Tourism in Kashmir is Ruined ? ? ?😠 | Brutally Honest Review After Traveling To Kashmir In 2022

[@mrigankabiswas2110]

Really glad that you made this video. Nowadays vloggers just showcase the good stuff and hide the nasty things happening in Kashmir. It is only good people like you who really want Kashmir to grow as a sustainable tourism industry. Keep up the good work .

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Glad to know you liked this video . I was afraid might not like it . Please share it with your friend and family so that this message spreads

[@roopamam7005]

​@@DocTourer_Shashvat Dear Sir, last week we finished our Kashmir trip, and 90% credit should go to your vlogs, and even we experienced all the things that you spoke!!!!!

[@Islamicwarrior756]

​@@roopamam7005 sorry if you experience any hardship during your travel ...if you want to come again I will help you

[@Islamicwarrior756]

​@@DocTourer_Shashvat brother the reason behind that is un employment private sector is not in kashmir ...as well as economically kashmir is lacking 😊

[@vikmaar]

​@@Islamicwarrior756 how about when the tourism itself was not there? when something comes as an opportunity, we need to be contented and supportive and not over tempted

[@vamshikrishna4063]

We just finished our trip in gulmarg, and pahalgam. The video is 100% right on point even in 2023. Very bad experience across.

[@sonalthakre5987]

This is what all travel bloggers should reveal about all the places they visit. Not only we can plan accordingly but we can be mentally prepared to deal with such situations and not let these things spoil the trip. 👍👍👍👍

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Absolutely, That is why I had to make this video . Please share with your fiends and family so that this message hopefully reaches the right authority

[@arupratan1978]

​@@DocTourer_ShashvatWhen you are forced to buy 500 ml mineral water at rupees 50 in a 3 or 4 star hotel when the cost of 1 ltr mineral water is only 20 at market then at that time you do not go to hotel management and complain you are getting looted or dare to post any such video on this. Instead you are complaining giving tips to shepherd boy or sledge who pulled you and your horse up on top if mountain just to give you some enjoyment along snapping photos..there your BUTT is getting burst of giving 50 rupees tip. This is mindset of Indians . Just imagine you are helping someone downtrodden people. Then only you will able to enjoy every trip at every places!!!

[@BhatSameerSuneel]

The main income source in Kashmir is tourism, u have to bargain u have to negotiate everywhere and the cab system is in Ladakh too even if Kashmiri people go there we have to rent there cars for a hot spot

[@69EBubu]

@@DocTourer_Shashvat Even the official authorities regulating tourism in India seem to be totally disconnected from reality. They still think that the "Incredible India" mantra is enough to serve as a tourism development tool for the last 30 years, and probably the next 30. This is so discouraging for people like you and I who love your country, but are so sad to see it managed by only incapables and incompetents.

[@zeenatamaan7486]

It is the people who live in Kashmir who have ruined kashmir. You make a place so radicalised that it's unsafe, there is no night life anywhere, every other hill region has some sort of night life or atleast late night culture Kashmir even Srinagar doesn't, it's unsafe, the people aren't the best they have a habit of playing victim. It's like the culprit playing victim, they have a habit of looking like such innocent people while you go just slightly beyond what they want you to see and do and see their real face. They lack any morality because what can one expect from people who have ruined their own land and now blame others. There is so much corruption, so much underlying hatred, they're never what they pretend to be. Very fake people. They behave like they own kashmir and nobody else has the right to be able to be there, it's kind of a subtle feeling i feel that exists. You killed and maimed people who rightfully belonged to this place, you destroyed the harmony of the place, the culture and diversity of the land. You turn it into a radicalised land with closed minded people, because people who can't tolerate diversity cannot let a place be heaven, it's not just the scenic beauty that makes a place. Imagine if these same scenic places had the same buzz, same liveliness, same freedom as most other places. Imagine how wonderful it would be.

[@nasdoc1]

It's a very important point you're making. I don't like being bothered when I'm on a vacation. I like to be in peace. There are so many better places than kashmir. I don't understand why people go to Kashmir. I can go to an international destination for a lesser price than kashmir. All the prices are so inflated. Someone had to speak up and I'm glad you did. This has to go viral at a massive scale.

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Glad to know you liked the video. Please share it with your friends and family so that it reaches the right people

[@SahilKhan-js9rp]

Which international destination?

[@thewanderingsoul1]

Really brutal honest review!!! Most of the other travel blogs only talk about how beautiful the place is (that’s true) and feel good factor but no one talks about other side of it. So thanks for this and letting many of us know the ground realities.

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Glad to know you found this helpful, please share it with your friends and family so that this message reaches the masses.

[@arupratan1978]

Why are you bad mouthing Kashmir guys Demanding Tips is everywhere from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to Rajasthan to Northeast. Kashmiri labours are really very poor. What if you give 50-100 rs tips to a poor guy who pulled you on horse in such a difficult terrain. You eat pizza of 1000 bucks and hard drinks of 2000 bucks. I visited Kashmir last week and I had no such experience what you are saying. In Sonemarg there are shortage of horses, so they had to go back leaving you on the valley to bring some more tourist. Do not misled others by making false videos , if one untoward incident happened to you that's your particular case. Do not generalized and misled other people Better sit home and enjoy!! rather than travel Because when you travel you can not expect home like feeling even you stay at 6th star hotel.

[@jitendrashukla5964]

Thank you so much for sharing this Mr. Shaswat I also had similar bad experience in Kashmir. People just force you for tip for no reason, local vendors will just linger around with you even if you completely deny their services, my cab driver was equally involved in this partner of crime. In Gulmarg the driver let the guide sit in my cab forcefully even though I didn't need the guide. That guide charged me 500 for nothing. Similarly driver forced me to take pony rides even though Sonmarg was closed due to Avalanche and they just took us inside a village nearby Sonmarg for fake sight scenes and I was not the only one. Almost every one was falling into this trap. I hope this video will help others as well.

[@DhavalKanade]

Thank you for bringing this up.🙏🏻 In my opinion, we all must bring an end to this tipping culture for good, especially travel bloggers/social media influencers. We as tourists work hard all around the year and save that hard earned money so that we can visit places we can hardly afford if we don't work. Already being on a tighter budget, even after paying right amount (whatever price they decide) for their service such people expect us to tip them with more money. It is a no big deal for some who owns a business or who is rich af or a so called travel blogger/influencer. But for the one who spends almost 12-15 hrs in a 9-5 job, it is a bigger issue than it seems. People don't get tipped in a 9 to 5 job and sometimes even have to work outside office hours with same amount of salary on their pay cheque. Influencers must note that tipping someone might get you followers and more reach but at the same time a trend is set and most of the travellers who travel on a strict budget gets affected because of such incidents. It's either you pay or return back home with a guilt trip instead of positive memories.

[@OTIST123]

Very very well said....we don't get any tips or extra allowances for the work or even the extra work we do....then why should we tip??????

[@nasdoc1]

I don't get any tips and I don't like giving tips. Period! And I also don't like overinflated prices.

[@arupratan1978]

Why are you bad mouthing Kashmir guys Demanding Tips is everywhere from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to Rajasthan to Northeast. Kashmiri labours are really very poor. What if you give 50-100 rs tips to a poor guy who pulled you on horse in such a difficult terrain. You eat pizza of 1000 bucks and hard drinks of 2000 bucks. I visited Kashmir last week and I had no such experience what you are saying. In Sonemarg there are shortage of horses, so they had to go back leaving you on the valley to bring some more tourist. Do not misled others by making false videos , if one untoward incident happened to you that's your particular case. Do not generalized and misled other people Better sit home and enjoy!! rather than travel Because when you travel you can not expect home like feeling even you stay at 6th star hotel.

[@arupratan1978]

Why are you bad mouthing Kashmir guys Demanding Tips is everywhere from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to Rajasthan to Northeast. Kashmiri labours are really very poor. What if you give 50-100 rs tips to a poor guy who pulled you on horse in such a difficult terrain. You eat pizza of 1000 bucks and hard drinks of 2000 bucks. I visited Kashmir last week and I had no such experience what you are saying. In Sonemarg there are shortage of horses, so they had to go back leaving you on the valley to bring some more tourist. Do not misled others by making false videos , if one untoward incident happened to you that's your particular case. Do not generalized and misled other people Better sit home and enjoy!! rather than travel Because when you travel you can not expect home like feeling even you stay at 6th star hotel.

[@kps2017]

​@@arupratan1978good advice .... don't consider Kashmir to travel...seems like normal people of Kashmir are also terrorizing tourists. Keep living in your heaven. We would visit Himachal, uttarakhand and the north east.

[@swarnajain7876]

Just came back from Kashmir 2 days ago, I had taken my parents along with me. We had a very similar experience as well. The other shocking scam we came across apart from the over charging taxi drivers, pony rides and helpers was the taxi driver we booked for our intercity travel having booked commissioned with smallest of the things you are suppose to do along the way of your travel, be it shopping for your pashmina shawls, dry fruits, saffrons and apple tree viewing or even if it is a dhaba or restaurant for your lunches and dinners. The driver will only stop at places where he could earn some commission. We realised this scam pretty late in our trip but speak to different people when you are there, shop smartly. These are the things that people want to carry back for their loved ones or for their own use. Speak to locals. Our driver was very polite, no doubt there but because of all of this, it left a sour memory.

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Sorry to hear this but thanks for sharing so that other people can know about this . Please share the video with your fiends and family so that this message hopefully reaches the right people

[@vghopes3329]

Just came back yesterday same happening with everyone

[@80kmphrider]

We realised it in starting of trip and done opposite of what driver is trying to do, but he was constantly trying to trick us to get the money out it was this game going on.

[@Challenge_Us]

I am from Kashmir and working as tourist guide in kashmir.. We see scams everywhere in this world. Not only in kashmir .. Some selfish people do these scams. But I hope that every tourist will enjoy in kashmir. And I welcome you all in kashmir( the paradise on earth).

[@savitham.s.471]

@@Challenge_Us We returned from.Kashmir just two days back. We also had the same experience everywhere. Only the Gulmarg guide and the pony driver were good. Cab drivers and others demand exorbitant tips although they overcharged cab rates. Tip is not a tip when they demand it. But for the snow the place is so so especially in December. Kashmir visit didn't leave a good feeling. I am sorry for this.

[@jigarraja25]

I Run a Travel Agency and even i am very much concerned about this issue.... everywhere they try to scam people.....even govt and tourism ministry knows about this but those people are the votebank hence no steps taken.....even after guiding the clients...every client gets scammed atleast once....this is something nowhere else in india...their mentality is mitha bolo and bahar walo (people out of kashmir) ko jitna lutna hain luto

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Absolutely. I can understand your concern . Please spread the message so that something gets done about this

[@AfrinShaikh-lb7ut]

How to book package

[@dineshsenapati918]

Both me and my wife had the exact same experience. Total rip-off! I went to Kashmir thinking it will truly be heaven but the experience of some individuals and these acts are something we never want to recollect. It's definitely a place I will always avoid. We were assuming it's just us who had this experience as other vloggers have been putting awesome stories from Kashmir. Everyone in Kashmir assumes you earn money for free and ask for tips as if it's their birthright. I am a person who tries to avoid speaking negatively about a place, that too such a sensitive place but just want more people to be aware of ground reality. Thanks for the video. Just be careful while visiting, everything that is quoted is tripled.

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Extremely sorry to hear about your experience. Something had to be said . None of vloggers have mentioned about this . Everyone is just painting a rosy picture . I hope this genuinely helps the future Travelers

[@dineshsenapati918]

@@DocTourer_Shashvat True and thank you for this video.

[@vinit__rai]

@@DocTourer_Shashvat No for Tip, i heard in some1 vlog.

[@arupratan1978]

Why are you bad mouthing Kashmir guys Demanding Tips is everywhere from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to Rajasthan to Northeast. Kashmiri labours are really very poor. What if you give 50-100 rs tips to a poor guy who pulled you on horse in such a difficult terrain. You eat pizza of 1000 bucks and hard drinks of 2000 bucks. I visited Kashmir last week and I had no such experience what you are saying. In Sonemarg there are shortage of horses, so they had to go back leaving you on the valley to bring some more tourist. Do not misled others by making false videos , if one untoward incident happened to you that's your particular case. Do not generalized and misled other people Better sit home and enjoy!! rather than travel Because when you travel you can not expect home like feeling even you stay at 6th star hotel.

[@RohitPal_Saahab]

All Indians must visit northeast India 🇮🇳, the people are happy, helpful, progressive. There are literally so many heavens in our 🇮🇳 for indians to explore.

[@akshaydhawan3579]

Where are you from?

[@PriyankaDas-kc2ve]

Thank you for sharing the true story, don't know why youtubers only paint a rosy picture of Kashmir. I travelled for the second time to Kashmir in the first week of June 2022. The taxi fares for my 7day intercity travel was around 20k but on reaching Sonmarg the union cab drivers was asking for 12k for the 35 Km ride till Zero point . When I refused to go wIth them they were using abusive language and literally was following us everywhere we were going on foot and irritated us so much that we were forced to return to our cab and come back to Srinagar. Every place we visited be it Yousmarg, Doodhpathri, Gulmarg the local pony owners and union cabbies were disturbing us and warning us like local mafia, they have sucked out the fun out of our trip. The Kashmiris have become desperate and they are hell bent on looting you just because you have visited their land. The local food vendors charged us 470 rupees for two makke ki roti , one maggi nd two cups of tea just becaus we did not enquire about th price before ordering the food, our driver said that the roti costs Rs.20 each and Maggi costs 60 and tea is for Rs.20 for tourists who ask the price before placing order. This is how they take advantage of tourists and blame it on the government . Kashmir has to educate the local people and be more tourist friendly to become a regular tourist spot again. Please avoid Kashmir if you want to have a hassle-free good time with your family without being scammed and cheated at every point of your journey.

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Really sorry to read about your experience. I can understand what you must have gone through . There is not a single video on KZbin showing the realities. All the the other KZbinrs just showed a beautiful sight. But after making those videos I could not resist and had to make this video. Please share it with your friends and family so that this message reaches as many people as possible and something can be done about this .

[@Kihalchal786]

your line kashmir has to educate local people who is kashmir 😁

[@arupratan1978]

When you are forced to buy 500 ml mineral water at rupees 50 in a 3 or 4 star hotel when the cost of 1 ltr mineral water is only 20 at market then at that time you do not go to hotel management and complain you are getting looted or dare to post any such video on this. Instead you are complaining giving tips to shepherd boy or sledge who pulled you and your horse up on top if mountain just to give you some enjoyment along snapping photos..there your BUTT is getting burst of giving 50 rupees tip. This is mindset of Indians . Just imagine you are helping someone downtrodden people. Then only you will able to enjoy every trip at every places!!!

[@shaileshshokhi7484]

In this video all words are 100% true and experience by everyone who is visited kashmir in recent time. Last week I came from Kashmir and when my friend and family ask me about how was ur kashmir experience i suddenly reply waha sub apko lutne bethey he unconsciously.. during my international trip i never felt like this but here in my own country they make me feel this. Seriously when anyone ask me should we visit I Just reply prepare ur mind to spend extra at every place bcz if there greediness..

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Absolutely. Sad to know you had a similar experience

[@ILuvBilli]

I have not gone to kashmir but I had gone to manali 2 times, and the experience was awesome. We have not faced any of the problem you have mentioned. No tip culture was there in manali and taxi wala was also very honest in dealing

[@shreyagupta.1203]

Rightly said. My family and I recently came back from Kashmir and this tipping culture there has really pissed us off. In addition to that , the amount of littering that is happening in Kashmir really needs some immediate action otherwise soon this paradise will become a dumping yard.

[@Caffeined_Soul]

I am scared to visit kashmir, rather than excited. This much scams with tourists, is just not so fair. Intimidating tourists and forcing them to give you money is beyond crossing the line. And the sad part is that govt is somehow encouraging these kinds of acts without even investigating these kinds of unfair practices. I would rather choose staying at home rather than being in fear all the time. I appreciate you for explaining the Kashmiri people's perspective so well, but I don't think it should be justified based on that.

[@nishant18singh1]

This all happening with me right now in kashmir 😢

[@AsifBajran]

Don’t worry guys, I will be uploading some videos related to all the problems that tourists have been facing and also I will try to find out possible solutions for these issues. Thanks for making this video 👍🏻

[@Sindhusolotraveller]

Great video.. Since I have been living in Kashmir for 2 yrs, whatever u said it's true 100% . Soon because of this kind of scam Kashmir tourism is going to fall soon.

[@sachinsamant8246]

That is so unfortunate. Remote places all the world over, especially when overly dependent on tourism are commonly overpriced. If the Government or the union had prices in black and white for all services, it would make life easier for the operators and tourists alike. When visiting a heavenly place for a few days, most wouldn't mind spending a little more if they can afford it but why leave them in a perpetual state of frustration where they cannot enjoy their peace of mind? I'm sure the hecklers don't get one bit of joy out of all this either, then why the mutual torture?

[@69EBubu]

The problem is that this has been going on for decades, and tourism is (unfortunately) still thriving.

[@asdd08]

So true. The experience is replicated in every tourist destination across Kashmir. I have met people who spent 10k in one day and it was totally not worth it. Had to shell out the money out of pressure and for their own safety. Never recommending Kashmir as a destination to anyone.

[@arupratan1978]

Why are you bad mouthing Kashmir guys Demanding Tips is everywhere from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to Rajasthan to Northeast. Kashmiri labours are really very poor. What if you give 50-100 rs tips to a poor guy who pulled you on horse in such a difficult terrain. You eat pizza of 1000 bucks and hard drinks of 2000 bucks. I visited Kashmir last week and I had no such experience what you are saying. In Sonemarg there are shortage of horses, so they had to go back leaving you on the valley to bring some more tourist. Do not misled others by making false videos , if one untoward incident happened to you that's your particular case. Do not generalized and misled other people Better sit home and enjoy!! rather than travel Because when you travel you can not expect home like feeling even you stay at 6th star hotel.

[@asdd08]

@@arupratan1978 I have shared my experience from Kashmir trip.

[@arupratan1978]

​@@asdd08When you are forced to buy 500 ml of mineral water at rs 50 at 3 or 4 star hotel when iits actual market cost of 1 ltr is only rs 20 then you don't go and complain to Hotel management of looting you???? When a Shepherd boy who is pulling you and your horse up in difficult terrain there your butt is getting burst giving 50-100 rs tips This is mindset of most of Indians... Just imagine you are helping some downtrodden people... Then you will enjoy every trip at every places...

[@prayasjain8583]

​@arupratan1978 why "demand" or "force" tips? That defeats entire meaning of "tip". If those workers know already it is tough for working there then raise your original prices upfront. Why showing less prices to lure people and then DEMAND for tip??

[@69EBubu]

@@arupratan1978 Why are you spamming the comments ? How come 99,5% of the commentators here agree with Shashvat ? We've ALL experienced hassling and scamming like nowhere else in India.

[@studyandexplore4808]

You are doing great Shashvat. I had the same experience and would never ever go to Kashmir again nor would ever recommend to anyone. The land is full of scammers and you would realise during the whole trip. Just avoid this place guys. There are much better places in India.

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Glad to know you liked the video . Go for the nature , beware of the scams . Kashmir is a must visit for nature lovers

[@Challenge_Us]

I am from Kashmir and working as tourist guide in kashmir.. We see scams everywhere in this world. Not only in kashmir .. Some selfish people do these scams. But I hope that every tourist will enjoy in kashmir. And I welcome you all in kashmir( the paradise on earth).

[@studyandexplore4808]

Scams are everywhere but Kashmir tops the list. Sorry to be upfront. This I can say after visiting almost 80% of the world.

[@fakefreedom7557]

दिसंबर में हम इसी साल 2022 में गुलमर्ग गए थे हमारे साथ भी यही ₹2300 की लूट हुई गुलमर्ग एंट्री पर जो ₹50 के टोल के वहां दलाल खड़े हुए थे उन्होंने बोला कि आपको या तो गाइड करना पड़ेगा ₹300 का या आपको ड्रेस लेनी पड़ेगी या आप घोड़े करने पड़ेंगे यह सरकार ने यहां पर बिल्कुल निश्चित किया हुआ है तब हमने एक गाइड किया और ₹300 दे दिए जब हम शिव मंदिर पर पहुंचे तो वह बोलते हैं कि आपको यहां पर घोड़ा करना पड़ेगा घूमने के लिए तो हम ने मना कर दिया कि हमारी प्राइवेट कार है और हमें सड़क पर ही ऐसे घूम के घर अपना हम वापस चले जाएंगे तो वो बोले वहां 2-4 और इकट्ठा हो गए जो उनके दलाल थे बोले कि आपको यहां पैदल घूमने का भी पैसे देने पड़ेंगे यह सरकारी चार्ज है हमने बोला कि लाओ सबूत दिखाओ हमें 2100 की स्लिप दो तो वो और ज्यादा लोग इकट्ठे हो गए और बदतमीजी करने लगे और बोले यह हम यूनियन वालों का नियम है और हमें यहां का नियम है हमारे हिसाब से यहां सब कुछ चलता है हमसे बस एक गलती हुई कि हम उसकी वीडियो नहीं बना पाए क्योंकि हम काफी डरे हुए थे क्योंकि हमें सभी लोगों ने वहां घेरा हुआ था हमारे साथ लेडीस और बच्चा भी था और हम आदमी भी दो-तीन ही थे। जब हमने 2100 डर कर दे दिए तो हमें सब कुछ छोड़ कर चले गए बोले अब कहीं भी तुम घूम सकते हो जबकि वहां पर ऑन रोड घूमने का कोई चार्ज नहीं है केवल ₹50 टोल के अलावा जो वो गाइड किया था ₹300 वाला वह भी हमें शिव मंदिर के पास ला कर चला गया बोला कि मेरी ड्यूटी खत्म टोल से शिव मंदिर तक तो हम खुद ही हो जाते रोड का सीधा सीधा रास्ता था उसने चुटिया बनाया है हमारा यानी कुल मिलाकर खुले में चुटिया बनाया जा रहा है और वहां का प्रशासन भी इसमें शामिल है वरना इतनी गुंडागर्दी तो कहीं नहीं है कश्मीर से अच्छा तो आप मनाली में चले जाओ वहां - 25 और माइनस 28 डिग्री तक टेंपरेचर मैंने खुद गया हूं मैं मैंने देखा और कश्मीर से अच्छी बर्फ भी वहां पड़ती है उत्तराखंड में भी अच्छी बर्फ पड़ती है और ठंड भी कश्मीर से ज्यादा उत्तराखंड और मनाली में तो सबसे ज्यादा होती है aise choro ke ilakon mein aap Na jaaye Na kisi Ko jaane de वह गाइड जहां पर ₹50 का टोल लिया था वह बोलने लगा यदि हम तुम्हारे साथ नहीं होंगे गाइड के रूप में तो लोग तुम्हारी गाड़ी पर डंडे मारेंगे पत्थर मारेंगे और गाड़ी पर चिपड जाएंगे तो मैं आगे नहीं जाने देंगे घेर लेंगे इसीलिए हमने वह ₹300 का गाइड कर लिया था वरना वहां अपनी प्राइवेट गाड़ी से घूमने पर ऑन रोड घूमने पर पैदल घूमने पर कोई चार्ज नहीं है वहां लोग चुटिया बनाते है वहां पर कोई गाइड की कोई ड्रेस की कोई जूते की या कोई पैसे देने की कोई जरूरत नहीं है किसी को ना ही सरकार ने ऐसा सुनिश्चित किया हुआ है केवल ₹50 का टोल जो गुलमर्ग एंट्री पर लगता है बस वह देने के बाद ऑफिस फ्री हैं आप अपनी गाड़ी से कहीं भी घूम सकते हैं मैं अब ना तो खुद ना ही अपने जानकार को किसी को कश्मीर जाने दूंगा चोरों और लुटेरों के इलाके में जाने से अच्छा है हम अपने आसपास मनाली और उत्तराखंड मसूरी वगैरह में घूम ले वहां के लोग भी अच्छे हैं वहां ऐसी लूट भी नहीं होती वहां लोग आपको बता देते हैं आपके पूछने पर कितने रुपए लगेंगे उसके बाद खत्म आप लो या मत लो।

[@arupratan1978]

When you are forced to buy 500 ml mineral water at rupees 50 in a 3 or 4 star hotel when the cost of 1 ltr mineral water is only 20 at market then at that time you do not go to hotel management and complain you are getting looted or dare to post any such video on this. Instead you are complaining giving tips to shepherd boy or sledge who pulled you and your horse up on top if mountain just to give you some enjoyment along snapping photos..there your BUTT is getting burst of giving 50 rupees tip. This is mindset of Indians . Just imagine you are helping someone downtrodden people. Then only you will able to enjoy every trip at every places!!!

[@rajithnair7574]

We just finished our trip few days back. It’s still the same. Lot of scamming and unwanted selling of things you don’t need. On top of this, sellers won’t allow you to enjoy the location peacefully. Every time a false sense of urgency is created. Local taxi is another scam. Exorbitant charges of 2.5k-3k for a 10 km ride and the taxi drivers will allow only an hour of waiting time even after paying so much. Even a pit stop for snacking will be charged extra. I will never go back unless things change.

[@chandlerhbk08]

Thank you so much for bringing this up. Most vloggers like Deepak Gupta and Dream Chaser are in a habit of over praising Kashmiris, that it almost looks like chaploosi. As if they're doing it for the sake of a fake bhaichara (for obvious reasons). I've been to Kashmir 4-5 times, and each and every word you said is true.

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

I just want people to know the truth. This is what this channel is all about. Glad to know you like it.

[@nikeethamusic330]

Soo glad to see this video. I recently visited Kashmir and I can tell you that none of these points have changed. The excessive tipping, guilt tripping, following culture is still very much prevalent and I really don’t think I would go back

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Sad to hear that

[@travelmood4543]

​@@DocTourer_ShashvatI watched this video and pls any furthermore suggestions if u missed as I am traveling to Kashmir next month.

[@arupratan1978]

Why are you bad mouthing Kashmir guys Demanding Tips is everywhere from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to Rajasthan to Northeast. Kashmiri labours are really very poor. What if you give 50-100 rs tips to a poor guy who pulled you on horse in such a difficult terrain. You eat pizza of 1000 bucks and hard drinks of 2000 bucks. I visited Kashmir last week and I had no such experience what you are saying. In Sonemarg there are shortage of horses, so they had to go back leaving you on the valley to bring some more tourist. Do not misled others by making false videos , if one untoward incident happened to you that's your particular case. Do not generalized and misled other people Better sit home and enjoy!! rather than travel Because when you travel you can not expect home like feeling even you stay at 6th star hotel.

[@aham-mumukshu-asmi]

What is the following culture and guilt tripping part? just want to know as I might visit in future.

[@travelmood4543]

@@aham-mumukshu-asmi Better to take your own vehicle and if not your friend who is the local their can also have his/her vehicle for you to visit beautiful places. Common people are very good but when u visit sight seeing places then be aware of the people their. They will literally empty your pocket.

[@krutimehta1060]

This is much needed video...I wished ,I saw the video before going...

[@sujoynandi1]

Thank you for creating this video, was thinking of visiting someday but now shall go to the Swiss alps only as just came back from northeast and faced huge challenges with the taxi services which literally rip off, terrible traffic in Darjeeling and Gangtok totally ruined the experience as there is no infrastructure to support the flow of tourists and the government seems least bothered. Better start saving and plan abroad trips.....

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

True, world is your oyster anyone can travel anywhere. Tourism infrastructure in India needs loads of improvements

[@arupratan1978]

Why are you bad mouthing Kashmir guys Demanding Tips is everywhere from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to Rajasthan to Northeast. Kashmiri labours are really very poor. What if you give 50-100 rs tips to a poor guy who pulled you on horse in such a difficult terrain. You eat pizza of 1000 bucks and hard drinks of 2000 bucks. I visited Kashmir last week and I had no such experience what you are saying. In Sonemarg there are shortage of horses, so they had to go back leaving you on the valley to bring some more tourist. Do not misled others by making false videos , if one untoward incident happened to you that's your particular case. Do not generalized and misled other people Better sit home and enjoy!! rather than travel Because when you travel you can not expect home like feeling even you stay at 6th star hotel.

[@sravankumar-bj2wh]

This is not only his opinion.most of the tourists including me had faced this scams.demanding 50 to 100 rs tip is not a problem. In pahalgam when I booked a horse for baisaran Valley which was already 5000 rs for 2 persons the horse guide in between was demanding 1250 rs extra if he should continue with the horse..in sonmarg for 10 min cab they have demanded 5000 rs for 2 people. In dal lake shikara even the goevrnment fixed proce was around 600 to 700 rs but they demand 2000 to 2500 rs And when you visit gulmarg and sonmarg continusly pester you to take photographs, sledge ride, snow bike and what not everything.not one person but every other 5mins one person will disturb you. And not that we have not travelled to other destinations in india or abroad...​@arupratan1978

[@sunandachowdhury94]

I was actually planning to go for a winter Kashmir trip this year, and was kind of researching on it when i came across this video...so glad that you have put your experiences being so brutally honest... and there are so many red flags that i came across while researching itself, is making me think twice now whether i should go for the trip or not...!!

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Go for the trip . But be mindful of these things so it won’t affect and bother you

[@vinit__rai]

@@DocTourer_Shashvat but they are forcing right? even i am planing to go Gulmarg and all this dec. any suggestion ?

[@nikeethamusic330]

It’s going to be mad in December. Rates are much higher due to the demand. I would suggest that you try to bargain to bare minimum rates and try your luck. Don’t get into these traps no matter how much they insist you into it.

[@vinit__rai]

@@nikeethamusic330 Sure, but problem is if i don't listen them they will do misbehave ryt? I'm really scared while gone through by many vloger review. I'm going with family wat elas u suggest?

[@gaurav-agrawal]

Thanks for this video. I had decided a vacation there, however its not a good idea for now. We hardly get vacation time during the year. Can't risk spending with these things on the back of our mind.

[@mohammadshadab2492]

Very good video In my opinion Local authorities of Kashmir should think deeply about himself and take corrective actions for enhancement of tourism in Kashmir.

[@kavyababu7]

Agree with you. We were shocked by the agreesive tipping requests across all of Kashmir and the excessive charges on the local cabs in Sonamarg. We were almost surrounded by shop people and cab drivers in Sonamarg that we felt threatened. It is so sad that, such a wonderful place so much tourism potential is getting affected by the bad behaviour of local people. We had to spend around 10k/person extra for tips and the local cabs and horse rides.

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Sorry to hear this but it is the sad reality of Kashmir. Please share the video with your friends and family so that this message reaches maximum people

[@tanmayanish]

Yes so true

[@aimless9187]

Kashmiri people suffer from tipping culture as well not just tourists

[@arupratan1978]

Why are you bad mouthing Kashmir guys Demanding Tips is everywhere from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to Rajasthan to Northeast. Kashmiri labours are really very poor. What if you give 50-100 rs tips to a poor guy who pulled you on horse in such a difficult terrain. You eat pizza of 1000 bucks and hard drinks of 2000 bucks. I visited Kashmir last week and I had no such experience what you are saying. In Sonemarg there are shortage of horses, so they had to go back leaving you on the valley to bring some more tourist. Do not misled others by making false videos , if one untoward incident happened to you that's your particular case. Do not generalized and misled other people Better sit home and enjoy!! rather than travel Because when you travel you can not expect home like feeling even you stay at 6th star hotel.

[@kushagrawal2706]

Hey great video… any pointers on where or from whom to hire a cab for the entire trip? Going for an 11 day trip in May this year.

[@dipanshutyagi3984]

I can provide you driver no

[@bkrishnaprasadshetty9015]

Thank you I will share this with others

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

🙏🏻👍🏻

[@428manish]

I was planning to visit kashmir on Feb 2023 with my family and elderly parents. These things are really very disturbing and scary if we have to visit with our family.. After knowing this fact, I think I have to change the venue. may be Himachal.. They are themselves ruining their earning and life by such behavior.

[@rothshisiddika1929]

Can’t believe this! Thank you so much for such informations. This video is very helpful.

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Please share with people so that this message reaches the right people

[@rhtrajan27]

I travelled to Kashmir last year in March (2021). It was my very first time there and to be honest, the place is sadly filled with drivers/ guides who are crooks. They know how to loot you by being extremely sweet. In Sonmarg too, they over charged us and yet were looking for more ways to over charge us. And there were constantly someone around us just trying to extract more money. You are never alone. And after a point this becomes irritating. I would rather travel elsewhere than come to Kashmir and pay extra for every damn thing. Mostly the drivers with whom you become friends with are too involved with this. They will make you feel like they have got you a discount while it's the other way round. They too make sure that everyone makes enough money from you. In Pahalgam, we had gone to the market area which was around 2 kms away from our hotel. So we walked and while coming back we were looking for the local share taxi as they were taking people in it. Every other taxi drivers said no to us as the taxis apparently were only for locals and not us. They suggested we take the entire cab and pay 200rs for it. We said, we would rather walk our way back than pay 200 rs for 2kms. Then finally they agreed as they weren’t getting enough locals to fill the taxi. The ride cost us 20rs only. But the point is, if you have tons of money and don’t mind people constantly around you asking for more money then go to Kashmir.

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Very sad to hear this. But it is true

[@shenanigans4177]

Try NE and by NE I mean not Sikkim and Darjeeling but the actual NE which is cut off and secluded. Cultural tourism should be made a thing here, and you will definitely have one of the best experiences. No tipping culture and you can bargain a bit if you think you're not getting a reasonable price.

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

@@shenanigans4177 been to north east just before Kashmir . Meghalaya, Manipur and Nagaland. Check out the full playlist here kzbin.info/aero/PLcZO3afs0B1DShdVwgJU54m64ZRfLS-YV

[@fakefreedom7557]

दिसंबर में हम इसी साल 2022 में गुलमर्ग गए थे हमारे साथ भी यही ₹2300 की लूट हुई गुलमर्ग एंट्री पर जो ₹50 के टोल के वहां दलाल खड़े हुए थे उन्होंने बोला कि आपको या तो गाइड करना पड़ेगा ₹300 का या आपको ड्रेस लेनी पड़ेगी या आप घोड़े करने पड़ेंगे यह सरकार ने यहां पर बिल्कुल निश्चित किया हुआ है तब हमने एक गाइड किया और ₹300 दे दिए जब हम शिव मंदिर पर पहुंचे तो वह बोलते हैं कि आपको यहां पर घोड़ा करना पड़ेगा घूमने के लिए तो हम ने मना कर दिया कि हमारी प्राइवेट कार है और हमें सड़क पर ही ऐसे घूम के घर अपना हम वापस चले जाएंगे तो वो बोले वहां 2-4 और इकट्ठा हो गए जो उनके दलाल थे बोले कि आपको यहां पैदल घूमने का भी पैसे देने पड़ेंगे यह सरकारी चार्ज है हमने बोला कि लाओ सबूत दिखाओ हमें 2100 की स्लिप दो तो वो और ज्यादा लोग इकट्ठे हो गए और बदतमीजी करने लगे और बोले यह हम यूनियन वालों का नियम है और हमें यहां का नियम है हमारे हिसाब से यहां सब कुछ चलता है हमसे बस एक गलती हुई कि हम उसकी वीडियो नहीं बना पाए क्योंकि हम काफी डरे हुए थे क्योंकि हमें सभी लोगों ने वहां घेरा हुआ था हमारे साथ लेडीस और बच्चा भी था और हम आदमी भी दो-तीन ही थे। जब हमने 2100 डर कर दे दिए तो हमें सब कुछ छोड़ कर चले गए बोले अब कहीं भी तुम घूम सकते हो जबकि वहां पर ऑन रोड घूमने का कोई चार्ज नहीं है केवल ₹50 टोल के अलावा जो वो गाइड किया था ₹300 वाला वह भी हमें शिव मंदिर के पास ला कर चला गया बोला कि मेरी ड्यूटी खत्म टोल से शिव मंदिर तक तो हम खुद ही हो जाते रोड का सीधा सीधा रास्ता था उसने चुटिया बनाया है हमारा यानी कुल मिलाकर खुले में चुटिया बनाया जा रहा है और वहां का प्रशासन भी इसमें शामिल है वरना इतनी गुंडागर्दी तो कहीं नहीं है कश्मीर से अच्छा तो आप मनाली में चले जाओ वहां - 25 और माइनस 28 डिग्री तक टेंपरेचर मैंने खुद गया हूं मैं मैंने देखा और कश्मीर से अच्छी बर्फ भी वहां पड़ती है उत्तराखंड में भी अच्छी बर्फ पड़ती है और ठंड भी कश्मीर से ज्यादा उत्तराखंड और मनाली में तो सबसे ज्यादा होती है aise choro ke ilakon mein aap Na jaaye Na kisi Ko jaane de वह गाइड जहां पर ₹50 का टोल लिया था वह बोलने लगा यदि हम तुम्हारे साथ नहीं होंगे गाइड के रूप में तो लोग तुम्हारी गाड़ी पर डंडे मारेंगे पत्थर मारेंगे और गाड़ी पर चिपड जाएंगे तो मैं आगे नहीं जाने देंगे घेर लेंगे इसीलिए हमने वह ₹300 का गाइड कर लिया था वरना वहां अपनी प्राइवेट गाड़ी से घूमने पर ऑन रोड घूमने पर पैदल घूमने पर कोई चार्ज नहीं है वहां लोग चुटिया बनाते है वहां पर कोई गाइड की कोई ड्रेस की कोई जूते की या कोई पैसे देने की कोई जरूरत नहीं है किसी को ना ही सरकार ने ऐसा सुनिश्चित किया हुआ है केवल ₹50 का टोल जो गुलमर्ग एंट्री पर लगता है बस वह देने के बाद ऑफिस फ्री हैं आप अपनी गाड़ी से कहीं भी घूम सकते हैं मैं अब ना तो खुद ना ही अपने जानकार को किसी को कश्मीर जाने दूंगा चोरों और लुटेरों के इलाके में जाने से अच्छा है हम अपने आसपास मनाली और उत्तराखंड मसूरी वगैरह में घूम ले वहां के लोग भी अच्छे हैं वहां ऐसी लूट भी नहीं होती वहां लोग आपको बता देते हैं आपके पूछने पर कितने रुपए लगेंगे उसके बाद खत्म आप लो या मत लो।

[@arupratan1978]

Why are you bad mouthing Kashmir guys Demanding Tips is everywhere from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to Rajasthan to Northeast. Kashmiri labours are really very poor. What if you give 50-100 rs tips to a poor guy who pulled you on horse in such a difficult terrain. You eat pizza of 1000 bucks and hard drinks of 2000 bucks. I visited Kashmir last week and I had no such experience what you are saying. In Sonemarg there are shortage of horses, so they had to go back leaving you on the valley to bring some more tourist. Do not misled others by making false videos , if one untoward incident happened to you that's your particular case. Do not generalized and misled other people Better sit home and enjoy!! rather than travel Because when you travel you can not expect home like feeling even you stay at 6th star hotel.

[@sakshamin1]

very well articulated video, thanks for taking the pain to make this video and sharing issues. This is genuine stuff as expected from literate people with right intentions. These incidents can really impact ones hard earned trips.

[@Sanil_usretay]

Thanks for bringing this up and making this video❤. Really appreciate 🤞🏻

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Thanks for watching, be safe , be aware and have a good time in Kashmir

[@monaingole2403]

Really honest review! This is the same kind of feeling ,we got when we traveled Kashmir this year. What you said are ground realities. Nowadays V/bloggers just showcase the good stuff, reality is totally different.

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Thank you 🙏🏻. I did show the beauty in the previous videos but I felt this problem needed to be highlighted so that something can be done about this . Please share it with close friend and family so that this message reaches the masses

[@arupratan1978]

Why are you bad mouthing Kashmir guys Demanding Tips is everywhere from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to Rajasthan to Northeast. Kashmiri labours are really very poor. What if you give 50-100 rs tips to a poor guy who pulled you on horse in such a difficult terrain. You eat pizza of 1000 bucks and hard drinks of 2000 bucks. I visited Kashmir last week and I had no such experience what you are saying. In Sonemarg there are shortage of horses, so they had to go back leaving you on the valley to bring some more tourist. Do not misled others by making false videos , if one untoward incident happened to you that's your particular case. Do not generalized and misled other people Better sit home and enjoy!! rather than travel Because when you travel you can not expect home like feeling even you stay at 6th star hotel.

[@arupratan1978]

When you are forced to buy 500 ml mineral water at rupees 50 in a 3 or 4 star hotel when the cost of 1 ltr mineral water is only 20 at market then at that time you do not go to hotel management and complain you are getting looted or dare to post any such video on this. Instead you are complaining giving tips to shepherd boy or sledge who pulled you and your horse up on top if mountain just to give you some enjoyment along snapping photos..there your BUTT is getting burst of giving 50 rupees tip. This is mindset of Indians . Just imagine you are helping someone downtrodden people. Then only you will able to enjoy every trip at every places!!!

[@Ravi.Ranjan.kumar.]

Thanks for the honest review. I was planning to go to Kashmir but now it's better to go Uttarakhand

[@anilaishere]

💯 on point. This place is so beautiful but this experience of excessive tipping, scams in few places like doodhpatri, pahalgam have made me question my return to this valley.

[@monaananda]

I am happy that you made this video.I also visited Kashmir last week and had similar experiences. It started from airport. Apart from driver who came to pick us,2-3 people came and picked our luggage which was not required at all and started asking for tip.We stayed in 3 hotels and everywhere apart from person who helped with luggage we had to tip gatekeeper of the hotel also. For almost all the activities we had to give tip along with the actual charge.On top of that, these vendors never leave us alone to enjoy the view or moment.I really felt bad and was thinking that I am the only one who is feeling like this. Kashmir is beautiful...people are also very good..But this behavior made the travel unpleasant.

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Absolutely. Sorry to hear about your experience buts it’s the sad reality and I had to make this video

[@divyadutta1137]

My experience was very pleasant even though I was a solo traveller.. I wasn't scammed in a single place in fact they themselves told me that see this is the actual charge . From airport I straight went to taxi stand booked a cab straight to my hotel... Their I showed them my Itniery and they made it so pleasant that I just can't be me more thankful and happy.. I got snowfall both in gulmarag and pahalgam.. Covered srinagar nicely..went to hazrat bal..march is the best time for kashmir you will get both winter and spring.. I got lucky tulip garden was opened the same week went to badal wari famous for almond and walnut blossom.. And regarding scam and tip.. I just paid the butler who was looking after me during the entire trip and for the scam the driver who was driving me around made sure that no one charge me more then the actual price..

[@arupratan1978]

Why are you bad mouthing Kashmir guys Demanding Tips is everywhere from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to Rajasthan to Northeast. Kashmiri labours are really very poor. What if you give 50-100 rs tips to a poor guy who pulled you on horse in such a difficult terrain. You eat pizza of 1000 bucks and hard drinks of 2000 bucks. I visited Kashmir last week and I had no such experience what you are saying. In Sonemarg there are shortage of horses, so they had to go back leaving you on the valley to bring some more tourist. Do not misled others by making false videos , if one untoward incident happened to you that's your particular case. Do not generalized and misled other people Better sit home and enjoy!! rather than travel Because when you travel you can not expect home like feeling even you stay at 6th star hotel.

[@rajatmishra4233]

Same same same. Still happening in 2024, just so everyone's updated.

[@someshchandra8901]

​@@arupratan1978Eye opening and reality does not mislead. What about other comments which had similar experiences. Tipping should be stopped. This is not USA and forced Tipping should not be encouraged.

[@vrihenarora1830]

Legitimately honest review!! I big fan of your point of view. Thanks for raising this point

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Thank you for watching and supporting. Hope this reaches the right people

[@123sarav1]

Totally agree with your views. I had the same experience. It becomes irritating when locals take tourists literally for a ride. Good video

[@geetashrikhande3655]

Thank you so much .........so courageous of you to speak up😊

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Some one has to say something. Most travel vloggers just show the beauty of the place

[@preetisingh9897]

Sir, you are too humble. I am sure you are downplaying the incident. Someone I know had a horrible experience. They were charged Rs.15000 for a Shikara! And they had really bad experiences with the locals as well. The one just like you said with the group of children , locals asked them "kyun aate ho yahan?" Over inflated price for everything, and they felt like the locals just want to take our money but we are not welcome there.

[@arupratan1978]

Why are you bad mouthing Kashmir guys Demanding Tips is everywhere from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to Rajasthan to Northeast. Kashmiri labours are really very poor. What if you give 50-100 rs tips to a poor guy who pulled you on horse in such a difficult terrain. You eat pizza of 1000 bucks and hard drinks of 2000 bucks. I visited Kashmir last week and I had no such experience what you are saying. In Sonemarg there are shortage of horses, so they had to go back leaving you on the valley to bring some more tourist. Do not misled others by making false videos , if one untoward incident happened to you that's your particular case. Do not generalized and misled other people Better sit home and enjoy!! rather than travel Because when you travel you can not expect home like feeling even you stay at 6th star hotel.

[@ankuracharya4556]

This is soooooooooo freaking true! I was baffled by the continous unnecessary heckling vulture culture in Kashmir! They won't leave you alone for a microsecond. Everyone is selling something or the other, and drivers stop shop at places with unbelievably expensive shops and restaurants. Any recommendations you get from anyone leads to a string of shit bag of shady idiots selling you things you don't need and then ask you TIP for buying from them!

[@phacocataractdrlvkraju5]

Thank you for making such video, genuine

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

It was needed . Make sure to see other videos on the channel as well

[@SonuSonu-qj6cp]

Thanks for making this video. I had heard about this from friends .. and that is the reason why we have not been to Kashmir yet... Though we really want to .. but these things really spoils the experience... Hope this reaches the authorities and there are appropriate changes made ..

[@arupratan1978]

When you are forced to buy 500 ml mineral water at rupees 50 in a 3 or 4 star hotel when the cost of 1 ltr mineral water is only 20 at market then at that time you do not go to hotel management and complain you are getting looted or dare to post any such video on this. Instead you are complaining giving tips to shepherd boy or sledge who pulled you and your horse up on top if mountain just to give you some enjoyment along snapping photos..there your BUTT is getting burst of giving 50 rupees tip. This is mindset of Indians . Just imagine you are helping someone downtrodden people. Then only you will able to enjoy every trip at every places!!!

[@sachinsamant8246]

Helping or tipping someone out of their caring attitude and one's will is one thing, constantly heckling people is a violation of personal privacy. And to your specific point, two wrongs don't make a right...

[@SudamBiradar]

I agree with u doc. I been there last week and experienced same issue everywhere in Kashmir.

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Sorry to hear this and to know that you had the same experience. Please share the video so that this message reaches the right people and something can be done about this.

[@OTIST123]

Thank you so much for voicing out the cons. Undoubtedly Kashmir is very beautiful but as you said due to such behaviour like that of a mafia Himachal and Uttarakhand are truly emerging as the very sought out destinations....not just for touring but trekking as well. Also I feel that if there's even a slight instability in the valley, the tourists fear for their lives. Hope politicians start working for the betterment of the masses along with their own😊

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Yes 👍🏻

[@himanshuverma9096]

i was thinking to go kashmir in august but changing my destination as my parents also has similar experience like yours. whatever may be the kashmir situations but a good trip/ quality time is our oxygen to life and i cannot leave it to chance. even youtube is filled like scam kashmir videos. thanks for sharing

[@ajayjeswani6938]

Very courageous of you Doc, thanks for the video and for creating awareness on the subject. Hope it reaches the authorities and people of Kashmir. I can see in the comments having similar experiences as you which shows the genuineness.

[@sahadatrahaman642]

Don't go to kashmir that way they will understand

[@4KWalkthrough]

Being an youtuber, I am planning to visit kashmir, but your review has made me to rethink . thanks a lot.

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

No problem in going . Just be aware of the scams

[@galafamily311]

In 2015, as part of family trip, I had similar bad experience of scammers and cheaters in Kashmir. They quote outrageous high, and gang up. They try to interface with small kids, and I was fearful of kidnapping. Locals, many who have become scammers, have really destroyed kashmir as tourist place. Extremely unpleasant these locals make your tourist experience. They will also bad mouth. If you are in group, they will interfere with your internal discussion too.

[@jaydipbhuva2344]

This video is true in 2024 also. I visited in 2024. They have not changed yet. They just loot.

[@ExcelUrology]

Informative. Thanks man. Will help me tomorrow onwards when I reach Kashmir

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

All the best

[@asokebhattacharya]

Thanks Doctor. It will be very helpful for me.

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Have a great trip

[@gauthambarkur4715]

Good review.. Much needed..

[@hemanth641]

Exactly.. Even I have gone through all these scenarios during my recent Kashmir trip 😂😂.

[@christinemaria7393]

Thank you for sharing... we were planning a trip... but we will have to reconsider....

[@thepowerfulldoctor9415]

sbke sath yhi hota h sikara driver asked 3500 for ride and we convinced him for 2500 but after ride we knew that sikara ride maximum for under 1000 only

[@AilSoh]

Yeah,fully agree with you as a local Resident...

[@69EBubu]

Thanks for this "painfully brutal" and yet completely objective video about experiencing tourism in Kashmir. I experienced more or less the same problems while travelling there on several occasions, and probably even worse as a foreigner. Like you, I think Kashmir has an incredible touristic potential, but is not developped in a healthy by all the tourism actors, whether they are individuals, store owners, taxis and even governmental tourism authorities which don't seem to have ANY control over all of this. Personnally, I was able to limit the damage because I'm quite an experienced traveller, but I heard so many horror stories from more naïve western tourists being scammed in Srinagar (shikhara rides, houseboats on Dal Lake, etc.... In Sonamarg, I tried to secure a "guide" to hike up to the Thajwas Glacier, but the "guide" who was no guide at all, pretended some dangers after 2 hours of hike... Another time, going up to Vishansar lake with another guide, I had to fight with him about bringing the trash back down on the horse, when he wanted to dump it there in the mountain... I felt no sense of respect from the locals who clearly don(t seem to be aware of the treasures that is in their hands. And the whole taxi scam (6500ps for 5kms for 2 ????!!!!) is disgusting. These people need to (re)read the Golden Egg Fable. But the worst part of it is that the official so-called "Tourism Authorities" are in on all these scams. And another worst part of it is the completely paranoid attitude of the Indian Government keeping people from freely wandering in the mountains with ridiculous "security" requirements and military check points everywhere. Enforcing border security is one thing, but installing completely useless check points EVERYWHERE is another. I'm in the process of trying to organize a long-distance Trek across India (From Kashmir to Kanyakumari), as I truly believe that India deserves this kind of GPS-secured trail in order to develop an ecology-conscious tourism, a healthy commercial relationship between locals and trekkers (whether indian or international). My plan was to start the trek in Teetwel (at the Pak border), then crossing the mountains alongside the border to Gulmarg and then on to Srinagar and so on. But I've read reports of insanely controlled areas where tourists needed to be back to the checkpoint before a specified time. As a traveller in all the mountains of the world never have I seen such ridiculous and useless control obsession. So, I've yet to find the correct information on this, and what part of the mountain I'll be able to roam freely (even if I have to report to some checkpoint everyday or every 2 days, I have no problem with that).... And of course, you must be aware that though the central government insists on the fact that J&K is an integral part of India, they are not allowing tourists to use "all india (prepaid) SIM cards" (of course no one tells you that when you buy your card outside J&K !), because of potential misuse by "Kashmiri terrorists" ! Considering everyone as potential terrorists first will sure ease the conflictual situation... 🤯 Thanks again for your valuable input !

[@sane_guy]

Thanks for sharing every incident in detail. I share your thoughts while travelling and I was actually looking for this kind of information and honestly I didn't expect you would cover it as most vloggers just show the beautiful side of the place.

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Glad to know you liked this sharing. I was very fed up and something had to be said as all of you want honest travel experiences. Please share this video with like minded people so that it reached the right authorities

[@arupratan1978]

Why are you bad mouthing Kashmir guys Demanding Tips is everywhere from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to Rajasthan to Northeast. Kashmiri labours are really very poor. What if you give 50-100 rs tips to a poor guy who pulled you on horse in such a difficult terrain. You eat pizza of 1000 bucks and hard drinks of 2000 bucks. I visited Kashmir last week and I had no such experience what you are saying. In Sonemarg there are shortage of horses, so they had to go back leaving you on the valley to bring some more tourist. Do not misled others by making false videos , if one untoward incident happened to you that's your particular case. Do not generalized and misled other people Better sit home and enjoy!! rather than travel Because when you travel you can not expect home like feeling even you stay at 6th star hotel.

[@sane_guy]

@@arupratan1978 I visited in June this year and I have travelled to many states in India and I do agree with what's conveyed in the video and it wasn't one off incident. People are very nice and welcoming too. N yeah, I don't think anyone has an issue to tip someone, no one wants free service but it's the way and humility with which one should request for a tip and not by forcing someone to tip more and more. N btw, don't tell me whether to travel or sit home. You may or may not have the same point of view as mine. You shared your experience and view that's understandable but should refrain from personal comments.

[@arupratan1978]

​@@sane_guyThe only difference is you visited Kashmir all alone and I visited with Local tour guide who stood in front of me at every places. So that's the reason I didn't face any such issues and all my trip to paradise went fine. It happens every where.

[@abhishekabhi174]

Thanks boss.... Exact situation in kashmir... Only couple of vloggers r showing the correct picture...

[@chiranjeetsingh5793]

I am planning for a kashmir trip after 3-4 month with my wife. We are so excited for this from last 15 days. We already got little bit ideas from lots of videos that we had to bear excessive cost on hotels and cabs. But some how i got this video and the comments on this, made me so tense bcoz I will be with my loved one and i don't want to take any such risk. Better to go to some other places.

[@pario123]

May Kashmir become Heaven for tourists again. This video is more close to heart.

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

I hope this too. Please share the video with your friends and family so that this message reaches many people

[@arifsiddiqui2347]

Thanks for the truth but now I am really worried because we are planning a trip to Kashmir...hope it goes well.

[@freshandpositive]

Thank You! Hope the Tourism Ministry of Kashmir take cognisance of this.

[@69EBubu]

I don't think they'd give a shit about this.

[@2201pb]

Bang on! Plus the litter everywhere is a big put off - authorities must take charge of keeping tourist places clean, locals must be mindful when they set up camps and stalls to not leave the litter behind and tourists of course have to travel responsibly.

[@69EBubu]

I had to fight with local "guides" to take the litter back with us ON THE HORSE'S BACK after a night in nature. They have NO IDEA what respect of nature, or ecology means. That's a real problem in all of India, but you'd think people who are so lucky to dispose of such a miraculous environnment would be keen on preserving it, for theur sake and that of their kids !!!

[@aashishmalik5078]

Thanks Shashvat for bringing this up, I was planning to visit the place with my family but the kind of peace I was looking for is missing here. It's better to plan some other Himachal place rather than going Kashmir as you will never left alone by these scammers. One can tolerate this, but I won't be able to keep silence in such situation.

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

I would encourage people to go to Kashmir but just prepared and aware 😃

[@sheelamoothoosawmy5786]

Thank you sooo much. Planning to go there soon

[@vghopes3329]

I just came back yesterday from Srinagar and all around places and I will suggest my friends go to Sikkim it is better than kashmir and Kashmiri locals.

[@dgcrush2000]

Agreed, we planned for 4-5 days but returned in 2 days, Locals behaviour is really unexpected.. I'll never suggest anyone to visit Kashmir.... Jannat.... Bullshit... Himachal is far better than Kashmir.

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

👍

[@RajeshSingh-zg7gj]

Thanks Shashwat for this video. I went to Kashmir last week and the first attraction is “Greed”, second is “Tourist scams” and last is beauty of nature. Forced tipping is so rampant, it looks like looting without gun is going on. There is no value of 100 rupees in Kashmir, its like 50 paise in rest of india. Now, i am never going back to Kashmir and will advise people to go to Himachal or Sikkim.

[@arupratan1978]

When you are forced to buy 500 ml mineral water at rupees 50 in a 3 or 4 star hotel when the cost of 1 ltr mineral water is only 20 at market then at that time you do not go to hotel management and complain you are getting looted or dare to post any such video on this. Instead you are complaining giving tips to shepherd boy or sledge who pulled you and your horse up on top if mountain just to give you some enjoyment along snapping photos..there your BUTT is getting burst of giving 50 rupees tip. This is mindset of Indians . Just imagine you are helping someone downtrodden people. Then only you will able to enjoy every trip at every places!!!

[@anupamaar8021]

Thank you for an eye opening video

[@meghapravin]

Echoed my thoughts, only difference in my case was our friend had arranged the internal transfer so we didn’t really had to deal with taxi ppl but every other service provider more or less had the same forceful selling agenda. Tourism in really Sad state. Hope your video reaches the right people and action is taken and the situation improves for good of all.

[@arupratan1978]

Why are you bad mouthing Kashmir guys Demanding Tips is everywhere from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to Rajasthan to Northeast. Kashmiri labours are really very poor. What if you give 50-100 rs tips to a poor guy who pulled you on horse in such a difficult terrain. You eat pizza of 1000 bucks and hard drinks of 2000 bucks. I visited Kashmir last week and I had no such experience what you are saying. In Sonemarg there are shortage of horses, so they had to go back leaving you on the valley to bring some more tourist. Do not misled others by making false videos , if one untoward incident happened to you that's your particular case. Do not generalized and misled other people Better sit home and enjoy!! rather than travel Because when you travel you can not expect home like feeling even you stay at 6th star hotel.

[@arupratan1978]

When you are forced to buy 500 ml mineral water at rupees 50 in a 3 or 4 star hotel when the cost of 1 ltr mineral water is only 20 at market then at that time you do not go to hotel management and complain you are getting looted or dare to post any such video on this. Instead you are complaining giving tips to shepherd boy or sledge who pulled you and your horse up on top if mountain just to give you some enjoyment along snapping photos..there your BUTT is getting burst of giving 50 rupees tip. This is mindset of Indians . Just imagine you are helping someone downtrodden people. Then only you will able to enjoy every trip at every places!!!

[@chowrocks]

I'm from J&K....ur analysis is bang on 😊

[@rammohankrishnan2507]

This is exactly happened to me at Sonmarg first when I visited with 8 of my friends in March 2020 ....we went by tempo travellor....just at the entey point of Sonmarg a group of people mostly youth stop ur vehicle and said from that point we had to take local taxi and demanded exorbitant money....the way they demand we thought of even returning without even seeing Sonmarg...we also talked tough...then a they came down..but one middle aged fellow wanted to be our guide which we said a clear No....but he also came throughout and we ignored him...when we finished snow scooter ride and photography and all he appeared and asking money ...saying he is allotted by that group so if we don't pay had to loose entire day's earning..bla...bla....with irritation we paid him 500/- for not doing anything.....we didn't face somilar at Gulmarg and Phalgam...Sonmarg is really a mafia place ....Government should definitely do something

[@bivaborah3695]

In last week of April, 22 ...we also experienced such pressure of tipping .everyone wants tip, but service was poor.They are reluctant to Serve food in time at hotel ..but when we left hotel , 3waiter tried to tell the 100 rs each was less. In the morning after 8am.. They ran to shop and bought bread for Sandwiches.... I felt bad ..our driver was good and god gift scenary was really good

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

So sorry to hear about this. I really hope this culture changes

[@pratibavelu9797]

Namaste Doctorji, i understand no hindi but am trying to understand from my experience of watching hindi movies as a teenager. An eye opener indeed of Kashmir. My best friend got scammed as well. I always thought of visiting Kashmir but now have second thoughts. Been to South India twice and North India twice. Looks like i will settle for Simla and Manali if i plan my next trip to India. Thank you for the information however hope someday you will be able to provide us with subtitles in English. I must add that your videos are soothing to the eyes. Thank you from Malaysia. 🎉🎉🎉

[@joanah3827]

Thanks for spreading awareness. I have a trip planned to kashmir in a week and hearing this is making me apprehensive but its too late to cancel. At least we’ll be prepared now and won’t be taken aback by surprise. I do agree with what you said that tipping should not be a mandate and should be given if someone gives good service. I have not traveled much but wherever i went i never experienced anyone forcing for tips or even asking for it. More people need to spread the word and talk about this

[@arupratan1978]

Why are you bad mouthing Kashmir guys Demanding Tips is everywhere from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to Rajasthan to Northeast. Kashmiri labours are really very poor. What if you give 50-100 rs tips to a poor guy who pulled you on horse in such a difficult terrain. You eat pizza of 1000 bucks and hard drinks of 2000 bucks. I visited Kashmir last week and I had no such experience what you are saying. In Sonemarg there are shortage of horses, so they had to go back leaving you on the valley to bring some more tourist. Do not misled others by making false videos , if one untoward incident happened to you that's your particular case. Do not generalized and misled other people Better sit home and enjoy!! rather than travel Because when you travel you can not expect home like feeling even you stay at 6th star hotel.

[@arupratan1978]

When you are forced to buy 500 ml mineral water at rupees 50 in a 3 or 4 star hotel when the cost of 1 ltr mineral water is only 20 at market then at that time you do not go to hotel management and complain you are getting looted or dare to post any such video on this. Instead you are complaining giving tips to shepherd boy or sledge who pulled you and your horse up on top if mountain just to give you some enjoyment along snapping photos..there your BUTT is getting burst of giving 50 rupees tip. This is mindset of Indians . Just imagine you are helping someone downtrodden people. Then only you will able to enjoy every trip at every places!!!

[@lavisingh6978]

I also had a bad experience and would stick to Uttrakhand and himachal only. Not only its costly but the attitude of people is not good.

[@drsachinmestry]

Thank you sharing you valuable experience in kashmir, as we were also planning but now our mind change to go

[@Gupis44005]

Hi, your video is on point. Kashmir is a beautiful location and after my recent trip I have been wanting to report some of these things to authorities also. However I am a bit clueless about how to draw attention of J&K tourism board to all this

[@mustafabohra2070]

100% agreed. We also had a similar experience

[@naushinasamreen8555]

Each kashmiri shopkeeper taxi wala Shikara wala and local vendors say this dialogue "Ye Kashmir nai Cashmore hai" Absolutely right We faced all these forced tipping high taxi fares and even the Shikara rides were charged high and the vendors on board at dal lake fooled us with double rates for the wooden toys Kashmir is heaven on earth but it's a heavy price to be paid to explore the beauty

[@shalu8206]

We returned back from kashmir recently..we also faced same problem in gulmarg.. other places we tipped them because we were happy with their services..

[@JaiRamJaiRamJaiRam108]

Good video👍👍👍

[@deepadhikary2989]

Totally agreed sir

[@9vt5]

As a kashmir everything you said is true and this really needs to be fixed asap

[@sanjeevkumarawadh]

Was planning for Kashmir this Summer but I quit for it now. Thanks for the Informative video.

[@sabyasachilahiri9959]

Very nicely described. It is no good for tour industry. I traveled in 2011, such development was not seen. It is now a cause of concern.

[@LIFEONWHEELSAKASHSINGH]

I have been to Kashmir while coming back from leh ride. Ladakh and Kashmir are two different experience. In leh you will meet people who are real gems and will make your trip experience much better but in Kashmir try to avoid people as much as you can 😅.

[@garimapoddar7572]

100% true. Currently in Kashmir and whatever you told is what i am experiencing today in 2024

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

Highly unfortunate

[@apachev90]

this local taxi , inter-city taxi thing is also there in Sikkim... they dont allow WB registered cars, you have to take SK registered cars for intra-city travel. But problem is both, nearest rail station & airport are in WB. So you mostly get WB cars compared to SK cars.

[@nehasinghjaswal]

Good video with very good attention. Thank you for guiding people. Can you plz tell me from where you get the package. Is that package services is good?

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

I have never traveled in a package. I plan everything on my own. Let me know if you need help planning. We make personalised itineraries for people

[@nehasinghjaswal]

@@DocTourer_Shashvat yes sure....actually we have should scheduled a trip to Kashmir from November 8 to November 12. This tour lasts 5 days and 4 Nights. Please assist me for the same. Do you have any advice to provide as well?

[@fakefreedom7557]

दिसंबर में हम इसी साल 2022 में गुलमर्ग गए थे हमारे साथ भी यही ₹2300 की लूट हुई गुलमर्ग एंट्री पर जो ₹50 के टोल के वहां दलाल खड़े हुए थे उन्होंने बोला कि आपको या तो गाइड करना पड़ेगा ₹300 का या आपको ड्रेस लेनी पड़ेगी या आप घोड़े करने पड़ेंगे यह सरकार ने यहां पर बिल्कुल निश्चित किया हुआ है तब हमने एक गाइड किया और ₹300 दे दिए जब हम शिव मंदिर पर पहुंचे तो वह बोलते हैं कि आपको यहां पर घोड़ा करना पड़ेगा घूमने के लिए तो हम ने मना कर दिया कि हमारी प्राइवेट कार है और हमें सड़क पर ही ऐसे घूम के घर अपना हम वापस चले जाएंगे तो वो बोले वहां 2-4 और इकट्ठा हो गए जो उनके दलाल थे बोले कि आपको यहां पैदल घूमने का भी पैसे देने पड़ेंगे यह सरकारी चार्ज है हमने बोला कि लाओ सबूत दिखाओ हमें 2100 की स्लिप दो तो वो और ज्यादा लोग इकट्ठे हो गए और बदतमीजी करने लगे और बोले यह हम यूनियन वालों का नियम है और हमें यहां का नियम है हमारे हिसाब से यहां सब कुछ चलता है हमसे बस एक गलती हुई कि हम उसकी वीडियो नहीं बना पाए क्योंकि हम काफी डरे हुए थे क्योंकि हमें सभी लोगों ने वहां घेरा हुआ था हमारे साथ लेडीस और बच्चा भी था और हम आदमी भी दो-तीन ही थे। जब हमने 2100 डर कर दे दिए तो हमें सब कुछ छोड़ कर चले गए बोले अब कहीं भी तुम घूम सकते हो जबकि वहां पर ऑन रोड घूमने का कोई चार्ज नहीं है केवल ₹50 टोल के अलावा जो वो गाइड किया था ₹300 वाला वह भी हमें शिव मंदिर के पास ला कर चला गया बोला कि मेरी ड्यूटी खत्म टोल से शिव मंदिर तक तो हम खुद ही हो जाते रोड का सीधा सीधा रास्ता था उसने चुटिया बनाया है हमारा यानी कुल मिलाकर खुले में चुटिया बनाया जा रहा है और वहां का प्रशासन भी इसमें शामिल है वरना इतनी गुंडागर्दी तो कहीं नहीं है कश्मीर से अच्छा तो आप मनाली में चले जाओ वहां - 25 और माइनस 28 डिग्री तक टेंपरेचर मैंने खुद गया हूं मैं मैंने देखा और कश्मीर से अच्छी बर्फ भी वहां पड़ती है उत्तराखंड में भी अच्छी बर्फ पड़ती है और ठंड भी कश्मीर से ज्यादा उत्तराखंड और मनाली में तो सबसे ज्यादा होती है aise choro ke ilakon mein aap Na jaaye Na kisi Ko jaane de वह गाइड जहां पर ₹50 का टोल लिया था वह बोलने लगा यदि हम तुम्हारे साथ नहीं होंगे गाइड के रूप में तो लोग तुम्हारी गाड़ी पर डंडे मारेंगे पत्थर मारेंगे और गाड़ी पर चिपड जाएंगे तो मैं आगे नहीं जाने देंगे घेर लेंगे इसीलिए हमने वह ₹300 का गाइड कर लिया था वरना वहां अपनी प्राइवेट गाड़ी से घूमने पर ऑन रोड घूमने पर पैदल घूमने पर कोई चार्ज नहीं है वहां लोग चुटिया बनाते है वहां पर कोई गाइड की कोई ड्रेस की कोई जूते की या कोई पैसे देने की कोई जरूरत नहीं है किसी को ना ही सरकार ने ऐसा सुनिश्चित किया हुआ है केवल ₹50 का टोल जो गुलमर्ग एंट्री पर लगता है बस वह देने के बाद ऑफिस फ्री हैं आप अपनी गाड़ी से कहीं भी घूम सकते हैं मैं अब ना तो खुद ना ही अपने जानकार को किसी को कश्मीर जाने दूंगा चोरों और लुटेरों के इलाके में जाने से अच्छा है हम अपने आसपास मनाली और उत्तराखंड मसूरी वगैरह में घूम ले वहां के लोग भी अच्छे हैं वहां ऐसी लूट भी नहीं होती वहां लोग आपको बता देते हैं आपके पूछने पर कितने रुपए लगेंगे उसके बाद खत्म आप लो या मत लो।

[@pranithareddy4644]

Great advice bro as iam going next week.

[@kaviraj2709]

Ur video is very very informative for first timers , and the people of Kashmir are very sweet talkers… So u need to be firm on what u going to pay and negotiate well at the start so no hiccups and fights later. The prices are high in the quoted but they negotiate a lot The locals call it Cash More - Kash Mir

[@rishabhpat6376]

Thanks Bro for sharing this valuable learnings, I travel with my family by planning my own Itenary.....your sharing helps a lot people traveling like us....! Will keep a note of these things...and may apply same for other tourist places as wel...!❤ I really liked ur generosity in helping people with your profession...keep doing it and keep sharing! ❤ 🙏🙏🙏

[@DocTourer_Shashvat]

🙏🏻

[@rishithshetty734]

I couldn't agree more to this. Each and every word said is true. Though, no doubt Kashmir is 'Heaven on Earth' and should be on every travellers must visit list for sure, all these things ruins the fun and purpose we take a holiday. Scams, bargaining, tipping ground reality which everyone should be aware of before visiting this heaven.

[@arupratan1978]

When you are forced to buy 500 ml mineral water at rupees 50 in a 3 or 4 star hotel when the cost of 1 ltr mineral water is only 20 at market then at that time you do not go to hotel management and complain you are getting looted or dare to post any such video on this. Instead you are complaining giving tips to shepherd boy or sledge who pulled you and your horse up on top if mountain just to give you some enjoyment along snapping photos..there your BUTT is getting burst of giving 50 rupees tip. This is mindset of Indians . Just imagine you are helping someone downtrodden people. Then only you will able to enjoy every trip at every places!!!