The story of Kashmir’s tourism industry has always mirrored the region itself — breathtaking, resilient, and evolving. Among the many enterprises that have contributed to this journey, one name has quietly carved a reputation for reliability and vision: Kashmir Tour Mart, established in 2006 in Srinagar.

A unit of Valley Trip Planner, the company has become more than just a travel service provider. Over the past 19 years, it has helped bridge the gap between visitors seeking authentic Himalayan experiences and the realities of exploring one of India’s most complex yet captivating destinations.

A Landscape That Needed Curators

Tourism in Jammu & Kashmir has always drawn interest, but transforming that interest into meaningful experiences required local entrepreneurs with foresight. When Suhail Malik, the founder of Kashmir Tour Mart, entered the sector, he recognized two pressing needs: professional tour planning and local authenticity.

Travelers were often drawn to postcards of Dal Lake, Gulmarg’s snow-laden slopes, or Ladakh’s stark mountains, but few operators could deliver seamless journeys that combined safety, logistics, and cultural understanding. Malik set out to fill that gap by creating itineraries that were detailed yet flexible, rooted in the rhythms of the region itself.

Building an Enterprise from Srinagar

Operating out of Srinagar, the company started modestly — helping small groups navigate Kashmir’s classic circuits. Over time, its offerings expanded to include family holidays, honeymoon tours, pilgrimage packages, adventure treks, and Ladakh expeditions.

By aligning with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir’s Tourism Department and securing recognition from national travel associations like TAAI, Kashmir Tour Mart steadily built trust. The founder’s local roots and personal involvement gave clients an added assurance, something that proved vital in a region where conditions can change rapidly.

Beyond Travel Itineraries

What sets Kashmir Tour Mart apart, according to regular visitors, is its emphasis on more than logistics. The company has tried to turn journeys into stories — where staying on a houseboat becomes a cultural immersion, or where crossing mountain passes doubles as a lesson in resilience and geography.

This approach reflects Malik’s philosophy: “A trip is not just about reaching places. It is about what you carry back in memory.” By building a team that includes professionals like Nargis Malik, Imran Ali, Saim Malik, and Parviez Ahmad, the company ensured that every aspect of travel — from transport to accommodation — reflected the same ethos of care.

Resilience in a Challenging Sector

Tourism in Kashmir has not been without difficulties. Political developments, weather disruptions, and the global pandemic all affected visitor numbers over the years. Yet Kashmir Tour Mart adapted to the ebb and flow.

During downturns, the company invested in strengthening local networks and re-strategizing packages. When travel demand picked up, it was ready with fresh itineraries, combining traditional destinations with newer, lesser-explored circuits in the valley and Ladakh.

Such resilience, industry observers note, is one reason why companies like Kashmir Tour Mart have sustained themselves while many others faded away.

Reviews and Reputation

On travel platforms, the company is frequently praised for transparency, responsiveness, and flexibility. Many first-time visitors have credited the team for giving them confidence to explore a region that can sometimes feel daunting.

Not every review is perfect — some have pointed out gaps in hotel amenities or challenges with refund policies. But in a sector as unpredictable as tourism, these issues underline a larger truth: what matters is how operators respond. Malik’s company, by most accounts, has earned goodwill by keeping communication lines open.

Looking Toward the Future

As domestic and international travel regain momentum post-pandemic, Kashmir Tour Mart is preparing for a new phase. The company is focusing on sustainable tourism, encouraging visitors to explore not just famous spots but also cultural and ecological treasures off the beaten path.

Plans are underway to promote eco-friendly stays, trekking circuits in lesser-known valleys, and cultural immersion tours where travelers can interact with local artisans and communities.

This direction, Malik believes, is essential for ensuring that tourism growth benefits not just visitors, but also the region’s economy and heritage.

A Founder’s Mark

For Suhail Malik, building Kashmir Tour Mart has been as much about personal commitment as professional ambition. Over nearly two decades, he has become a recognizable figure in the region’s tourism ecosystem — someone equally at ease negotiating with hotels as he is welcoming guests at the airport.

Colleagues describe him as detail-oriented, always willing to adjust itineraries to suit travelers’ needs, and deeply invested in projecting Kashmir as more than just a destination — as an experience.

Conclusion

In the crowded world of travel operators, Kashmir Tour Mart stands out not for flashy advertising but for steadfast service and local insight. From its founding in 2006 to its present stature, the company’s journey mirrors Kashmir’s tourism story itself — tested by challenges, yet resilient and full of promise.

As visitors continue to seek both adventure and peace in the Himalayas, enterprises like Kashmir Tour Mart will remain pivotal in shaping how the world experiences Jammu & Kashmir. And at the center of it all is founder Suhail Malik, whose belief in creating memories, not just itineraries, continues to define the company’s path forward.