FAQs About Traveling to Kashmir
General Travel
Q: What is the best time to visit Kashmir?
A: March–May offers tulip blooms and mild weather, June–August is great for trekking and rafting, September–November brings autumn colors, and December–February is ideal for snow and skiing.
Q: Is Kashmir safe for tourists?
A: Yes, Kashmir is generally safe for travelers. Tourist hubs like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg are well-secured and frequently visited by Indian and international tourists.
Q: Do I need a permit to visit Kashmir?
A: Indian citizens need no permit. Foreign tourists only require a valid Indian visa. Permits are only needed for restricted border areas like Gurez or certain trekking routes.
Q: How many days are enough for a Kashmir trip?
A: A 6–7 day trip is ideal to cover Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and nearby valleys comfortably.
Pricing & Booking
Q: How much does a Kashmir trip cost?
A: Prices depend on season, accommodation, and activities. Budget packages start around ₹15,000 per person for 5 nights, while luxury packages can exceed ₹40,000.
Q: When should I book my trip?
A: Book at least 1–2 months in advance for peak seasons (April–June and December–January) to secure the best rates on hotels and flights.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Our cancellation policy varies by package but generally allows free cancellation or date changes up to 7–10 days before travel. Specific terms will be shared at booking.
Q: Do you offer group discounts?
A: Yes, we provide special rates for group bookings, corporate trips, and family packages.
Accommodation
Q: What types of stays are available in Kashmir?
A: Choose from luxury resorts, boutique hotels, budget guesthouses, and heritage houseboats on Dal or Nigeen Lake.
Q: Are houseboats safe and comfortable?
A: Absolutely. Houseboats are equipped with modern amenities, heating in winter, and traditional Kashmiri hospitality for a unique stay experience.
Q: Can I request a specific hotel or room type?
A: Yes, we offer customizable packages where you can select preferred hotels, room categories, or upgrade to luxury stays.
Activities & Experiences
Q: What are the must-do activities in Kashmir?
A: Popular experiences include Shikara rides, houseboat stays, Gulmarg Gondola ride, skiing, snowboarding, trekking, river rafting, paragliding, and exploring Mughal Gardens.
Q: Are adventure sports available year-round?
A: Summer offers trekking, rafting, and paragliding, while winter is perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and snow treks in Gulmarg and Sonamarg.
Q: Can you arrange pony rides and guided treks?
A: Yes, we can pre-arrange pony rides in Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Gulmarg, as well as guided treks to Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and other scenic spots.
Transport & Getting Around
Q: How can I reach Kashmir?
A: Srinagar Airport has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and major cities. Jammu is the nearest railway station, with road connections to Srinagar by taxi or bus.
Q: How do I travel within Kashmir?
A: We provide private cabs, Tempo Travellers, and guided transfers. Shared taxis are also available for budget travel between towns.
Q: Is it easy to hire local transport?
A: Yes, taxis and shikaras are readily available. For remote valleys, we recommend booking transport in advance.
Weather & Packing
Q: What is the weather like in different seasons?
A: Summer is mild (15–30°C), autumn is cool and dry, and winter brings heavy snow with temperatures dropping to -5°C in higher regions.
Q: What should I pack for my Kashmir trip?
A: Pack light layers for summer, heavy woolens and snow boots for winter. Sunscreen, sunglasses, gloves, and comfortable shoes are essentials year-round.
Q: Is winter travel difficult?
A: Winter roads are generally well-maintained, but snow may cause temporary delays. We provide assistance for safe travel during heavy snowfall.
Food & Safety
Q: Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
A: Yes, most hotels and restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, and halal options along with traditional Kashmiri cuisine.
Q: Is the water safe to drink?
A: Drink bottled or filtered water. Most hotels provide safe drinking water for guests.
Q: Is mobile network and internet connectivity reliable?
A: 4G connectivity is good in Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. Remote areas may have limited signals, so plan accordingly.
Q: Are ATMs and card payments available?
A: ATMs and card payments are available in major towns, but it’s wise to carry cash when visiting remote valleys.