Traveling to Kashmir with a Dog: Bunnu’s Real Winter Travel Experience

February 13, 2026 Satarupa choudhury

If you are planning on traveling to Kashmir with a dog, you probably have a lot of questions — Is it pet friendly? Are flights safe? Is snow okay for dogs? In this real winter travel experience, we share how Bunnu traveled to Kashmir twice, covering everything from flying with pets in India to finding dog friendly hotels in Kashmir, snow safety tips, and essential packing advice for pet parents.

Bunnu’s Kashmir Diaries: A Paw-some Winter Adventure

A Real Travel Story + Complete Guide for Pet Parents

Hi, my name is Bunnu, and I’ve been to Kashmir twice with my parents! This time, they decided to document my entire journey so that other pet parents can confidently travel with their fur babies to this magical winter wonderland.

If you’re wondering — “Can I really take my dog to Kashmir?”
The answer is YES — with the right planning.

Let me tell you everything.

Flying to Srinagar with Pets

We started our journey from Delhi. You can reach Srinagar by road, train, or flight — but during extreme winters, flying is the most comfortable and safest option.

Both Air India and Akasa Air allow pets in cabin (subject to weight and carrier size rules). This time, we chose Akasa Air, and the experience was smooth and hassle-free.

Important for Flights :-

Pet weight & carrier size must meet airline guidelines
Height & weight check is mandatory
Book tickets in advance (limited pet slots per flight)

Pre-Travel Preparations (Very Important!)

Kashmir winters are no joke. We even experienced snowfall So preparation was everything.

Health Check Comes First

Before every long trip, my parents ensure I’m perfectly fit. This ensures I’m safe and travel-ready.

General health check-up
Required medical tests
Height and weight measurement (mandatory for flights)

Note :- This ensures your dog is travel-ready and avoids emergencies.

First Aid Kit – Non-Negotiable

No matter where you travel — Kashmir, Goa, or anywhere — a pet first aid kit is compulsory.

What We Carried :-

Betadine
Indigestion medicine
Allergy medication
Fever & cold medicines

Travel rule :- Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

Winter Clothing & Snow Essentials

Kashmir gets freezing cold, so packing thoughtfully is crucial.

We carried :-

Puffer jackets for snow
Soft sherpa-based comfort clothes
Flea hoodie (from Wrapinfur 🐾)
Snow boots (very important!)
Wipes (always!)
Personal food & water bowls

Proper winter wear makes a massive difference. Dogs can enjoy snow safely only when adequately dressed and monitored.

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing from trusted pet brands like Wrapinfur ensures your dog stays warm without restricting movement.

Food Planning in Kashmir

Bunnu eats fresh food. So whenever we book a hotel, we confirm in advance if fresh meals can be arranged.

We also carried homemade treat
If your pet is on packed food, make sure to carry sufficient stock

Other Essentials We Never Forget

Paw & skin cream (snow dries paws)
Grooming kit
Comfortable flight carrier
Small portable fan
Spray bottles

Winter air can be dry. Hydration and skin care are important.

Planning the Itinerary with Pets

Before visiting any destination, we always check.

Which places are pet-permissible
Local customs and sensitivities

Although there is a belief in Kashmir that dogs may not be auspicious in certain religious contexts, tourists are never hassled, and we were welcomed warmly everywhere. We also explored few famous non pet friendly restaurants and they allowed us.

Places We Explored in Kashmir

We explored :-

Srinagar
Pahalgam
Gulmarg
Sonmarg

Each destination can be comfortably planned for 2–3 nights, but Pahalgam is our absolute favorite.

places we visited :-

Shikara ride – Pets are allowed
Many cafés (even popular ones) welcomed Bunnu with open arms
Gondola ride – Pets are allowed, but book your tickets in advance. If you are a first time traveler and not sure how your pet would react to height and elevation the opt for only Phase 1.

Is Snow Safe for Dogs?

We were a little concerned initially, but Bunnu loved the snow!

He played endlessly
Cold temperatures did not affect his health
Snow is safe for dogs as long as they’re properly dressed and monitored

Important :-

Limit exposure time
Dry paws after play
Monitor body temperature

Pet-Friendly Hotels in Kashmir

We always use the pet-friendly filter on Booking.com — but that’s not enough.

We always CALL the property to reconfirm policies.

Where We Stayed :-

Srinagar :- Taj Srinagar
Pahalgam :- Welcome Pine & Peak by ITC
Sonmarg :- Snowland (Initially not pet-friendly, allowed us as an exception 🐾) After hosting Bunnu, they officially became pet-friendly.

Gulmarg Stay Tip :-

Gulmarg itself has very limited pet-friendly options
We were allowed in one stay as an exception (not officially pet-friendly)
Best alternative:- Tangmarg (30 km below Gulmarg) The Cheese cottage

Getting Around Kashmir

A car is mandatory
Local cars are highly recommended for smooth travel and road familiarity, especially in snow conditions. Before booking a car always check if they will Allow your furbaby or not.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to Kashmir with a pet is absolutely possible with proper planning, preparation, and communication. The people are warm, the landscapes are unreal, and with the right mindset, your fur baby can enjoy Kashmir just as much as you do.

If Bunnu can do it—twice—so can your baby

You can follow Bunnu’s travel stories on Instagram :- @iambunnuu

FAQs – Traveling to Kashmir with a Dog

Q1. Is Kashmir pet friendly?
Yes, many hotels and cafes allow pets, but always confirm before booking.

Q2. Can dogs travel in flights to Srinagar?
Yes, airlines like Air India and Akasa Air allow pets in cabin (subject to guidelines).

Q3. Is snow safe for dogs?
Yes, if properly dressed and monitored. Snow boots and winter jackets are recommended.

Q4. Are pet friendly hotels available in Gulmarg?
Limited options. Tangmarg is a better alternative.

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Traveling to Kashmir with a Dog: Bunnu’s Real Winter Travel Experience