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Naksh.iq

METHODOLOGY · ISSUE Nº 47

How we score,
in plain English.

Monthly suitability scores, kids ratings, and infrastructure assessments — every number on NakshIQ is explainable, every assessment auditable.

I · MONTHLY SUITABILITY (0–10)

Every destination is scored for every month of the year. The score reflects how suitable that specific month is for visiting that specific place — not a static “best time to visit” window, but a genuine month-by-month read.

8.0–10.0PEAKGo. Now. Editors say this is the window.17
6.5–7.9EXCELLENTWorth the trip. Minor caveats. Plan around them.277
5.0–6.4DOABLEFine, with a workaround. Cruises pre-9am, hotels off-strip.183
3.5–4.9MARGINALYou can go. But you have a better option this month.24
0.0–3.4AVOIDThe Skip List. Editorially against. We say so out loud.4

COUNTS LIVE FROM SUPABASE · BUCKETED BY ANNUAL-AVERAGE SCORE · REFRESHED DAILY

What factors into the score?

  • Weather (temperature, rain, snow, visibility)
  • Road access (passes open/closed, landslide risk)
  • Crowd levels (peak season, festivals, holidays)
  • Activity availability (treks, rafting, skiing, temple openings)
  • Safety conditions (monsoon flooding, extreme cold, AMS risk)
  • Infrastructure status (seasonal closures, services)
II · KIDS & FAMILY RATING (0–10)

Not just “is it pretty for families?” — our kids rating is an infrastructure-aware assessment that cross-references the destination's appeal with its practical reality on the ground.

What we check

  • Medical access — how far is the nearest hospital?
  • ATM availability — can you get cash?
  • Phone signal — can you call for help?
  • Altitude — is AMS a risk for children?
  • Road safety — cliff edges, barriers, road quality
  • Stroller accessibility — can you use a pram?
  • Food options — will picky eaters survive?
  • Activities — is there anything for kids to DO?
“A destination with stunning views but no hospital within four hours, no ATM, and no phone signal will never score 10/10 for kids — regardless of how beautiful it is.”

Honest safety assessment matters more than Instagram-worthy scenery. If we wouldn't take our own daughters there, the score reflects it.

III · INFRASTRUCTURE ASSESSMENT

Every destination has structured infrastructure data — not vague descriptions, but specific answers to the questions travelers actually need answered before they go.

Network

Which carriers work? Jio/Airtel/BSNL/Vi — honestly, per area.

ATM

Available or not? If not, how far to nearest? Carry how much cash?

Medical

Nearest hospital name + distance. PHC vs real hospital distinction.

Fuel

Nearest petrol pump. Next after that. EV charging. Jerry can recommendation.

Permits

Required or not? Which type? How to get it? Government link.

Night weather

Summer low and winter low temperatures. What to carry.

IV · DATA FRESHNESS

Weather, season, and permit-regime content is structurally cycle-based — June in Leh reads the same every year. Infrastructure, stays, and contacts sit on a rolling 90-day review cadence.

Current as of May 2026 · 97% of destinations reviewed in the last 90 days · latest review May 2026. See the live dashboard →

Road conditions, infrastructure, and seasonal patterns can shift — always verify locally before traveling, especially for remote destinations. If you find inaccurate data, we want to know.

V · DISCLAIMER

This data is for planning purposes. Always verify conditions locally before traveling.

Mountain roads, weather, and infrastructure can change rapidly. We are not responsible for decisions made based on this data — the responsibility for the trip remains with the traveler. Treat every score as an honest opinion, not a guarantee.

START EXPLORING →ABOUT NAKSHIQFRESHNESS DASHBOARD