Kashmir Adventure Tour Packages

What adventure means in these packages

These packages are adventures of distance and altitude rather than of extreme sport: long mountain drives, high passes, remote lakes and valleys, simple stays and weather that can change the plan. They suit travellers who like to move and who are comfortable with early starts and basic comforts. For skiing and snow, see our Gulmarg ski packages and for trekking, our Great Lakes trek page.

The Kashmir valley adventures

• 6N/7D Kashmir with Doodhpathri, from ₹18,200 per person for two travellers: the classic circuit with a meadow day.
• 8N/9D Kashmir with Gurez Valley, from ₹25,350: the borderlands, with two nights in Gurez.

The Ladakh circuits

Prices are the lowest cell in each package's own table, per person for two travellers sharing, and fall for larger groups. Flights, lunches and entry fees are paid separately, as each page states.

Choosing by time and altitude

A short Ladakh trip of four or five nights covers Leh, Nubra and Pangong, and is right for a first visit. Longer circuits add remote lakes and valleys and need more days for the roads and for acclimatisation. If you have limited time or health concerns, choose the shorter plan. See our Kashmir vs Ladakh comparison if you are deciding between the two.

Season and weather

Ladakh's season runs about June to September, when the passes are open, and Gurez is usually open from May to October. Snow, rain and landslides can close roads, so we keep a spare day and confirm road status before you leave. Early and late in the season are colder and less predictable.

Permits, ID and rules

Some areas need inner line permits, which we arrange, and the rules and fees change. Carry government photo ID for every traveller. Our permits and ID guide explains what to expect.

Fitness, altitude and kit

You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable with long drives, cold nights and thin air. Spend a rest day in Leh before the high passes, drink water and turn back if you feel unwell. Pack layers, a down jacket, sun protection, sturdy shoes and any medicines, and see our packing list.

A sample seven-day Ladakh plan

• Day 1: arrive in Leh and rest; keep the day light to adjust to altitude.
• Day 2: local sights, monasteries and the market, still at an easy pace.
• Day 3: over the Khardung La to the Nubra Valley.
• Day 4: a day in Nubra, with the sand dunes and the villages.
• Day 5: on to Pangong Lake for the evening and the stars.
• Day 6: back to Leh over the Chang La.
• Day 7: a spare morning and departure.

Common mistakes

The most common mistakes are rushing the first days, skipping acclimatisation, travelling outside the season and packing too lightly. Add a spare day, drink water, rest when you feel unwell and bring warm layers for nights that are far colder than the days. Another mistake is underestimating drive times: mountain roads are slow, so plan fewer stops and more time on the road.

Gear checklist

• A down jacket, thermals, a fleece, gloves and a woollen hat.
• Sturdy shoes with grip and several pairs of warm socks.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm for the thin air.
• A water bottle, snacks and any regular medicines.
• A power bank, a torch and a small first-aid kit.

Planning an adventure trip from home

Start with the season: Ladakh circuits run from about June to September, Gurez from May to October. Pick the length that matches your leave and your health, and add a spare day. Book flights into Leh or Srinagar after the plan is confirmed, since some routes start or end in different cities. Tell us if you are fit, if you have any health conditions and if you have been at altitude before, and we recommend the right package.

What the days are like

Adventure days are long and early: breakfast at seven or earlier, a day of driving with stops at passes, lakes and villages, and a late arrival at the hotel or camp. Evenings are cold and quiet. Do not plan late nights; sleep and water matter more than any other piece of preparation. Expect rough roads, thin air, basic bathrooms in remote places and the occasional delay for weather, and enjoy the scenery, which is the point.

Safety on high roads

Altitude sickness is the main risk. Ascend gradually, drink water, avoid heavy meals and alcohol on arrival, and descend if symptoms worsen. Do not drive yourself on unfamiliar high roads, and respect road closures. Our drivers are experienced and carry basic supplies, but you should carry your own medicines and a small first-aid kit. See our packing list for what to bring.

Booking and flexibility

Book early for July and August, when hotels and vehicles are limited. Keep your dates flexible if you can, because weather and permits can change them. We confirm hotels, camps, the vehicle and permits in writing and tell you what happens if a road is closed.

How we plan

We choose the package that fits your time and fitness, adjust the days and confirm hotels, camps, the vehicle and permits in writing. We tell you plainly what is included and what you pay separately, and keep a margin for weather.