"Best" depends on your trip, but good agencies have one thing in common: clear answers. Before you choose a travel agency for your Kashmir tour, send them these questions and compare the replies.
- The best travel agency for your Kashmir tour is the one that answers these questions clearly, in writing.
- Vague answers about hotels or the cab are the biggest warning sign.
- Ask about what happens if roads close.
- Get every promise in the final confirmation.
About the stays
- Which hotels, exactly, and in which category?
- Is the houseboat standard, deluxe or heritage?
- Are rooms heated, and is the heater chargeable?
About transport
- Is the cab private for the whole trip, and which model?
- Is the same driver with us throughout?
- Are toll, parking, fuel and driver costs included?
- Are union taxis in Pahalgam and Sonamarg included or extra?
About food and extras
- Which meals are included each day?
- Is the Shikara ride included, and for how long?
- What isn't included that most guests end up paying for?
About money
- How much is the advance, and when is the balance due?
- What are the cancellation charges, by date?
- Will we get a receipt and a written confirmation?
About the trip itself
- What happens if a road closes or the Gondola shuts?
- Who do we call during the trip, and at what hours?
How to judge the answers
Specific beats friendly. "Hotel X in Pahalgam, MAP plan, Innova with the same driver" is a good answer; "best deluxe hotel, all included" is not. Our Kashmir tour operator checklist covers registration and red flags. For your own planning, our Kashmir itinerary guide shows realistic daily plans, and our refund policy is public. Registration information is available from the J&K Department of Tourism.
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About the author: Written and checked by the Travel Wiki planning team, who arrange Kashmir and Ladakh trips every week from Srinagar and Bijbihara.
