http://www.indiamike.com/india Discuss the safety of Kashmir and life on Dal Lake en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:14:32 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.indiamike.com/india/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.indiamike.com/india http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/manali-to-kashmir-t95781/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:23:27 GMT [b]Im planning to travel from Manali to kashmir in december around 15th.

1) Need to know the best route.
2) Will the bus service be available at that time.
3) Any chances of road block.

Please help. We will be two of us travelling, so need to know the best option ]]> richahansraj http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/manali-to-kashmir-t95781/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/srinagar-leh-closure-2009-a-t95619/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:28:16 GMT Road marker now saying closed at leh.nic.in , hardly surprising after last events at the Zoji La ...details on my blog after brekfast. Road marker now saying closed at leh.nic.in , hardly surprising after last events at the Zoji La ...details on my blog after brekfast. ]]> vistet http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/srinagar-leh-closure-2009-a-t95619/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/photographs-of-kashmir-srinagar-sonamarg-and-pahalgam-in-spring-t95545/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:41:10 GMT Some photographs I took in Kashmir last year are linked here. We visited Srinagar, Sonamarg and Pahalgam during our 8-day stay. http://transientlight.blogspot.com/2009/02/srinagar-and-dal-lake.html http://transientlight.blogspot.com/2009/02/pahalgam.html http://transientlight.blogspot.com/2009/02/sonamarg.html Regards, Nilangsu Some photographs I took in Kashmir last year are linked here. We visited Srinagar, Sonamarg and Pahalgam during our 8-day stay.

http://transientlight.blogspot.com/2...-dal-lake.html

http://transientlight.blogspot.com/2.../pahalgam.html

http://transientlight.blogspot.com/2.../sonamarg.html

Regards,
Nilangsu ]]> Nilangsu http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/photographs-of-kashmir-srinagar-sonamarg-and-pahalgam-in-spring-t95545/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/kashmir-trip-planning-for-end-of-nov-2009-a-t95376/ Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:21:31 GMT Hi I know I am planning pretty late..me planning for a kashmir trip with my wife and parents post vaishno devi darshan... have got a deal from the heevan resort people for a hotel at pahalgam, gulmarg and srinagar (for 2 nights each at each of the places) @3300/-...just wished to know if it is worth it? Also, they have arranged for a houseboat @2200 per night.... and lastly they have charged rs. 2000 per day *8 days = rs 16,000/- only for the scorpio vehicle... just wished to know if the above is worth it? I am thinking of opting for the JKTDC tourist bungalow instead of the heevan group... can someone please suggest something quickly..... many thanks Hi
I know I am planning pretty late..me planning for a kashmir trip with my wife and parents post vaishno devi darshan...
have got a deal from the heevan resort people for a hotel at pahalgam, gulmarg and srinagar (for 2 nights each at each of the places) @3300/-...just wished to know if it is worth it? Also, they have arranged for a houseboat @2200 per night....
and lastly they have charged rs. 2000 per day *8 days = rs 16,000/- only for the scorpio vehicle...

just wished to know if the above is worth it? I am thinking of opting for the JKTDC tourist bungalow instead of the heevan group...

can someone please suggest something quickly.....

many thanks ]]> strikethis http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/kashmir-trip-planning-for-end-of-nov-2009-a-t95376/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/kashmir-amazing-t95319/ Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:11:23 GMT I finally made this much awaited to Trip to Kashmir with family in Oct End...Only one word to describe everything...Awesome....I visited, Srinagar, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, Gulmarg. Firstly, May be Oct end is not the best time to visit Kashmir. It is neither green nor white (snow) this time. March-May/June should be the ideal time to visit Kashmir. then the temperatures are around 10-25 degrees (Oct 2-15 degrees) hence bearable, and there is both snow and greenery to be seen. Nevertheless, the experience was truly mesmerizing, something that I will remember through out my life. This is how I will describe Kashmir..things to do…must places to visit… Srinagar….. Dal lake is beautiful, but a little soiled now with house boats and markets etc build up…still worth a Shikara ride… Then there are these gardens..very beautiful, but all very similar, you can see one and skip others… Parimahal and Chashme sahi, OK for evening visit, but wont miss much if you skip the same….Tulip garden in Apr-Jun period must visit…..Lal Chowk the commercial or market area, can be visited for some shopping…but one is always skeptical visiting there, especially with so much of military around…. One should not spend more than 1 day in Srinagar, if time is a constraint..there are better places to vist… Sonamarg... the drive from Srinagar to Sonamarg is awesome, with a roaring river running parallel to you. Being the road to Leh, Ladhak, it is heavily guarded by military and long convoys can slow your vehicle speed considerably….At Sonamarg, you will have to hire warm clothes and horses to reach the mountains….We saw very little snow, as most of it had melted and fresh snow fall was yet to commence….Visit Sonamarg only in March-Aug period, when there will be tons of snow all around. Gulmarg....beautiful town, big pine trees all around... 10kms of winding roads from Tanmarg to Gulmarg is just amazing….Gulmarg is like a meadow with greenery all around. During winters one can see 3-6 ft snow all around, yes outside your hotel room as well…. For excursion, Gandola is the main attraction here...Phase 1 from 7k ft to 10k ft escalaltion...phase 2 from 10k feet to 13.5k ft escalaltion. dont miss the 2nd phase. from 1st phase one should visit the water fall named after Baba Reshi...Awesome place. One day is required to do excursion, one extra day for rest and soaking in the beauty will help…. Pahalgam... the best of all 3 places.. Much more developed, larger stay options, eating options, places to see options... Lidder river, runs across the town... must visit place is boisara.. a large meadow (must be some acres of green land), pine trees, and snow clad mountains behind. In March-April, this green turns to white with around 8ft of snow, and sledging and skiing becomining popular activites. Betaab valley, Kashmir Valley etc are good visits too. trekking options are amazing from snow point tops... Must must explore during summers… Lots of stories in Pahalgam about Leopards and Tigers and Bears coming in village areas and hunting humans....beware during trekking and odd hours. Sringar to Pahalagam road is where you will find, Apple orchids, Saffron fields, Cricket bats.. People.... locals are very very nice to you. They are simple, not cheater types and you simply love their hospitality...they will ensure that they deliver the service for what you are paying….gestures like visiting an extra point with you, allowing you a kg of extra apples from farm (we got some 7kgs to pluck for the price of 5kgs from farm), proves that… At Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, horsebacks is the common source for excursion and those are reserved for locals… you feel to know the horse owners make as little as 2-2.5k a month and are without tourists for 3-4 months of the year while they put up enough hard work of pulling horses in those terrain walking... no they don’t make stories to get that extra buck from you… Safety...Army personnel (one every 200 meters) are everywhere and they brave out these difficult climates to protect us all (and let me say this, they do a fantastic job) and are always smiling at tourist and ready to click a snap with you. But at the same time their presence makes one subconscious of the fact that something is wrong here…. Why So beautiful...Maybe the beauty of Kashmir is such because there is very little commercialisation. Tourist from Metro cites haven’t flocked in huge numbers and corrupted the environment yet….Government has taken care that de-forestation is not allowed and that locals are well taken care of……I havent visited Switzerland, but can say for sure, it cant beat Kashmir for Natural beauty...And being indian, this is a much better place to visit. Nature is at its best here, Rivers, snow clad mountains, pine trees, glaciers, desert rocky mountains, amazing flora, fauna..just beautiful.. Kashmir is a Must, Must, Visit... Just make sure there are no Minister visits, strikes, bandhs during your visit days…. March-June is the perfect time to go. Ideal itenary should be..Day 1 Srinagar Airport - Direct transfer to Gulmarg (1-3 nights stay) Day 3 - Gulmarg to Pahalgam (2-4 nights stay) Day 6- Sringar (Sonamarg and back) Day 7 - Srinagar (Dal Lake, Nageen Lake, Tulip Garden, Shankaracharya Mandir etc) Day 8 - Srinagar Airport. If there are additional days…Yusmarg, Wular Lake etc can be incorporated.. Cheers.. VishalSurana I finally made this much awaited to Trip to Kashmir with family in Oct End...Only one word to describe everything...Awesome....I visited, Srinagar, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, Gulmarg.

Firstly, May be Oct end is not the best time to visit Kashmir. It is neither green nor white (snow) this time. March-May/June should be the ideal time to visit Kashmir. then the temperatures are around 10-25 degrees (Oct 2-15 degrees) hence bearable, and there is both snow and greenery to be seen.

Nevertheless, the experience was truly mesmerizing, something that I will remember through out my life. This is how I will describe Kashmir..things to do…must places to visit…

Srinagar….. Dal lake is beautiful, but a little soiled now with house boats and markets etc build up…still worth a Shikara ride… Then there are these gardens..very beautiful, but all very similar, you can see one and skip others… Parimahal and Chashme sahi, OK for evening visit, but wont miss much if you skip the same….Tulip garden in Apr-Jun period must visit…..Lal Chowk the commercial or market area, can be visited for some shopping…but one is always skeptical visiting there, especially with so much of military around…. One should not spend more than 1 day in Srinagar, if time is a constraint..there are better places to vist…

Sonamarg... the drive from Srinagar to Sonamarg is awesome, with a roaring river running parallel to you. Being the road to Leh, Ladhak, it is heavily guarded by military and long convoys can slow your vehicle speed considerably….At Sonamarg, you will have to hire warm clothes and horses to reach the mountains….We saw very little snow, as most of it had melted and fresh snow fall was yet to commence….Visit Sonamarg only in March-Aug period, when there will be tons of snow all around.


Gulmarg....beautiful town, big pine trees all around... 10kms of winding roads from Tanmarg to Gulmarg is just amazing….Gulmarg is like a meadow with greenery all around. During winters one can see 3-6 ft snow all around, yes outside your hotel room as well…. For excursion, Gandola is the main attraction here...Phase 1 from 7k ft to 10k ft escalaltion...phase 2 from 10k feet to 13.5k ft escalaltion. dont miss the 2nd phase. from 1st phase one should visit the water fall named after Baba Reshi...Awesome place. One day is required to do excursion, one extra day for rest and soaking in the beauty will help….

Pahalgam... the best of all 3 places.. Much more developed, larger stay options, eating options, places to see options... Lidder river, runs across the town... must visit place is boisara.. a large meadow (must be some acres of green land), pine trees, and snow clad mountains behind. In March-April, this green turns to white with around 8ft of snow, and sledging and skiing becomining popular activites. Betaab valley, Kashmir Valley etc are good visits too. trekking options are amazing from snow point tops... Must must explore during summers…
Lots of stories in Pahalgam about Leopards and Tigers and Bears coming in village areas and hunting humans....beware during trekking and odd hours. Sringar to Pahalagam road is where you will find, Apple orchids, Saffron fields, Cricket bats..


People.... locals are very very nice to you. They are simple, not cheater types and you simply love their hospitality...they will ensure that they deliver the service for what you are paying….gestures like visiting an extra point with you, allowing you a kg of extra apples from farm (we got some 7kgs to pluck for the price of 5kgs from farm), proves that… At Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, horsebacks is the common source for excursion and those are reserved for locals… you feel to know the horse owners make as little as 2-2.5k a month and are without tourists for 3-4 months of the year while they put up enough hard work of pulling horses in those terrain walking... no they don’t make stories to get that extra buck from you…

Safety...Army personnel (one every 200 meters) are everywhere and they brave out these difficult climates to protect us all (and let me say this, they do a fantastic job) and are always smiling at tourist and ready to click a snap with you. But at the same time their presence makes one subconscious of the fact that something is wrong here….

Why So beautiful...Maybe the beauty of Kashmir is such because there is very little commercialisation. Tourist from Metro cites haven’t flocked in huge numbers and corrupted the environment yet….Government has taken care that de-forestation is not allowed and that locals are well taken care of……I havent visited Switzerland, but can say for sure, it cant beat Kashmir for Natural beauty...And being indian, this is a much better place to visit. Nature is at its best here, Rivers, snow clad mountains, pine trees, glaciers, desert rocky mountains, amazing flora, fauna..just beautiful..

Kashmir is a Must, Must, Visit... Just make sure there are no Minister visits, strikes, bandhs during your visit days….

March-June is the perfect time to go.
Ideal itenary should be..Day 1 Srinagar Airport - Direct transfer to Gulmarg (1-3 nights stay)
Day 3 - Gulmarg to Pahalgam (2-4 nights stay)
Day 6- Sringar (Sonamarg and back)
Day 7 - Srinagar (Dal Lake, Nageen Lake, Tulip Garden, Shankaracharya Mandir etc)
Day 8 - Srinagar Airport.
If there are additional days…Yusmarg, Wular Lake etc can be incorporated..

Cheers..

VishalSurana ]]> vishalsurana http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/kashmir-amazing-t95319/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/where-to-stay-in-daksum-t95103/ Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:15:25 GMT Eight of us are planning to make a trip to J&K in end March & early April 2010. we generally plan to visit Jammu,Vaisnodevi,Srinagar,Gulm arg & Pahalgam. We were wondering if any fellow travweller can throw some light on :

1. Whether there is any chance of getting snow in any of the above places around that time?
2. Stay possibility (for a day each) at Aru (near pahalgam and Daksum with availabilty of basic food
3. Names and contact Nos. of budget accomodations at those places

Thanks in anticipation ]]> anirban1954 http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/where-to-stay-in-daksum-t95103/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/kashmir-in-march-t95040/ Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:41:57 GMT Hi everyone ..... We are planning for a Kashmir trip March 1st Week. My only concern is the amount of snow that time of the year. Can we go to places like Gulmarg and Sonmarg that time. I was told that in january end road to Sonmarg gets blocked. Can anybody throw some light into that? Regards Samya......... Hi everyone .....

We are planning for a Kashmir trip March 1st Week.

My only concern is the amount of snow that time of the year.

Can we go to places like Gulmarg and Sonmarg that time.

I was told that in january end road to Sonmarg gets blocked.

Can anybody throw some light into that?

Regards
Samya......... ]]> samya.indya http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/kashmir-in-march-t95040/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/leh-sightseeing-t95001/ Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:17:48 GMT Hi guys.. Which are the must see places in and around leh? I have 3 days for leh. Also, can i take my own vehicle for sightseeing? Or i need to hire local taxi's? ]]> vic86m http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/leh-sightseeing-t95001/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/june-2010-leh-ladakh-t94921/ Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:38:11 GMT Hi guys,
I'm planning for Leh by road from Manali in June nxt yr..
the highway usually opens in late may (I'm not sure though..)

Query: We are in a group of 9 and will book a Qualis/Tavera/Sumo.. But instead of that, i can opt for The Local Taxi's..
Has any 1 been there by local taxis i.e Sumo/Qualis etc?
What is the Charge p.p?

Also if i go by booking Car for My CHD-Manali-Leh-Srinagar itenerary, can i take the Same Suv for local sightseening aka the Nubra vallye, Kahrdungla, Panong etc.. I'm confused about this coz i have heard that only Leh Local taxis are allowed to do so.. Is it?

If it is, I would prefer local seat sharing basis taxi from Manali!!
please highlight.. ]]> vic86m http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/june-2010-leh-ladakh-t94921/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/guide-book-t94817/ Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:05:51 GMT Is there a guide book with a good section on Kashmir and Jammu. Thanks for any suggestions. Is there a guide book with a good section on Kashmir and Jammu.
Thanks for any suggestions. ]]> oamaru http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/guide-book-t94817/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/help-on-bike-trip-from-delhi-to-leh-in-2010-a-t94332/ Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:53:17 GMT :namaste:
a friend n I wanna take a 12-15 day bike trip from delhi to leh via manali in 2010. we plan to hire the bike from delhi and carry onwards.We're both novices who have ridden bike for 9 of the 25 yrs :cool: of our lives but never taken such a trip....

We needed to know::confused: :confused: :confused:
1.when is the earliest it is possible to leave(considering most of the roads open only after june)
2.what would be the approx cost/person for such a trip (bike rent/fuel cost/boarding n lodging)
3.where would we get the bike on rent from (reputed dealer/s in delhi)
4.Is a honda unicorn/bajaj pulsar suitable for such a trip(we're not really accustomed to the bullet)
5.Can two ppl carry out such a trip on a single bike?
6.Is a tent an essential(considering were both gonna be on 1 bike..if possible)
7.As we we reach remote locations can we charge cell phones, torchlights, etc. ]]> MPM http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/help-on-bike-trip-from-delhi-to-leh-in-2010-a-t94332/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/help-for-kashmir-dec-09-new-years-skiing-house-boats-etc-t94072/ Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:35:00 GMT hello,

I am planning a trip into Kashmir via Srinagar in Dec. Now i am interested to get the very best out of my tour so i would like to understand if:

a. Dec 20th - Jan 3rd:is this a good time climate / safety wise to be there. by safety i mean personal safety to move from one place to another by car (snow fall / road blocks)
b. New Years day celebrations - any particular place to visit (age group 24 - 29), good and modern environment only (clubs / parties etc...).
c. Skiing in Gulmarg - is this safe and cost effective.
If so can someone please provide a rough cost estimate for day's trip/training and rentals of equipment would come to.
d. What and When is Kashmir Snow Festival held?

Is 12 days too much or can we add more places other than those in Jammu & Kashmir (Gulmarg, Sonamarg, pehelgam etc... all included already).

thank you very much in advance :) .

All suggestions and comments are most welcome

Rgds,
Ronnie ]]> Ronnie_Ron http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/help-for-kashmir-dec-09-new-years-skiing-house-boats-etc-t94072/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/advice-needed-for-kashmir-tour-t93834/ Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:18:50 GMT Hi Guys, Please help me with planning my kashmir tour 15dec - 19Dec. I want to visit Gulmarg, Srinagar, Pahalgam, Sonmarg.. let me know if there are other good places to visit. Good Hotels/accomodations details. Hi Guys,
Please help me with planning my kashmir tour 15dec - 19Dec.
I want to visit Gulmarg, Srinagar, Pahalgam, Sonmarg..
let me know if there are other good places to visit.
Good Hotels/accomodations details. ]]> nandish http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/advice-needed-for-kashmir-tour-t93834/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/pls-suggest-on-my-travel-to-j-and-k-in-nov-09-a-t93824/ Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:42:47 GMT Hi Frnds,
Pls advice on my itenary prepared,which hotels shu i book n where,shud i book a package tour?.any other places to visit if m missing any1.hw abt my road travelling, book a vehicle at my disposal or any other means.

16th Day-1.[/b][/b]Mumbai to jammu to katra. Hotel check-in, rest, relax, local shopping, dinner.
9:00 pm leave to Vaishnov devi temple.

17th Day-2.
Early morng reach temple, relax, freshen up, darshan, etc. 11-12:00pm after breakfast & relaxation leave back to katra. Approx 4pm reach hotel relax, rest, evening shopping & dinner in local market. Overnite at hotel in katra.

18th Day-3. Katra to Pahalgam via (visiting) Patni top.
Early morng after breakfast, pack ur bags & leave to patni top. Site seeing, etc & roaming around patni top. Proceed to pahalgam.overnite in hotel at pahalgam.

19th Day-4. Pahalgam.
Relaxed and lazy morng breakfast. Visit Chandanwari for a magnificient view of Lidder valley. visit Avantipur Ruins & view Pampor saffron fields. Late evening free for relaxation, dinner & overnite at hotel.

20th Day-5. Pahalgam to gulmarg.
Leave early, After breakfast. Proceed to gulmarg. Enroute view apple orchards,golf course and one may experience the longest cable car ride up to Khilanmarg snow point. overnite at hotel in gulmarg.

21st Day-6 Gulmarg.
Relaxed lazy late morng, Full day excursion to Gulmarg often called “Meadows of Flowers” site seeing in gulmarg, local market, etc overnite at hotel in gulmarg.

22nd Day-7 Gulmarg to srinagar.
Leave early, after breakfast, proceed to Srinagar. Check-in at the house boat. Evening enjoy Shikara Ride & speed boat ride on Dal Lake. Over night at the houseboat.

23rd Day-8 Srinagar.
Lazy relaxed morng, local market shopping.Proceed to Srinagar airport.

Thx a ton guys in adv.
Dhiraj.


Moderator Note:
Please do not use SMS language or abbreviations on IndiaMike. The language of this Forum is English, since we have members of all nationalities and age groups. For the enjoyment and easy understanding of all members, please take the time and the trouble to spell out your posts in full English. Thanks. ]]> Dhiraj http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/pls-suggest-on-my-travel-to-j-and-k-in-nov-09-a-t93824/ http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/prepaid-mobiles-in-kashmir-t93664/ Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:43:27 GMT Is there any problem with prepaid connections in kashmir.? I was told by one of my friend that only postpaid connections work there.. Is that true.? I have a cellone connection with roaming.. Is there any problem with prepaid connections in kashmir.?
I was told by one of my friend that only postpaid connections work there..
Is that true.?
I have a cellone connection with roaming.. ]]> tittooraju http://www.indiamike.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-f30/prepaid-mobiles-in-kashmir-t93664/