Support & Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about planning, booking, permits, and traveling with TRAVELOA.
Planning & Customization
How does TRAVELOA design my journey?
Every TRAVELOA journey starts with a conversation. You share your dates, group size, preferences, and pace via our Build My Trip form or direct WhatsApp concierge. Our local team in Srinagar and Leh crafts a customized day-by-day route with curated boutique stays, verified vehicles, and dedicated local hosts.
Can we modify an existing curated journey?
Yes. All curated journeys (like Kashmir Essentials, Gurez Adventure, Zanskar Expedition) are starting points. You can add extra days in Dal Lake houseboats, shift to offbeat valleys like Bangus or Warwan, or combine Kashmir with Ladakh overland crossings.
What is included in a typical TRAVELOA journey?
Standard inclusions comprise handpicked accommodations (boutique hotels, heritage houseboats, premium homestays, or glamping sites), private vehicle with experienced local chauffeur, daily breakfast and select traditional dinners, required inner-line permits, and 24/7 on-trip concierge assistance.
Seasonality & Mountain Guidance
When is the best time to visit Kashmir?
Spring (April to May) brings blooming tulips, mustard fields, and fresh green valleys. Summer (June to August) offers cool alpine escapes to Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Gurez. Autumn (September to November) is golden with chinar leaves and crisp mountain air. Winter (December to February) turns Gulmarg and upper valleys into a snow wonderland for skiing.
When are Gurez Valley and Ladakh overland roads open?
Razdan Pass to Gurez typically opens by late May and stays accessible until late October. The Srinagar–Leh Highway (via Zoji La) and Manali–Leh route operate from late May/early June through October. Flights to Leh operate year-round.
What precautions are needed for high-altitude Ladakh and Zanskar?
We mandate a minimum of 48 hours of rest and gradual acclimatisation in Leh (3,500m) before crossing high passes like Khardung La or Chang La. All our Ladakh vehicles are equipped with emergency oxygen cylinders, and our team monitors your pace.
Permits, Safety & On-Ground Support
Do I need special permits for Gurez, Keran, or Ladakh?
Yes, border areas in Kashmir (Gurez, Tulail, Keran, Bangus) and Ladakh (Nubra, Pangong, Hanle, Tso Moriri) require Inner Line Permits (ILP) or border clearance. TRAVELOA secures all necessary permits in advance as part of your itinerary package.
What if bad weather or road blockages disrupt our travel?
Mountain weather can be unpredictable. Our ground ops team monitors real-time road conditions across Zoji La, Razdan Pass, and Sinthan Top. In the event of a closure, we seamlessly reroute stays and transport with zero hassle to you.
Payments, Booking & Cancellations
How do I confirm my booking with TRAVELOA?
Once you approve your custom itinerary, a 30% advance deposit confirms your stays and transport bookings. The balance is scheduled closer to your departure date or upon arrival in Srinagar/Leh.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept all major UPI platforms, IMPS/NEFT bank transfers, and domestic/international debit and credit cards with secure automated invoice receipts.
What is the cancellation policy?
We offer transparent cancellation terms with generous refund and credit-note options. Cancellations 30+ days prior to travel receive a 90% refund. Please see our dedicated Cancellation Policy page for complete tier details.
Still have a specific question about your journey?
Our journey architects in Srinagar and Leh are available to discuss routes, custom dates, and elder care requirements.