How safe is it to travel to Srinagar and Amarnath Cave trek

mila_asier

On sunday 27 july we are travelling to Srinagar. Our first plan is to travel to Srinagar and trek to Amarnath, but the lastest news (attacts to tourist) I have read are not very good. Should I change plans?

Two 'militants' killed in Ganderbal encounter

flyingearth

hi
i think its ok to trek to amarnath,

mila_asier

Thanks, Flyingearth

I noted we are from Kashmir. I would like you could describe me how tense in the situation in Srinagar. We are living in the north of Spain, Basque Country. This is a little county in which part of the citizens desires indenpendecy from Spain. Unfortunately there is a terrorist group that put booms and kill people, specially militars, police and spanish party politics. Last weekend they put some booms in a beach, but they did not explote. They only wanted to frighten people. Sumimg up, we feel living save, even though this situation.

I would like to know if Kashir is like that or more severe

Thanks

Radjesh

I was in Kashmir in the first week of June, back then it was very normal just like any other Indian city. But now things have changed a little with all these attacks, I feel that these things will always be a part of Kashmir, whether we like it or not. Maybe you can land in Srinagar, assess the situation there, talk with the locals and then decide upon going or not to Amarnath.

__________________

MY 2008 KASHMIR TRIP

mila_asier

HI,

Thank to everybody who advised me in this forum. I have already been in Srinagar and trek to Amarnath Yatra. Both were great. I feel everything quite secure now, although militar control is quite tough. Everybody very nice with us, both kasmiris and pilgrims. Also Militars.

Nick-H

I think the situation in Kashmir has degenerated very recently. I read the other day that a major rail link had been cut.

Up to the minute comment from someone who knows that area and understands the news reports would be invaluable for potential travellers.

__________________
.


Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Ms Princess W

I'll tell you what - once I get there I'd love to be the on-the-spot reporter for IM'ers looking to venture up into the area. For now I rely on my in-laws and our few-to-several times a week phone calls lately! And that information is a bit sparse since my brothers in law are in Ladakh at the moment. Sister in law says east side of Dal Lake is pretty much as it always is, except the schools have been closed for a few days now.

skk

I follow the news at the Indian Express - Today's headline and lede is:

With over 4,500 soldiers called in to maintain peace across Jammu, Kathua and Samba following the Amarnath protests, the Army's presence is at an all-time high in the state.

http://www.indianexpress.com/story/346077.html

Unless one is intimately familiar with the political and religious landscape( e.g. safe roads, Hindu/Muslim neighborhoods, particularly militant ( either way ) areas ), this doesn't look like a tourist spot at the present time to me, especially when the protests and counter-protests are around the Amarnath issue, ostensibly the grant of govt land for tourist facilities.

More news articles are at that link.

-skk

jellydonut

please do report back. i am in the process of planning my first solo trip to india in october. it has always been a dream of mine to see kashmir, so after a little reading of some positive travel blogs i got the urge and purchased a non-refundable one-way ticket to srinagar from mumbai. only hours after booking did i begin to see that the situation seems very volatile and a bit scary. i'm wondering if i should plan on taking the trip or ditching the idea and heading somewhere else. i've still not planned a departure from srinagar...but my intention was to head south via shimla to delhi. thanks.

Brisso

Hey Jelly

I had the same fears a few years ago when I went there.

My experience was that although there was a massive military presence and the odd burned out building, it was safe to move around at will and people were quite relaxed about the whole thing.

Seems to me incidents occur in all types of places around the world - the huge majority of people in those places are not confronted personallly with the sharp realities and live their lives normally.

Don't give up on your dream - I'm sure you will meet other travellers and have an interesting time. Bargain hard - the locals can be very skilled at persuading you to part with more of your dough than you would like.

jellydonut

thanks so much. i tend to be high anxiety anyway, so i was beginning to go off the end...good on'ya.