Is it safe to visit Kashmir now?

Kashmir is a politically sensitive location, there is no doubt about it. As we planned our 9 days trip to Kashmir with family and kids, there were several apprehensions in our mind. There was a bomb blast in one of the main markets and a few targeted killings few days before we visited here. And then just a day before our trip there was a blast in the parking of Tulip Gardens of Srinagar , where we very much had plans to visit. To be honest, at times, we even wondered if we should shift the dates of our travel or cancel our trip altogether. But finally we took the plunge. And, here we are. Back to our home all safe and sound. Ready to share our experience with you. And help you decide how safe is it to visit Kashmir or how safe is Srinagar to travel.

The local people of Kashmir

We found the people of Kashmir one of the most warm hearted, welcoming and helping. Particularly they are so generous towards tourists. In fact, they want more and more tourists to come visit their land. In short, they are just like me and you. Of course the political turmoil and the sensitive atmosphere disturbs and irritates them now and then. But, they are strong people. They will not show you their pain or frustration. Everything they do, they say, they talk about is what makes you feel comfortable and at home while you are in Kashmir.

Our cab driver who was with us for the complete duration of our trip even called us after we reached back home to enquire on us. And told that the next time we come back to visit, he wants to take us to his home and meet his family! We have been to so many other places in India. And hired cabs for those trips. Like on our trip to Meghalaya, our cab driver was with us for 4 full days. On our trips to Palampur and then to Shimla and Manali, the same cab driver was assigned to us. So, we spent close to 15 days with him in total across the two trips. And then there are so many other examples. But this is the first and only time we saw such a gesture extended by our cab driver!

When we were in Gulmarg, some of us were caught in a snow storm while others were trying to get to the base station of Gondola amid utter rush. That is where our guide helped us through, performing much beyond what his duty required. He was with us at every step. Did multiple rounds of Gondola Cable car up and down until our complete group reached back to Gulmarg safely. And also helped arrange snack and water for kids in the moment of crisis.

Anywhere we went, anything we needed, we were met with utter warmth. And the hospitality everywhere was top notch. Even the restaurant owners and shopkeepers are very helping and very generous. So is every common person. So, rest assured that the moment you arrive in Kashmir, there will be people to help you, to extend their generosity and to welcome you at each and every step of your Kashmir trip.

Is Srinagar safe to visit

Srinagar is the capital of the state of Jammu & Kashmir. And hence one of the most sensitive areas. So, as you land here, you see a lot of army people deployed. And a CRPF personnel deployed at almost every few yards in each and every street. And you see a lot of army and CRPF caravans crossing as you drive through the roads of Kashmir. But rest assured, common life is going on unaltered around all this. We didn’t notice anything out of place, didn’t experience anything out of place.

Watch: Our vlogs on our trip across Srinagar

 

 

 

We spent one complete day sightseeing in Srinagar, but didn’t find anything unusual anywhere. Yes, we took precautions while we were in Srinagar. Precautions that one usually takes at any other location in India as well. For instance, one evening we ventured out to find a particular restaurant which serves Kashmiri cuisine. But we came to the end of the buzzing street and the road ahead looked dark and deserted. So, we changed our plans. And instead had dinner on the main road opposite Dal Lake. Even when taking a Shikara ride on Dal Lake, we ensured we finish the ride in the usual evening hours when there was a lot of buzz around.

We also had early dinners and returned back to our hotel by 8:30pm max. Around 9:30pm, we used to get calls from the hotel reception in each of the rooms confirming that the guests had arrived back safely. And after that around 10:00pm, they used to close and lock their main gate.

We didn’t discuss sensitive issues with the locals. Also, we were mindful and respectful of their culture and each individual’s opinion on matters. Afterall, everyone has the right to exercise their freedom of speech.

A week before we visited Srinagar, there was a bomb blast in one of the main market areas. So, we avoided the main market areas while shopping. And mostly stuck to the safer surroundings of Dal Lake.

What are the safe places to visit in Kashmir

Apart from Srinagar, we stayed in Pahalgam and Gulmarg. Both of these areas are fully dependent on tourism for their economy. And both of these are small towns, almost villages. We felt completely safe and secure while staying in these areas. It felt like any other usual tourist location while we were here. So, safety also depends on which areas you are visiting in Kashmir.

Related read:

A day exploring 4 surreal valleys of Pahalgam

Our complete guide to the Gulmarg Gondola Ride

While clashes, stone pelting and encounters do happen in Kashmir now and then. They are more localised to some of the bigger and more commercial towns like Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla etc. And the smaller tourist locations seem to be perfectly safe. While in Pahalgam, we stayed in Oswal Cottage, a small scale homestay kind of place which was located almost 2km from the main market area. And we also took a sightseeing trip in Pahalgam exploring Aru Valley, Betab Valley and Chandanwari. Our experience in Pahalgam was fabulous.

In Gulmarg, we took the Gulmarg Gondola and again stayed in a low key hotel – Pine View. Once again, it is a complete resort town. And there was not even a remote sign of anything unusual.

Usually the tourists visit Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Doodhpathri etc. It’s good to stick to the usual tourist locations for a first time visitor at least.

How to take care of your safety in Kashmir

After visiting Kashmir, now I understand what other tourists and travellers meant when they said it is completely safe to visit Kashmir. What we hear in media and news is highlights of one off incidences now and then. But, the daily life in Kashmir seems as usual as any other part of India. And the locals want tourism to thrive. Because it is one of the main sources of their income. Having said that, it is important to take certain precautions when visiting Kashmir to take care of your safety. Most of these are precautions that you will take while visiting anywhere else in India. Like,

1. Don’t venture out in unknown streets or at night or roam around in deserted and isolated areas
2. Report suspected objects if you see them anywhere in public places like an abandoned bag
3. Keep phone numbers of your travel agent, hotel, taxi driver etc. handy with you all the time
4. When in doubt talk to locals and heed to their suggestions
5. For shopping etc. stick to the less crowded places and avoid the main crowded local markets
6. We booked our hotels and cab ourselves. If you are not comfortable doing that, then choose a reputed travel agency to avoid last minute hassles, cancellations or change of plan etc.
7. Be respectful of local culture and customs of the people. Dress modestly and be friendly.
8. Keep an eye on the news. And keep your plan little dynamic.
9. If there are curfews , they are very strictly followed. So, adjust your plan accordingly in case there’s a curfew imposed while you are there.

 

Hope this writeup helps you evaluate if you were also wondering “is it safe to visit Kashmir”.

Booking Resources

On our own trip to Kashmir, we booked most of the hotels online from booking.com. These were comfortable and economical stays near main markets and in core tourist areas, which were safer. In Srinagar, we stayed at Hotel Walisons and later at Chicago Group of Houseboats. Read our complete experience staying in the houseboat. You can browse list of other hotels in Srinagar by clicking here. In Pahalgam we stayed at Oswal Cottage. Click here to browse the list of stay options in Pahalgam. In Gulmarg at Hotel Pine View. Here’s a list of hotels to stay in Gulmarg. Do make your bookings in advance. And choose cancellable options. This will give you the flexibility to alter your trip or even cancel it till last moment as required.

 

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