National Family Camping Cum Training Expedition Srinagar Sep-Oct-Nov-2024


Kashmir valley comprises about more than 3000 species of trees and plants. The plants of the western side are well known for their medicinal properties it is a storehouse of medicinal and aromatic plants, which are used in pharmaceutical and perfume industries as raw materials.


Program

About Program : Youth Hostels Association of India has been organizing various adventure programs for the last 50 years. People from poles apart cultures and regions participate in our programs and enjoy our economical and budgeted adventure programmes. A large number of volunteers work with dedication and support us in running these programmes successfully. As a part of the Silver Jubilee Celebration of YHAI National Trekking, in 1995 we introduced the Family camping Program for interested families. Similarly, once again we are conducting the National Family Adventure Camping program in Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir).
Note : These programs are exclusively for YHAI members. Membership is also available at Base Camp/Online/State Branch/Units of YHAI. YHAI programmes are not subsidized by the Government or any donors.
On the occasion of YHAI’S Platinum Jubilee, we decided to celebrate the 75 years of YHAI in the valley of Srinagar with our members. We are excited to announce our famous Family Camping Program in Srinagar for our members once again in the season of autumn (Sep. Oct & Nov).
 
Flora and Fauna
Kashmir valley comprises about more than 3000 species of trees and plants. The plants of the western side are well known for their medicinal properties it is a storehouse of medicinal and aromatic plants, which are used in pharmaceutical and perfume industries as raw materials. It includes 55 species of important medicinal and aromatic plants.
The fauna of Kashmir is diverse due to its unique location and climatic conditions. About 16% of the country’s mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies are present in this valley. Kashmir valley is home to about 75-species of mammals, besides several sub-species, belonging to 54 genera, 21 families, and 8 orders. Hangul and Snow Leopard that surviving there from times unknown. We can see many more fascinating and exquisite forms of life in many national parks and sanctuaries that are present in the valley.
Smoking, use of alcohol and narcotics of any description is strictly prohibited during the course of the program.
 
Inclusion :
Food (Breakfast, Pack Lunch, Dinner, Tea Snacks, Soup)
One Family will be given one Tent.

Transportation for Sightseeing (4 days)
Exclusion :
Personal Expenses
Gondola Ticket, Any other activities
Transportation from Srinagar to Phalgam, Gulmarg, local Sight seeing and onwards.
Anything not listed in the inclusions
Entry Tickets
Shikara Ride
Transportation from (ABC) Pahalgam to Aru Valley, Chandanwadi, Betab Valley.
 
Day Wise Schedule :
Day 1 : Report at Dachigam National Park, Near Dachigam National Park Gate.
Reporting at Dachigam National Park, Near Dachigam National Park Gate. Orientation in the evening.
Day 2 : Visit to Pahalgam (Approx 110km)
Post a hefty breakfast participants will head towards Pahalgam also known as “Valley of Shephards” sitting on the banks of pristine river lidder.It mesmerizes visitors with its verdant forest, lush green meadows, apple orchards and Snow clapped Mountains.Today you will visit the best attractions Pahalgam has to offer like Betaaab valley, Baisaran Valley, Aru Valey, Zoo, Amusement park, Trout Fishing, Jamia Masjid, Mamal Temple. Packed lunch enroute in a serene environment. Dinner & stay at Srinagar.
Day 3 : Visit to Manasbal Lake, Kheer Bhawani and Hazratbal Shrine (Approx 35km)
Today Participants will be offered to visit places like, Manasbal Lake, Kheer Bhawani, Badamwari, Hari Pravat Fort and Dargha Hazratbal. Manasbal lake is said to be a derivative of Manasarovar lake, this immaculate lake offers birdwatching and a surrounding like no other. Hazratbal shrine is historic and the architecture is mesmerizing. Kheer Bhawani temple is mystical and gives you a divine experience. Packed lunch enroute. Dinner & stay at Srinagar.
Day 4 : Visit to Gulmarg (Approx 55km)
Today participants will visit Gulmarg which lies in a cup-shaped valley in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. Gulmarg is the most sought-after destination in Kashmir as it has many attractions one of the best fascinating things is the World’s highest Car Cable Corporation (Gondola) which offers the interested tourists a wonderful view of Kashmir valley at an altitude of 14200ft. Packed lunch amidst the magnificent setting of Gulmarg.Dinner & stay at Srinagar.
Day5 : Visit to Mughal Gardens (Approx 10km)
Participants will be offered many places to visit like Dal Lake, Shikara Ride in Dal Lake, Nishat Garden, Shalimar Garden, Chashmashahi, and Botanical Garden. Each destination has its own charm as some are scenic while some are historic with an impeccable architecture. Today will experience Srinagar’s immense beauty up close. Final destinations will be decided on the spot as per demand and situation. Dinner & stay at Srinagar.
Day6 : Check out after breakfast
Participants will check out post-breakfast after having collected countless memories over the past few days.

Location : Srinagar, Kashmir
Kashmir is the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent. Youth Hostel Association of India invites you to Discover and Explore the Ultimate Paradise on Earth, Cradled in the lap of majestic mountains of the Himalayas, Kashmir is the most beautiful place/valley on earth. One of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir has expressed Kashmir while visiting to this paradise.
Reporting Point : Dachigam National Park, Near Dachigam National Park Gate.
Altitude of Base Camp : 5600 feet approximately
Note : The route and Schedule of the programme may change without prior notice based on the local condition.
 
Account Details :
Name of the Account : Youth Hostels Association of India
Bank Name : Punjab National Bank
Account Number : 1736000100169954
IFSC : PUNB0173600
 
How To Reach : Regular taxi services on sharing bases are available from Lal chowk/TRC/Dal Gate, Srinagar. Srinagar is connected to Jammu by road (300 km) which takes less than 08 hours and regular bus and taxi service (Day and Night) is available From Jammu bus stand. Nearest Railway Station is Jammu Tawi (JAT) and nearest Airport is Srinagar (SXR).
Note : There is no prepaid mobile service availability at in Kashmir region, only postpaid services are functional.
 
Who can Participate :
1. Any YHAI member can participate on first come first serve basis.
2. Children below 5 years will not be allowed due to cold weather.
3. A family consists of husband, wife and two children up to the age of 12 years. Copy of Age proof for the children above 12 years must be attached with application forms or must be submitted at the time of reporting at the Base Camp. Photographs of the Family Head must be attached on the forms.
4. A single person does not constitute a family and shall not be registered for the camp.
5. Photo ID Proof of the head of the family should be attached with the application form, to be produced at the time of reporting at the base camp.
6. Extra amount will be charged as per below conditions:
A. For children above the age of 12 years – Rs. 1000/- will be charged extra at the time of reporting.
B. For children above the age of 18 years- Rs. 2000/- will be charged extra at the time of reporting.
C. Third Child : Rs.5000/- (for stay and sightseeing) will be charged extra at the time of reporting.
7. Husband & Wife’s membership is mandatory.
8. Extra Person will be charged Rs. 3000/- per person for Food & Accommodation and Rs.2000/- for the sightseeing of the iteniared programme. In total extra person has to pay Rs.5000/-.
 
What Participants Should Bring : Woolens, cotton clothes, raincoat, cold cream/Vaseline, personal first aid kit, towel, lunch box (for packed lunch), Raincoat and Medicines (As per your personal requirement, which you regularly use at home and Crepe Bandage 4in*1, Micropore tape 1/2inch*1, Bandaids, Cough lozenges/ Kanthil or other, Vicks Vaporub, Coldarin, Clortrimazole cream and powder, Paracetamol*10 Mupirocin cream, Diclofenac gel, Lopamide*10, Azithromycin and Electral).
 
How to Participate :
Online Booking : Members desirous of joining this programme may apply online by paying the requisite program fee along with the online booking amount i.e. Rs.17500/- per Family including Husband, Wife, and 2 Children up to the age of 12 years.
We accept Net Banking, Debit Card, and Credit Card payments on www.yhaindia.org for online payments.
After a successful transaction Admit Card will be generated. Participant has to carry an “Admit Card & Membership Card”(Print out of membership card may also be accepted) at the time of reporting to the Base Camp.

Offline Booking : Members desirous of joining this programme may also apply on the prescribed “Family Camping Registration Form, along with a DD of the requisite amount of Rs.17500/- per Family including Husband, Wife, and 2 Children up to the age of 12 years.) in favor of “Youth Hostels Association of India” payable at New Delhi. The Family Camping Registration Form and DD may be sent to the following address:
Trekking Department, National Office
Youth Hostels Association of India
5, Nyaya Marg, Chankayapuri. New Delhi – 110021, Contact No.: 7827999000 (Call Between 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM)
National Office will send the Admit Card along with a confirmation letter to the participant at the address mentioned in the “Family Camping Registration Form”.
Members can also apply through our YHAI Units or State Branch in their respective areas.
Contact Person/ Programme Coordinator: Mr. Diwan Singh 9103234892
 
Cancellation Rules :
1) Participants booked online will do online cancellation minimum 10 days prior to your reporting date.
2) Participants booked offline will inform their cancellation by email to trekking@yhaindia.org minimum 10 days prior to your reporting date.
Only cancellation done as per above method will be eligible for credit shell/refund. The below cancellation policy will however not be applicable if the request reaches short of 10 days prior to the reporting date and shall not be eligible for credit shell/refund.
Cancellation Policy :
1) In case you are unable to join the programme due to any reason, you will get a 100% Credit Shell of the participation fees which will be valid till December 2024. No refund will be applicable for any cancellation of seat.
2) If the next programme opted by you is cheaper, you may use the balance amount in any of the Trek till Dec 2024.
3) If the next opted programme is costlier, the trekker has to pay the differential amount.
4) Program opted using the Credit Shell cannot be cancelled again in any condition.
5) You may transfer your seat to your family members and friends also. The seats thus transferred cannot be retransferred or cancelled.
6) The credit shell can only be used in booking of adventure programs organised by YHAI. The credit shell will not be used in taking memberships and hostel bookings.

Or

Refund:
Participants can opt for a 50% refund instead of 100% credit shell if they wish to. The conditions of “Cancellation Method” will be the same as mentioned above. The participant has to inform either offline or online minimum 10 days prior to his reporting date. If the request reaches short of 10 days prior to the reporting date the refund request shall not be considered.
Note: If any program will be cancelled due to Natural Calamity / Government Restriction / Cancellation of Permission or any other reasons, YHAI will be accountable only for program fees and not other expenses which participants have made for joining the program. In these circumstances the decision for participation fees will be considered by the YHAI and will be bound to all.

Itineraries map