As beautiful and breathtaking Kashmir is, traveling there should come with preparations
Truly a heaven on Earth, Kashmir’s landscapes and natural beauty attracts everyone. Natural springs, lushness of valleys, towering mountains, flora and fauna, everything about it is out of a fairy tale. It is a traveler’s hub and for the right reasons.
For the intrepid traveler, Kashmir is an irresistible siren song, beckoning adventurers to explore its pristine beauty. This region thrives on tourism, and rightly so, given the wealth of natural wonders it holds. Yet, as with any travel destination, there are insider tips to heed and potential pitfalls to avoid. To make the most of your journey through this paradise, we've compiled a list of essential considerations. To navigate the landscapes and culture of Kashmir with grace, take heed of these valuable insights.
Kashmir frequently faces power cuts, particularly in hill stations like Sonamarg and Pahalgam. To ensure you're never left with a dead phone, always carry a power bank. Additionally, bring extra memory cards for your camera, as electronics markets can be limited. Protect your camera from sudden rains by investing in a waterproof camera bag.
While you'll find ATMs in Srinagar, accessing them can be more challenging in other areas. To avoid any financial hiccups, ensure you carry sufficient cash, particularly for settling hotel payments, as automated debit machines may not always be available.
Remember that prepaid SIM cards might not work due to roaming restrictions. Opt for a postpaid connection before travelling. Enquire about which connection works best in Kashmir.
When visiting religious sites, especially in a culturally sensitive place like Kashmir, it's respectful for women to carry and wear a headscarf.
Even if you have reserved a taxi for your journey, there are places like Gulmarg and Pahalgam where only union cabs are allowed. You will have to ditch your hired taxi and reserve union cabs t locally sightsee in these places. Make sure to bargain the price because they tend to overcharge a lot. Sometimes, hotels have union cab contacts that provide hasslefree and reasonably priced transportation.
While your driver or guide may offer to take you to specific shops, be cautious. This could be a tourist trap where they receive commissions for your purchases, potentially leading to higher prices. Your driver might tempt you with bigger discounts at his chosen shops but politely choose to decline and go do independent shopping on your own.
Srinagar Airport typically involves several security checks before you can board your flight. There is a full baggage check when you enter the airport and the normal checks inside the airport. To ensure a smooth departure, it's advisable to arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours in advance. Additionally, make sure your hand-carry luggage is stamped at security checks to avoid any issues.
Given the hilly terrain and potential for walking to sights in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg, it's essential you have good footwear. Opt for lightweight boots to ensure comfort and safety, especially if you encounter water streams or puddles.
Bargain like never before. Knowing you are tourist, shops will tag you at a higher price. Start your negotiations by quoting half of the seller's initial price, and if you're a foreign tourist, you can often begin with one-third of the quoted price. Keep in mind that if you don't strike a deal at one shop, move on to other stores where you might find more favorable prices.
Most places tend to close down by 8-9 in the evening. If you plan to order food via delivery apps note that most restaurants or cafes stop deliveries after 7-8 PM. Try to place orders before closing time so you don’t go hungry at night.
