Kashmir

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Message Submitted by kaylouise on Tue, 05/13/2014 - 19:05
<p>I am interested in information from anyone who has traveled in Kashmir and has recommendations and/or comments - both positive and negative.&nbsp; What type of trip do you recommend?&nbsp; A tour group or private guide?&nbsp; Would you combine it with a trip to northern India?</p>

Reply Submitted by Pinky33 on Wed, 05/14/2014 - 07:08

It would be very easy to combine a trip to Jammu-Kashmir with time in Himachel Pradesh.  In Himachel, you can visit the hill stations of Shimla and Mandi, Dharamsala, the home of the Dalai Lama and the Spiti Valley which has some ancient monasteries.    There are tours that travel overland in these provinces.  Look at Explore (exploreworldwide.com) and Exodus (exodus.co.uk), Adventures Abroad (adventures-abroad.com) for group tours; as well as check past issues of ITN (use the search box on the home page) for companies that do custom tours, the one that comes to mind is Swagatam Travels and Tours, based in Delhi (swagatam.com).

Reply Submitted by Stan on Wed, 05/14/2014 - 11:26

I can support Joe's recommendation of Swagatam.  I didn't travel with them to the region you're interested in, but several years ago, they arranged a six-week custom trip for me to south India and to Rajasthan and Gujurat.  I was very pleased.  For each half of the trip, I had my own driver and Toyota Land Cruiser, and local guides always were waiting as we arrived at each destination.  The hotels were fine and, of course, can be selected to suit your budget.  Other companies have been recommended on this message board which undoubtedly do a fine job, but Swagatam certainly is one company you should consider seriously.