Trek Kashmir is a family run business since the 1970s. Here is a selection of reviews/testimonials from some of our guests.Welcome to our reviews, Testimonial, Feedbacks page. Dear readers I have collected number feedback’s and reviews from different public forms and personal blogs. I have also collected some reviews from my blog to put it together for better understand with some old reviews when internet was not invented. The idea to collect this information will help you as trekker to know more about this area by the words of previous travelers and you will prepare better.Budget trek Kashmir is recommended by number travelers form guide book sites. Tripoto has two stories about Kashmir trekking. First reviews.and Second reviews. It is a social travel platform to share and discover Travel experience. Indianmike A community generated and curetted travel site. BCM TOURING. Google Sites is India’s friendliest travel community site. google sites are a structured wiki and webpage creation tool offered by Google.Abhinesh Jana Hi I am with camera who is passionate about Photography.. Trek Pedition The public form Backpackers Taiwan And Blog Taiwan
Juma has cooked for us during the past eight weeks first in houseboat then he went pahalgam with us,he is a very hardworking boy and know how to do things well,we have been well pleased and take pleasure by recommending him. Blanche m. hong
From the very first time I contacted Riyaz, I knew that was dealing with a real professional. He was always prompt and to-the-point in his replies and I was reassured that our visit to Kashmir will turn out great. All our expectations were met and even exceeded when we finally landed in Srinagar. The brothers too amazing care of us, the food was delicious and there was absolutely no hassle. I was slightly apprehensive of the latter after reading some tourists’ remarks on the internet, but all my worries were pointless. The morning ride to the vegetable market was amazing. We could really get some authentic feel and vibe of the town. The trek to the Kolhai glacier was also beyond all our expectations. We were really pampered and got the chance to see some stunningly beautiful corners of this region of India. Will we come back here again? I really hope so! Thank you! Andry, Gent, Belgium.
No habría podido encontrar guía major que Riyaz para mi primer trekking en Kashmir. Empesamos de la maravillosa Aru Valley y por casi dos dias caminamos entre pinos y montañas. También hemos pasado unas horas con los gitanos que viven solo en esta parte de las Himalayas, una experiencia muy particular! El tercer dia nos sorprendío un alluvia que nuna paro y que no nos dejo ir mas adelante, pero el chef del team nunca paró de hacer thé y café para calentarmos. Gracias a Riyaz he tenido la oportunidad de visitor lugares bellos donde el turismo todavía no ha llegado.
Trek Kashmir provided me with a great experience exploring the himalayas. I ork as a photographer and videographer and i was able to capture some amazing scenery during the treak. Riyaz was a great guide, he know’s his stuff and is very experienced. The food on the trip was great and the service along our journey was excellent.
We crossed high peaks, streams, rivers and glaciers. This iss my first time trekking in the himalayas. Starting at pahalgram. I can’t wait to come back and experiencce some other treks. The pictures and videos i captured have inspired me to come back and hopefully this can inspire other to come on this journey. Overall, it was a life changing experiencce and i recommend anyone to come here and experience this for themselves.
Regards, John
(Riyaz Pakhtoon from TrekKashmir.com 2nd from the right in the photo) Link to news articles: Expedition launch. Expedition end. TrekKashmir are proud to be associated with the Kashmir-Bavarian expedition.
We came to enjoy and explore Kashmir and the mountains –
we achieved all of our goals. You showed us a fantastic insight
into Srinagar, the mountains and the people who live there.
The company was wonderful, the food fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our trip.
All four of us were challenged to a healthy level and look forward to returning in September 2012. David
Thank you for all you did to make our first trek so enjoyable. You were great company too. Thank you also for inviting us to dinner. Karen.
Thank you for showing us beautiful Kashmir mountains and for taking such good care of us. Your company was delightful. Many, many thanks.
Thankyou all for making our 12 days in Kashmir so memorable. After a few pleasant days lazing in the sun Ashraf and Ayub took us up into the mountains on a seven day trek, the highlight of which was camping below the magnificent Mount Honmuk. The food here on the houseboat was delicious and that on the trek much better that you have a right to expect on a camping trip. I would recommend it to anyone with a modicum of fitness and a few days acclimatization.
Thanks for taking such good care of us and our belongings whilst we were away. The houseboat was a welcome relief after all the hassles at the airport and tourist centre on our first day – and has been a very pleasant place to stay since. What can I say about the trekking – Ashraf was brilliant, so was the scenery – shame about the pony men!
Thanks again for a great stay!
Dear friends, Its difficult to say, just imagine beautiful people beautiful smiles and you will know this family.
I have not merely enjoyed myself here, I have had the best time in my life and have learnt much.
Take care and keep smiling.
P.S. – read “the little prince” and try a trek with Ashraff and you’ll reach new heights!
David Johnson, Derby, England and Adam Markson, Nottingham, England Picture 1988
We stayed on the houseboat at the same time as Steve and Sandra. The whole family welcomed us and were always very helpful. The food?… – delicious!!!
After arriving in Delhi Srinagar made for a brilliant bit of R+R before we went trekking.
The 7 days spent in the hills were amazing – great scenery and good food + company. Even the problems with altitude sickness and the pony men were quickly forgotten, thanks mainly to Ashraf, who was a great guide throughout.
Getting back to the comfort of the houseboat after a week slogging in the mountains was great. You are treated as part of the family here. We don’ want to leave and have to go back to the hassles of Delhi.
Jan Kelly, England, July 2008
We had a wonderful time on the Lakes Trek with the brothers Riyaz and Safeen Paktoon. My very first impression upon meeting Riyaz was that he is straightforward and professional, not pushy at all, likeable and genuinely passionate about trekking. This proved to be absolutely correct for both him and his family as we came to know them better.
The trek was well organised; we felt well looked after; the food was abundant and of excellent quality (Safeen is a good chef as well as a photographer), The two pony men were also delightful people, funny and helpful, and Riyaz showed a great working relationship with them evidently based on mutual respect and experience.
The team worked hard setting up the camp etc. but they all clearly love walking in the mountains and we felt a great rapport with them.
We were given plenty of space to walk quietly alone with Riyaz way ahead of us and Safeen following behind us.
Riyaz proved capable to deal with the military when they without warning closed off a section of valley that we needed to pass; he walked about 20miles extra to meet with their commander to obtain permission specially for us; when we saw him later his legs were tired but he was full of excitement at the discovery of what sounded like a hidden civilisation isolated lower down the valley. This is an exciting area to explore.
The Lakes Trek is strongly reminiscent of the Austrian Tirolean alps. Abundance of wild flowers. Glacial lakes. High mountain passes taking you near the glaciers. Beautiful scenery. Good camping locations. Highly recommended.
I wholeheartedly recommend trekking with Riyaz and Safeen.
Authenticated via back-link
I enjoyed very much staying in this houseboat and in Srinagar for 4 days. Especially nice was a trip to Pahalgam in the mountains to the southeast. The family of the houseboat owners were very nice.
1978 Dave Hudson, BC, Canada and Graeme, UK
What a welcome relief after the hassles of Delhi, we were very fortunate to discover such hospitable honest and friendly people to introduce us to Kashmir.
We are both sad at the thought of having to leave this beautiful place, after our brief but very relaxing, enjoyable stay. Good fortunat ewas with us in many ways, first, because we met this good family right away, who made us feel right at home, and also because we had Ashraf to guide us to the beautiful sights. And the weather was good! No doubt we will return here on our next visit (hopefully soon!). Thank you.
16/08/2007 Adam Warren, Paris, France
I stayed at the ‘House Boat King Suleman’ for nine nights. I had an extremely pleasant time, enjoying all the comforts of home here as well as a very warm welcome. The food here is very good and the level of hospitality in general high and, above all, genuine.
This is the ideal place if you prefer to stay away from the hassle and touristic atmosphere of Dal Lake (which is only a few minutes autorichshaw ride away).
Similarly, if your focus is trekking as opposed to sight seeing, this would also be an ideal place to orientate yourself.
In short, I passed an extremely pleasant time here and would highly recommend this House Boat to anyone looking for a peaceful and comfortable stay here in Srinagar.
Glyn and Caroline Powell, London, England in Mid seventies Bit Guide Book was recommendation our family for trekking in Kashmir
We arrived at Srinagar, coach weary and bum sore, and were greeted by a mob of houseboat touts pressing their services upon us. Luckily we were waving. The Bit book. around in the air so ended up here by a process of recognition. Here has been peaceful and reasonably priced – having heard rumours of rip offs on the Dal lake its nice to know that we’ve found ourselves with an honest trader in Habiboll. Everyone has been very kind and helpful – organizing us for trekking, advising us as to the honest of the various travelling salesmen who frequent the Jhelum and taking us round shops and even the cinema, all o f which has gone to make our stay in Srinagar very pleasant. Love…
P.S Food has been lovely – and is reasonably priced. P.P.S The trek was for 5 days and was with Habibullah’s Father, Juma, who acted as guide and cook (good solid and plain). Moh’d Asharfa (son) came too and was a good companion. We had 2 ponies and went from here to Pahalgam, Aru, Lidderwat and up to Kolahoi. The cost was RS1300/- and this was fully inclusive. Also we left all our valuables with Habibullah and there was absolutely ‘no problem’.
29/1/1990 S M Lee, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
I’m very happy to have met a great family during my stay in Srinagar. I was made to feel at home 24 hours a day; hot water, tea and coffe and ??? for the taking.
I really appreciate the assistance rendered during my water trekking with Ashraf; the difficulties which we overcame together.
It’s a great holiday despite the cold and the curfew.
It was an amazing experience of Nafran velly trek with the team of Riyaz bhai. Very beautiful grasslands, night vision and memorable support provided by the organiser. I specially experince vision of Akash ganga and syberian crane fly during night first time in my life. Once again thanks to team.
the great alpine trek with riyaz was excellent….the organisation with food, cook, did not fall short with anything….my children did this trek and were very happy to learn and see more… riyaz was so patient with them as they walked at their pace taking time…..
we met tariq his joyful brother too and must say they are a great family…. the kawah and food was excellent on a cold evening….
thank you for the hospitality, kindness shown….
keep going strong and positive and hope many many will enjoy the beauty of kashmir …. the beauty of India…..
Karishma, Philippe, Tarina, Rishayn
Dear Riyaz & Team, We had a very wonderful and memorable trek, the entire team was very co-operative, flexible and supportive. We wanted to cook ourselves and they facilitated.We really enjoyed the trek and it was beyond our expectations and this only because of Riyaz and team. Both his brother very friendly and helpful Shafeen & Tareeq… Their team was very committed and dedicated including the horse man. They khava prepared by shafeen was amazing and loved it. Even the food… Big thanks for all your support in making this trek a memorable… Our future treks in Kashmir will only be with Riyaz & Team… Kudos to entire team of Riyaz
We hiked the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek in July 2015, organised by Riyaz at Trek Kashmir. His brother lead the trek and we had an absolutely wonderful experience. The trek is beautiful – easily one of the most beautiful that we’ve done, and our guides and support staff were fantastic. They were very friendly and always helpful. The cook was a very nice person and his food was very good. Riyaz and his brother were also extremely helpful to us before and after the trek. We thoroughly recommend Riyaz and his team.
The Great Lakes trek was an amazing experience, thanks to Mr. Riyaz’s excellent arrangements. Though we faced heavy rainfall and ankle deep snow during the trek, our experienced guide Md. Hanif Pakhtoon, who also happens to be the elder brother of Mr. Riyaz made sure that we completed the trek in safety and thoroughly enjoy the sights that the trek has to offer. Even on evening strolls at Krishnasar and Gandabal, he accompanied us and never let us feel alone or left out. His temparament was excellent even in tough situations. The horse owner(Ghorewala) Manjoor too deserves a special mention. Not only is he a good help at hand on dangerous tracks, but also is an excellent cook. Food cooked by him is a culinary delight, though we had a proper cook with the team too. Food too thus became a delightful surprise- right from chicken to trout fish. The ‘Halwa’ was my personal favourite. The care that was taken during the trek days and the hospitality we received makes us crave to return to Kashmir again and again. We would like to thank the entire team who contributed in making the entire trek so successful.
Hi,
I would like to see some snow and lakes. Which tour would you recommend ? I
Dear Riyaz,
It was an amazing and exciting track. Kashmir was struck by its beauty. The Himalayas are beautiful and majestic. Beautiful nature, rivers, fields, clean air. Abrupt change in the weather gave us a real test and verification of fortitude. And I’m grateful for that. It was difficult, but it helped to rethink many things in my life and to take another look at this world. I want to say that this was my first track in my life. Riyaz, thank you for this track, patience and endurance. The whole team was on the ball. Thank you. This journey will remember all my life.
When my husband and I found about the great lakes of Kashmir, we then had to look for a travel agency that organises the trek. We had no previous experience in trekking at all and we found trek kashmir as well as few others offering that trek. We checked the prices and the programs and what each one offers. The first reason that made us choose Trek Kashmir was that , first of all, they were willing to customise a trek on suitable dates for us, or form a small group and that would be just for almost the same price as what other companies charge for being part of a big group. The 2nd reason that made us trust Trek Kashmir is that it is a family business, you are dealing with the owners and managers of the company directly, and one of them is always with you on the trek. When Riaz said in one of our first telephone calls “you have my word”, it really was so. Whatever he promised when we were booking, we got it and even more than expected. When I asked about the food for example, he said “you will get fresh food”. Well.. it sounded nice and all, but I didn’t really imagine it until we were really on the trek and saw all the stuff which our guides brought in order to prepare us the meals and yes, freshly made. When the trek started, I really realised the advantage of dealing with a business that is run by a family in Kashmir and not just some big corporation where nothing is personal. From the moment we were received at Pakhtoon house, we were greeted with enormous hospitality from all of the family members. And on the trek, Tarek Pakhtoon joined us, well, he was all the support someone needs on such a journey, on so many levels. My husband and I got the feeling that we were dealing with a friend, a brother, and not just a business owner. They really cared about our wellbeing and satisfaction and constantly asked if we need anything else. The trek itself included of course some of the most beautiful scenery one could see but one needs to be with expert guides and guides you can rely upon. For us, the journey in Kashmir was a great life experience, but it wouldn’t have been complete, if we hadn’t met Riaz, Tarek and his family. We thank them from all of our heart for making our trek possible.
Hi Riyaz
Thank you very much for the most memorable trip of my life. The 7 days alpine Lakes trek with you and my husband was a life-changing experience for me. You are not only a good guide but also a good friend too! I look forward to the Tarsar-Marsar trek with you next year.
– Priya
Dear Riyaz,
Thank you for arranging our holiday in Kashmir. Kashmir is really a beautiful country which is endless mountain, high altitude meadows and snowy cover the peaks all day along. I saw it on April’14 and the 2nd this Sept 2014, yes it was when the big flood was coming, we were there with my 8 friends. Fortunately we already finished the 5D trekking even the climate were unfriendly due to heavy rainy all day along. Once in never enough to enjoy Kashmir, so my friends & I will try to explore another trek from Naranagh to Gangabal lake next year. Insha Allah early Jun 2015 we will be there. Thank you Riyaz, send my best regards to ur youngest brother Shafeen, we miss his great Chai and all great dinner. CU next year
Mr. Riyaz helped us to organize trekking guide, houseboat accomodation, transport and missing gear for our KGL trek and following stay in Srinagar afterwards. The guide he has choses was experienced and superB person. We were carying all the load in backpacs, but anytime we needed help, he was immediatly there. He even started to fight with one wild dog to protect us 🙂
Trek itself is piece of lost heaven, untouched, not crowded with sceneries so beautiful that you wouldnt like to come back home 🙂 Beautiful meadows, streams of crystal-pure water digged into deep valley surrounded by great Himalaya hills full of wild flowers. Simply amazing.
But, what make Kashmir the best place to visit, are the people. No one is staring, no one is cheating you on price, much less beggers and warm-heart ppl indeed. And Riyaz and his brothers 🙂 are a perfect example of responsible and very kind ppl. Strongly recommend his/their services, since he/they are able to organize everything 🙂
Houseboat where we were staying is much much better than those one on Dal Lake. Its hidden beside on the river, quite area, perfect sleeping and privacy (in compare with overcrowded Dal Lake area). Its clean, well furnished and decorated. Clean as well.
Riyaz once again thank you for perfect stay in Kashmir and having a great time full of unique memories. Shukria 🙂
Jana and Stefan, Czech Republic and Slovakia
hello there, we met you at the house boat, remember? :)).. the trek was amazing, I mean of course, as a first experience in trekking and low fitness level, it was a good idea to take the horse. Wanted to let you know that we made it and got back happy and safe 🙂
Dear Riyaz,
I will never forget my wonderful trek in Kashmir, your hearty welcome and your excellent competence. It was a very satisfying experience, and I felt safe and comfortable anytime. Also I enjoyed talking with you and your friends about many things: you gave me a chance to enter in Kashmir’s culture and world. I hope to come back and trek again with you and your staff. Thank you for everything.
Maura (Italy)
Hey Riyaz,
Thank you for all your hospitility shown during trek to Kolhai gracier. I do appreciate your guidence and eagerness to take us through magnificent beauty of Kashmir region.
You were much considerate about fact that it was my first trek in kashmir and that high altitude.
Please convey my sincere regards to saifee as well for his exceptional co throuout and mouth watering food.
It was pleasure to discover the Aru, lederwat. Wish we could have reach to kalhoi as well.
Regards,
Vikram
I did 2 treks with Trekkkashmir. The first one was the Great Lakes trek in 2012 and the second one was Kolohai Glacier Trek in 2013. First time i met Riyaz i was a bit apprehensive as i had already done few treks in Ladakh . But right form the first day i met him and we had a lunch in his house all the apprehensions were set aside. At his house, I met his brothers Tariq and Safeen too . I came to know how knowledgeable they are about the mountains in Kashmir. We started our trek on the same day. And right from the first day I was impressed with his arrangements and attention to detail. We had Safeen;; his brother as a cook and expert photographer for the trek. Our 7 days of the great lakes trek just breezed by in the company of these 2 wonderful brothers. We also were fortunate to eat Trout fish thanks to Riyaz who was patient enough to spend hours fishing for them. When we were having a rest day in Vishnusar, i wanted to go up the mountains and discover a hidden lake. Riyaz was with me in this expedition and though it was a rest day he came with me and both of us together discovered a beautiful hidden lake in the Vishnusar mountain region. He had his permits well taken in advance and we were easily cleared by the Security people. Overall an extremely good and satisfying experience in my first trek with Riyaz. This made me come back again for the second trek with him for the Kolohai glacier. Even this experience was equally satisfying. And now i am looking for more. If it comes to trekking Kashmir, i think of of only one name now and that is Riyaz of TREKKASHMIR.
Thanks dear
Nazir
9821034536
I met Riyaz in Srinagar in may 2013. He hosted me in his own house-boat and was always very nice and kind to me. We spend several hours talking about everything with his brother too, and I found Riyaz very smart and curious. So I decided to join him for a trek in the Aru Valley. He took care of everything, he showed me and John (my travel mate) amazing places, we had the chance to talk to some local nomadic tribes’ people while the horses were carrying our backpacks and the chef was cooking delicious dishes all the time. The valley was absolutely beautiful, so green and peacful, with a river surrounded by snowy mountains. Unluckily the third day we got caught by a storm and the rain didn’t allow us to go on, so we didn’t have the chance to see the lakes, but they all took care of us, giving us heavy blankets, hot chay and amazing warm food. Next time I’ll go back to Kashmir, I will definitely call him for another trek, and if you guys are there, don’t miss the chance to join Riyaz, he will show you the most beautiful remote places of that area for a very reasonable price!
Thank you very much Riyaz, say hi to your brother and see you soon
Alice Bandiziol
Kashmir Great lakes trek is one of the best treks that the Kashmir valley has to offer. Starting point of the trek is Sonamarg (Alt 7800 ft) which is 3 hours’ drive from Srinagar the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir state.
Trek Day 1: Sonamarg to Nichnai via Shokdur
Trek Day 2: Nichnai to Vishansar lake
Trek Day 3: Vishansar lake to Gadsar lake via Kishansar lake
Trek Day 4: Gadsar lake to Satsar lakes
Trek Day 5: Satsar lake to Gangabal twin lakes
Trek Day 6: Gangabal lake to Naranag (trek ends at Naranag)
However you can spend more days at these Lakes as per the days available to you and enjoy some fly fishing as well.
This trek is approximately 70km long with many ascents and descents changing to different landscapes, from meadows to forest, forest to barren lands, climbs, streams to rocky terrain to the lakes and glaciers.
Gadsar Pass approximately 13800ft is the highest point of the trek.
The trek is not very difficult but I would still suggest doing this trek with a local and experienced guide and that could be none other than Riyaz Pakhtoon who has a family history of dealing with clients coming from various countries.Riyaz is a professional guide and knows these mountains very well.The Pakhtoon brothers provided us great insight information about this trek.
For More Information feel free to email me at azharqadri@hotmail.com
Our group did this trek with Riyaz during Aug’2013. I am an avid trekker with many years of trekking experience in the Himalayas. I have to say that Riyaz organized the trek very professionaly. The support staff were excellent and took very good care of us. I hurt my knee in a fall, and from that point our guide took the responsibilty of trekking beside me to ensure I completed the trek safely. The quality of tents and sleeping bags were top-notch. There was hardly anything wrong with the trek.
Thank you Riyaz! I plan to do the Tarsar-Marsar trek with you next year.
The Trek was a great experience, there are moments during the journey where you feel that you are in a very special place and you won’t forget it. Riyaz is a friendly, knowledgable guide that took us to some great locations with beautiful scenery. Their hospitality was great, not to mention the delicious food from the cook and service from the horseman. Would love to go again, i highly recommend it.
Beautiful trek, wonderful view, great company and entertainment with Pakhtoon family. Waking up in the morning, when the mountain is covered with fresh snow, and the color of the lake is blue I have never seen before, was an experiene me and my son will never forget.
Hana and Tom Edelstein, Afulam Israel
Your hospitality would rank among best no doubt.. It was my first trek and couldn’t have been better. Wish to explore the whole of KASHMIR on your service.. best of luck to your organisation and I definatly recommend yours to everyone!!! 🙂
Dear Riyaz
The alpine lakes trek is fantastic trek, We (our Group) enjoyed ever best trek with your team, good guidence, and good food. I always rembember Shafins tastier food and also best guide in your team. Once again we are planning of Tarsar trek with your team.
Riyaz,
What an amazing experience it was! Thank you! Hope to visit the mountains with you again!
– Anirban