Kashmir Trip in October 2012

Hi Everyone,

I am planning to travel to Srinagar and Vaishno Devi Temple, during first week of October 2012. We are two families, nearly seven persons.

Anyone else, planning to visit Kashmir during this time?

Looks like there won't be any snow during that time. Is it so?

I am planning to book houseboats after arriving at Srinagar. Will it be fine?

Though I am planning to book hotel on the internet, can hotels be booked on arrival?

Experts, please help out.

There would not be any snow during this period.
You can book houseboat/hotel after arrival. You can bargain in this period and save some money of course if you are not travelling with kids/senior citizens.

Dear Vijaykrishnan ji

I think Vermaji said is right.
i have also planned my kashmir and vaishnodevi trip in Oct i.e from 7th to 14th Oct.
Regarding hotel, i booked hotel on internet forsrinagar and for pahalgam through local agent at pune.
transportation will be at actual (budgeted).

thanks vermasanjay41. There are varied views on hotels. Importantly, what I hear is that the internet prices are not the real on-the-ground prices regarding hotels. I am looking for a hotel room in the range of Rs 1.5-2.5 K, depending of-course on facilities. Any ides?

Thanks kedar1582. I will be traveling in the first week itself. I will arrive on 2nd afternoon. But is it necessary to stay in Pahalgam? I had planned to travel to Pahalgam with Srinagar as base. Some say, if one need to choose between Sonamarg and Pahalgam, Sonamarg is better. Any idea on this issue?

I have only 2 full days and a half day. I am planning to travel from Srinagar to Katra by road. Generally, not assuming any traffice jam, what would be the traveling time by personal vehicle?

Dear Vijaykrishnanji,

we are also going first time in kashmir however i have gathered lot of info about kashmir.
In srinagar you can easily get a hotel between your specified range.
As far as my knowledge pahalgam is must and 1 day is too short for pahalgam.
i will spend 1.5 day but it seems too shaort to me.
i will be in pahalgam from 7 and 8. 9-12 srinagar and 13th at katra.

October is a peak season in kashmir. keeping in mind all this i didnt want to take risk so i booked hotels before as we are only 2 pax going to kashmir.
we have decided to manage transport preferebly public transport to sonmarg and gulmarg.
Everyone is saying that there are remote chances of seeing ICE in october.
Srinagar to katra will take 9-10 Hrs.

i am too visiting kashmir 28th of october this year............... can i get snow?
can i experience chill temperature?
from where can i shop among punjab, jammu, kashmir, delhi?
please reply...................

Srinagar temperature may vary between 2 to 4 degree Celsius on lower end and 17 to 21 on higher end.

During last week of october what temperature can we expect ? light woollens enough ?

thank you.....