An Ultimate Post-Covid Travel Guide To Kashmir: Practicing The New Normal In This Paradise

For mountains, snow-filled adventures, innovative cable car rides, and thoughtful living, Kashmir is particularly crisp for being ridiculously pretty. There’s something intrinsically soothing about a Gondola ride in the Dal lake and there’s unnamed magic in the Rogan Josh brimming with flavours. When the lockdown protocol was initiated in March, Kashmir was hard-hit by the sudden halt of tourism activities but is now re-opening slowly with a motto of safety first which is exactly what this post-covid travel guide to Kashmir will navigate you through. 

If you are fantasising to spend some quality time in paradise then travellers must take a sneak peek into the Kashmir travel guidelines. Now that every state is easing their restrictions, the government of Jammu and Kashmir is has announced guidelines for Unlock 5 that include several relaxations to invite tourists for the late-autumn and winter season.

Read below for a detailed Covid-19 travel guide to Kashmir for your post-pandemic travel planning.

Kashmir Travel Advisory During Covid-19

Kashmir’s state borders are now open for domestic tourists and travelers as international travel remains closed. Member Secretary State Executive Committee, Simrandeep Singh had announced a list of permitted and non-permitted activities with more relaxation of inter-state and intra-state travel. Here is a list of the latest travel advisory issued by the state government of Kashmir:

• • Tourists from other states are allowed to enter Kashmir without any covid negative report.
  • Travellers do not require an E-pass to enter the state.
  • All passengers are required to undergo the COVID-19 Test at Srinagar & Jammu Airport.
  • Air India flight operations resumed from Kashmir to other cities.
  • Every passenger must fill the ICMR form on their arrival.
  • There’s no curfew in the state currently.
  • All travelers are subjected to mandatory Covid-19 antigen tests.
  • Travellers visiting south Kashmir must carry vaccination certificates.
  • Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi is now open for visitors.
  • The Gulmarg Gondola is now open for travelers.
  • Shikaras rides are now operational in Dal Lake.
  • Buses, autorickshaws, and cabs are operational in the state.
  • Local trains are operating on a limited schedule to and from the state.
  • There is no limitation on interstate travel by flight, train, or road.

Must Read: Winter In Kashmir In 2021: 8 Things To Do On Your Vacation!

Best Time To Visit

Gaining an insight into Kashmir quarantine rules before planning to visit the divine beauty on earth will give you a clear understanding of the right time to visit the engrossed heaven on this planet. The best time to visit Kashmir is from March to October when the tourist season is at its peak and the alpine valleys are booming with sunshine and lush countryside. The climate is not too hot or not too cold and is perfect for sightseeing.

How To Reach

Kashmir travel restrictions will let the tourists travel safely creating a positive impact on their travel experiences. The state of Kashmir has removed all major travel restrictions for domestic travellers. The authorities have also introduced a fine for those who are not wearing their mask during commute/entering the border.

• Travelers can take a flight from to the Srinagar Airport which is the sole airport in the state of Kashmir. If possible carry a negative Covid-19 test report for hassle-free boarding or else undergo the mandatory temperature check at the airport.
• There are also a limited number of trains operating to Kashmir and you must check the availability on the IRCTC website before booking.
• If you are planning to travel by road, you can hire a car or drive yourself from the state border to your accommodation. There will be temperature screenings at certain checkpoints and you must wear your mask at all times until you reach your destination.

Getting Around

All the travellers who are keen to explore the enthralling Kashmir must take note of travel guidelines in Jammu and Kashmir during the pandemic. There are multiple modes of transportation available for travelers who want to go around Kashmir. You can rent a bike from travel dealers for an affordable price, hire auto-rickshaws, take private cabs for a more comfortable journey and also travel by the SRTC local buses operated by the state. If you want to take photographs on the road, you can also hire jeeps which are very popular in Kashmir.

Suggested Read: 9 Breathtaking Places To Visit In Kashmir In May That Must Be On Every Traveler’s List

Places To Visit In Kashmir During Covid-19

Think of this as your starting point to the most epic expedition you will ever take in your life. From being immersed in nature and Kashmir’s way of life, to hiking in some of the most picturesque parts of the state, there is plenty to explore, many cuisines to try and culture to absorb. No doubt COVID-19 has put brakes on the travelling experiences yet Kashmir tourism guidelines will let the tourists ease the travel and will also aid in preventing the spread.

As Kashmir is reopening, the way we approach travel might have changed but the beauty of the places remains the same. If you are planning to make a trip to Kashmir anytime soon, make sure you travel to these must-visit places like the Dal Lake, Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Betaab Valley which are some of the most visited destinations.

Things To Do In Kashmir During Covid-19

Kashmir travel guidelines latest will let the tourists explore the best of Jammu and Kashmir under fresh restrictions. From the stunning sight of massive valleys and mountain peaks to sunlit summer nights walking through the traditional markets in the state, Kashmir is a perfect destination for both short getaways and long-staycations that you will never forget. Besides the enchanting beauty and tempting places to visit, the first and foremost priority is the safety of the travellers and the people of the state. There is no better amenity than health and it is something we all must agree to pull through this pandemic.

If you are planning a trip to Kashmir in the upcoming months or maybe in the next year, here’s a list of some of the best things to do in what some people refer to as “heaven on earth.”

• Trekking Chadar Lake
• A Houseboat staycation
• Trip to Shalimar Bagh
• Gondola rides in Gulmarg
• Shikara Ride in Dal Lake

Suggested Read: 3 Best Places For River Rafting In Kashmir In 2022 For An Adventurous Vacay

Accommodation

If you are looking to book a hotel or Airbnb during your travels in the state of Kashmir, make sure you get your room in advance and fill out the mandatory documentation like any contact tracing forms or checks you may require. All hotels are now following the government advisory for reopening which includes a deep sanitization process during and after every guest, limited capacity of beds, closure of community areas like pools and gyms, and contact tracing.

Here is a list of measures that the state of Kashmir has implemented on the hotel industry for safe and secure travel:

• Temperature screening at the time of check-in and sometimes also during check-out
• Sanitizer availability at the hotel and inside all the rooms
• Disposable gloves mandatory for hotel staff at bar and restaurant
• Contact tracing forms at every hotel

Restaurants

The hospitality industry in Kashmir is reopening but the safety of the travelers and staff remains a key priority. While some of the big-league restaurants are back to normal functioning with a limited capacity, many of the food outlets have moved to delivery-only or takeaway facilities. Food franchises are also operational and open for customers with social distance seating and disposable cutlery to avoid any transmission. You can also see this list of some amazing restaurants in Kashmir that you must try.

Suggested Read: 7 Adventure Sports In Kashmir To Let Your Inner Adventurer Out In 2022

What To Pack

If you are planning a trip to Kashmir soon, you will need to pack a few extra items in your backpack considering the ongoing pandemic. The most important thing during your travel is to minimize the risk of becoming unwell as well as keeping others around you safe. Here’s Tour TravelH otels’s comprehensive list of things to pack:

• Winter clothing, warmers, boots, and scarfs for travel in the snowy areas
• A pack of disposable face masks or 2-3 reusable face masks
• Sanitizer for personal use
• Sanitizing solution for outdoor/surface use
• A personal PPE kit that will include a face shield, sanitizer sachets, and a pair of disposable glove for flight, train, or any kind of commute

Travel Checklist

• Book your travel and accommodation in advance.
• Talk with your hotel/Airbnb about their sanitizing facilities and the Covid-19 related precautions they are taking.
• Download the Arogya Setu app on your mobile phone.
• Try to get tested before your travel and keep the Covid-19 negative certificate handy during your commute.
• Find the latest information about containment zones in Kashmir as non-essential travel is not allowed in any of the zones.

Covid-19 Prerequisites And Consequences In Kashmir

• All passengers traveling domestically to Kashmir must undergo thermal screening before they can enter the border.
• If the temperature recorded is higher than the required number, you will be asked to take a Covid-19 RT-PCR test for which you will bear the cost of the test and any commute you may have to undertake. If negative, you will be allowed to travel to your destination. If the result shows positive, the state protocol for Covid-19 will be followed.
• It is mandatory for everyone to wear a mask in public and you may incur a fine or penalty.

Further Travel Tips

• When at the beach or visiting an attraction, make sure you follow the safety marks on the floor or walls of the place for social distancing.
• If you are planning to take a cable car ride or Gondola ride, make sure that they are not overcrowded and inform yourself about the safety precautions the operators are taking during your ride.
• People over the age of 65 or children under the age of 10 are advised not to undertake non-essential travel.

Further Read: Here’s Why Kashmir Is Called Heaven On Earth

Kashmir has always been one of the most popular destinations for both domestic and international travelers and during the pandemic, we have heard the yearnings of many who want to explore or maybe revisit this beautiful place. In uncertain times like these, what we advise is informed and meticulous planning before your departure, another reason why this guide is your go-do link for the most updated travel information. Plan your dream trip to Kashmir now.

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