'Heaven on Earth': Why UAE residents travelling to Kashmir was on the rise in recent years
Kashmir is often described as 'heaven on earth'. But for those who have actually visited the breathtaking valley, it's not just a phrase, it becomes a deeply felt truth and a statement that lives with them.
The snow-covered mountains, serene lakes, pine forests, and warm hospitality leave visitors with memories that stay long after the journey ends.
And for a growing number of UAE residents, Kashmir, both in India and in Pakistan-administered regions, is becoming a top destination for vacations, honeymoons, and even soul-searching getaways.
Honeymooners' paradise
Meeran D.F., a 31-year-old marketing professional based in Dubai, chose Kashmir for his honeymoon after hearing about its beauty from friends and family for years. Married in the first week of January, he flew to Srinagar just days later with his bride, and what they saw was nothing short of magical.
'I had always heard Kashmir is paradise on earth, but seeing it with my own eyes, with my wife beside me, felt surreal,' said Meeran.
'The valley was blanketed in soft, white snow. Gulmarg especially took our breath away with its pine trees frosted with snow, frozen lakes, and the sound of silence. We rode the gondola up the mountains and played in the snow like kids. It was cold, but the warmth of the people and a cup of Kashmiri kahwa kept us cozy throughout. It wasn't just a trip, it was an experience we will cherish for the rest of our lives.'
Surge in demand among UAE residents
Bharath Aidasani, managing partner at Pluto Travels, said the interest in Indian-administered Kashmir has been steadily growing over the years among UAE residents all year round and especially during the summer months.
'We have had groups travelling to Kashmir every single month this year. From January to May, we sent multiple groups,' he said. 'Between June and August, it becomes one of the most preferred destinations, not just for Indians, but also for expats from other nationalities. We have even had inquiries from Europeans looking to spend their summer there.'
However, he added that due to the recent incident, some travellers have cancelled their trips. 'Still, those who have visited always tell us it was the best place they have ever been to. They truly believe it's heaven on earth.'
Pakistan-administered Kashmir: A hidden gem
Kashmir's charm isn't limited to the Indian side. When Pakistan International Airlines resumed direct flights from the UAE to Skardu in April 2024, a town surrounded by the towering Karakoram mountains, it opened up a new travel destination for travellers based in the Gulf.
Usman Abbas, a 45-year-old Pakistani expat living in Sharjah, jumped at the opportunity.
'I have travelled across Europe, the Swiss Alps, Austria, and even Norway, but nothing compares to Kashmir,' he said.
'Flying into Skardu felt like entering another world. I visited Shigar Valley and Satpara Lake, both absolutely stunning. The hospitality, the landscapes, the silence of the mountains, it all stays with you.'
Landscapes waiting to be explored
According to travel experts, many families originally from Pakistan-administered Kashmir, especially those settled in the UK, often fly via Dubai to visit their hometowns.
With flight connectivity and growing tourism interest, there are talks of building an international airport in Mirpur to further boost access and development.
'Due to better connectivity and awareness, interest in visiting the Pakistan side of Kashmir is rising,' said Dr Zafar Tahir, a Dubai-based travel expert. 'The region remains largely undiscovered, but once people visit, they will understand why Kashmir is truly unlike any other place. I have seen Europe and many other places on Earth but nothing compares to this.'
Switzerland of the subcontinent
It is the natural beauty, the snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, alpine forests, and crystal-clear lakes. But beyond that, it's the feeling Kashmir instills in its travellers. Whether on the Indian side or the Pakistani side, the region captures hearts with its purity, peace, and the warmth of its people.
For UAE residents, it's no longer just a distant dream. 'It's a destination that's easier to reach, yet impossible to forget,' said Meeran.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Filipino Times
a day ago
- Filipino Times
Philippines grants visa-free entry to Indian tourists starting June 8
Indian tourists can now enter the Philippines visa-free starting June 8, 2025, according to a new policy announced by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Indian nationals are allowed to stay for up to 14 days in the country without a visa, provided they show valid documents, such as a passport valid for at least six months, a confirmed hotel booking, proof of funds, and a return or onward ticket. Those holding valid visas or residence permits from countries like the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, the Schengen area, Singapore, or the UK (AJACSSUK) may enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days. They must also show a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. The DFA clarified that this visa-free entry is strictly for tourism and cannot be extended or changed into another visa type while in the country. Travelers must not have any negative immigration records with the Bureau of Immigration. Indian citizens planning to stay longer or visit for reasons other than tourism must still apply for the appropriate visa from a Philippine embassy or consulate. Eligible applicants may also apply for e-Visas through the official Philippine eVisa website. However, these e-Visas also cannot be extended or converted into other visa types.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Khaleej Times
India: PM Modi vows to keep up development in Kashmir after tourist attack
India is committed to efforts to develop its restive territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, accusing neighbours Pakistan of seeking to destroy livelihoods there with April's deadly attack on tourists. He was speaking on his first visit to the Himalayan region since attackers targeted tourists in the popular Pahalgam area, killing 26, triggering hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbours that ended in a ceasefire last month. "The atmosphere of development that emerged in Jammu and Kashmir will not be hindered by the attack ... I will not let development stop here," Modi said in remarks after inaugurating infrastructure projects. Key among these was a $5-billion rail link between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India, which has been more than 40 years in the making and features the world's highest railway arch bridge. Others include highways, city roads and a new medical college. India has accused Pakistan of backing the April attack, a claim denied by Islamabad, and they engaged in four days of fierce fighting last month before agreeing to a ceasefire. Pakistan aimed to disrupt the livelihoods of the poor in Kashmir, who rely heavily on tourism, Modi said, adding that he would face down any obstacle to regional development. Pakistan rejects Modi's remarks Pakistan's Foreign Ministry rejected Modi's remarks on Friday and said it remained steadfast in its "principled support" for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. "Claims of hollow against the backdrop of an unprecedented military presence, suppression of fundamental freedoms, arbitrary arrests, and a concerted effort to alter the region's demography in violation of international law," it said. Last month, Islamabad said a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute was essential to ensure lasting peace in the region, known for its snow-topped mountains, scenic lakes, lush meadows, and tulip gardens. The region, which drew more than 3 million visitors last year, is at the heart of the hostility between the old foes, both of which claim it in full, but rule it in part and have fought two of their three wars over it. India also accuses Pakistan of supporting militants battling security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, but Islamabad denies the accusation. Trains run in the Kashmir Valley but the new link is its first to the wider Indian railway network. Apart from boosting the regional economy, it is expected to help revive tourism, which plummeted after the April attack. ($1=85.7500 Indian rupees)
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Eid travel: Some UAE residents denied entry to Georgia amid stricter visa rules
Georgia has tightened visa regulations for specific nationalities, including residents of the UAE, as part of amendments officially introduced on April 17, 2025. The revised rules impact citizens of several countries, including Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, even if they hold valid visas or residence permits from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The regulatory changes caught UAE resident Muhammad, a 31-year-old senior product manager, completely off guard when he and a friend landed at Kutaisi International Airport for the Eid Al Adha holidays. They had flown from Abu Dhabi on a Wizz Air flight. 'We had all the required documents, UAE residency proof, hotel bookings, return tickets, and travel insurance. Some passengers were stopped before boarding, but we were cleared to fly,' said Muhammad, a Pakistani expat. However, after landing, the situation changed. Before reaching immigration, they were asked for identification by a police officer. 'We were escorted aside, our passports were taken, and our photos were clicked in front of the other passengers,' Muhammad recalled. 'We weren't given any explanation until a female officer handed us rejection-of-entry papers.' Mohammad 'felt insulted' by the handling of the entire situation where he and his companion were supposedly treated 'like a criminal'. 'We were detained for more than 12 hours in a prison-like room without food, clean water, or proper sanitation.' Muhammad is now urging others, especially Pakistani passport holders, to carefully reconsider travel plans to Georgia. 'We lost money on flights, hotel bookings, insurance, and car rentals, but that's nothing compared to the mental stress, anxiety, and psychological trauma we endured.' Georgia introduced the changes through an amendment to the Government Resolution of June 5, 2015, titled "On Approval of the List of Countries, the Visas and/or Residence Permits of which Allow Aliens to Enter Georgia without a Visa for the Appropriate Period and Conditions". The updated regulation does not simplify entry procedures, claimed incorrectly by some media and social media reports, but rather introduces stricter requirements aimed at combating illegal migration and ensuring better control of Georgia's borders. Key change Gulf residency no longer automatically grants visa-free access. Under the previous version of the resolution, citizens of certain countries could enter Georgia without a visa if they held valid visas or residence permits from GCC member states. However, the previous regulation did not specify any minimum validity period for those visas or permits. As of April 17, 2025, this has changed. Citizens from a designated list of countries who hold multiple-entry visas or residence permits issued by Gulf countries will now only be allowed to enter Georgia without a Georgian visa if their visa or permit is valid for at least one year on the day of entry. This validity must be clearly demonstrated by a passport or other relevant documentation. Travel agents in the UAE confirmed that after the new policy came into motion, some residents have been stopped at the Georgian immigration. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Godly Babukutty of Epic Travel said although they have not faced issues with their customers, they are aware of such incidents happening to other residents. "What Georgia has implemented now is nothing new and many countries have been doing this since years. The reason why Georgia is now tightening its security measures is because people would often not have a proper itinerary or would book tickets without answering all the required questions on the form." He also urged residents to ensure all the requirements like hotel bookings, return tickets and cash is prepared before booking flight tickets. "This is why it is always safer to book through travel agencies who ensure travellers have all the necessary documentation before flying out. We also urge our customers to never travel without insurance." Affected countries This restriction specifically applies to nationals of the following countries: Pakistan Afghanistan Bangladesh Ghana Ethiopia Eritrea Yemen Cameroon Côte d'Ivoire Democratic Republic of Congo Morocco Nigeria Somalia Syria Sudan Tanzania Uganda These individuals will no longer be granted visa-free access to Georgia simply by virtue of holding a short-term visa or residence permit from a Gulf country. Only those with a minimum one-year validity on their Gulf-issued visa or permit will qualify for visa-free entry. Georgia emphasises that these amendments are designed to tighten existing rules, not to ease them. According to official statement, misinterpretations circulating in the media suggesting otherwise are false and do not reflect the actual content or intent of the legislative changes.
