Enjoy a relaxed morning before your afternoon departure. For those who wish to extend their stay, there's an option to add an extra day and take a day trip to Sonamarg, a valley of golden meadows, glaciers, and river views.
A 90 minute drive out of Srinagar is the small mountain town of Naranag. Its a beautiful setting and a trail proceeds along the valley floor to a confluence. Stop for lunch by the stream and experience why Kashmir is referred as heaven on earth. Also visit the age old Naranag Temple Complex.
Start the morning with a half-day visit to Dachigam National Park, a lush, forested sanctuary located just next to your hotel. The park features flat, easy terrain, making it a pleasant walk while spotting wildlife and enjoying nature. In the afternoon, experience the quintessential Srinagar charm with a Shikara ride on Dal Lake.
Travel to Srinagar and check into a beautiful boutique hotel, nestled amidst the charm of the city. If in season, visit the famous Tulip Garden, a riot of colors against the Himalayan backdrop (seasonal, typically March-April). Spend the rest of the evening exploring local markets or relaxing at your hotel.
Begin the day with a 20-minute drive to Aru Valley, a picturesque hamlet surrounded by pristine landscapes. Embark on a gentle trek to Aru Top, a vast and breathtaking meadow offering panoramic views. A camp setup by a stream awaits, where you'll rest, enjoy a hot lunch, and take in the serenity of the Kashmir countryside. By afternoon, return to Pahalgam for a relaxed evening.
Arrive and drive for 4-5 hours to Drass via Sonamarg. Cross the dramatic Zoji La Pass (3,600m), the high-altitude gateway to Ladakh, buried under nearly 50 feet of snow in winter and opening only by early May. Descend into Drass, one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth. If you prefer to break the journey, you may also choose to stay a night in Sonamarg.
Discovering Kashmir is a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir, where serene lakes, alpine meadows, and snow-clad peaks define every moment. From the tranquil waters of Dal Lake to the vast beauty of the Pir Panjal Range, it offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and timeless Himalayan charm.
Beginners, families, leisure travelers, and first-time Himalayan visitors.
Gentle ascents, variable mountain weather, and basic altitude acclimatization.
Basic fitness; comfortable walking 3–4 hours a day on easy mountain trails.
Yes—acclimatization is critical for any trip above 2,700–3,000 meters, and Juniper takes it seriously. Our itineraries are intentionally designed with built-in rest or acclimatization days, gradual altitude gains, and a “climb high, sleep low”philosophy to reduce your chances of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). On the trail, our guides monitor everyone’s health and hydration closely. If you’re coming from sea level, we recommend arriving at the start point (like Leh orManali) at least a day in advance to rest and begin the process. For strenuous or high-altitude treks (over 4,000 m), we also offer acclimatisation extensions or prep treks. Most travellers adjust well with proper pacing, hydration, and nutrition. We provide tips and protocols in your pre-departure kit, and our team carries oxygen cylinders and first aid if needed. Your safety is our top priority—no summit is worth compromising your health.
As a company, we are deeply committed to the "Leave No Trace" philosophy. For us, this means minimizing our environmental impact in every way possible—ensuring that the natural places we visit remain undisturbed, preserved, and respected. Whether it’s through responsible waste management, choosing low-impact accommodations, or working with partners who share our values, we strive to leave the landscapes we explore as we found them—or better. This ethos guides our decisions and helps shape a more sustainable and mindful way of traveling. Many of our itineraries include community-led experiences that promote cultural exchange — with full respect to traditions and privacy. We brief every group on cultural etiquette, language tips, and local dos and don’ts.
Absolutely — custom and private journeys are one of our specialties. Whether it’s a milestone birthday trek, a leadership retreat, a family adventure, or a private Himalayan odyssey with close friends, we’ll co-create the itinerary with you from scratch. You can choose your preferred dates, pace, style of travel (luxury, minimalist, alpine, cultural), and add special touches like local experiences, yoga, photography, or expert-led workshops. Our team handles every detail — permits, logistics, menus, support staff — so you can just focus on the experience. Depending on the group size and region, we can also include glamping setups, private chefs, or curated stays at off-grid homestays. Whether you want to summit a pass in Sikkim or sip salt tea with nomads in Ladakh, we’ll make it happen. Reach out through the “Customized trip format section” on the website, and we’ll begin with a discovery call to design your dream journey.
Absolutely— many of our travelers come solo and end up making lifelong friendships on the trail. You don’t need to assemble a group to book with Juniper. Each trip that’s tagged under “community trip or mentor led trip”has fixed departure dates where individuals, couples, or small groups can signup and join a larger group of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. We limit group sizes to ensure a high-quality, personalised experience. If you’d prefer a private departure for your family or friends, we can customize the trip to your pace and interests. For solo travelers, we pair you in shared twin accommodation (or offer a single supplement if you’d prefer your own room/tent). Our trips attract thoughtful, adventurous people, and the community vibe is a big part of what makes a Juniper experience special. Whether you're flying solo or bringing your tribe, we’re excited to welcome you.
Yes — travel insurance is mandatory in Nepal or for trips rated 4 or 5 (difficulty rating), especially those in remote or high-altitude areas. Your policy should include coverage for emergency medical evacuation, high-altitude trekking (if applicable), trip cancellation, and baggage loss or delays. While the chances of needing evacuation are rare, in the Himalayas, even minor health issues can require airlift or medical care, which is costly without coverage. We recommend policies from providers familiar with adventure travel, and we’re happy to share a list of trusted options depending on your country of residence. Please read your policy terms carefully and share your insurance details with our team before departure. For international destinations like Nepal or Bhutan, border officials may also ask for proof of insurance. Having the right protection brings peace of mind—for you and for us—so that we can focus on creating an unforgettable experience, not logistics in crisis.
Booking with Juniper Outdoor is simple. Once you find a trip that excites you, click the "Contact Us " or “WhatsApp” button on the trip page. This will lead you to a short form that collects your contact information and preferences. Our team will then reach out to you with availability, a brief consultation if needed, and next steps. You can secure your slot by paying a deposit or full amount, after which we’ll send you a detailed pre-departure pack including packing lists, training recommendations (if applicable), and travel tips. We recommend booking at least 4 weeks in advance to secure your spot, especially for treks with limited permits or during peak season. If you're planning a private or custom departure, we’ll guide you through tailoring the experience to your group’s needs. Feel free to contact us anytime with questions before or after booking.
Yes - we offer a curated selection of beginner-friendly and family-oriented trips that prioritize comfort, safety, and immersive learning. These trips typically involve shorter walking days, lower altitudes, and culturally rich experiences that engage both adults and younger travelers. We’ve guided families with kids as young as 7 and first-time trekkers in their 60s. Each trip page will indicate whether it’s suited for beginners or families. Our team provides age-appropriate gear checklists, acclimatization guidance, and pacing that suits the slowest walker. Activities like village walks, nature spotting, campsite games, or storytelling sessions around the fire make the experience more than just a trek — it becomes a memory for life. If you’re unsure which trip is best, reach out, and we’ll tailor a recommendation. Whether it’s your first step into the mountains or a way to introduce your kids to nature, we’ll make sure it’s magical.
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