After much contemplation and speculation, you have finally chosen Kashmir as your destination. Paradise on Earth awaits you and we will make sure that your plan works out by creating a timeline and guiding you step by step. 

Pre-trip jitters are no strangers to us, which is why, it is essential to prep yourself way before the travel date! Here are a few tips to make yourself trip-ready and ensure that everything is in place before the D-day! Be it two weeks prior to the trip or just a few days before it, we have got you covered with all the necessities that you need to look into. 

Two Weeks Prior to your Kashmir Trip

Here are some questions that you may have before you head on to the fun trip in Kashmir. 

What Should I pack?

• Woollen clothes and scarves to keep you warm
• Umbrella and raincoats, if travelling between April and June
• Avoid carrying heels and go for flats or sports shoes
• Trekking boots if you plan to go on a hike
• Smart sun gear, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Whether you’re travelling by road, air or train, tit- bits to munch on the way will help while away time

What Is The Maximum Luggage Allowed By Airlines And How Many Kgs?

• Your luggage should not weigh more than 15 kgs for check-in bags
• For cabin baggage, 1 hand baggage and one laptop bag or purse is typically allowed

However, please check the luggage rules of the airline you are flying as these tend to differ across carriers.

Two To Three Days Before The Trip

Power Banks And Adapters

You need to make sure that you are accessible at all times. It is essential to stay connected with the people you are travelling with and to have access to information while on the go. Hence, make sure that your power banks are always charged in case your phone batteries run out during the trip. You do not want a dead phone when you reach an unknown destination. Also, do not forget to carry universal plug chargers and adapters. You will usually find two and three round pin plugs used in Kashmir.

Toiletries 

• Hand sanitiser is a must to free yourself from any germs you may have been exposed to during the trip. 
• Toothpaste and toothbrush, though available in the hotel, is a cleaner option if it’s your own. 
• A sunscreen and moisturiser always to protect your skin from the sun.
• Your own face wash, which you can use anywhere and anytime during the trip to feel fresh. 
• Shampoo and conditioner, since you know your hair type best; the hotel provided ones may not suit your skin.
• Your personal hair comb or brush, which ideally, must not be shared with anyone. 

Clothes

• Heavy woollen clothes for the winter, thermals and zippers
• Light weight clothes for the summer
• A wide-brimmed hat for protection against the heat and sunrays
• Flats and sports shoes
• Scarves, mufflers or mittens

Medicines

Always keep a first aid kit bag handy with you in case of any emergencies.

• Pain killers
• Antiseptic cream
• Safety pins
• Crepe rolled bandages 
• Skin rash cream
• Cough and cold medicines
• Cold creams/lip guard
• Prescribed medicines with the prescription
• Antidiarrheal medicine

The Day Of Travel

Food

Carry some ready to eat food like biscuits, nuts, sandwiches or rolls to keep your stomach full during the trip and just in case the airlines food doesn’t suit you. Homemade food is safer as you do not want an upset stomach on a flight or a train. Do carry some sweets, toffees or candies in case you feel nauseous while on the road.

Important Documents

• Valid photo identification and address proofs such as your passport, pan card, adhaar card or driving licence, to get onto that plane or even to get access to certain places in Kashmir.
• A printout of your ticket no matter how you are travelling - be it by road, railways or air. 
• Photocopies of important documents such as your tickets, passports, valid photo identification proofs, credit/debit/forex cards, and hotel and other sightseeing bookings
• Scanned copies of the above, which must be emailed to yourself 

Insurance

God forbid, if unwanted circumstances interrupt your trip or cut it short after the bookings have been made, travel insurance is a way to get some of your money back. Most domestic travel insurance companies in India provide you services such as medical assistance on your phone across the country and reimbursement of medical costs during the trip, no matter where you are.

Important Numbers

Always keep handy the numbers of the local Consulate, police and other emergency services as well as of the travel consultants and agents you have organised your trip through. 

Hotel Bookings

Confirm your hotel bookings and ask for the payment receipt or booking voucher before you reach your destination. Some also provide pick up and drop facilities from and to the airport. SOTC also organises hotel bookings for you as a part of its holiday packages. 

Cash/Card

Credit cards are accepted by most hotels and restaurants in Kashmir. You will also find 24/7 ATMs. MasterCard and Visa are the widely accepted credit cards in Kashmir. However, it is advisable to carry some cash if you plan to head to remote areas.

During The Trip

If you are visiting Kashmir, learning a few Kashmiri/Koshur phrases could prove to be handy for you. Here are some phrases in the most widely spoken language in Kashmir:

• Hello/Good Morning- Assalām 'alaikum, Namaskār, Aadaab
• My name is – Me chu nav
• Where- Kati?
• Do you speak English? - Tohy chivā angrīzī bolān?

However, Urdu and Hindi are also languages spoken in Kashmir. 

Tips For Travelling In Kashmir

Head to Srinagar; take the shikara ride and visit the Moghul gardens. Visit Gulmarg and engage in some skiing, mountain biking and trekking. Go to the golden meadows of Sonmarg and take some nature walks with your family. 

Getting around - The most convenient way to explore Kashmir would be to hop on to the minibuses and taxis available.  If you want to engage in some sightseeing, do so in the state luxury buses operated by J&K Tourism Development Corporation.  Hire a tourist taxi if you wish to go on trips and excursions. 

Some food specialities of Kashmir include Modur Pulav, Yakhni (yoghurt lamb curry), Dum Olav and Kashmiri Muji Gaad.

Do take some time out to take a piece of this paradise home. Buy pashmina shawls, vintage maps of Kashmir and red Kashmiri chillies. 

Tipping - It is not really necessary to tip the waiters in Kashmir. However, it is almost always appreciated. 10% of a bill is considered to be acceptable. 

Social Etiquette

• Try not to point your feet towards people or deities or touching anybody with them.
• Do ask people before you take pictures of ceremonies and sacred sites.
• Do remove your shoes before you enter places of worship or people’s homes.
• Do say namaste or salaam alaikum while greeting people. 

Cost of living in Kashmir

• A double hotel room would cost around INR1500-5000.
• A meal in a local restaurant would go up to INR600-1500 and local taxis/autorickshaws would cost INR 500-2000, depending on the distance.
• If you want to travel at your own pace, hiring a taxi/driver would cost INR 2000 per day.

Please note that these costs are only indicative and are subject to change.

When to visit Kashmir

• June to August has tourists in large numbers with many sightseeing options and is the perfect weather to take a shikara ride. 
• The winter season in Kashmir takes place from December to February and is the best time to enjoy snowfall.

A Glimpse Into Kashmir's Culture Through Art

• Movies – Jab Tak Hai Jaan starring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma captures the picturesque locations of Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg.
• Music- Jiya Re from Jab Tak Hai Jaan was shot at Dal Lake and captured the beauty of shikaras.