December family trip - 5d/4n in Srinagar/Kashmir
 

Dear All,
We (parents, husband and I) have planned a trip to Srinagar, India from December 28 2013 to January 1, 2013. We are from Manila, Philippines. I would appreciate advise on what to expect activity-wise during this time, as I have been hearing conflicting reports of what is viable due to the weather. Our itinerary is as follows:
28Dec (mid-day) arrive in Srinagar - drive to Gulmarg (stay 2 nights)
30Dec drive to Phalgam and spend the day there. Head back to Srinagar and spend 30Dec and 31Dec there. Fly to Delhi on 1Jan for the flight home.
We are booked at the Vintage Gulmarg - please advise if it is a conveniently situated hotel? Also, I'm in need of tour/hotel options for Srinagar and welcome input from everyone. I was looking at Hotel Dar Es Salam in Srinagar however I read that one should not choose a hotel near the Dal or Nageen Lake because of the smell and the hawkers. I do not know if this is true or not. Thanks in advance :)

I'm quite unsure about going to Srinagar and Gulmarg in the Dec/Jan timeframe. You'll find road blockages, chilly temperatures and off-season. Do check with your itinerary planner on why did he/she/they choose these month-destination combo.

@galactus - thanks for your reply. we don't have an itinerary planner. we decided to go to srinagar on our own as december is our only free time off from work.

Then I'd ask you to reconsider because of the reason's I listed above. In the end, its your decision of course but I personally would find it tough going. December is however a perfect time to visit Rajasthan or Kerela. The former is great for history lovers while the latter is renowned for its scenic beauty. Plus both are a great introduction to India and suited to all budgets.

Not only is it the wrong time of year to visit Kashmir, your proposed trip is too dangerous. I checked the travel warnings on the UK Foreign Office site (always less alarmist then the US equivalent) and found this:

"The FCO advise against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir with the exception of the cities of Jammu and Srinagar, travel by air to the cities of Jammu and Srinagar, travel between these two cities on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway and travel within the region of Ladakh. The tourist destinations of Phalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg fall within the areas of Kashmir to which the FCO currently advise against all travel."

dear galactus and thursdaysd,

thank you for your reply and words of caution. will see what we can do about the tickets and bookings as they have all been done already. thank you again

Jammu and Kashmir in december is not a good idea, mainly because of weather and snowfall, you may get stuck in road, I will suggest you to try Rajasthan, Delhi, agra, or North east part of india, I love my recent visit to the north east part of india, this is the most unexplored part of india with himalayan beauty and friendly people.