A Journey into White Paradise - Kashmir

Today I’m sharing my recent winter trip from Bangkok to Kashmir, India, a place that completely blew me away with its snow-covered landscapes, peaceful mountain towns, and thrilling activities like gondola rides, skiing, and snowmobiling.

If you’re a Myanmar passport holder thinking of experiencing snow for the first time, this guide covers everything from visa tips to what it’s really like arriving in Gulmarg after dark.

☃️ Best time to visit Kashmir?

December to March if you want snow. For flowers and mild weather, go in April to early June.

Let’s dive into the highlights, tips, and unforgettable moments from this winter escape.

📍 Full Route:

Depart: Bangkok → Delhi → Srinagar

Return: Srinagar → Kolkata → Bangkok

From Srinagar, we continued by road to Gulmarg, one of India’s most famous winter towns.

🛂 Visa Process for Myanmar Citizens

Yes, Myanmar passport holders need a visa to enter India. The process is fairly simple:

Apply for an e-Tourist Visa via https://indianvisaonline.gov.in

Required: a valid passport, a passport photo (digital), and no payment is needed to apply for a visa

Processing time: 3–7 business days (apply early during peak travel seasons)

Don’t forget to print a copy and carry it with your passport—you’ll be asked for it at each checkpoint.

🧊 Welcome to Kashmir: Landing in Srinagar

The moment we landed, we were greeted by cold air, mountain silhouettes, and the unusual but comforting sight of soldiers lined up along the roads.

Kashmir is a sensitive border region, and military presence is standard. It might seem intimidating at first, but it’s routine and ensures stability.

Locals are used to it, and we quickly adjusted, too.

🌨️ Drive to Gulmarg: The Road to Winter Wonderland

From Srinagar, we hired a local taxi and started the scenic 90-minute drive to Gulmarg. As we climbed higher, the snow thickened, and by the time we reached the outskirts of town, the road was shimmering with ice.

One unique detail: when roads get slippery, drivers wrap chains around the tires. It’s an essential safety step and shows how well locals have adapted to the snowy lifestyle.

We arrived at our hotel, PineWood Hotel Gulmarg, around 7 PM, just after sunset. The town had already gone quiet. Most shops were closed, streets were dark, and the only sound was our footsteps crunching in the snow.

🥣 A Simple Night: Instant Noodles & Snow Dogs

With no restaurants open, we made our way to a tiny store still open on the main street. We picked up instant noodles, chips, and chocolate bars, a simple dinner, but warm and satisfying after a long day.

Outside the shop, massive furry dogs roamed the streets calmly. Their thick coats, slow walk, and gentle eyes made them feel like ancient guardians of Gulmarg. They're used to the cold, and many of them even sleep outside in the snow.

🚠 The Next Day: Gondola Rides, Snowmobiles & Adventure

The real adventure began the next morning.

🎢 Gulmarg Gondola

Our first stop was the famous Gondola Cable Car, which takes you up to nearly 4,000 meters in two phases. It’s one of the highest cable cars in the world.

Midway through the ride, the gondola suddenly stopped. We were suspended in mid-air above pine trees and powder snow. Panic crept in. But our guide calmly said, “It’s normal. Just wait.”

He was right. After a few minutes, it started moving again. It was just traffic control at the next station.

As we reached the upper station, snow started falling heavily. Within 30 minutes, the whole landscape turned pure white, no trees, no footprints, just snow. It was breathtaking. Silence surrounded us, except for the sound of wind and falling flakes.

🏂 Skiing & Snowmobile Rides

We tried skiing with a local instructor. It was tough at first, especially on fresh snow, but it made us appreciate the sport (and the bruises).

Next, we booked a snowmobile tour. If you love driving, this is a must. Speeding across a frozen slope with your heart racing and white trails behind—it felt like flying on ice. Easily our favourite activity of the trip.

🌲 Off to Tangmarg: Waterfalls, Valleys, and Peace

On the following day, we left the ski slopes of Gulmarg for a quieter place—Tangmarg, a valley town just a short drive away.

Along the way, we stopped at a partially frozen waterfall, sparkling like crystal under the sun. Unlike Gulmarg, Tangmarg was warmer, calmer, and almost untouched.

Our hotel was a wooden lodge overlooking pine forests and snowy rooftops. The room had a balcony view of mountains stretching endlessly beyond.

At night, with a warm drink in hand and the fireplace crackling, we felt like we were inside a postcard.

💡 Tips for First-Time Travellers to Kashmir

Planning your own trip? Here are some things we wish we knew earlier:

✅ What to Pack:

Thermal wear, down jacket, gloves, beanie

Waterproof boots with a good grip

Sunglasses (snow glare is real)

Moisturiser and lip balm (dry air!)

Portable charger

✅ Safety & Comfort:

Hire a local guide or driver—they know the terrain

Don’t panic if your gondola pauses, it’s normal

Roads can close suddenly due to snow, so be flexible

Cash is preferred in small towns, and ATM access is limited

Giving a tip is a usual activity in Kashmir

✅ What to Expect:

Simple food (unless you're in big hotels)

Limited nightlife, towns sleep early

Helpful locals, many of whom speak Hindi and English

Tourist-friendly service in most places

🧳 Final Thoughts: A Journey Worth Every Step

“Some journeys stay with you long after you return. Kashmir was one of them.”

It wasn’t the easiest trip. The travel was long. The weather was harsh. We arrived tired, sometimes even a little uncomfortable.

But Kashmir rewarded us with everything we hoped for: snow-covered peaks, a deeper connection with nature, and memories so clear we can still feel the chill when we close our eyes.

If you get the chance to visit, go. And if you’ve already been, you’ll understand why we're planning to go again and stay even longer next time.

📸 Planning a trip to Kashmir?

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