Kashmir for first-timers: Dal Lake, Gulmarg and Pahalgam

For many Bangladeshi travellers, Kashmir is the trip they have been promising themselves for years. It lives up to it. Wide green valleys, pine forests, rivers running clear over stones and, depending on when you go, snow deep enough to play in. The key to a good first trip is choosing your season well and not trying to see everything at once.

Srinagar and Dal Lake

Most trips begin in Srinagar, and most people spend at least one night on a houseboat on Dal Lake or nearby Nagin Lake. These carved wooden boats are moored along the shore, and staying on one is a highlight in itself. Take a shikara, the small painted boat, out in the early morning when the floating vegetable market is busy and the water is still.

On land, the Mughal gardens are worth an afternoon. Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh step down towards the lake in terraces of lawns and fountains. Hazratbal Shrine, on the lake's northern shore, is an important place of worship, so dress modestly and follow local guidance when visiting.

Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg

These three hill resorts are usually visited as day trips or short stays from Srinagar. Each has its own character:

• Gulmarg is a high meadow ringed by forest. Its gondola cable car climbs towards the peaks, and in winter it becomes one of South Asia's best-known snow destinations. In summer the meadows are green and dotted with flowers.
• Pahalgam sits beside the Lidder river and is the most relaxed of the three. Betaab Valley and Aru Valley nearby are easy, beautiful outings, and it is a good place to slow down for a night or two.
• Sonamarg, the 'meadow of gold', lies on the road towards Ladakh, with the Thajiwas glacier a pony ride or walk away. The road can close in heavy snow, so it is mainly a spring-to-autumn destination.

Pony rides and local guides are offered everywhere. Agree the route and the fare clearly before you set off, and only go as far as everyone in your group is comfortable with.

Choosing your season

Kashmir changes completely through the year, so decide first what you want to see.

• Winter (roughly December to February): snow, frozen landscapes and skiing at Gulmarg. Very cold, and some roads may close after heavy snowfall.
• Spring (March to April): snow melting on the hills and gardens coming into bloom. The tulip garden in Srinagar is a big draw around this time.
• Summer (May to August): green meadows, mild days and every road open. This is the busiest period, so book houseboats and hotels early.
• Autumn (September to November): the chinar trees turn red and gold, the air is crisp and crowds thin out.

Want to touch snow? Go in winter or early spring. Want walks in green meadows? Go in summer.

Warm clothes and packing

Even in summer, mornings and evenings in the mountains are cool, and the weather can change quickly. Pack layers rather than one heavy coat:

1. Thermal inner wear, a fleece or sweater, and a warm jacket. In winter, a proper padded or down jacket.
2. Waterproof shoes with good grip, plus warm socks. Snow boots can usually be hired locally in winter.
3. A woollen cap, gloves and a scarf or shawl.
4. Sunglasses and sunscreen, because sun on snow is bright.
5. Any regular medicines, and something for motion sickness on winding mountain roads.

Some prepaid mobile connections from outside the region may not work in Kashmir, so arrange a way to stay in touch with your hotel and driver before you go.

Getting there and the Indian visa

From Dhaka, the usual route is to fly to Kolkata or Delhi and connect on a domestic flight to Srinagar. A week is a comfortable length for a first trip: a couple of nights in Srinagar, then Gulmarg and Pahalgam, with time to rest in between.

You will need an Indian visa. The application process and the documents asked for change from time to time, and travel advisories for the region can also change. Softway Travels checks the current rules and the latest situation when you book, and our visa team can help you prepare the application.

Softway Travels can plan and book your whole Kashmir holiday, including flights, a houseboat night, hotels and a driver for the valleys. Start with our Kashmir package and tell us which season you have in mind.