Kashmir travel guide

By Prakash Joshi 6 Min Read
complete guide of kashmir

Kashmir – “Paradise on Earth”;

 

Geography and Climate:

    • Location: Northernmost region of India.
    • Climate:
      • Summer (May-August): Pleasant temperatures ranging from 14°C to 30°C.
      • Winter (December-February): Cold temperatures ranging from -2°C to 12°C, with heavy snowfall in mountainous regions.
      • Spring (March-April): Blooming flowers and mild temperatures.
      • Autumn (September-November): Crisp weather and beautiful fall foliage.

 

Natural Beauty:

    • Valleys: Fam
    • ous valleys include Kashmir Valley, Betaab Valley, and Aru Valley.
    • Mountains: Part of the Himalayas, featuring peaks like Nun Kun and Kolahoi.
    • Lakes: Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, and Wular Lake.
    • Gardens: Mughal Gardens such as Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi.
    • Houseboats: Traditional Kashmiri houseboats on Dal and Nigeen Lakes.
    • Apple Orchards: Spread across the region, providing fresh apples and other fruits.

 

How to Reach Kashmir;

 

By Flight:

    • Srinagar International Airport: Well-connected with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
    • Local Transport: Taxis and buses are available from the airport to various destinations in Kashmir.

 

By Road:

    • National Highway 44: Connects Delhi to Kashmir, passing through Jammu.
    • Bus Services: Regular bus services from Delhi, Chandigarh, and other cities to Srinagar and Jammu.
    • Self-Drive: Renting a car or driving your vehicle is an option, with scenic routes along the way.

 

By Train:

    • Jammu Tawi Railway Station: Nearest major station, with connectivity to cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
    • Further Travel: From Jammu, you can take a taxi or bus to Srinagar (approximately 8 hours).

 

Best Time to Visit;

 

Winter (December-February)

    • Activities: Skiing in Gulmarg, snowboarding, and enjoying snow-covered landscapes.
    • Events: Winter sports events and festivals.

 

Spring (March-April):

      • Blossoms: Tulip Festival in Srinagar, blooming gardens, and almond blossoms.
      • Weather: Mild temperatures and clear skies.

 

Summer (May-August):

    • Activities: Trekking, camping, and enjoying the cool climate.
    • Events: Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage.

 

Autumn (September-November):

    • Foliage: Beautiful fall colors, apple harvesting season.
    • Weather: Crisp and clear, ideal for sightseeing.

 

Duration of Stay;

 

    • Short Trips: 3-4 days for a quick getaway covering Srinagar and nearby areas.
    • Extended Trips: 7-10 days to explore more regions like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg.

 

Accommodation;

 

Types:

    • Luxury Hotels: High-end options with premium amenities.
    • Mid-Range Hotels: Comfortable and affordable accommodations.
    • Budget Hotels: Basic facilities for budget travelers.
    • Houseboats: Unique experience of staying on traditional houseboats on Dal and Nigeen Lakes.
    • Guesthouses and Homestays: Local hospitality and cultural immersion.

 

    • Srinagar: Central location for exploring Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, and Shankaracharya Temple.
    • Gulmarg: Best for skiing and winter sports enthusiasts.
    • Pahalgam: Ideal for nature lovers and trekking.
    • Sonamarg: Perfect for trekking and camping in summer.

 

Sightseeing;

 

Srinagar:

    • Dal Lake: Shikara rides, houseboats, floating markets.
    • Mughal Gardens: Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi.
    • Shankaracharya Temple: Panoramic views of Srinagar.
    • Hazratbal Shrine: Important Muslim shrine on the northern shores of Dal Lake.

 

Gulmarg:

    • Gondola Ride: Asia’s highest cable car.
    • Skiing and Snowboarding: Winter sports in one of India’s premier skiing destinations.
    • Golf Course: One of the highest golf courses in the world.

 

Pahalgam:

    • Aru Valley: Scenic valley with options for trekking and camping.
    • Betaab Valley: Named after Bollywood movie ‘Betaab’, known for its lush meadows and river.
    • Lidder River: Rafting and trout fishing.

 

Sonamarg:

    • Thajiwas Glacier: Accessible via a short trek or pony ride.
    • Zoji La Pass: Gateway to Ladakh, known for its challenging terrain.
    • Trekking: Various trekking routes to lakes like Vishansar, Krishansar, and Gangbal.

 

Safety;

 

Current Situation

:

    • Post Article 370 Abrogation: Jammu and Kashmir are now union territories, leading to improved security.
    • Tourist Safety: Generally safe, but it’s advisable to stay updated with current travel advisories and follow local guidelines.
    • Local Assistance: Tourists can seek assistance from local authorities and tourist police for any concerns.

 

Giving Back;

 

Responsible Tourism:

    • Support Local Businesses: Shop at local markets, eat at local restaurants, and stay in locally-owned accommodations.
    • Environmental Responsibility: Avoid littering, respect natural habitats, and participate in eco-friendly activities.
    • Cultural Respect: Respect local customs, traditions, and dress codes.

 

Community Engagement:

    • Volunteer Opportunities: Engage in community service projects or educational programs.
    • Sustainable Practices: Promote and practice sustainability by minimizing waste and conserving resources.
    • Cultural Exchange: Interact with locals, learn about their way of life, and share your experiences.

 

Conclusion;

  • Dream Destination: Kashmir’s beauty, culture, and hospitality make it a must-visit destination.
  • Memorable Experience: From the majestic landscapes to the warm people, every aspect of Kashmir leaves a lasting impression.
  • Travel Tips: Plan your trip according to the season, book accommodations in advance, and always stay informed about the local situation.

 

Additional Information;

 

Cuisine:

    • Traditional Dishes: Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Dum Aloo, and Kashmiri Pulao.
    • Beverages: Kahwa (Kashmiri tea) and Noon Chai (salted tea).
    • Street Food: Seekh Kebabs, Nadru Monje (lotus stem fritters), and Bakarkhani (Kashmiri bread).

 

Cultural Experiences:

    • Handicrafts: Pashmina shawls, carpets, papier-mâché items, and wood carvings.
    • Festivals: Navroz, Eid, and Tulip Festival.

 

Adventure Activities:

    • Trekking: Popular trails include the Great Lakes Trek, Tarsar Marsar Trek, and Kashmir Alpine Lakes Trek.
    • Rafting: White-water rafting in Lidder and Sindh rivers.
    • Paragliding: Available in places like Sanasar and Harwan.

 

Wildlife:

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