Kashmir Bird Photography Tour

Jun 8
5 min read

Join us for an immersive guided bird photography in Central and South Kashmir.

Led by expert guidance, we would be targeting the following species while we move around the valley-

Kashmir nutcracker, Kashmir nuthatch, Rufous naped tit, Goldcrest, Tawny owl, Eurasian jackdaw, Scaly bellied woodpecker, Rock bunting, Yellow billied blue magpie
Kashmir flycatcher, White capped bunting, European starling, European bee eater, Little bittern, Blue rock thrush, Chukar
Orange bullfinch, Spectacled finch, White winged grosbeak, Tibetan blackbird, Himalayan Rubythroat, White bellied Redstart, Rufous breasted accentor, Golden bush Robin, Pink browed Rosefinch
Black and yellow grosbeak , Grey crowned Goldfinch, Yellow breasted greenfinch, Tytler's leaf warbler, White cheeked nuthatch, Little Forktail, Brown dipper
Ibisbill, Black Stork, Himalayan woodpecker, Brown frontend woodpecker, Ultramarine flycatcher, Rusty tailed flycatcher, Coal tit

Activities & Structure

Guided photo safaris in one comfortable tempo traveler.
On-field post-processing sessions, with image critique, style guidance, and camera setting assistance.
Group size: 6 participants, led by an expert professional local bird photographer.
Participants get access to high-end Nikon cameras, lenses, and Leofoto tripods; personal cameras, memory cards, and batteries are also advised.
Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis in hotels, all meals from Day 1 Lunch to Day 5 breakfast, and all permits included.
Pick up and Drop at Srinagar Airport.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Aug 19) Wednesday: Pick up from Srinagar Airport. First safari after lunch. Introductory workshop session in the evening. Overnight in Srinagar hotel.
Day 2 (Aug 20) Thursday: Early Morning drive to Pahalgam. Photography till lunch. Drive to South Kashmir/Srinagar for overnight stay.
Day 3 (Aug 21) Friday: Explore some areas of South Kashmir or drive to Gulmarg for the photography session. Night stay in Srinagar hotel.
Day 4 (Aug 22) Saturday: Drive to Youshmarg for photography session. Overnight in Srinagar houseboat.
Day 5 (Aug 23) Sunday: After breakfast drop off at Srinagar Airport. Tour concludes.

Package Cost Rs. 48,000 per person (Ex-Airports, Twin Sharing in Hotels)

Prices quoted are exclusive of 5% GST.

Single Supplement: 30% Extra

What's Included

Deluxe accommodations on twin-sharing basis.
Airport pick up and drop.
All transfers in Tempo Traveler throughout the tour.
Transfers in 2 SUV's wherever required.
All applicable park entry fees, zone permits, guide charges, and camera fees.
All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 5 (breakfast, lunch, evening tea, dinner, both Veg and Non Veg options).
First aid kit available.
Access to Nikon high-end camera gear and Leofoto tripods for photography.
Dedicated photography assistance every day, including image critiques.
Guidance on camera settings for capturing images.
On-tour post-processing sessions for participants.

What's Excluded

Travel to/from Srinagar from your home destination.
Accommodation and meals during transit to/from Nagpur.
Breakfast on Day 1; lunch and dinner on Day 5.
Additional meal costs if delayed due to photography/travel and purchased externally.
Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, etc.
Food or beverages bought during transfers between locations.
Extra food/beverage costs.
Any medical emergency expenses.
Additional costs from unforeseen events like civil unrest, weather issues, or tour extensions beyond our control.

FAQ's

Booking & Payments

1. What are the payment terms and booking procedure?

Booking: Rs. 10,500 (Rs. 10,000 + 5% GST) at confirmation.
Final: Rs. 39,900 (Rs. 38,000 + 5% GST) by Jul 19, 2026 (30 days prior).Invoices issued per payment. Prices exclude GST changes. Use Razorpay link (2% gateway fee + 18% GST applies).

2. What is the cancellation/refund policy?

30+ days prior (by Jul 19, 2026): 50% advance refund.
<30 days or no final payment: No refund (full or advance).
Organizer cancellation (e.g., COVID, or <6 participants): Full refund (no flight cost refund—book flexible tickets).
Late payments forfeit seat/advance (transferable if replacement found). GST non-refundable. Refunds processed by Sep 23, 2026.

3. Recommended Photography Equipment

Core for Bird Photography

DSLR/Mirrorless camera
Telephoto Lenses preferable above 300mm
Fully Charged Camera Batteries, Extra pack of Batteries and Camera Battery Charger
Memory cards and back up Memory Cards.
Storage Disks and Laptop (Preferable)

4. Things to Carry

A Big Towel or Cloth - helps in gear protection from dust.
A Big Cloth or Bandana - to help protect yourself from dust.
Sun Screens and Basic Medications
Mosquito Repellant
Binoculars (Optional)

5. Tour Rules and Protocols

Group leaders in the Vehicle decide photography stops.
Follow group leaders' wake/sleep times.
Avoid blocking shots; let others finish before taking your turn on the same scene.
Resolve conflicts via tour organizers, not directly.
For logistics, contact hotel helpdesks or travel partners first; escalate to organizers if needed.
No littering—dispose of waste properly (e.g., no plastic bottles/wrappers left behind).
You're responsible for your gear (cameras, lenses, tripods, cards); damage to Nikon India equipment incurs full participant cost.
Attend evening review sessions; accept feedback constructively to improve.
Solo ventures from the group are at your risk—organisers aren't liable.
No personal sightseeing; this is a dedicated Birding Photography tour.
Skipped spots due to uncontrollable factors (e.g., weather) get alternatives; extra costs are yours.

6. Minimum/Maximum Participants and Minimum Not Met

Minimum: 6 participants. If not met, the tour proceeds with an additional per-participant cost.

7. Emergency Departures

No refunds for early departures. Participants cover return transport to Srinagar and their home.

8. Non-Photographers, Friends, or Companions

Welcome photographers, artists, and sightseers who respect the pace:

No fee discounts.
Tours move slowly for artistic stops—non-artists must adapt patiently.

9. Fitness Level Required

Basic fitness for daily activities. Manage your medications (bring extras); carry personal medical/first-aid kits. Disclose pre-existing conditions/disabilities to staff. Rest/recover at your body's pace if needed.

10. Suitable Age Group and Children

Ideal for adults appreciating photography/art focus. Children only if they match the pace and respect artists.

11. Use of Participant Photos/Art for Promotion

Yes—booking grants thEscape rights to use your images/artwork (with credit) on our website/social media.

12. Grounds for Expulsion

Misconduct (e.g., distressing others, property damage, sexual harassment) results in immediate removal without refund—you cover return costs. Leader's decision final to protect the group. Respect staff/drivers/support; warnings precede expulsion for repeats. Strict no-misbehavior-under-alcohol policy—maintain discipline, avoid negativity.

13. Odd Male/Female Ratio in Twin Sharing

Organizers provide the best solution; opposite-sex sharing never occurs.

14. Mobile Connectivity

Airtel/Jio works best. No network inside the jungles.

15. Tour Support Staff

Photography Mentor, plus support staff.

16. Policy on Alcohol, Smoking, Psychotropics

Psychotropics/drugs: Strictly banned—possession/use means instant expulsion.
Smoking: Allowed if non-disruptive (discuss with roommates if sharing).
Alcohol: Moderate evening use OK (bring from airport; know your limits).

17. Additional Terms and Conditions

Itinerary is a flexible guide; not liable for delays (flights, strikes, weather, disasters)—alternatives via mutual agreement; extra costs yours.
Miss Srinagar arrival by 11AM Aug 19th, 2026? "No show"—no refund.
Website prices may adjust for external factors; confirmed deposits lock current rates (minor hikes excluded).
Get travel/medical insurance strongly recommended.
Fixed dates/itinerary for photography—no custom changes.
Follow photo restrictions/checkpoints; carry government IDs.
Submit signed indemnity bond + Aadhaar pre-tour.
You assume all risks (accidents, illness, instability, disasters) per Indian law.

If you have any booking inquiries, please email us at thescapebiz@gmail.com or call +91 9717960028 to speak with Nilakkhya, Founder of thEscape.

For transferring the advance booking amount and final payments, we will provide you with the necessary bank account details, contract, and trip acknowledgment. Alternatively, you can opt for Razorpay Payment Gateway for payment through Debit Cards, Credit Cards, UPI, Wallets, or EMI.

Let's make this trip unforgettable with plenty of memories and artwork. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Disclaimer: The photographs featured here are of the local bird photographer from Kashmir who would be leading the tour.

By making a booking payment, you agree to the cancellation policy and the Terms and Conditions stated above.