11 Skiing Auli Gulmarg Tips for First-Time Skiers

11. Local etiquette, permits and practical cultural tips

Respect and common-sense local etiquette smooth any trip. In Kashmir (Gulmarg), be mindful of local sensitivities and polite in public interactions; dress modestly in towns and follow guidance from hosts or guides. In Uttarakhand (Auli), locals often run small guesthouses with home-style meals, and a friendly greeting or a question about local tea customs goes far. Check permit requirements for travel to certain parts of Jammu & Kashmir, especially if you plan to cross between districts; your hotel or tour operator can advise on current rules and paperwork. Tipping norms are modest in India; small tips to drivers and guides are appreciated. Learn a few phrases — “Shukriya” or “Dhanyavaad” in Hindi, and a polite greeting in Kashmiri if you can — and bring gifts like packaged sweets for hosts if you’re staying in family-run places. Actionable step: ask your lodge about any permits or local rules before arrival, and keep a printed copy of your identity and travel documents when moving between regions.