Is Kashmir safe to travel now?

Essential Safety Guidelines & Ground Rules (2026)

If you are planning a journey to Kashmir this season, here are the non-negotiable operational ground rules every traveler should follow:

• Book with Registered Local Operators: Use verified Srinagar-based tour providers, registered houseboats, and licensed union transport rather than relying solely on automated apps or middleman aggregators.
• Stay on the Main Circuit: Stick to well-traveled tourist zones like Srinagar (Dal Lake, Nigeen, Mughal Gardens), Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, and avoid venturing into unmapped border or restricted military areas.
• Keep Plans Flexible: Road conditions (such as the NH-44 Jammu–Srinagar highway or winter Tangmarg snow passes) can experience delays or weather-related closures. Always maintain a buffer day.
• Emergency Contacts: Keep the Tourist Police number handy (0194-2477224, 0194-2452640 or dial 112). Tourist Reception Centre (TRC Srinagar) can be reached at 0194-2502279 / 0194-2502281.
• Carry Original Photo ID Always: Government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar or Passport) is required at airport security, highway checkpoints, and Gulmarg Gondola boarding gates.

What changed after April 2025

After the Baisaran attack, the Jammu & Kashmir government closed close to fifty tourist sites for a security review. Reopening started in stages: a first group in 2025, fourteen more in February 2026 including Yusmarg, Doodhpathri and Wular, with the government saying it aimed to reopen the remaining sites by mid-2026. Some individual spots, including Baisaran itself for long periods, stayed closed.

For travellers this mostly means one thing: the place in a brochure may not be open on the day you arrive. That is why we check.

What we check before every trip

• Government orders on which tourist sites and trails are open, and at what hours.
• Road status: the Jammu–Srinagar highway, Zojila for Ladakh, Razdan pass for Gurez, and the Mughal Road.
• Weather warnings: snow, heavy rain and landslide alerts.
• Local conditions in each place on your route, from drivers and hotels we work with.
• Event-related restrictions, such as yatra convoys and security arrangements around major dates.

If something on your plan is closed or doubtful, we tell you before you travel and swap it, rather than finding out at a barrier.

Confirm access for your exact route

We do not maintain a live clearance or opening-status feed. For Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Gurez, confirm the exact attraction, route and travel date with the relevant local authorities. Foreign visitors must independently confirm nationality-specific access and permit requirements.

Other disruptions to plan for

Alongside security risks and restrictions, plan for weather delays, landslides, overcharging and altitude-related problems on high routes. Keep time buffers and reconfirm transport and access before setting out.

• Use registered taxis, ponies and guides at fixed union rates; agree the price before you start.
• Carry original photo ID and cooperate at checkpoints; they are routine.
• Avoid protests and large gatherings, as you would anywhere.
• Buy travel insurance and check that it covers the region.
• Keep a buffer day at the end of winter trips.

If you are visiting from abroad

The UK and US advisories checked on 1 November 2026 cover the main Kashmir tourist circuit, not just the border. Read our foreign-visitor advisory guide and your own government’s current advice, and check insurance coverage before committing to travel. Confirm access and permit requirements with the relevant authorities.