Our Story
About Northern Shoveller
A team of passionate locals, born in the shadow of the Himalayas, dedicated to sharing the magic of Kashmir and Ladakh with the world.
Born From a Love of These Mountains
Northern Shoveller was founded in 2015 by a group of Kashmir-born travel enthusiasts who felt the world deserved to experience the true magic of Jammu & Kashmir — beyond the headlines and stereotypes.
What started as a small houseboat operation on Dal Lake has grown into a full-service travel company offering over 50 curated packages across Kashmir and Ladakh, serving thousands of happy travelers every year.
We are proud members of the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Board and hold all required certifications and licenses. Every guide on our team is a certified local professional with deep knowledge of the terrain, culture, and history.
Our Simple Process
From your first inquiry to your flight home, we make exploring Kashmir effortless.
Enquire
Tell us your dream destination, dates, and preferences.
Customize Itinerary
We craft a personalized plan tailored to your budget and interests.
Confirm & Pack
Review, approve, and pack your bags. We handle the rest.
Travel with Us
Enjoy a seamless, unforgettable journey with 24/7 local support.
Our Core Values
These aren't just words — they guide every decision we make and every trip we organize.
Passion
We genuinely love what we do and it shows in every trip we organize.
Safety First
Your safety is non-negotiable. We monitor all conditions and have contingency plans — including a practicing physician on call for our trekking and expedition trips.
Local Knowledge
As locals, we know the hidden gems, the best seasons, and the real Kashmir.
Excellence
We don't aim for good — we aim for unforgettable experiences every single time.
Community & Conservation
We believe tourism should benefit the land and the people who call it home. That's why 100% of our staff—from guides and drivers to houseboat hosts—are locals from Kashmir and Ladakh.
Local Empowerment
By partnering directly with family-owned houseboats, local homestays, and regional artisans, we ensure your travel spend directly supports the community.
Eco-Tourism Practices
Under the guidance of our Naturalist & Wildlife Expert, we enforce strict leave-no-trace policies on all treks and actively participate in regional conservation efforts.
Meet Our Team
The passionate locals behind every unforgettable journey.
Sajid Amad Dar
Founder & Lead Guide
Born and raised in Srinagar, Sajid has been exploring Kashmir's hidden trails for over 15 years.
Rifat Nabi
Operations Manager
Rifat ensures every tour runs perfectly, handling logistics with meticulous attention to detail.
Imran Wani
Ladakh Expedition Lead
A certified mountaineer who has conquered multiple Himalayan peaks and knows Ladakh like the back of his hand.
Masrat
Naturalist & Wildlife Expert
A trained zoologist who brings scientific depth to every wildlife and nature trail, spotting species others would walk right past.
Dr. Zahoor Hussain Daraz
Safety & First Response Officer
A practicing physician who ensures every trek and expedition has expert medical guidance on call, because adventure should never come at the cost of safety.
Rafia
Transportation Coordinator
Rafia plans and coordinates all our vehicle logistics, making sure every route is mapped and every transfer runs on schedule.
Muneer & Team
Driver & Route Specialist
Muneer and his trusted team of drivers know every road, shortcut, and safe stop across the region, getting you there comfortably no matter how remote the destination.
"Northern Shoveller is the best tours and travels for touring Kashmir. Their service is so good, the team is so polite and gentle, and charges are reasonable."
Shahana Kareem
"From airport pickup to sightseeing and hotel arrangements, everything was smooth and well organized. The team was polite, responsive, and always ready to help. Truly memorable."
Anjuman Farooq
"The package made by Sajid sir and Rafia mam was best. I personally suggest that if anybody wants to explore Kashmir properly, they must visit Northern Shoveller."
Javed
"Made our Kashmir honeymoon absolutely beautiful and unforgettable. A very special thanks to Miss Rafia for organizing everything so wonderfully — her professionalism and personal touch made the tour even more memorable."
Amitkumar Baral
(Local Guide)Common Questions
Everything you need to know before you go.