Latest news with #GulmargGondola
Time Business News
01-07-2025
- Time Business News
Kashmir Tour Packages for a Real Travel Experience
Kashmir is a destination that speaks for itself. With its raw beauty, timeless charm, and deeply rooted culture, it has long been a traveler's dream. Over the years, many people have searched for the perfect way to experience this region without the noise of commercial tourism. This is where well-planned Kashmir Tour Packages come into the picture. These packages are not just a bundle of places and hotels—they are a promise of connection, ease, and balance between nature and local life. From houseboats in Dal Lake to apple orchards in Sopore, these journeys are carefully curated to give travelers an honest experience of the valley. Kashmir is not a place where you simply book a hotel and roam around. The region is vast, with different terrains and cultures in every corner. Planning each detail independently can be exhausting and even confusing for first-time visitors. Kashmir Tour Packages solve this by offering an organized plan without taking away the freedom to enjoy the trip your way. Whether it's a 4-day getaway or a longer stay, these packages include transport, stays, guides, and itinerary options that suit your interests—be it quiet moments in nature or active experiences like skiing or trekking. A good package respects your time and gives you a chance to see more while worrying less. It also means your bookings are handled locally, supporting people who know the place inside out. Most Kashmir Tour Packages begin in Srinagar. The city is known for its timeless beauty and hospitality. A shikara ride on Dal Lake, a stay in traditional houseboats, or a visit to Mughal gardens—Srinagar sets the right tone for the rest of the journey. Gulmarg is often the second stop. It's known for the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world. Depending on the season, you'll either find green meadows or snow-covered slopes. Many travelers enjoy skiing here, while others come just for the quiet views. Pahalgam is a peaceful retreat with pine forests and the Lidder River flowing gently. Many Kashmir Tour Packages include a night or two here for those who want a break from busier spots. It's also a starting point for Amarnath Yatra during the pilgrimage season. Not all packages include Sonamarg, but the ones that do are worth considering. This part of Kashmir offers a more rugged, untouched feel. It's ideal for walking trails, pony rides, and glacier views, especially the Thajiwas Glacier. The strength of any travel plan lies in the details. Here's what you can expect when you go for reliable Kashmir Tour Packages : Comfortable Stay Options : Not overly luxurious, but clean and welcoming guest houses, hotels, or houseboats that reflect the region's charm. : Not overly luxurious, but clean and welcoming guest houses, hotels, or houseboats that reflect the region's charm. Transport and Drivers : You'll usually have a vehicle and a local driver with you throughout the trip. This saves time and brings peace of mind in an unfamiliar place. : You'll usually have a vehicle and a local driver with you throughout the trip. This saves time and brings peace of mind in an unfamiliar place. Flexible Itineraries : While there's a basic plan, most packages allow you to adjust stops or add visits based on your pace and interest. : While there's a basic plan, most packages allow you to adjust stops or add visits based on your pace and interest. Local Insight: Some packages also offer local guides who can share stories and take you to lesser-known spots. Ideal for those traveling with children or elderly family members. These are paced well and include accommodations that are easy to access, with shorter travel time between destinations. Focused on privacy, comfort, and unique experiences like houseboat stays or candle-lit dinners with views of the lake or mountains. Great for people traveling with friends or in large groups. Often includes shared transport and activities, which reduces cost and increases social interaction. Designed for those who want to hike, trek, or ski. Includes gear, expert guides, and stays in locations close to activity zones like Gulmarg and Sonamarg. Kashmir Tour Packages often change based on the season. Winter tours are focused around snow activities and warm accommodations, while summer tours involve green meadows, rivers, and open-air sightseeing. No journey is complete without understanding the food and traditions of a place. Good Kashmir Tour Packages ensure that you get a taste of the region—not just in dishes, but in interactions and local stories. Expect to try: Kashmiri Wazwan : A multi-course meal usually served at weddings but sometimes included as a special dinner in packages. : A multi-course meal usually served at weddings but sometimes included as a special dinner in packages. Kahwa and Noon Chai : Two local teas served differently in various parts of the valley. : Two local teas served differently in various parts of the valley. Handicrafts and Carpets: Many packages include visits to workshops where you can see how carpets are woven or pashmina shawls are made. This kind of cultural connection turns a trip into a memory. Booking any tour without some preparation can lead to disappointment. Keep these in mind: Always check the season and weather before finalizing dates. before finalizing dates. Ask for complete inclusions and exclusions —know what you're paying for. —know what you're paying for. Check reviews of the travel company or agent offering the package. or agent offering the package. Be clear about permits , especially if you're visiting sensitive areas or during pilgrimage time. , especially if you're visiting sensitive areas or during pilgrimage time. Keep cash handy, especially in rural or hill areas where online payments may not work. You'll come across two main types—custom-made and pre-set. Pre-set packages have fixed plans and dates, which can be convenient and usually cost less. On the other hand, custom packages are built around your preferences. Want to stay three days in Pahalgam instead of one? Or want to skip Gulmarg? You can adjust the plan. Most travelers who want more control over the pace and kind of places they visit go for custom Kashmir Tour Packages . When you travel with respect, the place gives back in beautiful ways. Many Kashmir Tour Packages today focus on supporting local guides, drivers, and artisans. Choosing such a tour doesn't just benefit you—it uplifts families who rely on tourism. Look for packages that: Use locally owned stays and transport. Include visits to real local businesses, not just souvenir shops. Educate visitors on local customs and environment-friendly travel. This kind of travel leads to stronger memories and a deeper connection with the region. With so many options available, picking the right package can feel overwhelming. Here's a simple way to decide: Start with your goal —are you looking for rest, romance, activity, or family bonding? —are you looking for rest, romance, activity, or family bonding? Decide the number of days you can spend. you can spend. Choose the places that interest you most —some prefer just Srinagar and Pahalgam, while others want all four major locations. —some prefer just Srinagar and Pahalgam, while others want all four major locations. Fix your budget , but keep some flexibility for unique experiences. , but keep some flexibility for unique experiences. Contact two or three travel companies, compare their plans, and check if they allow adjustments. Being honest about your needs is key to finding the right Kashmir Tour Packages . Kashmir is not just another trip—it's a place that stays with you long after you return. A thoughtfully designed tour package helps you enjoy it fully, without getting lost in logistics. When you choose Kashmir Tour Packages , you're not just saving time. You're saying yes to a journey that's been shaped with care by people who know and love the valley. Whether you go for snow or sun, solitude or shared moments, the right package makes all the difference. Before you finalize your plans, take a little time to research, connect with real people, and trust your instinct. Because Kashmir deserves more than a rushed visit—it deserves your presence and attention. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Time of India
From too much salt in fried rice to reciting Kalima: Tourists share how 'miracles' saved their lives from terrorists in Pahalgam
'We ran before death could reach us': Jaipur couple recounts nightmare in the hills Live Events 'Too much salt saved us': Kerala family credits delayed lunch Cancelled gondola ride saved Nagpur family Assam professor survives by reciting Kalima (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Several tourists who were near the site of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam have shared how small twists of fate, from salty food to a cancelled ride, saved their lives. Many are still in shock, saying they were minutes away from the Soni and her husband Mihir were just two months into their marriage when they visited Pahalgam for what they called their 'mini Switzerland'. But the honeymoon mood quickly turned into a nightmare.'We were laughing over a bowl of Maggi and clicking selfies when we heard a sudden crack. One shot, then another,' Komal told TOI, her voice trembling.'We saw someone fall. Then another. Everything stopped,' she said, clutching Mihir's hand tightly while waiting at Delhi airport after fleeing couple escaped on horseback, praying under their breath, as locals urged calm. 'The photo of Lt Vinay Narwal's wife went viral. For the world, it was news. For us, it was real,' she next morning, they were on the first flight back to Jaipur. 'We feel lucky, blessed and sad at the same time,' Mihir a Kerala family of 11, a salty plate of fried rice may have been what saved their George and his wife Lavanya had planned a visit to Baisaran meadow that afternoon. But a roadside restaurant's overly salty food led them to reorder, causing a one-hour delay.'We were just two kilometres from Baisaran when we saw horses galloping back and people shouting,' Lavanya told TOI over the their driver insisted they continue, the family sensed danger and returned to their resort. Later, they found out about the terror attack. 'It's as if God himself caused that delay,' Lavanya Kolkar, a nursing officer from Nagpur, says a last-minute change in plans saved her family of trip to Baisaran on Tuesday was pushed to Monday after a chance cancellation of their Gulmarg Gondola ride.'That cancelled ride saved us from bullets,' she told TOI from Srinagar airport, where she saw hundreds of tourists rushing to ended up visiting Sinthan Top instead. 'When security started asking for IDs, we knew something was wrong,' she said. Only later did they hear about the terror Bhattacharya, an associate professor from Assam University, Silchar, managed to survive by reciting the Islamic kalima when a terrorist held a gun to his head.'One gunman shot a man next to me and then asked us to recite the kalima,' Bhattacharya told TOI. 'I started chanting it loudly out of fear. That may have saved my life.'His wife Madhumita Das Bhattacharya, a well-known danseuse, and their son, a doctor, also survived by hiding in bushes before fleeing the area with the help of sister Indrani said Bhattacharya had studied Islamic texts since his student days. 'Perhaps that helped him survive,' she told reportedly removed her shakha-pola and wiped off her sindur during the chaos, fearing it might reveal her from TOI
News18
24-04-2025
- News18
Fear Fails To Deter Tourists As J&K's Gulmarg Gondola Sees Record Footfall Days After Pahalgam Attack
The Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) has announced full refunds for all unutilised Gulmarg Gondola tickets dated April 22 and 23. Just days after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, fear failed to dampen the spirit of travellers in Jammu and Kashmir. The scenic town of Gulmarg witnessed a record tourist footfall on Wednesday, as thousands lined up to ride the region's iconic Gondola despite heightened security alerts across the Valley. According to official data, a total of 7,299 tourists took the Gulmarg Gondola on Wednesday, with 4,982 enjoying the first phase of the ride and 2,317 reaching the higher-altitude second phase. The turnout is being seen as a sign of resilience and confidence among visitors, reinforcing the message that Kashmir's tourism charm remains undeterred even in the face of adversity. As decided by the management of J&K Cable Car Corporation, all the No Show / Unconsumed Gulmarg Gondola tickets for Phase I & II having visit dates of 22nd and 23rd April shall be refunded in full. — JK Cable Car Corporation (@egovernanceggp) April 23, 2025 In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) has announced full refunds for all unutilised Gulmarg Gondola tickets dated April 22 and 23. 'As decided by the management of J&K Cable Car Corporation, all the no show/unconsumed Gulmarg Gondola tickets for Phase I and II having visit dates of 22nd and 23rd April shall be refunded in full," the corporation said in a post on its official X handle. First Published:
