Australian governmental advice says “do not travel” to this destination.
A great many tourists do go there, albeit very few “Westerners”; our group aside, we saw only a handful of “Caucasians”.
Over several days in Indian-controlled Kashmir, we saw many thousands of Indian tourists..and almost as many Indian soldiers and police.
Petty corruption and “checkpoints” are a nigh-constant annoyance – and the two are inextricably entwined – but at no time did we feel “unsafe”.
As further, more detailed posts will illustrate, Srinagar is really interesting, as is its emblematic lake, and Kashmir does indeed have massive mountains, verdant meadows and forests.
Best, however, that visitors abandon any “Shangri La” preconceptions.
Dal Lake is much-degraded and hugely “touristic”.
Serenity is not Srinagar’s signature characteristic.
Local logistical challenges will likely ensure that any day-trip from the city will not enable you to reach “unspoilt mountain meadows”, nor walk beside “pristine alpine lakes”, nor in “virgin” coniferous forests. (these experiences are attainable, but only if you undertake a capital “t” trek, or an expedition without inverted commas)