After having travelled to as many places as I have, I would still say that if the heavens exist on earth, it must be in Kashmir.
I have travelled to Kashmir twice as a solo female traveller.
The first time was a solo adventure on my 25th birthday when I drove through the beautiful valleys of Pahalgam and commenced on a trek to the Tarsar Marsar Lake. On my second visit, I was accompanied by other travel bloggers for a three-day tour where we spent a day each in Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg.
The autumn was in full bloom, and as the wind blew through the Chinar trees, the mystic allure ignited a sense of belonging in this beautiful place.
As a solo female traveller, I have navigated a lot of questions over the years for Kashmir, such as “is it safe over there?”, “Is it safe for women to travel solo in Kashmir?”, “Aren’t there a lot of issues going on constantly?”. However, the answer has always been the same for me, and that is, yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to Kashmir, even as a solo female traveller.
Kashmir, the ‘Jannat’ on Earth
Walking on wooden planks, watching rows of shikaras, witnessing reflections, crossing paths with a herd of sheep, seeing lotus blossoming when the first ray of sunshine falls upon them- this was what the Kashmir trip looked like.
I will be honest, I was worried at the start of my trip to Kashmir, but it all washed away once I found out how kind the people are. It then dawned on me how overly dramatic our media channels have been. I realised how we all have been told just one side of the story, shown one side of the coin when Kashmir, in reality, is much more than its conflicts and wars.
Staying in a Houseboat in Kashmir: Read my experience here.
Solo travelling, in my opinion, is the best way to understand the culture and a place deeply. I stayed and dined with many other locals in their kitchen, and they would take me around to show me the nearby places.
In this blog, I have noted down everything you need to know about Kashmir and taking a trip to Kashmir as a solo female traveller.
The Real Issue in Kashmir
Why is there unrest in Kashmir, and why are some tourists hesitant to visit this breathtaking place? To understand, we need to go back to 1947, during India’s partition. At the time, Kashmir had a Muslim-majority population but was ruled by a Hindu king, Maharaja Hari Singh. He initially chose to remain independent, neither joining India nor Pakistan. However, after an invasion by Pakistani forces, he sought military help from India, which led to Kashmir’s accession to India. This decision was met with resistance, and over time, dissatisfaction has fuelled unrest.
Divided Opinions
If you ask the locals, you’ll find diverse perspectives. Some want an independent “Azad Kashmir,” while others prefer staying with India. Many just want peace, regardless of political affiliation. Some even believe the unrest is politically motivated to serve vested interests. This ongoing conflict has left many Kashmiris struggling with their identity.
Impact on Tourism
Tourists have occasionally been affected by protests and stone-pelting, often involving misguided youth. However, many travellers, including myself and friends who have stayed in Kashmir for extended periods, have had peaceful experiences.
However, since the removal of Article 370 in August 2019, which revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, the tourism sector has seen a dramatic influx. The government has worked on improving the roadways and infrastructure. Places like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam have seen development with respect to the local economy.
The key takeaway? Kashmiris may have issues with the government, but not with Indians or tourists.
How to Travel to Kashmir Safely?
Research Properly
If you are well prepared about the place, you will be less worried once you reach it. Know about the places you want to visit and the cafes you would want to try. Have a hotel recommendation up your sleeves. One of the suggestions I can give you is to go straight to Dal Lake and talk to your houseboat or hotel manager to gauge the current scenario of the town.
Get a Postpaid Connection
In Kashmir, only postpaid SIM cards and locally issued prepaid SIMs are operational. If you’re using a prepaid SIM from outside Jammu & Kashmir, it will not function due to security regulations. Upon arrival in Srinagar, ensure that you have a postpaid SIM from providers like Airtel, Jio, or BSNL for uninterrupted connectivity.
If you don’t have a postpaid connection, you can get a local prepaid SIM upon submitting valid ID proof, which takes some time for activation.
Additionally, mobile internet services often experience temporary shutdowns due to security reasons, so I would advise you to download offline maps and keep cash on you at all times, in case online payments don’t work.
Have A Local Contact
I know. How will you have a local contact when you have never been to Kashmir? You can read my guide on Srinagar, where I have talked about what I did there and where I stayed. You can find the contact information of the locals over there.
Dress Appropriately
Kashmir is a place where people are deeply connected with their roots and culture. Even though Kashmir is a tourist place, respecting the culture and traditions of the locals will earn you brownie points with them.
I have seen ladies wearing shorts and dresses in Srinagar. But I personally chose to wear suits and salwars to be as involved in the culture as possible. It made me feel comfortable, and since I was staying with locals, it made them feel comfortable as well. Dressing appropriately for any place is the key, and if you happen to go to a dargah or any religious institution, you will not feel out of place as well.
No Late Nights
In Kashmir, the economic activities shut down by 9 PM and are followed by quiet streets. It is better to avoid going outside late. If you have some errands to run, make sure to get them done in the daytime.
Read more tips on solo travels – Nine Solo Travel Tips
Should You Visit Kashmir?
“Idhar tourists ko koi chu bhi nahi sakta” (You cannot even lay a finger on a tourist) – this is what one of the locals told me.
So, if you ask me if you can visit Kashmir, I will say, please do.
Despite whatever news you have heard in the past, there is nowhere like Kashmir, and you do not want to miss out on this place. Now, this does not mean you should visit the place when there is a riot or instability going on.
But when Srinagar is calm, it will make you feel at home like any other place in India. Tourists are respected her,e and their safety is often made a priority.
Kashmir has an undying pull which will keep calling you back if you happen to go there once. I am very fond of this mesmerizing Himalayan state that I consider heaven! I have been loved here, I have felt the warm hospitality of the locals here, I have made friends here, and I have seen the most beautiful and picturesque landscapes here.
Kashmir here is to say, I love you, and I will keep coming back to you!