SRINAGAR, June 13 -- Travel operators in the Kashmir Valley have started accepting bookings for the Umrah pilgrimage following the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

While the number of early bookings remains low, operators are optimistic that demand will rise once the current spell of hot weather subsides.

"Umrah bookings have started, and we expect the first groups from Kashmir to undertake the pilgrimage by mid-July. The packages are affordable and fairly priced" Jammu and Kashmir Association of Hajj Umrah Companies (JKAHUC) General Secretary, Mohammad Younis, told The Kashmir Monitor. "So far, we have received only a few enquiries, but this is usual right after Hajj. We are hopeful the numbers will pick up onc...