Kashmir is called the heaven on earth. Most of the people who have heard about Kashmir want to visit there at least for a single time.
Unfortunately not everyone can succeed to visit there considering daily life’s activities, or monetary eligibility, or do not want the journey hassle, or something else.
But fortunately we had the opportunity to visit Kashmir.
Let’s talk about what you need to know before Kashmir trip?
Very first question is-
What is Kashmir?
Basically Kashmir is a place, a province, of India that consisted with several cities, towns and villages. As per Indian Official structure they call the province as Jummu and Kashmir. Indian government merge 2 different province, Jammu and Kashmir, to make a single province as “Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)”.
But Kashmir are is not limited to only Indian territory, but also Kashmir has her territory in Pakistan and a part in Chaina.
If you want to Kashmir that means you are going to visit cities, towns and villages that are in the Kashmir province.
Second question is-
Why is Kashmir called the heaven on earth?
The simplest answer is, for her natural beauty.
If you ask for how many places can be visited in Kashmir. You will get a lot of options.
But in general sense, Tourists basically find 4 or 5 cities as “must visit” places.
They are – Srinagar, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Dudhpatri, and etc.
I am giving a short intro now but will be sharing details later on.
Srinagar
Srinagar is the primary capital city of Kashmir. Most of the time in a year Srinagar remains the main capital city of Kashmir except for winter season.
In winter, there is so snowfall that Srinagar gets freeze in every places. So, that time Pahalgam City get the title of capital city during the winter. Notable places in Srinagar is Dal Lake Shikara Ride, Dal Lake House Boat, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Sankaracharya Temple, Shalimar Bugh Mughal Garden and so on.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam is the secondary capital city in Kashmir. Specially in the winter. Pahalgam has the most beautiful places in Kashmir.
Notable places are Baicharan Valley (also called as Mini Switzerland), Aru Valley, Betab Valley, Cahndanwari, and so on.
Baicharan Valley requires horse ride or walking ride to reach the sightseeing spot.
Sonamarg
Sonamarg is the place where the most snowfall happens in Kashmir. There is place called “Thajiwas Glacier” that is surrounded by hills.
If you want to go that place you have to cross 2 hills and only then you can get there. Without the help of horse riding it’s become harder to reach there. During winter season, Thajiwas Glacier spot remain closed.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a tourist attraction for the Gondola Ride. There are cable cars the take you to the top of the mountain. You can enjoy the natural beauty from the top of the mountain.
Dudhpatri
Dudhpatri meaning the Valley of Milk. Basically there are waterflows in the lake that seems like milk. Dudhpatri is also a hill station and situated around 30 km away from Srinagar.
What you need to know before Kashmir trip?
There are many things that you have to consider and prepare yourself for the Kashmir trip.
You should remember you are going to visit a remote place where all citizen services may not be available. And sometimes things can get worst.
So, before they Kashmir trip, you should prepare yourself so that you can have all necessary supports with you.
Weather and Climate Condition
First of all, you need to find out which Weather and Climate Condition you will face when you are in Kashmir. A lot of things depend on it. Considering this, you should prepare yourself.
Book Hotel in Advance
You need to find out possible hotels where you can live during the trip.
Most people choose Srinagar as the base place to stay. Because all the places are located around 2-3 hours distance from Srinagar.
If you are to going to Kashmir for a short trip you can choose Srinagar for your base homestay.
But if you have much time you can stay 1-2 nights in each city.
Cloting
Don’t forget take necessary cloths considering the Kashmir’s weather. Because during the winter, there are huge snowfall happens. You should prepare yourself with proper cloths based on the weather of Kashmir.
Identity Card, Passport and Proper Documents
Kashmir is remote and strictly monitored area by the Indian Reserve Police Force (IRPF). So there is a high chance of anytime you can get checked for your valid documents.
So, keep your Identity Card, Passport and Proper Documents handy while you are travelling.
Gondola Ride Tickets in Advance
Make sure you have booked your gondola ride tickets in advance. At least 1-2 Days before the ride.
Because Kashmir is attraction to a huge number of tourists.
Each and every tourist go to the gondola ride. So there is a crisis situation for the tickets.
If you are an indian, you can book your tickets easily but if you are a foreigner, you need to take help from the locals to buy the tickets because of the gondola ride ticket payment systems.
It’s better if you buy the tickets immediately after you reach to Srinagar.
You can ask your hotel stuff to help you buy the tickets. They may help.
Guides & Horse Riding
There are many places in Kashmir where car is unable to reach. The way to reach the spot is whether walking or by horse riding.
Walking is better though but in Kashmir walking and cross hills are not an easy talk for non-locals.
So, easiest way to reach the spot is to rent the horses for ride.
House Boat
Another amazing memorable experience you will have if you stay in house boats for at least one night. It’s highly recommended.
You don’t need to book house boat in advance. Whenever you reach to Srinagar, you can book your house boat by physical visit.
Dal Lake Shikara Ride
Riding on boat on dal lake is called shikara ride. It’s another enjoyable experience in Kashmir.
So, don’t stop yourself to get the experience.
SIM Card & Internet
Kashmir is remote place with exceptional mobile network system.
Prepaid SIM cards don’t work there. If you have a indian post paid SIM card that works fine.
But if don’t have post paid SIM. Buy a SIM card from local shop that could cost you around 300-400 Rupees which is approximately USD 4.5-6.
Know the Currency and Carry Enough Cash
In Kashmir, only indian rupee is acceptable currency.
If you are a foreigner you have to make sure you are carrying Indian Rupees for necessary expenses.
Also, please carry enough cash money. As a remote place, you may not get all necessary citizen advantages available like bank booth or etc.
Though, in some places credit cards are acceptable but not in everywhere.
Negotiate, Negotiate & Negotiate
Whenever you are travelling to Kashmir, the local people will ask for higher prices for every products and services they offer. You need to negotiate a lot to reduce the price.
Sometimes you need to start from the half price of their asking price.
Do not take health risks
As Kashmir is a place where you need to go to the top of the hills for the sightseeing spot.
Not everyone can take this altitude issues easily.
Some people face breathing problem. Specially children.
If you face same type of issues, try to avoid the reaching higher altitude.
Carry Necessary Medicine
Please carry necessary medicine you need.
In winter, the weather get extremely cold. Other seasons may have extreme weather conditions.
Also necessary medicine may not be available in the local shop or market.
It’s wise that you carry necessary medicine.
Ideal No. of Days to Stay in Kashmir
In short tour, 4-5 days may be ok. In this case you can choose Srinagar as your base homestays.
But if you have available time and money, take 10-15 days.
Try to stay 1 or 2 nights in every cities. You will find Kashmir journey amazing.
Reach airport at least 2 hours before the flight
Though Srinagar airport is a small airport. But as there always has huge tourist presence, you should reach the airport at least 2 hours before the flight to complete you security checking.
It would be ideal if you leave your hotel at Srinagar 3 hours before the flight.
You can consider mentioned points before your Kashmir trip.
Kashmir is beautiful place. You will be amazed by the tour.
But you need to be careful.
Try to make you Kashmir tour is a Dream tour.
Do not let the tour be a disaster for you and your family.
Happy Journey.
Good Luck.
So, that’s all for today.
See you in the next article.
Good Bye.