Ashish KumarOur Trip to Kashmir began with a question from my friends, whether “It’s safe to visit there?”Unfortunately, many people still thinks the Kashmir region as being hazardous for one or more reason, I too had the same thought but post the completion of my trip i can say Kashmir is blossoming in many ways and it’s safe.
I started my journey with all the fascinating thoughts about the mesmerizing beauty of Kashmir,Finally Suhas and Saurav joined me to the trip.
Srinagar
Through Flight one can see a valley between the Great Himalayas range ,sun kissed snow capped mountain.In morning around 10 am we landed Srinagar. The extra security outside the Srinagar airport was prominent but not disconcerting. The drive to our hotel was through the crowded part of the city where life was as busy as it would be in any other city of country.
The first place we visited was Shankaracharya Temple. Whole Srinagar city and Dal lake was visible from the top.The place is very quite ,pleasant and holy ambiance. One can see far away mountain crystal clear. The picturesque of Srinagar city was very nice from the top. Next place we spotted out in Srinagar was Mughal Gardens- namely Chashme Shahi, Shalimar Bagh and Nishant Bagh. The signature canal, delicate fountain and blooming flower beds were example of fine landscaping and intricate architecture blended with the ethereal beauty of nature.In evening after spending some time in the pulse of city , “Dal Lake” we return back to our hotel.
Sonmarg
At first glance ,it look like dreamlike sequence. The Zigzagging road up in the Himalayan mountain from Srinagar to Sonmarg seem endless and blue -greenish glacier water along the roadside makes one’s eye transfixed on the beauty of it all.
We reached Sonmarg by noon. Sonmarg gave us a heavenly feel, we kept our eyes open and absorbed as much as we can the beauty of snow covered Himalayas, sun rays falling on the mountain and giving a golden reflection . Sonmarg offer everything that an adventure traveler could possibly want. We traveled to the world of snow and lakes, Thajjwas Glacier . Thajjwas glacier was one of the major attraction in the Sonmarg. It is about 4km from Sonmarg market so we hired Pony which made his way through rugged and slippery path of mountain and then we saw our adventures spirit of trekking to reach the glacier .That was an act with lot of thrill ,adventure and excitement. Due to shortage of time we miss out the Zojilal pass also our driver uncle Imtiaz told us that it is a gateway to Kargil and rider paradise Leh.
Gulmarg
Next Morning after breakfast we started for Gulmarg. Gulmarg was around 55 km from Srinagar and it took around 2 hr to reach over there. The meandering road up in the mountain , vast expanse of fir trees and snow clad mountain made it magical for the eyes.
Gulmarg need to be experienced to understand its beauty. It is an ideal place for an adventure sport enthusiast. It also considered one of the best place for skiing during winter in India. I highly recommend who every visit Gulmarg to take Gondola cable ride. The Gondala has two phase , the first one is Kangoori and second one is Apharwat .The Gondola took us through the panoramic views of snow covered mountain, forest and valley. On reaching 2nd phase we got into Skiing gears and went to ski in various slope on sledges.We climed, we skied,we rolled and we fell on the ice. I can’t express the joy and the thrill it gave us . The experience was certainly mesmerizing .Finally i can say Gulmarg is of pristine beauty with the lush of meadows,golf course, glaciers and slopes of snow. After having some hot maggi with a cup of Kashmiri Kawa we returned back to base camp where we have parked our vehicle. On the way back to Srinagar we went to shawl whole seller shop where everyone of us bought shawl and stoles for our family member and relatives.
Pahalgham
It was the second last day of our trip in Kashmir .So according to itinerary design by our travel agent Uzma Ashraf we were on the way to Pahalgham. The way to Sonmarg,Gulmarg and Pahalgham were all different so every time we experience something new. The climate was changing drastically as we were on the way to Pahalgham .Then our driver uncle Imtiaz said “Mumbai ka fashion aur Kashmir ka mousam -donon ka koi barosa nahi….”On the way we crossed the saffron field, lot of dry fruit shop .In sometime we crossed Anantnag and i found out many cricket bat shop and some kashmiri boys playing cricket i can’t resist myself and asked driver uncle to stop , they had great enthusiasm and we played an over(6 ball with them)even we bought bat also. On our way we also crossed the base camp of Amarnath Yatra the starting point of yatra. Finally after 3hr of long drive with few stop on the way we finally reached Pahalgham ” A village of shepherd’s”.
Pahalgham is a perfect place to enjoy the natural beauty enriched with mountain , Pine trees and crisp confire forest .Here nature is abundant with beauty with the diversity of flora and fauna.After bargaining a lot we hired horse to visit some beautiful place such Baisaran (also known as mini Switzerland) , Kashmir Valley ,Dubian ,waterfall and shepherd village. Journey of ours to baisaran began on the back of the horses and we learn some basics, leaning forward while climbing up and keeping the weight behind while going down.
We started feeling very special while riding amidst the towering pine and deodar forest and stiff mountain make our journey more thrilling and adventurous. In few time we reach our first view point ,we saw valley from uphill top taken some photos.Next was waterfall where horses stopped to drink water from a downstream along way to Baisaran.
Baisaran is lush green meadow with tall Pine and Deodar tree all around.It present a picturesque view of the snow clad mountain on the back drops. After spending sometime over there we headed back to Pahalgham through thick forest that led to Dabiyan. On way back we also saw mud houses of Kashmir’s shepherds and sheep .Soon after few minutes of ride we back to base point and started our journey back to Srinagar .While returning back we took break at Apple orchard.
Last Day of Trip (Srinagar)
Leaving Srinagar without visiting the pulse of city, Dal Lake is not fair. On last day of our trip we visited Dal lake and stayed in the house boat, had long shikara ride of Dal lake .Next morning we were taken by shikara to another side of Dal Lake. After saying good bye to our host for their great hospitality we headed toward Srinagar airport with sweet memories.
By Ashish Kumar
Amazing Bro👌👌
Thank you
Nicely described each details and beauty of kashmir.
Thanks you I really appreciate!!!
All the places with their importance and felt emotions have been beautifully described in your words. And, the images expresses all the fun you were having along your visit with the feelings rolling down in your smiles. Kashmir has always been a dream destination to visit being every Indian’s pride.
Thank you for sharing your thought!!!!
You have done really well!! All the best for many more to come 👍🏻
Thank you very much
Shakun holiday maker is bonafide tour agency that understands the travellers and organizes tours accordingly. Hats off to the services provided by Mr. Ashish & his team.
Thank you so much for ur support also appreciate that you responded to our request soon and bid obliged to you for helping us to organize tour efficiently. Thanks Uzma