Safety in Gulmarg

Overall Situation

Gulmarg is generally a safe destination. The local community in the resort is known for its friendliness and warm hospitality. While incidents of theft are rare, they are not unheard of. Gulmarg is situated in close proximity to the so-called "Line of Control," which marks the boundary between the Indian and Pakistani-controlled regions of Kashmir. There is a noticeable military presence in the area. However, the risk of being caught in a full-scale military conflict in the winter months is low, as it's a remote, high-altitude village that is challenging to access due to its mountainous location. With only about 100 permanent residents, it has a limited potential for significant locally triggered acts of violence. Additionally, nonresident workers in the tourist industry typically return to their villages in the valley at the end of the day.

How Safe Is Traveling in Kashmir?

"Safety" is often a concern when planning a trip to Kashmir in detail. However, to date, no foreign tourists have fallen victim to acts of violence in the region. If this were the case, it would likely have garnered global attention.

While it's essential to consider travel advisories for Kashmir issued by state departments and foreign offices, these should be supplemented with independent assessments. A trip to Kashmir does involve some non-negligible but manageable risks, which can be significantly reduced by traveling in organized groups.

Potential Hazards

Protests in Tangmarg
Encounter with wildlife: snow leopards and bears
Pellet attacks on vehicles en route from Srinagar to Gulmarg
Strikes with associated travel restrictions
Road blockages due to fallen trees and avalanches
Earthquakes
Road accidents
Temporary closures of Srinagar airport

However, the likelihood of encountering a critical or life-threatening security-related event is generally low.

Having an early warning system in place and taking necessary precautions can help ensure safety. In some cases, it may be advisable to travel directly from the airport to Gulmarg to avoid potential risks in Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir, or to embark on your journey in the early morning or even the night before to avoid road blockages caused by heavy overnight snowfall.

In general, Gulmarg is a safe destination, and most visitors enjoy their stay without any issues. A ski trip to Gulmarg entails only slightly more risk than a trip to your home resort.

Security concerns in Kashmir and media coverage tend to deter crowds from Gulmarg, which means that untouched powder awaits those who are up for the challenge!