Sangeeta P.

On arrival at Kashmir airport, we had to search for the Neem representative for over half an hour. No-one was there with the Neem Banner to make it easy to identify. We then realized that the Tour was vendored to a local Company in Srinagar.
Bus provided on all days was a rickety bus without a car dikki. So when it rained the baggage of all 20 of us was put next to the driver and the first 2 seats.
Not sure if the hotels provided were 3 star hotels. But were decent. On the first day itself the Hotel was changed without any intimation to us.
A couple of tourist spots, were not shown to us, like Awantipura Ruins. On asking about the same, we were told the army did not allow us to go there. Same issue with the previous batch which went with Neem. No one in the bus saw any body stopping our bus. That was clear cut lies as they just did not want to spend a couple of hours travelling. Even for Shankaracharya Hill we had to fight as it was in the itenarary and the Local who came with us, said that Neem has provided a big bus and big busses are not allowed on the hill. All those who wanted to go actually fought and refused to sit in the bus till we were shown the spot. He had no other option but to make arrangements for a small vehicle for us.
At Gulmarg/Somarg, we were told to get down at the parking spot and told to make arrangements for the horse/car to go further. No help was provided to us, due to which we were fleeced by the locals. Most of us were seniors, were forced to sit on horse backs, and spend thousands of rupees.
Food provided at the hotels where we were put up was ok, but while travelling, we were taken to dirty local hotels, where there were unhealthy conditions. Due to this, the entire group of 21, fell sick with loose motions, fever and vomiting. A couple of children were also hospitalized in the middle of the night. The person who was supposed to represent Neem was no where in the picture. More than 7 of us missed one entire day of sight seeing, but no one cared. At the local hotels, we were told we could eat upto a limit of Rs 220/ beyond which we have to bear. To put a CAP for food was something surprising after paying 40-45 thousand to NEEM. No drinking water is provided to us thru out the tour. We had to purchase our water on all 7 days.
Due to all the above, per person, we spent at least Rs 10,000 more.
My suggestion is please go with a REPUTED TOUR, AVOID NEEM TRAVELS. Do not fall in the trap of the initial low changes of NEEM. You will land up with poor health and spending far more than what you expect. Instead, right from the beginning select a tour you can rely on.