Before the violent troubles began in Kashmir in 1989, more than 500,000 tourists visited each year to float on picturesque Dal Lake and trek the alpine mountain trails that resemble Switzerland. ex-Marine (husband, Steve) and I were two of those tourists that took a chance on our first trip to India. What possessed me, I don't know but I am certainly glad we did. Who knew it would be over 20 years before the ensuing violence would die down enough to recommend visiting Kashmir?

The U.S. State Department notes...that the potential for terrorism remains and recommends that Americans avoid travel there...the United States Mission in India wishes to urgently remind all U.S. citizens resident in or traveling to India that there is a high threat from terrorism throughout India. The British Government states...We advise against all travel to, or through rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir other than Ladakh...high general threat from terrorism throughout India Despite all this, tourism has been steadily increasing and violence is at an all-time low. Only you can decide if the time is right but the information in these articles is what you may expect in Kashmir.