I still remember the very first time when I landed in Kashmir in 2011. I was completely blown away by the beauty of the place. It was a family trip back then and we tried to cover as many places as we could. Though this time around it was more of a luxurious and relaxing trip.
Gulmarg was blanketed with a fresh layer of snow and looked straight out of a winter wonderland. When I posted photos on my Instagram and Facebook page many could not fathom that it was our very own India.
Here is the picture that I posted on my Instagram account.
I had always wanted to revisit Kashmir. Sam and I were supposed to travel to Gulmarg, last year in March, but we had to cancel our trip due to the unrest in the valley. Then again in August, we were supposed to fly but that trip had to be canceled as well.
So finally, when last month I got an invite from The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa to visit Gulmarg in April, I could not pass on the opportunity and I am glad that I didn’t. Though until the last minute we were a bit skeptical about the situation as it was election time and the news of the constant pelting of stones in Srinagar, was doing the rounds on national media. All this news led to more confusion in our planning. Even a strike was called on the day we were traveling. My parents were not that keen on me visiting Kashmir. But I was a bit adamant as I had always wanted to visit Gulmarg during winter and the recent snowfall pictures floating around the internet were enough to fuel my wanderlust.
In fact, after revisiting Kashmir and returning safely, I can say for sure that Kashmir is safe for tourists and I was pleasantly surprised to see so many tourists. The stories that the media portrays are actually not the real picture. I don’t deny the fact that there is no unrest in the valley but it is limited to certain areas only.
Coming to the packing scene, I did pack my winter coats, and beanies but fortunately, it was not freezing. Evenings were definitely cold but days were warm and pleasant.
Packing for Kashmir changes with every season.
Pack your winter clothing if you are visiting during the winter months. Post-April, pack a winter jacket for evenings and snow boots especially if you are visiting Gondola and Sonamarg -Thajiwas Glacier.
( Read: Ultimate Guide for Packing for Winter )
NOTE
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You look so pretty Swati! What I love best is how comfortable you look. The pop of yellow is great too.
Surprised that it wasn’t too cold. Before I read this piece, whenever I saw your photos I aways wondered how come you weren’t freezing.
I am so blown by the beauty of Kashmir. I love the ambience too. Nice photos! btw, I love your comfy outfit.
Kashmir looks beautiful and picturesque. No wonder that you have mentioned that were a lot of tourists.
I like your outfits especially the floral dress. It goes well with your sunglasses, beanie, and boots.
Kashmir certainly does look like an incredible place and you’ve certainly managed to capture it with your snaps. Of course, you look wonderful yourself and those sunglasses are particularly cute. Not too sure about lying down in the snow for a fashion shoot however!
Love the simple, elegant LBD! Against the white snow, the contrasting black looks stunning. The yellow gives the perfect dose of color & vibrancy! Overall, both the outfits are stunning and you looks fantastic!
You must be immune to cold, it’s refreshing to see someone fashionably in to me ‘less desired’ areas. I honestly love fashion, but I would look like a homeless person. so maybe I don’t love it as much as you.
I love mountains and snowy destinations and after reading this post and looking the photos, I must give Kashmir a go. It looks so beautiful in the snow. 🙂
Your pictures are stunning! I love snow, and sometimes we don’t get much where I live, so I miss it. I would certainly get my snow fix there! Looks like you had a wonderful trip!
Wow, that landscape looks stunning! Must have been amazing to be surrounded by those snow covered mountains! I have not heard much about Kashmir from a tourist perspective, so it’s nice to get a better idea just how beautiful it is. Thanks for sharing and for the packing tips!
You are right. I would have never imagined snow in Kashmir! I must admit, though, I haven’t heard a lot about Kashmir either. Snowmobiling is such fun and this looks like a great place to carve some powder! Can visitors also ski? I love getting out on the slopes and I’m always looking for interesting places to ski.
I have to admit that, as a Canadian, the idea of traveling to a destination where there is snow isn’t that appealing. We get so much at home! But I love how this post shows that every country has so many unique climate regions – there’s snow and sun and so much more in every country around the world.
Your pictures of Kasmir are quite spectacular. I’m quite surprised to see all the snow and it is quite pretty. Was it cold? I would have expected that you would have been more bundled up. Regardless, glad you were able to get in and out safely, given that you were traveling at a time of unrest. Thanks for the introduction to Kasmir.
Wow, that’s in India? Then I must go! Been wanting to go to a place with snow. And Kashmir definitely fits the description of winter wonderland.
I love your floral dress and yellow vest–great looks and so versatile! I didn’t realize it would be so snowy in Kashmir. It’s great to hear so many tourists are visiting there and that it’s safe for travel.
I love your yellow Herno! Looking very chic for the snow! I’ve heard so much about Kashmir, and agree that it seems to change quite dramatically with every season. I would love to visit, thankyou for the links to replicate your look!
Kashmir looks so beautiful and nice to hear it is safe for travel. I love big snowy mountains. That dress and yellow vest are so cute!
That sure is a lovely look for this place. Loved the yellow one in. Particular. Beautiful pics
Kashmir is sheer love! The beauty can never be described in words. I am so glad you went and portrayed the real scene for tourists. The white blanket of snow indeed looks mesmerising. Love your outfits! The yellow jacket looks chic! Thanks for mentioning where to buy it! 🙂
Who knew, all you hear about Kashmir is the conflict. It goes to show that what you hear in the media isn’t the whole truth.
I love your snazzy look, chic and winter I’ve never mastered. So I really appreciate the links to have a crack at actually looking alright in layers. Stunning photos too.
I tend to avoid snow when traveling but it seems as though I have been traveling to snowy locals recently, i will add this to list of possibilities!
I was once in Leh Ladakh in India and it is close to kashmir. It was a beautiful place. Your photos look a bit similar to the places I have seen. The scenery is stunning and you look very stylish in the snow.
Kashmir looks so enchantingly beautiful in the winter. What a lovely place in India, so unfortunate it has been plagued by unrest.But it is good that you have visited and can vouch for the safety of the region for travelers. We do not always get the right picture from the media.
Kashmir is beautiful, even more so with snow. It must’ve been so cold in the snow…
Heavenly place and lovely pics! I so want to visit Kashmir next.
I haven’t looked into Kashmir as a destination much, but I’ve seen it in pictures quite often and it seems like a great place to visit. I’m not sure if I”d want to go in all that snow though. Your outfit is very nice!
What a beautiful part of the world! I love snowy holidays so will definitely bookmark this. Also, I love your yellow vest 🙂 Thanks for sharing and happy travels.
I really wish I made it to Kashmir on my travels to India, looks like such a beautiful place. Great packing suggestions!
Really nice pictures and good packing ideas for Kashmir thanks for sharing.
Glad you liked 🙂
heaven of the earth i.e kashmir, love ur blog its fantastic place n as well as ur picture.
Nice pics. I love Kashmir. But I never visit this place, due to my busy schedule. After seeing the beauty of Kashmir in your blog , I also plan to visit this place in next week. I am very much excited to visit this beautiful Heaven.