Terms & Conditions

Vasco Travels is a Kashmir-based tour planning company operating www.vascotravels.com. In these terms, “we”, “us” and “our” mean Vasco Travels. We plan and package trips and act as your agent to arrange services from third-party suppliers such as hotels, houseboats, transport operators, drivers and activity providers. Our tours, including group trips, are private arrangements for your own party.

GST Number: 01CRAPR9411D1Z8
J&K Tourism Department Registration Number: JKTA00005198

We select and coordinate suppliers on your behalf with care, but the actual services (accommodation, transport, gondola, activities) are delivered by these independent suppliers. While we stand by our planning and support, we are not the operator of these individual services and cannot control their day-to-day operations. Where a supplier’s own terms apply (for example, a gondola ticket or houseboat booking), those terms also apply to you.

• Enquiry is free. Asking for a quote costs nothing and creates no obligation. Plan now, decide later.
• Quote. We share a customised quote based on your travel month, number of guests, stay category (Standard, Premium or Luxury) and preferences.
• Confirmation. To confirm your booking, we ask for a fixed ₹5,000 advance per booking via UPI or bank transfer. Your dates, hotels and vehicle are blocked only once we receive this advance.
• Balance. The remaining balance is due before your trip begins — we will agree the exact timing with you in writing (typically a few days before arrival, or on arrival in Srinagar for shorter trips). For certain peak-season or non-refundable bookings we may ask for the balance earlier, and we will tell you clearly in advance.

• Quotes are valid for a limited period (stated on the quote, typically 5 to 7 days) because hotel and transport rates in Kashmir change with season and availability.
• Prices are season-dependent. Peak periods (tulip season, summer holidays, the Christmas and New Year window) cost more, and rates can move until your booking is confirmed with the advance.
• Your written quote lists the price, inclusions and exclusions. Ask us to correct any unclear item before paying the advance.
• Government taxes such as GST apply as per prevailing rates.

Inclusions and exclusions are set out in your individual quote, as every trip is customised. Typically, quotes cover accommodation, private transport with driver, and the sightseeing agreed with you. Your quote specifies the vehicle and room-sharing arrangements for your party. Items such as flights, gondola and activity tickets, entry fees, pony rides, personal expenses and meals not specified are usually excluded unless stated. Please read your quote carefully and ask us if anything is unclear.

Kashmir is a mountain region, and weather and road conditions can change. For your safety, we (or our suppliers) may adjust routes, timings or the order of destinations — for example, if a road to Gulmarg, Sonamarg or Gurez is closed by snow, landslide or an official restriction. In such cases we will always try our best to provide a sensible alternative of similar value.

We are not liable for delays, changes or cancellations caused by events beyond our reasonable control (“force majeure”), including weather, snow or road closures, natural events, strikes, government orders or security restrictions, or supplier failure. Where third-party suppliers do not refund us for services affected by such events, our ability to refund you is limited accordingly — see our Cancellation & Refund Policy.

• Carry valid government photo ID for every traveller (mandatory for hotel check-ins and at checkposts; areas such as Gurez require ID and registration at Army checkposts).
• Disclose any relevant health conditions, mobility needs or dietary requirements at the time of booking, so we can plan responsibly.
• Be punctual for pickups and activities, as mountain schedules and daylight are tight.
• Follow the reasonable instructions of your driver and activity operators.
• Behave respectfully towards local people, customs and property.

Some Kashmir experiences carry inherent risk — gondola rides at high altitude, skiing and snow activities, trekking, pony rides, and shikara and houseboat stays on water. You take part in these at your own risk. Travellers with heart, respiratory or other conditions should take medical advice before high-altitude activities such as Gondola Phase 2 (Apharwat). We are not liable for injury, loss or damage arising from activities operated by third parties, nor for loss of personal belongings.

We welcome families, children and senior travellers, and we are happy to plan a comfortable pace. Children and seniors remain the responsibility of their accompanying adults at all times, especially near water, snow and on activities. Please tell us ages and any special needs so we can suggest suitable stays and routes.

Our responsibility is limited to planning your trip and coordinating suppliers with reasonable care. To the extent permitted by law, our total liability in connection with any booking is limited to the amount you have paid to Vasco Travels for that booking. We are not liable for the acts, omissions or default of independent suppliers, for events of force majeure, or for indirect or consequential losses.

If something is not right during your trip, tell us immediately on call or WhatsApp so we can try to fix it in real time — this is almost always the fastest way. If a concern remains unresolved, write to us at info@vascotravels.com and we will work with you in good faith towards a fair resolution.

These terms are governed by the laws of India. Any dispute is subject to the jurisdiction of the courts at Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.

We may update these terms from time to time. The version in force at the time of your booking applies to that booking.