Love in the Valley: Your Perfect Kashmir Honeymoon
Starting from
On Request
Duration6 Days / 5 Nights
PaceBalanced
Destinations3 Places
Travel StyleRomantic
About this experience
A 6-day, 5-night private Kashmir honeymoon covering Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and a night on a Dal Lake houseboat. Shikara rides at sunset, meadow walks, Mughal gardens and candlelit dinners - paced for two, not for a group.
Day by day
Day 1 — Arrival in Srinagar, Check-In on Dal Lake Route: Srinagar Airport → Dal Lake / Srinagar city
Most flights into Srinagar (SXR) land before noon, which gives you a full first afternoon. You'll be met at arrivals and driven to your houseboat or hotel on Dal Lake - roughly 20–30 minutes depending on traffic at Ram Munshi Bagh. Spend the afternoon settling in, then take a shikara ride through the lake's interior channels, past the floating vegetable market area and the Meena Bazaar cluster of shops. Sunset from the water is the best introduction to Kashmir you can get. Dinner is served on the houseboat or at your hotel. Keep the evening early - you'll want energy for Gulmarg tomorrow.
Places & Experiences:
Dal Lake shikara ride (1-2 hours, private boat)
Houseboat stay with walnut-wood interiors
Floating gardens and lotus beds (seasonal: July-August for blooms)
Mughal Road views en route from airport
Travel Flow: Afternoon arrival → check-in → evening shikara → dinner on houseboat
Overnight: Srinagar (Deluxe houseboat or 4-star hotel)
Meals: Dinner
Important: Confirm your houseboat is on the quieter Gagribal or Nehru Park side if you want less generator noise at night.
Day 2 — Mughal Gardens and Old Srinagar Route: Srinagar city → Nishat → Shalimar → Chashme Shahi → Hazratbal → Srinagar
A relaxed city day. Start with Nishat Bagh (Garden of Gladness), built in 1633 by Asaf Khan, with its 12 terraces facing the lake. Then Shalimar Bagh, laid out by Jahangir for Nur Jahan in 1619 - the black marble pavilion here is worth a slow walk. Chashme Shahi is smaller and cooler, fed by a natural spring. Break for lunch at a Mughlai restaurant near Dal Gate. In the afternoon, drive to Hazratbal Dargah on the western shore - the shrine houses a relic of the Prophet and sits right on the lake. Return via the handicraft emporiums at Boulevard Road if you want to see papier-mâché and pashmina work. Evening free for a quiet dinner.
Places & Experiences:
Nishat Bagh (entry ticket ~₹24 per person)
Shalimar Bagh (entry ticket ~₹24 per person)
Chashme Shahi (entry ticket ~₹24 per person)
Hazratbal Dargah
Kashmir handicraft showrooms (papier-mâché, carpets, pashmina)
Travel Flow: Morning gardens → lunch at Dal Gate → afternoon shrine → evening at leisure
Overnight: Srinagar (same houseboat or hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: Gardens are busiest 11 AM-2 PM. Go early if you want photographs without crowds.
Day 3 — Srinagar to Gulmarg, Gondola and Meadows Route: Srinagar → Tangmarg → Gulmarg (approx. 50 km, 1.5–2 hours)
The drive to Gulmarg climbs through Tangmarg and then up a switchback road lined with pine. You'll pass the turn-off for Baba Reshi shrine - worth a 15-minute stop if you're interested in Sufi architecture. Gulmarg sits at 2,650 m. The Gondola here is one of the highest cable cars in Asia - Phase 1 takes you to Kongdoori (3,080 m), Phase 2 to Apharwat (3,980 m). Phase 2 only operates when weather allows, typically April-October; it closes in heavy snow or high wind. In winter, Gulmarg is a ski destination with some of the deepest powder in the Himalayas. In summer, the meadow is green and the golf course (one of the world's highest) is open.
Places & Experiences:
Gulmarg Gondola (Phase 1 + Phase 2, tickets ~₹800-₹1,700 depending on phase and season)
Apharwat Peak views (seasonal)
Gulmarg Golf Course (18-hole, highest in the world)
Sledge rides or skiing in winter (local operators, ~₹500-₹1,500)
Baba Reshi shrine en route
Travel Flow: Morning drive → Gondola ride → lunch in Gulmarg → meadow walk or activity → return to Srinagar by evening
Overnight: Srinagar (houseboat or hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: Gondola tickets sell out on clear weekends. Pre-book online through the J&K Cable Car Corporation website. Carry cash - card machines are unreliable at the counter.
Day 4 — Srinagar to Pahalgam via Saffron Fields and Awantipora Route: Srinagar → Pampore → Awantipora → Bijbehara → Pahalgam (approx. 95 km, 2.5–3 hours)
The drive south passes through Pampore, where saffron is grown on the karewa plateaus - harvest is late October to early November, and the fields are purple with flowers for about two weeks. Stop at Awantipora for the 9th-century ruins of a Vishnu temple built by King Awantivarman. Bijbehara is known for its willow bat factories - you can watch craftsmen shape cricket bats by hand. Pahalgam sits at 2,130 m at the confluence of the Lidder River and Aru Nallah. The Lidder here is clear and fast - good for trout fishing if you have a permit (arranged locally). Afternoon at leisure by the river or a short walk to Betaab Valley (where the film Betaab was shot) and Aru Valley.
Places & Experiences:
Pampore saffron fields (seasonal: late Oct-early Nov)
Awantipora ruins
Bijbehara willow bat factories
Betaab Valley (entry ~₹100 per person)
Aru Valley (entry ~₹100 per person)
Lidder River walk
Travel Flow: Morning departure → saffron/Awantipora stop → lunch in Pahalgam → afternoon valleys → evening at leisure
Overnight: Pahalgam (4-star hotel or riverside resort)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: Betaab and Aru valleys require local union taxis from Pahalgam - outside vehicles are not allowed beyond a point. Budget ~₹1,500-₹2,500 for a round trip depending on the route.
Day 5 — Pahalgam to Srinagar, Return via Chandanwari Road Route: Pahalgam → Chandanwari (optional) → Srinagar
If you're up for an early start, drive to Chandanwari (16 km from Pahalgam, 2,895 m) - this is the traditional starting point of the Amarnath Yatra and has a small glacier-fed stream. The road is open roughly May-October. Otherwise, take a slow morning in Pahalgam - walk the riverside trail or visit the Mamaleshwar temple. Drive back to Srinagar in the afternoon. Evening is free for last-minute shopping at Lal Chowk or the Government Arts Emporium. If you want a final shikara ride, this is the night for it.
Places & Experiences:
Chandanwari (seasonal, May-Oct)
Mamaleshwar Temple, Pahalgam
Lal Chowk shopping
Government Arts Emporium (fixed-price handicrafts)
Optional evening shikara
Travel Flow: Early optional Chandanwari → return to Pahalgam → afternoon drive to Srinagar → evening shopping/leisure
Overnight: Srinagar (houseboat or hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: Chandanwari road is subject to landslide closures after heavy rain. Check with your driver before committing.
Day 6 — Departure from Srinagar Route: Srinagar → Srinagar Airport
Most flights out of Srinagar leave before noon. Your driver will drop you at SXR, roughly 30-40 minutes from Dal Lake depending on traffic. If your flight is later in the day, add a morning visit to the Jama Masjid or the Khanqah-e-Moula - both are within the old city and take about an hour total. Pack pashmina and saffron in checked luggage if you've bought any - security sometimes questions large quantities of saffron in hand baggage.
Places & Experiences:
Jama Masjid (optional, if time permits)
Khanqah-e-Moula (optional)
Last-minute shopping at the airport (limited)
Travel Flow: Morning checkout → airport transfer
Overnight: None
Meals: Breakfast
What's included
- Accommodation: 3 nights Srinagar (houseboat or 4-star hotel), 1 night Pahalgam (4-star or riverside resort), 1 night Srinagar (hotel or houseboat) - on double sharing basis
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner on all days (starting with dinner on Day 1, ending with breakfast on Day 6)
- Transfers: Private AC sedan (Dzire/Etios) or SUV (Innova) for all airport pickups, drops and inter-city travel
- Sightseeing: All sightseeing as per itinerary, including shikara ride on Dal Lake (private boat)
- Private decorated shikara ride on Dal Lake (1 hour)
- Permits: Inner Line Permits for Gulmarg and Pahalgam where applicable (arranged by us)
- Driver-cum-guide for the entire trip
- All toll taxes, parking, driver allowance and fuel
- 24/7 on-ground coordinator in Srinagar
Not included
- Airfare / train tickets to/from Srinagar
- Lunches on all days
- All applicable taxes (GST, etc.)
- Gulmarg Gondola tickets (~₹800–₹1,700 per person)
- Entry tickets to Mughal gardens (~₹24 per person per garden), Betaab Valley (~₹100), Aru Valley (~₹100), Chandanwari (~₹100)
- Local union taxi charges at Pahalgam for Betaab/Aru/Chandanwari (~₹1,500–₹2,500 per vehicle)
- Sledge rides, skiing, horse riding or any adventure activity
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, tips, shopping)
- Travel insurance
- Medical expenses
- Any services not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Pickup & drop details
Srinagar to Srinagar
What to bring
Things to Pack:
Clothing: Layers - mornings and evenings are cool even in summer. Light woollens for Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Waterproof jacket for sudden rain. Comfortable trousers, not shorts (modest dress is appreciated at shrines).
Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes with grip for Gulmarg meadows. Sandals or slip-ons for houseboat and hotel.
Travel Essentials: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm, sunglasses, power bank, reusable water bottle, basic medicines (altitude sickness tablets if sensitive to 3,980 m at Apharwat), motion sickness tablets for winding roads.
Documents: Photo ID (Aadhaar/passport), printed hotel vouchers, travel insurance copy, passport-size photos (2 copies, for permits if needed).
Optional: Binoculars, camera with extra batteries (cold drains batteries faster at altitude), dry fruits for snacking, a good book for houseboat evenings.
Best Time to Travel:
Best Time to Travel:
April to October is the main season. April–May brings tulips and mild weather (15–25°C). June-August is pleasant in Srinagar but can be humid; Gulmarg and Pahalgam stay cool. September-October is clear and comfortable - good for photography. December-February is winter: Gulmarg gets heavy snow (good for skiing), Dal Lake sometimes freezes at the edges, and many houseboats run reduced services. Saffron harvest is late October-early November.
Suitable For:
Couples and honeymooners who want a mix of lake, meadow and mountain without trekking. Fitness level: easy - no long walks required, though Gulmarg's Phase 2 Gondola reaches 3,980 m and can cause mild breathlessness. Not suitable for travelers who want a fast-paced, multi-destination trip or heavy adventure.
Travel Pace:
Relaxed to moderate. Maximum driving day is Srinagar-Pahalgam (2.5–3 hours). Gulmarg day involves 1.5-2 hours each way. No night driving.
Accommodation:
Srinagar: Deluxe houseboat on Dal Lake or 4-star hotel (Lalit Grand Palace, Vivanta Dal View, or equivalent). Pahalgam: 4-star hotel or riverside resort (Pahalgam Hotel, Hotel Heevan, or equivalent). Upgrades to 5-star properties available on request. Houseboats vary significantly in quality - we only work with properties we've inspected.
Transport:
Private AC sedan (Dzire/Etios) for 2-3 travelers; Innova or similar SUV for 4+. Non-AC vehicles available at lower cost but not recommended for summer. Local union taxis are mandatory for Betaab Valley, Aru Valley and Chandanwari - your driver will arrange these at the Pahalgam taxi stand.
Meals:
Breakfast and dinner included. Lunches are not included - budget ₹300-₹600 per person per lunch at local restaurants. Kashmiri cuisine: try rogan josh, gushtaba, yakhni, and kahwa (saffron tea). Vegetarian and Jain options available at most hotels; inform us in advance. Alcohol is not widely available in Kashmir - if you want wine with dinner, arrange it through your hotel in advance.
Important Notes:
Carry government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, driving licence) for all travelers - required at checkpoints.
Srinagar Airport has strict security. Arrive 2 hours before departure.
Cash is king. ATMs exist in Srinagar and Pahalgam but are unreliable. Carry ₹10,000-₹15,000 in cash for incidentals.
Mobile connectivity: Jio and Airtel work in Srinagar and Pahalgam. Gulmarg has patchy 4G. Postpaid SIMs only for outside travelers - prepaid SIMs from other states may not work in J&K.
Drone flying requires permission from the Directorate of Civil Aviation, J&K. Do not fly without it.
Do not photograph military installations, checkpoints or personnel.
Fridays: Many shops in Srinagar close for midday prayers. Plan shopping accordingly.
Seasonal Considerations:
Spring (March-May): Tulip Garden opens late March-mid April. Weather mild. Best for gardens and sightseeing.
Summer (June-August): Warm in Srinagar (up to 30°C), pleasant in Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Peak tourist season. Book houseboats and hotels 4–6 weeks ahead.
Autumn (September-November): Clear skies, cooler nights. Saffron harvest late October. Chinar trees turn red in November. Good for photography.
Winter (December-February): Gulmarg is a ski destination. Srinagar can drop to -2°C. Dal Lake partially freezes. Some houseboats close. Roads to Gulmarg can be blocked by snow for 1-2 days at a time.
Customization:
Extend to Sonmarg (3 hours from Srinagar) for a day trip or overnight
Add a night in Gulmarg instead of returning to Srinagar
Add Doodhpathri or Yousmarg as off-beat day trips
Upgrade to 5-star properties (Lalit Grand Palace, Vivanta Dal View, Khyber Himalayan Resort Gulmarg)
Add a private candlelit dinner on a houseboat deck
Add a Kashmiri cooking class in Srinagar
Reduce to 5 days / 4 nights by skipping Pahalgam
Cancellation & refund policy
Cancellation, Amendment & Refund Policy
1. Booking Confirmation & Advance Payment
A booking shall be considered confirmed only upon receipt of the required advance payment. The company reserves the right to release unconfirmed bookings without prior notice. All payments made towards booking confirmation are subject to the cancellation terms mentioned below.
2. Cancellation Policy
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email or official communication channels. Cancellation charges will be calculated based on the total package cost and the date on which the written cancellation request is received by the company.
Cancellation Charges
| Cancellation Period | Retention Charges |
| More than 60 days prior to arrival | 25% of total package cost |
| Between 30–60 days prior to arrival | 50% of total package cost |
| Between 15–29 days prior to arrival | 75% of total package cost |
| Within 14 days prior to arrival / No Show | 100% retention |
3. Non-Refundable Components
The following components shall be strictly non-refundable once confirmed:
- Flight/train tickets (if applicable)
- Visa fees
- Permit charges
- Peak season hotel bookings
- Houseboat bookings during high season
- Adventure/activity tickets
- Any special event or festive season supplement
- Service fees, processing fees, and convenience charges
The company reserves the right to deduct supplier-imposed cancellation charges in addition to the above retention charges wherever applicable.
4. Amendment / Rescheduling Policy
Any amendment, modification, postponement, or rescheduling request must be submitted in writing and shall be subject to availability and supplier approval. The company does not guarantee acceptance of amendment requests after booking confirmation. Any fare difference, seasonal surcharge, hotel rate revision, transport cost escalation, or supplier-imposed amendment fee shall be payable additionally by the client/agent. Amendments requested within 30 days of arrival may be treated as a cancellation and rebooking at the sole discretion of the company.
5. No Show Policy
Failure of the guest/client to arrive, utilize booked services, or join the tour on the scheduled date without prior written intimation shall be treated as a “No Show”.
In such cases:
- 100% of the total booking amount shall be forfeited
- No refund, amendment, or credit note shall be applicable
- Unused services, early departures, or missed sightseeing tours shall not qualify for any refund.
6. Force Majeure / Unforeseen Circumstances
Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be held liable for any cancellation, delay, alteration, loss, or additional expense arising due to circumstances beyond the company’s control, including but not limited to:
- Natural disasters
- Floods, snowfall, landslides, road blockages
- Political unrest, strikes, curfews
- Flight cancellations or operational disruptions
- Pandemic-related restrictions
- Government orders or travel advisories
Under such circumstances:
- Refunds, if any, shall strictly depend upon recoveries received from hotels, transporters, and other suppliers.
- Administrative, processing, and operational charges shall remain non-refundable.
- The company reserves the absolute right to alter itineraries in the interest of guest safety and operational feasibility.
7. Refund Policy
Eligible refunds, if any, shall be processed within 30–45 working days from the date of cancellation confirmation. Refund timelines are subject to receipt of funds from respective suppliers/vendors. Refunds shall be processed only through the original payment mode unless otherwise agreed in writing. Bank charges, payment gateway fees, foreign exchange fluctuations, and transaction charges shall be deducted from the refundable amount.
8. Pricing & Supplier Protection Clause
All package rates are dynamic and subject to availability at the time of confirmation. In case of sudden supplier tariff revisions, fuel hikes, government taxes, or hotel policy changes, the company reserves the right to revise package pricing prior to final confirmation. Confirmed bookings shall remain protected unless impacted by force majeure or supplier default.
9. Jurisdiction
Any dispute arising in relation to bookings, payments, or services shall be subject to the jurisdiction of courts located in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir only.
10. Hotel Damage & Liability Clause
Any loss, damage, breakage, theft, or misuse of hotel/houseboat property caused by guests shall be the sole responsibility of the guest and/or the booking agent. Charges imposed by the hotel/houseboat management for damages, excessive cleaning, missing items, or misconduct must be settled directly by the guest or agent before check-out. Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be held liable for disputes arising between guests and hotel management regarding damages or conduct. The company reserves the right to recover any unpaid damage charges from the booking agent in case the guest departs without settlement.
11. Guest Conduct Policy
Guests are expected to maintain respectful and lawful behavior throughout the tour. Any misconduct including but not limited to:
- Abuse towards staff/drivers/hotel employees
- Illegal activities
- Consumption of prohibited substances
- Damage to public or private property
- Disturbance to other guests
May result in immediate termination of services without any refund. Any fines, penalties, legal consequences, or damages arising due to guest behavior shall be borne entirely by the guest and/or (b2b) booking agent. The company reserves the right to deny services to intoxicated, abusive, or disruptive guests if deemed necessary for operational safety.
12. Payment Default Clause
All payments must be cleared within the agreed timeline prior to guest arrival unless otherwise approved in writing. Failure to clear pending dues may result in:
- Release of hotel bookings
- Suspension of services
- Denial of check-in/check-out assistance
- Cancellation of transport arrangements without further liability on the company.
In case of delayed payments:
- The company reserves the right to levy interest/late payment charges.
- Any supplier penalties arising due to delayed payment shall be recoverable from the booking agent/client.
- Vouchers and confirmations issued prior to full payment shall remain provisional until payment realization.
13. Peak Season / Blackout Cancellation Policy
The following periods shall be treated as Peak Season / Blackout Dates:
- Christmas & New Year
- Eid Holidays
- Long weekends
- National holidays
- Heavy snowfall periods
- Festival dates
- Any dates specifically notified by the company
During these periods:
- Hotel bookings, transport services, and houseboats may carry stricter cancellation terms imposed by suppliers.
- Certain bookings may become completely non-refundable immediately after confirmation.
- Advance payments during blackout periods may be non-transferable and non-adjustable.
- The company reserves the right to apply special cancellation policies for peak dates irrespective of the standard cancellation policy mentioned above.
14. Kashmir Weather / Snowfall Disclaimer
Kashmir is a weather-sensitive destination and operations may be affected due to:
- Snowfall
- Landslides
- Road closures
- Avalanches
- Traffic restrictions
- Flight disruptions
- Government-imposed movement restrictions
Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be responsible for:
- Non-availability of sightseeing
- Gondola closure
- Missed flights/trains
- Route diversions
- Hotel changes caused by weather conditions
- Delay or cancellation of activities due to snowfall or road blockage
Additional expenses arising due to:
- Extra hotel nights
- Alternative transport
- Route changes
- Vehicle chain charges during snow
- Flight rescheduling
Shall be borne directly by the guest/client. No refund shall be applicable for unused services caused due to weather conditions or government restrictions beyond operational control.
15. Supplier Substitution Clause
In case any confirmed hotel, houseboat, or transport provider becomes unavailable due to operational reasons, overbooking, weather conditions, maintenance, or force majeure, the company reserves the right to provide a similar category alternative without prior liability. Every effort shall be made to maintain service standards and comfort levels.
16. B2B Confidentiality Clause
All contracted rates, quotations, and pricing shared with agents/partners are strictly confidential and intended solely for B2B business use. Redistribution of net rates directly to suppliers, competitors, or unauthorized third parties is strictly prohibited. The company reserves the right to terminate business relationships in case of rate misuse or breach of confidentiality.
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Common Questions
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"This is a fully private package. You'll have your own vehicle, driver-cum-guide and accommodation. No other travelers join you at any point. The only shared experiences are the shikara ride (if you choose a shared boat, though we default to private) and any local union taxis at Pahalgam, which you can also book privately at a higher rate."
"April to October is the most comfortable window, with temperatures between 15°C and 30°C depending on altitude. December to February is cold but magical if you want snow - Gulmarg becomes a ski destination and Dal Lake partially freezes. Srinagar can drop to -2°C at night. If you're not used to cold, stick to April-October."
"Indian nationals do not need special permits for Srinagar, Gulmarg or Pahalgam. Foreign nationals also do not need permits for these areas. However, you must carry a government-issued photo ID at all times - there are checkpoints on the Srinagar–Gulmarg and Srinagar–Pahalgam routes. Inner Line Permits are only required for certain border areas like Gurez, Tangdhar and parts of Ladakh, which are not on this itinerary."
"Gondola tickets are not included in the package price - they cost approximately ₹800-₹1,700 per person depending on which phases you take. We strongly recommend pre-booking online through the J&K Cable Car Corporation website, especially on weekends and holidays. Phase 2 (to Apharwat, 3,980 m) operates only when weather permits, typically April-October."
"For 2-3 travelers, you'll get a private AC sedan (Dzire or Etios). For 4 or more, an Innova or similar SUV. The vehicle is exclusively for your use throughout the trip. Non-AC vehicles are available at a lower cost but not recommended for summer months. At Pahalgam, local union rules require you to switch to a local taxi for Betaab Valley, Aru Valley and Chandanwari - your driver will help arrange this."
"Yes, this is a custom package and fully customizable. You can add Sonmarg (3 hours from Srinagar) as a day trip or overnight, add a night in Gulmarg, skip Pahalgam entirely, or reduce to 5 days / 4 nights. We can also upgrade hotels, add a private candlelit dinner, or arrange a Kashmiri cooking class. Tell us what you want and we'll rebuild the itinerary."
"Breakfast and dinner are included on all days. Lunches are not included - budget ₹300–₹600 per person per lunch at local restaurants. Vegetarian and Jain food is available at all hotels we use; just inform us in advance so the kitchen can prepare. Kashmiri vegetarian dishes include nadru monje (lotus stem fritters), haak saag and rajma. Non-vegetarian specialties include rogan josh, gushtaba and yakhni."
"Kashmir's tourist areas - Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam - are generally safe and heavily patrolled. Thousands of honeymooners visit every year without incident. That said, avoid straying into non-tourist areas after dark, do not photograph military installations or checkpoints, and follow local advice. Check your country's travel advisory if you're a foreign national. We provide 24/7 on-ground coordination in Srinagar throughout your trip."
"Cancellation charges are calculated on the total package cost: more than 60 days before arrival - 25% retention; 30-60 days - 50%; 15-29 days - 75%; within 14 days or no-show - 100% retention. Certain components (permits, peak-season hotel and houseboat bookings, activity tickets) are non-refundable once confirmed. Eligible refunds are processed within 30-45 working days, subject to supplier recoveries, and are made via the original payment mode."
"Layers are key - mornings and evenings are cool even in summer. Carry light woollens for Gulmarg and Pahalgam, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes with grip, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, a power bank and basic medicines. If you're going to Apharwat (3,980 m) via Gondola Phase 2, carry a warm layer even in July. Pack modest clothing if you plan to visit shrines - shoulders and knees covered."