Subject: Trip to Kashmir

Date of travel: April 2018

With Family

Places: Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam

Mark and Ivan booked a trip to Kashmir in 2018 with Fida we had a great time. Before coming to Kashmir we exchanged many emails and had many questions but Fida always answers and even provided great suggestions and recommendations. We visited Srinagar - Gulmarg - Pahalgam - Sonmarg. He is a professional and knowledgable guide. Everything was arranged smoothly transportation, hotel, food, logistics, souvenir purchases etc.

We booked a trip to Kashmir with Astera Tours, My father and had an unforgettable experience, the trip to Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam was truly eye-opening. 

The total duration of the trip was 6 days. Although Srinagar, Gulmarg and Sonmarg were stunning places to visit, Pahalgam was genuinely a hidden gem, hidden away in the Himalayan Mountain Range. Pahalgam is a must-visit for anyone who wants a relaxing hide away place almost disconnected from the modern world today, also providing a glimpse of fresh air, distant from densely populated cities like Srinagar. Although all of these places were exceptional places to adventure, relax, explore, learn, tranquillize and take a break from the fast-moving world. One cannot truly enjoy what these less visited places offer beyond the naked eye. Having an experienced and passionate tour guide like Fida allowed us to not only take all of what Kashmir had to offer but also learn about the cultural and historic information behind what we explored. Not only did he do his job professionally, but he kept attention to detail, ensuring we were eating the best quality cuisine not getting physically sick, knowing the insides and outs of which shops we genuine and/or lesser quality, guiding us where and which parts of cities and villages were most enjoyable to roam at liberty, not being ripped off by Hawkers attempting to take advantage of uninformed tourists, but certifying we made the most of what this geographical area of India had to offer. As he was personally our guide he took excellent care of us when we visited Srinagar we went to Mughal Gardens, Tulip Garden and had a Shikara Ride in the Dal Lake then we want to, Gulmarg where we enjoyed the Gondola Ride we also went to a Heritage Catholic Church in Gulmarg we had mass. Subsequently the next day we went to Pahalgam where we enjoyed the Horse Ride and met with local people and some hawkers. Even we bought a cricket bat from the bat factory in Awantipura. We also had a Shikara Ride (Boat Ride) in the Dal Lake where your father bought some gift items as well, we thoroughly relished our trip and it was a memorable exploration of Kashmir. 

We are certainly looking forward to the next time we visit Kashmir or Jammu.

Without a second thought, we would urge any tourist/traveller to hire Fida as their tour guide, if you truly want to see the beautiful parts of India from the ins and outs less travelled by westerners. Whilst also being provided with the most premium, comfortable, humble, professional, clean and superb service by Fida Tinda.

Thank you, By Mark and Ivan

it is my pleasure to choose fida from Astera Tour as my tour organiser. Fida organised transportation to Jaipur and Agra, and his guide at Jaipur and Agra is Mr Lalan Kumar was very helpful and knowledgeable. meanwhile, during a trip in Kashmir, Mr fida itself became our guide. he was helpful in giving us an opinion on our trip and he was able to discuss according our convenience. very good hospitality from the team, and highly recommended.

Fida was on time, informative.  The car had a good driver.  I had an excellent day out with them.

We ask to Fida to organize a custom trip in North India, and he did perfectly. All the guides and drivers he provided us were all excellent. All of them well prepared and most of all ready to bring us where ever we asked, without forcing us to visit shops and place of no interest. Moreover Mr Fida was always ready to help us every time we needed. To have someone trustful that guides you in this country (especially if it's your first time, as it was for us) is very important and allows you to enjoy your trip without being lost in burocracy and im difficulties. 

So finally, I truly recomend to organize your trip in India with Fida and his agency, for sure you won't regret! 

Fida did a great job of showing my son around Delhi during a 10-hour layover.  Very responsive and reliable.