprisings against Indian rule. In recent years, violence has flared up again, with Pakistani and Indian troops clashing along the Line of Control that divides Indian- and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir. Since 1947, the region has been administered by India and Pakistan in a tenuous peace. India controls the northern and western parts of Kashmir, which it considers an integral part of the country, while Pakistan controls the eastern part of the region, which it considers an occupied territory.
The United Nations has been involved in mediating the conflict since 1948 and has proposed various resolutions calling for a plebiscite in Kashmir to determine the will of the people. However, these resolutions have not been implemented due to the lack of agreement between India and Pakistan.
The conflict has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, as well as the death and injury of thousands more. The economic impact of the conflict has also been significant, with both India and Pakistan incurring significant costs.

How To Reach Kashmir

By Air: The only airport in Srinagar is Srinagar International Airport which is connected to all the major cities in India via regular flights. Taxis are available from the airport to reach Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir.

By Road: Due to the closure of Mughal Road, Srinagar is best reached via the 434 km-long Srinagar-Leh highway. Private and state-owned buses regularly ply this route and the journey takes about 20 hours.
You can also reach Srinagar via the 300 km Jammu-Srinagar highway. Buses regularly ply this route and the journey takes about 8 hours.

By Train: Jammu Tawi railway station is the closest railway station to Kashmir situated at a distance of about 304 km. You can either travel by train or by a direct bus from Jammu to Srinagar or from Jammu to Leh.

Places To Visit In Kashmir:-
Dal Lake:
Dal Lake is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is nicknamed the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel”. The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting. The lake is divided into four basins; Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, and Nagin. Gagribal, the largest basin, covering an area of 18 square kilometers (6.9 sq mi), is generally shallow with deepened areas close to the shore. Lokut Dal, the second largest, covering an area of 8.1 square kilometers (3.1 sq mi), is separated from Gagribal by Gagribal Island and to the northeast by Nagin Island. Lokut Dal is connected to Gagribal by two narrow straits known as the Straits of Ganpatipule. Bod Dal, the third largest basin, covering an area of 3.0 square kilometers (1.2 sq mi), is shallow except for a small area near Nagin Island and the shore. Nagin, the smallest basin, extends northward from the southern tip of the lake and covers an area of 1.6 square kilometers (0.62 sq mi). The lake is fed by springs and supplemented by the run-off from the surrounding hills. The average depth of the lake is 4.5 meters (15 ft), with the deepest area being 21 meters (69 ft) near Nagin Island. The lake covers an area of 22 square kilometers (8.5 sq mi) and is part of the Wular Conservation and Management Plan, a large wetland in the Kashmir Valley.
It is home to a number of houseboats, which are used as hotels. Shikaras, small wooden boats, are used for transport, providing access to the many floating gardens, known as rad in Kashmiri, and houseboats. The lake is also popular for water sports such as canoeing, water skiing, wakeboarding, parasailing, and fishing. In 2019, the Ministry of Tourism of the Government of India launched the “Dal Lake Suraksha Bandhan” Programme to protect the lake.

Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden:
The Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden is one of the most beautiful places in Srinagar that is located on the banks of the world-famous Dal Lake. The garden is spread over an area of about 12 hectares and the garden is open to the public from the month of April till October. It is home to more than one lakh tulips with 50 different species of tulips. The garden is situated at an altitude of 2,700m, overlooking the picturesque Dal Lake in Srinagar. The garden was named after Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India. The garden is open from April to May and is a popular tourist destination during the spring season.

Sonmarg:
Sonmarg is Situated at an altitude of 2740 meters above sea level and is a beautiful hill station in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located in the Ganderbal district in the Kashmir Valley. The name of this place derives from the two Sanskrit words ‘Suna’ (meaning gold) and ‘Marga’ (meaning meadow), which combined together result in the name of the place, ‘Sonmarg’, which means ‘golden meadow’. It is popular among tourists for its scenic beauty and the presence of various tourist attractions. The place is surrounded by mountains and is blessed with natural beauty. It is also known as the ‘Gateway of Ladakh’.

Shankaracharya Hill:
Shankaracharya Hill, also known as Takht-e-Sulaiman, is a hill in the Srinagar district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The hill is located on the southeastern side of Dal Lake, about 3 kilometers from the city center. It is named after Adi Shankara, who is said to have visited the hill. The hill is home to the Shankaracharya Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The hill is considered to be one of the holiest sites in Hinduism, and it is said that Shankaracharya meditated on the hill for many years.

Gulmarg:
Gulmarg is a beautiful hill station in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located in the Baramulla district in the Kashmir Valley. The name of the place derives from the two Persian words ‘gul’ (meaning flower) and ‘marg’ (meaning meadow), which combined together result in the name ‘Gulmarg’, which means ‘flower meadow’. The place is popular among tourists for its scenic beauty and the presence of various tourist attractions. The place is also known as ‘Meadow of Flowers.

Apharwat Peak:
Apharwat Peak is located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the highest peak in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas. The peak is situated at an altitude of 4,266 meters (14,000 feet) above sea level. It is also the starting point for the popular Amarnath Cave pilgrimage.
The best time to visit Apharwat Peak Kashmir is from June to October.
The peak is a popular destination for trekkers and mountaineers. The peak was first climbed in 1912 by a British expedition led by Francis Younghusband.

Amarnath Cave:
The Amarnath Cave is a Hindu shrine located in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 meters (12,756 ft), about 141 km (88 mi) from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, and reached through Pahalgam town. The shrine forms an important part of Hinduism and is considered to be one of the holiest sites in Hinduism. The cave is surrounded by snowy mountains and is situated in a narrow gorge. The cave itself is about 30 m (98 ft) long and 15 m (49 ft) wide. Inside the cave, there is a natural Shivlinga, formed of ice.
The Amarnath Cave is one of the most revered shrines in Hinduism. Every year, thousands of pilgrims from all over the world visit the cave to pay homage to Lord Shiva.

Aru valley:
Aru Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Srinagar that is located at a distance of about 12 km from Pahalgam. The valley is known for its beautiful landscapes and is a perfect place for nature lovers and photographers. You can also enjoy the activities like trekking, horse riding, and skiing in the valley. Aru Valley is a popular tourist destination, due to its scenic beauty. It is also a base camp for trekkers, as it provides good access to the Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake.

Betaab Valley:
Betaab Valley is a beautiful valley situated in the Pir Panjal Range of Jammu and Kashmir. Betaab Valley is named after the popular Hindi film Betaab which was shot in this valley, it is a beautiful place and is surrounded by a dense forest of pine trees. Betaab Valley is also the starting point of the famous Amarnath Yatra and is also known for its hot springs which are said to have medicinal properties. The water of these springs is said to cure many diseases. The best time to visit Betaab Valley is from the month of July to September as the weather is cool and pleasant during this time.

Pahalgam:
Pahalgam is a scenic hill station in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located in the Anantnag district of Kashmir Valley. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. The place is blessed with natural beauty and is surrounded by mountains. It is also known as the ‘Valley of Shepherds’. The place is home to various tourist attractions like Pahalgam Golf Course, Betaab Valley, Lidder River, Aru Valley, and Chandanwari.

Vaishno Devi:
Vaishno Devi is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in India. It is situated in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and is home to the Vaishno Devi temple. The goddess is believed to have manifested herself in three forms – Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati. Every year, millions of devotees visit the temple to seek the blessings of the goddess. The temple is located at an altitude of 5,200 feet and is surrounded by the Trikuta Mountains. The journey to the temple is an arduous one and involves a lot of walking. However, the scenic beauty and the feeling of peace and tranquility that one experiences during the journey make it all worth it.

Anantnag:
Anantnag is a town in the Anantnag district of the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India. It is the district headquarters of the Anantnag district. It is also the largest city in the district. Anantnag is also known by its old name Islamabad. The name of the district was officially changed from Islamabad to Anantnag in 2001.
Anantnag is located at 33.73°N 75.28°E. It has an average elevation of 1,979 meters (6,493 feet).
The climate of Anantnag is characterized by its cool and pleasant summers and cold winters. The temperature in the summer months (April to June) ranges from 20°C to 35°C. The temperature in the winter months (November to February) ranges from -5°C to 10°C. The best time to visit Anantnag is from April to June and from September to November. It is connected to the rest of India by road, rail, and air. The town has a number of tourist attractions including the Martand Sun Temple, the Mattan Aurangabad Cave Temples, the Aanchar Lake, the Pahalgam Golf Course, and the Daksum Tosa Maidan.

The Great Lakes Trek:
The Great Lakes Trek is a regionally based, student-led expedition that will take place in the spring of 2018. A group of students from the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada will embark on a multi-day trek through the heart of the Great Lakes region. The trek will take place in the spring of 2018 and will cover a distance of approximately 500 miles. The route will take the group through the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. The trek will culminate at Niagara Falls.

Drung Waterfall:
The Drung waterfall is situated on the Drung river, approximately 15km from the town of Ba Be. The falls are located in the national park of the same name, with the falls themselves dropping down a cliff face of approximately 30m. The best time to visit the waterfall is during the rainy season when the water level is at its highest and the falls are at their most spectacular. However, the falls are also worth visiting during the dry season, when the water level is lower and the rocks are more visible. The Drung waterfall is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking, and there are a number of restaurants and cafes located nearby. There are also a number of accommodation options in the area, including hotels, guesthouses, and homestays.

Srinagar:
Srinagar is a city in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the summer capital of the state. The city is famous for its lakes, gardens, and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. Srinagar is located in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus. The city is about 15km (9.3mi) from the airport and about 500km (310mi) from the Indian capital, New Delhi. The city has a temperate climate and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The average temperature in summer is about 28C (82F) and in winter it is about 4C (39F). The main tourist season in Srinagar is from April to October when the weather is cooler. The best time to visit the city is between May and September. Srinagar is also known for its houseboats. These are large wooden boats that are moored in the lakes and used as hotels. There are about 500 houseboats in Srinagar, which are owned by the Kashmiri people.
The city is also famous for its traditional Kashmiri handicrafts, such as shawls, carpets, and woodwork. The shawls are made of wool and are very soft. They are decorated with traditional Kashmiri embroidery. The carpets are made of wool and silk. They are available in different designs and colors. The woodwork of Srinagar is very famous. The Kashmiri people make furniture, utensils, and musical instruments from wood. The dry fruits of Srinagar are also very famous. The city is known for its almonds, walnuts, and pistachios.