We have been on far too many adventures in the past few years. We are currently working on building itineraries like no others have tried in South Africa. We have broken many conventions about tourism businesses in India. On our journey to transform tourism into a social enterprise business, we have explored opportunities of working in development sector, in community health care and in creating supplementary source of livelihood for various communities across the country.
We couldn’t think of anything better than putting together an itinerary in Kashmir for you this New Year in consultation with our long time friend and partner Anand Sankar, a seasoned journalist and photographer who have been on several adventurous trips with The Blue Yonder earlier. From Elephants ‘infested’ forests of Nilambur to monsoon rapids in Tootha River, we have enjoyed travelling together for meaningful experiences. This is one out of the five signature trips we are designing in partnership with Anand to different parts of India to get deep understanding about it’s people and places.
Rafiabad in Baramulla district of Kashmir had once taken its toll due to militancy in the region. After several decades of conflict and cross-border terrorism, local population is enjoying conflict free environment and is inviting us to travel to know them better and enjoy the winter in Kashmir. This trip has been put together as a result of over three years of consultation with locals.
Kashmir in winter has always been a breath-taking experience covered in a blanket of pristine snow as far as 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.
Responsible tourism has world over shown how it can be a change maker when it comes to preserving culture, heritage and providing alternative and supplementary source of income for local population in destinations.
Here is your opportunity to see stunning ice-clad peaks, snow covered rolling highlands, endless forests of pine and gurgling mountain streams full of trout and meet up with the warm-hearted Kashmiris.
Trip date: Sat, 14 Jan 2012 to Sun, 22 Jan 2012
Max guests in this trip :6
Last date to book the trip: 2, Jan 2012
Itinerary:
Saturday, January 14
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).
For more details on itineraries and content, please contact us on info (at) theblueyonder (dot ) com
Photo credits Anand Sankar
