Planning Your Trip To Kashmir: A Step-By-Step Guide
Note: Prepaid SIM will not work in Jammu and Kashmir due to security concerns from the government of India. You need to carry a postpaid or pre-on-post SIM to stay connected.
Whether you’re a first-time or a frequent traveller. I have covered everything from start to end, where to stay in Kashmir, the best places to visit and attractions so if you’re planning a family vacation, honeymoon trip or an adventurous travel Kashmir has everything to offer you.
This is one of the most asked questions – how do you plan a trip to Kashmir
Firstly decide the date of the journey and then for how many days you are planning to visit Kashmir. Once you have your itinerary planned, look for a tour operator that offers Kashmir tour packages with custom itineraries to help you plan your trip.
Yes, many tour operators in Kashmir offer complete tour packages that include transport, accommodations, and activities. These packages can be customised as per your preference and interest.
It’s a good idea to book your tour package early, especially if you’re travelling during peak tourist season which starts from April to July Mid.
A Complete Checklist for Your Kashmir Trip
There are many different things to know before going to Kashmir. I will help you to give a good idea of how you should plan your trip before visiting Kashmir.
- One of the major things you need to know before going there are your travel documents–carry copies of your ID card, passport, visa, and vaccination records.
- Carry some cash in your wallet for small purchases like eating out or buying water when you travel outside of Srinagar city.
- Get knowledge about all major tourist places before visit which will allow you to make informed decisions during the trip.
- If you are going to visit religious places in Kashmir, it is best to carry a head scarf (Hijab). However, covering your head with a hijab is not mandatory for all women. In fact, many women choose not to cover their heads at all when visiting holy places in Kashmir.
- If you’re travelling in winter, you should carry heavy woollen clothes, thick socks, warm caps, hand gloves, jackets, and pullovers. (Recommended November to March.)
- If you’re travelling during summer, pack lightweight clothes such as jeans, T-shirts, shorts, cotton clothes and half-sleeved shirts.
- Below I have written a complete guide about what type of clothes to carry in summer and winter.
Pro Tip
You should always keep enough cash with you while travelling, cash is the most common form of payment in this region. You can easily find ATMs and banks throughout the region. There are many ATM locations, which are located close to every bus stop, ATM machine inside a bank or at a convenience store.
Jammu and Kashmir Bank is the major bank of Kashmir. There is an ATM near you in the radius of 3km in the Valley. Find Nearest ATMS
Clothes to Carry a Season Wise Guide for your Kashmir Trip
Kashmir has four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and winter. Spring begins in March and ends in mid-May. Summer starts in May and ends in September. Autumn begins in September and ends in November. Winter begins in November and ends in February
Below is a list of what type of clothes you can carry for a Kashmir trip during each season
Spring (March to Mid-May): The weather has finally started to warm up. Here are a few ideas: lightweight jackets, shirts, jeans, sweaters, and warm socks.
Summer (End May to Mid Oct): is a time of fun and relaxation, but also high temperatures. Wearing lightweight, cotton clothes such as t-shirts and shorts along with comfortable shoes like joggers and sneakers will keep you cool and comfortable as you head outdoors, while sunglasses and a sun hat protect your eyes from the sun.
Autumn (Oct to Mid-Nov): The weather in the Kashmir valley is constantly changing. It can be cold in the morning and evening. It’s best to pack thick sweaters and jackets for both mornings and evenings. But while travelling to Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg, heavy woollen clothing should be in your luggage.
Winter (Nov to Mid Feb): Kashmir is a popular destination during the wintertime and while there are some things that you shouldn’t forget to pack, others might be harder to find. Just Pack like pro-must-have items you should carry during your Kashmir winter trip.
Travelling in Kashmir requires proper protection in winter. You should carry heavy wool clothing: mufflers, warmers, wool socks, jackets, sweaters, cardigans, pullovers, warm gloves, and fur shoes.
I have written above an entire guide for each month’s clothing recommendations. I hope this covers everything about what to pack in your luggage for your Kashmir trip.
Discover the Best Places to Visit in Kashmir That Everyone Loves to Explore
1. Srinagar City of Lakes
Srinagar city is known for its lakes, gardens, and houseboats. It is situated on the banks of the Jhelum River and has a population of about 1.6 million people.
Here are the list of top places to visit in Srinagar:
- Lal Chowk
- Dal Lake
- Nigeen Lake
- Shankaracharya Temple
- Hazratbal masjid
- Gurudwara Patshahi Chevin Rainawari
- Roza Bal – Tomb of Jesus Christ
- Pari Mahal
- Nishat Bagh Mughal Garden
- Shalimar Bagh Mughal Gardens
- Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
- Chashma Shahi Garden
- Hari Parbat / Koh-i-Maran Fort
- Jamia Masjid Srinagar
- Dachigam National Park
3. Gulmarg Meadow of Flowers
Gulmarg is a popular hill station in Kashmir and has been named a must-visit destination by many travel magazines which is known for its scenic beauty and snow-capped mountains.
Gulmarg is the favourite bucket list place of adventure seekers and snow skiing enthusiasts which offers a range of jaw-dropping activities such as paragliding, heli-skiing, golfing, hiking and trekking.
Places to Visit in Gulmarg
- Gulmarg Gondola
- Khilanmarg
- Gulmarg Children Park
- Strawberry Valley
- Gulmarg Golf Club
- St. Mary Church
- Ziarat of Baba Reshi
- Gulmarg Ski Resort Apharwat Peak
- Mohinishwar Shivalaya Shiv Mandir
3. Pahalgam Valley of Shepherds
Pahalgam is known as the valley of Shepherds, and a starting point of Shri Amarnath Cave Temple Yatra. It is surrounded by many mountain ranges including Kolahoi Peak. It is also known as the valley of two rivers, one flowing from each side of the village, Lidder river which separates the Pahalgam into two parts. The town is famous for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, especially its ancient temples.
Things to do in Pahalgam are:
- Lidder River
- Betaab Valley
- Aru Valley
- Mamaleshwar Temple
- Chandanwari
- Lidder Amusement Park
- Horse Riding
- Baisaran Hills
- Trout Fishing
- Camping
- Trekking
- Golfing
- Amaranth Yatra ( June to August )
4. sonmarg Meadow of Gold
Sonmarg known also Meadow of Gold this beautiful hill station is located in the district Ganderbal and situated at the altitude of 2,730 meters (8,956 feet) above sea level, the distance from Srinagar is around 2 hr 13 min (79.5 km) via NH1.
The hillstation is especially made for adventure lovers visitors can easily enjoy advnetures activities here such as trekking to Kashmir great lakes, white water rafting or exploring Thajjwas Glacier through horseback riding.
The best time to visit Sonmarg is from May to September when the weather is pleasant and the skies are blue and clear, so carry warm clothes the temperature can drop significantly during the summer months
Things to do in Sonmarg
- Thajiwas Glacier Trek
- Amarnath Cave Trek
- Nilagrad River Trail
- Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
- Pony riding
- White water rafting
- Zero point Zoji La Pass
- Baltal Valley
- Camping & Mountain biking
- Fly fishing
The Best Time of Year to Visit Kashmir
Kashmir is a beautiful place that has been on the top of every traveller’s bucket list of friends and families, Honeymoon couples, Hikers, Trekkers, and nature lovers. Kashmir’s climate changes drastically with the seasons. The best time to visit Kashmir is during Spring, Summer and Autumn (May to October.) During these months, you can expect mild weather and clear skies which allow you to visit all major tourist destinations of Kashmir.
Expert Advice:
The best time of year to visit Kashmir depends on your preferences and what you want to do while there. If you are looking for snow then November till February would be good but if you want warm weather then May till October would be the best time of year for you to visit Kashmir.
It is always good to plan your trip in advance so you don’t miss out on anything that you want to do during your stay.
Which Tour Operators Can Help You Plan Your Trip to Kashmir
There are likely many tour operators who can help you plan a trip to Kashmir. It would be best to do some research and compare different tour operators to find one that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Some things you may want to consider when choosing a tour operator include their reputation, the quality of their services, the cost of their tours, and the types of experiences they offer.
The best tour operators for Kashmir are as follows:
Yo Kashmir Tour and Travel is the leading travel operator in the valley. We pride ourselves on providing the best service to our clients. Our team of experts have the knowledge and expertise to create a customised tour package that fits your needs and budget.
1st Floor Abdullah Complex Imran Complex Mehjoor Nagar Jammu and Kashmir India 190015
+919055055556
Kashmir Exotica Tour and Travels
Owned by Shahnawaz Peerzada a leading and awarding winning travel operator from Jammu & Kashmir
Address: C3 2nd floor, Dar Complex, Boulevard Rad d, behind Sicop, Gagribal, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001
Phone: 97977 77719
Our packages include comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, convenient transportation, and a variety of exciting activities. Let us help you experience the best of what Kashmir has to offer. Contact us today to start planning your dream vacation.
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