The Pir Panjal Escape

A special one of its kind Drive where we will traverse over the Pir Panjal Mountains and go over a total of 4 Passes during our drive. The Pir Panjal is a sub-Range of Himalayas and it runs from the Neelam River in J&K all the way to the Beas River in Kullu in Himachal Pradesh. The Journey would take us over the Pir Ki Gali on the Mughal Road into the Kashmir Valley. And then we would cross-over the mighty Sinthan Pass and enter the Kishtwar Region. From Kishtwar we would move to to Bhaderwah and then over the amazing Chattargala Pass into Sarthal and then onto Bani and Basohli and then back to Delhi.

Detailed Itinerary :

June 05 : Day 1 : Delhi to Jammu - 590 kms - 12 hours - We drive on the National Highway straight from Delhi to Jammu. Its a straight forward Drive on the Highway. Night stay at Jammu

June 06 : Day 2 : Jammu to Srinagar via Pir ki Gali - 323 kms - 8 hours - We drive from Jammu to Srinagar over the historic Mughal Road. We cross the Pir Panjals over the Pir Ki Gali Pass and enter the Kashmir Valley. Night stay at Srinagar

June 07 : Day 3 : Srinagar Local - We will spend the day doing some driving around Srinagar and hit some Rough trails. Night stay at Srinagar.

June 08 : Day 4 : Srinagar to Kishtwar - 208 kms - 7 hours - We start early in the morning and drive towards the Sinthan Pass. We would cross the beautiful Sinthan Pass and descend into Kishtwar. Night stay at Kishtwar

June 09 ; Day 5 : Kishtwar to Bhaderwah - 82 kms - 2 hours (118+35) - We would drive from Kishtwar towards Bhaderwah and one reaching Bhaderwah we will head towards the Padri Pass. We will drive upto the Padri Pass and descend it on the other side and go till the JK and Himachal Border. We will then return to Bhaderwah. Night stay at Bhaderwah

June 10 : Day 6 : Bhaderwah Local - We visit some local spots like the Jai Valley / Seoj / Chinta Valley. Night stay at Bhaderwah

June 11 : Day 7 : Bhaderwah to Sarthal - 50 kms - 3 hours - We drive up to the striking Chattargalla Pass and descend onto the beautiful Sarthal Valley. Night stay at Sarthal.

June 12 : Day 8 : Sarthal to Basohli - 120 kms - From Sarthal we drive towards Bani and finally descend into Bahsoli on the banks of the Ranjit Sagar Lake. Night stay at Basohli.

June 13 : Day 9 : Basohli to Delhi - 550 kms - 11 hours - We drive back to Delhi. The end of the Adventure.

Spl Note : Please note that in case there is any disturbance in the Kashmir Valley we will take an alternate Route so as to avoid the Valley. We would still do all the Passes mentioned though. 

Package costs (per person): There are two Options. You can either bring your own 4x4 or take a Self Drive Thar from us.

1. Driving own vehicle: Rs. 45,000/- per head.

2. 4x4 self-drive (2 pax per vehicle):  Thar: Rs.75,000/-

Booking Amount : The Booking Amount for Reserving your Slot is Rs.20,000/ per Person.

Inclusions: Vehicle with fuel / Accommodation: a mix of Homestays, Eco Camps, 3 Star Hotels / Breakfast and Dinner  / Complete convoy management / All permits and permissions 

Exclusions: Fuel in case of your own Vehicle / Personal expenses / Alcoholic drinks & Cigarettes etc / Travel & Medical Insurance  / Tips / Airfare / Any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances like Ill health, vehicle breakdown, natural calamity

We will limit the number of Vehicles to 10. I am available on 9871292288, please feel free to ask any questions that you may have.  

Regards

Prashant (Kiki) Mathawan+91 98712 92288www.travelthehimalayas.com

 Kashmir with Kiki

A personal Tour led by Kiki Mathawan through the Kashmir Valley. Though this Tour I plan to share with you some of the best kept and not so best kept secrets of Kashmir. This Trip has been crafted with the same in mind and of course I would be with you taking you through it all. Also these 

April 8 : Wednesday : Land in Srinagar. Visit the Tulip Garden in Srinagar. Also visit Chashme Shahi and Pari Mahal Garden. Evening would be an interactive section where we will talk about Kashmir. Night stay in Srinagar Home-Stay.

April 9 : Thursday : Proceed to Gulmarg in the Morning. Visit Parihaspora the ancient Capital of Kashmir on the way. Gulmarg would be covered in Snow and you can enjoy the Snow. If we are lucky we could even catch a Snowfall. We will visit the Gulmarg Palace of the erstwhile Maharajas of J&K. We will try our luck at the Nanga Parbat viewpoint and hopefully the elusive Mountain will bless us with a great view. In the evening we would visit the legendary Highlands Park for a Kehwa. Night stay in Gulmarg at the Kolahoi Greens. 

April 10 : Friday : Early Morning we will head to the Gulmarg Gondola and hopefully go to the Top from where we get an unmatched view of the Great Himalayan Range right from the Nanga Parbat to Harmukh to Kolahoi to Nun Kun and the Kishtwar Himalayas. Return to Srinagar after Lunch and proceed to Whistling Woods Resort, Ganderbal

April 11 : Saturday : Visit the Naranag Temple Complex and visit one of the most exquisite Temple cComplex ruins in Kashmir. We would then hike to Domail and Marchoi in the beautiful Salnai Valley if the conditions permit. These places are totally off the Tourist circuit and really sights to behold. Night stay at Whistling Woods Resort, Ganderbal.

April 12 : Sunday : Srinagar sightseeing by the Dal Lake. Lunch at Ahdoos. Shopping at Polo View. Walk down the Lal Chowk and streets of Srinagar. We will also try and visit the Downtown if the situation permits. Night stay at Whistling Woods Resort.

April 13 : Monday : We proceed to the Airport and take our flights back to Home.

Cost : Rs.30,000 / - plus 5 % GST (Per Person On Twin Sharing Basis). Booking Advance is Rs.15000.

Inclusions:  Transport – Airport transfers and local travel throughout the journey / Accommodation: on Twin sharing basis / Meals: Breakfast and Dinner in the hotel. 

Exclusions: Entry Tickets / Gondola Tickets / Shikara Rides / Air fare / Hot meals while on road / Personal gear like shoes, jacket, gloves etc / Personal expenses like mineral water, snacks etc / Travel/Medical Insurance / Emergency evacuation /Cost incurred due to change in itinerary on account of any unforeseen event such as road blocks, vehicle breakdown, change in weather etc

 The Chenab / Chandrabhaga Valleys Tour : Paddar, Pangi and Lahaul

Our new Tour for next year which takes you along the Chandrabhaga / Chenab Valleys of Paddar, Pangi and Lahaul as we continue on our quest to take you deep into the Himalayas, off the beaten track where few people venture. These beautiful pristine Valleys lie between the Pir Panjals and the Great Himalayas and have been referred to as the Inner Himalayas as they have been mostly cut off from the outside World and only in the last few decades the building of Roads has made them accessible.

Paddar Valley today is a part of the Kishtwar District of the Jammu Division of Jammu and Kashmir. The Pangi Valley is a part of the Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh while Lahaul is a part of the Lahaul Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh.

Historically they were all part of the Chamba Kingdom at some point of time and of the Kashmir Kingdom also probably earlier which is demonstrated by Kashmir style designs of some of the Temples including the Trilokinath Temple. Lahaul also used to be divided between the Chamba Kingdom and the British Empire till the time of Independence.

There are also Cultural similarities especially amongst the Buddhists communities which dwell on the higher reaches of Paddar and Pangi as well as the Buddhists in Lahaul. The Hindu communities also share a commonality especially between Paddar and Pangi. The syncretic form of Hindusim and Buddhism practices in Lahaul is indeed unique and is exemplified by the Trilokinath Temple which is held sacred by Hindus as well as the Buddhists.

And as mentioned these are the Inner Himalayas and as such as pristine and primeval as they get . The least visited but nothing beats these Valleys if you want sheer verticality. If you havent seen these places you havent really been to the wilds of the Western Himalayas. Hopefully with the completion of the Machail Road more areas would open.

The Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival at Jammu : Stay at Jammu / Patnitop (110 kms) (Depends on the time of Arrival of the Group) : We arrive at Jammu and proceed to Patnitop as we would like to be in the Mountains ASAP. Located in the Pir Panjals, Patnitop is a lovely little Hill Station situated on the old Srinagar Jammu Highway. An introductory talk by us in the evening.

Day 2 : Jammu / Patnitop to Bhaderwah (90 kms) : From Patnitop we proceed to the very scenic Bhaderwah via the Doda Road and we are now driving along the Chenab River, a River we will keep following all the way to the foot of the Rohtang Pass in Lahaul. Bhaderwah is an absolute beauty lying in the Pir Panjals. Stay at Bhaderwah.

Day 3 : Bhaderwah : We visit the Bhaderwah Fort and Temples. We visit the Padri Pass which connects Bhaderwah with Chamba and visit the Waterfalls right at the Border. We round off the day by a visit to the Jai Valley which is beautiful Meadow with Mountain Rivers and Waterfalls. Stay at Bhaderwah.

Day 4 : Bhaderwah to Gulabgarh, Paddar (150 kms) : We move from Bhaderwah and again start driving along the Chenab and go to Gulabgarh, which is the main Village in the Paddar Valley, via Kishtwar. On the way we will spot numerous Bakerwal shepherds moving with their Stock headed towards the higher pastures around Kishtwar and Kashmir. Stay at Gulabgarh.

Day 5 : Gulabgarh / Paddar : We spend the day around Gulabgarh and drive along the Bhoot Nallah on the Road towards Machail. The same Route is used by Trekkers and Traders to get to Zanskar. The higher Villages of Paddar have Buddhist populations and the people are thought to have come from Zanskar. The legendary Kashmir Sapphire mines were also located near Machail. Stay at Gulabgarh.

Day 6 : Gulabgarh /Paddar to Killar (55 kms) : We head towards the Pangi Valley and today we hit the Cliffhanger Road / alternative Road being built (depending on the conditions). This is one of the most exciting part of the Journey. The drive through the Gorge of the Chenab. We cross the border between J&K and Himachal Pradesh and get to Killar. Stay at Killar.

Day 7 : Killar : We visit some beautiful parts of the Pangi Valley. We visit the Buddhist Villages of Hudan Bhatori and Sural Bhatori. Stay at Killar.

Day 8 : Killar to Jispa (155 kms) : We need to make a very early morning start from Killar so that we get to Udaipur before lunch time as the Nallahs rise later on and there is the risk of getting stuck. This again is a beautiful drive through some wild country. We cross-over to Lahaul Valley and visit the Trilokinath Temple Night stay in Jispa.

Day 9 : Jispa : We will use Jispa as a base and head down the newly opened Road which connects Lahaul with Zanskar. We will go all the way to Zanskar Sumdo and a little ahead. On return we will head to the Baralacha La and then return to Jispa. Night stay at Jispa

Day 10: Jispa to Manali (138 kms) : We set off from Jispa and head back to Manali. We will go over the Rohtang Pass and we will need to do an early start from Jispa. The Trip ends at Manali.

Package costs (per person):

Rs. 75,000 / person plus 5% GST / Book your slot for Rs.20,000 / You will get a full Refund if you cancel 30 days before the Tour.

Inclusions:

Innova Taxi with 4 pax / Accommodation: A mix of Government Guest Houses / Camps / 3 Star Hotels / All Meals plus Morning and Evening Refreshments (Non-Alcoholic) / Complete convoy management / All permits and permissions

Exclusions:

Personal expenses / Alcoholic drinks & Cigarettes etc / Travel & Medical Insurance / Tips / Airfare / Any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances like Ill health, vehicle breakdown, natural calamity

We will limit the number of participants to 20.

Kashmir Edge Tour

See a side of Kashmir that few people from the outside have ever set their eyes upon. These places lie along the Line of Control and adjoining areas which have been largely off limits due to the Borders and the sensitive local Political situations. But slowly the Government has now opened up the areas and JK Tourism and other Departments have built infrastructure like Guest Houses so that people can come and enjoy the beauty of these hitherto unseen places for most.

So introducing for the first time our Kashmir Edge Tour. Where you travel mostly in the Kupwara distrcit of kashmir in the North West which borders the Loc and is home to beautiful Valleys such as the Lolab valley and the largest Alpine Valley in Kashmir, the Bangus Valley. This is also the Home of the Shamsbari Range and you can actually walk along the Kishenganga River and see activities across the Border in areas under Pakistan. The same Kishenganga is called the Neelum River once it goes across the Line of Control.

The Kishenganga River (called the Neelum once it crosses the LOC serves as the LOC for most of the Borders in this area. This is the River in the Keran Sector.

Kupwara is a district of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and situated in the extreme North West of the state with the Western part of the District running along the LOC. It has a total area of around 2380 kms and is divided into the following 14 Tehsils :

Handwara / Karnah / Kupwara / Lolab / Machil / Ramhall / Qaziabad / Trehgam / Langate / Keran / Lalpora / Kralpora / Dragmulla / Zachaldara

Kupwara is a beautiful border District with the Kishenganga flowing through it. Its home to many Valleys as well as dense Forests and is home to a variety of Wildlife as well. Since a large part of the District is along the Line of Control Kupwara has never been a part of any Tourist Itinerary and its hidden Gems have been seen by a few and far between.

The Kazinag Mountain as seen on the way to Uri near Boniyar. The Mountain is also Home to the Kazinag National Park which is considered the home of the elusive Markhors in Kashmir.

We at Travel The Himalayas are now trying to open these places to Tourists as the concept of Border Tourism now grows. Situated at a distance of 90 kms Kupwara Town is the ideal place to be used as a base to these beautiful hidden Valleys of Kupwara. And ,many of these Valleys sit at the crossroads of Kashmiri and Pahari culture. In many of the Villages on this circuit the main spoken languages are Pahari and Gojri.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : Land in Srinagar, Local sightseeing around the Dal Lake and the many beautiful Gardens of the City.

Day 2 :  Srinagar to Uri : First day out of Srinagar you travel to the border Town of Uri. This little Town right at the LOC has become quite well known after certain unfortunate incidents have taken place in the last few years. There is even a Bollywood Movie made with the same name. The Town is beautiful and sits astride a Mountain as the Jehlum flows by. Civilians are allowed only up til the Uri Bazaar and special permissions are required to move beyond the Bazaar. From Uri you move to a Guest House in Kupwara.

The Mysterious Cave Complex at Kalaroos. as per local beliefs there is a Tunnel underneath which goes all the way to Central Asia.

Day 3 : We visit Bangus from Kupwara. One of the relatively unknown areas of Kashmir with vast tourism potential is the Valley of Bangus. Lying within the Trans Himalayan Area, Bangus is a unique combination of ecological area, compromising Mountain Biome, which includes Grassland Biome with flora at lower altitudes, and Taiga or Coniferous forest. The Valley which lies at an altitude of around 10,000 ft above sea level, is in the northern part of district Kupwara within the Handwara sub-district. Occupying an area of 300 sq kms (20 x 15) the principal Valley locally known as Bod Bangus (Big Bangus) consists of a linear elliptical bowl aligned along the East West axis. The Valley is surrounded by Rajwar and Mawar in the East, Shamsbari and Dajlungun Mountains in the West, Chowkibal and Karnah Gali in the North. A smaller side Valley known as Lokut Bangus (Small Bangus) lies on the north-eastern side of the Main Valley. Both the Valleys comprise level green meadows surrounded by low lying Mountains covered with dense Coniferous forests (Budloo) with a stream flowing through.

One of the famous colorful Pakistani truck as seen from across the LOC in Tithwal in the Tangdhar Sector.

Day 5 : Kupwara to Tangdhar via Sadhna Pass. Visit Teetwal. Stay at Tangdhar . Tithwal : On the Banks of the tranquil flowing Kishanganga in the Karnow Valley lies the Village of Tithwal. Here you can peacefully admire the calm and tranquil environment with indulgent greens that let you enjoy the gifts of Mother nature in all their glory. Tithwal is around 93 kms from Kupwara Town and is of historical importance in the light of its geographical location on the LOC and is presently being used as crossing / meeting point for the general Public of both the sides of Kashmir. The Road to Tithwal from Kupwara is a macadamized road which passes through the breathtaking vistas of the Drangyari Meadows and the Sadhna Top which is located at 10,000 feet.

Seemari -The last village on Indian side in Tanghdhar Sector. Right side is Seemari divided by Kishanganga/Neelum river 

Day 6 : Tangdhar to Keran via Firkin Gali. Stay at Keran RB Guest House. Keran : The Village of Keran is said to have been established by Raja Bahadur Khan in the tenth Century. Also located on the banks of the Kishenganaga River, Keran enjoys a majestic view. To reach Keran Valley one has to Pass through the Firkin Gali. It is 37 kilometers towards West from Kupwara. 89 kilometers from Kralpora and 118 kilometers from the state Capital Srinagar. One the way to Keran the other places of interest are Milyal, Raja Ram Mountains, Firkin Village, Kralpora, Trehgam and the Kheerbhawani Temple at Tikker, Kupwara. From the Firkin Gali a Road link connects it with the Sadhna Top and is known for its mesmerising and enchanting beauty on both sides of Kashmir. On the way one can witness the lush Green forests, Meadows, Streams and also the Ancient Architecture.

From the Keran Sector you can see activity across the LOC as the Kishenganga River denotes the LOC.

Day 7 : To Machil via Jet Gali. Visit Dudi Village. Stay at Machail Guest House. Machil : Machil is a charming Village sheltered in the East of the Kupwara District, Jammu and Kashmir. Covered in a lush green forest it is an ideal destination for group picnic and trekkers. Rest Houses are available for a comfortable stay and to spend some time in this mesmerising place. Machil has some of the most beautiful and breathtaking Meadows and it is surrounded by the Mountains of Nuwan. Machil consists of 15 Villages and is around 52 kms away from the main town of Kupwara. Machil lies nuzzled in the most north western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Guest House in Dudi Village in the Machail Sector

Day 8 : Return to Srinagar

Inclusions : All Taxi Transfers / Airport Pick Up and Drop / All Night Stays at Government Guest Houses/ Breakfast and Dinner / Guide Charges / All Permits from the DC Office / Police / Army

Cost : Rs.37500/- per Person. GST Extra.

Gurez can be added to the following Itinerary by adding 2 more days. Costs for that would be extra.

The idyllic Dudi Village in the Machail Sector.

Note : Since some of these areas are sensitive Border areas the Final Authority on all matters is the Army. It may so happen that, in case of some incident, they might deny access to certain Areas.