Kashmir in September

Dear Friends,we plan to visit Kashmir at the end of August or beginning of September 2012 for 5 days only. I am from Chittagong, Bangladesh. With me my wife & 4 years dauther will travel. Pls suggest me whether this season is suitable for us or not. Also pls give some idea on

1.TATKAL TRAIN TICKET OF HIMGIRI EXPESS, 3AC TRAIN FAIR,
2.JAMMU TO KASHMIR TAXI OR BUS FAIR,
3.HOTEL/BOAT RENT IN KASHMIR,
4.REMARKABLE PLACE OF KASHMIR TO VISIT,
5.ANY RESTRICTION FOR BANGLADESHI
5.COST OF FOOD AT KASHMIR,
6.CONDITION OF DRINKING WATER, ETC.

Thank u all in advance

Tuhin

Hi Khokan!

You have posted your quarry in J & K Forum. But have gone through the Forum very meticulously? Most of your quarries are answered in various threads. I suggest you study each and every posts in the thread and if you still have something unanswered, please revert back on this thread for members to respond.

Incidentally, I am also going to Kashmir during September. I have already booked tickets in Himgiri Exp for 18th Sept. I just checked availability of ticket during end-Aug in Himgiri and tickets are reported to be "available". So, if you book your tickts now, there is no need of "Tatkal" booking. For more on "Tatkal", please go to this link: http://www.indianrail.gov.in/tatkal_Scheme.html. Hope, this helps.

Ashish Sir- Have you finalised your trip. I had plan for Sept month end trip to Kashmir but I am a little worried after the militant attack yesterday. Doi you think it is safe to visit now?

The incident referred by you appears to be an isolated one. It has hardly any influence on overall law & order situation in the whole State, specially at tourist spots. I don't think there is any serious reason to be alarmed. As of today, therefore, my program stands firm and I am due to leave on 18th Sept. as planned earlier.

Can you tell me from whom have you booked your itinery? Is it all self managed or through someone like Ajaz Khar who runs the Chicago houseboats

No, no, I had not used any "Agent" or any third party for my booking. I had done all my bookings myself. Let me make it clear that I'm against the use of services of Travel Agents and a firm believer of self-managed trip. I have never, ever used any Travel Agents, either in India or abroad. Even at my age now, I do likewise without any problem. I would like to reiterate that generally speaking I'm in favor of "spot booking" concept, but this time, due to some compelling reasons, I had to pre book hotel at Srinagar only. Hope, this clarifies my position. Thanks.

Ashish Sir Read your Travel plan in one of the links. I just love the thorough preparation from your end.
@All
Coming to my trip. Due to some compelling reasons I had to cancel September end have to postpone the trip to Oct end. I am mostly planning a Oct 23-Oct 29 trip. The flights are working out cheaper if its 29th rather than 28th.
I had made thorough research and decided Sept since I felt its a good time to visit the valley. I was very interested in the covered with view of valley Golden Chinar which If felt would be the case in Sept.

My questions:

1) Would the climate be good in Oct end as well? ( Any chance of Autumn or will I only get to see frozen Dal Lake)
2) Would there be too much of traffic jam in Gulmarg esp for Gondola ride since its Pooja Season?
3)I am checking out hotel options om the hotel booking websit given by someone in IM that has a list of all hotels.Besides also checking Jamal resort? Any reviews about that?
4) MOre than anything else is Oct the best season to go.
Having waited these many years I would not mind waiting 1 more if you all feel its not a good decision to go in Oct.

Thanks

I will be able to answer your queries only when I come back on conclusion of my trip. As regards your questions whether October is good or bad season, I can only say, this season (Autumn), which coincidence with our Durgapuja, people from West Bengal flock to Kashmir and their report suggest that they get enjoyable weather. On that analogy, I would tend to agree that you will get nice weather in Kashmir valley and yes, I think, forget about "seeing frozen Dal Lake", there is no remotest chance of seeing snow anywhere in Srinagar during autumn.

The above notwithstanding, I think our IM veterans like, Prakaant would be more appropriate to answer your questions.

Thank you so much Asish Sir.