While enjoying in the various scenery of Kashmir, soak up your memories in a warm cup of Kahwah Tea. Enjoy warm Kashmiri pulao and home-made Rista while taking in the crisp misty air. Feel your heart beat in time with the rushing streams from the glaciers above you. After a tough hike up a hill, dust off your shoulders and gaze out over the sun-kissed, snow-capped Alps.
Kashmir, a region nestled between the Great Himalayan and Pir Panjal mountain ranges, is a destination of stunning simplicity and unspoiled natural beauty. From Srinagar to Sonamarg and Gulmarg to Pahalgam, Kashmir is painted with a unique culture that will keep you enthralled throughout your journey.
Attractions:
Kashmir is home to a diverse range of landscapes, including lakes, snow-capped mountains, coniferous forested slopes, and glacier-fed rivers. On the one hand, Kashmir is covered in untamed, undeveloped landscape, but on the other, there are saffron fields and apple orchards in full bloom. They have a wide range of blooms that are a sight to behold. They wait as photographer after photographer tries to capture their likeness.
I felt at ease and at peace when I arrived in Srinagar. Nothing was more relaxing than gliding your fingers through the cool Dal Lake waters while chatting with family on a Shikara boat. The Dal Lake is bordered by a diverse range of deciduous trees that put on a spectacular show in the fall. The weather in Kashmir is a unique experience. The sun rose around 5 a.m. and set at nearly 8 p.m., providing visitors plenty of time to experience the valley, its people, and its cuisine. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is also adorable lake trek.
Cuisine
Kashmir boasts a unique cuisine that piqued my interest and left me wanting more. I tried some Kashmiri Wazwan on the first day. Kashmiri kebabs, rista curry (meatball curry), Kashmiri pulao, and their famous roganjosh are just a few of the foods that new visitors should experience as part of their culinary journey.
A getaway in the middle of a valley is enough to make memories on its own, but the people and their arts and crafts made this trip even more unforgettable for me.
Despite the political turbulence that their state has experienced, the Kashmiris are a peaceful people. They are warm and welcoming. I was surprised to discover that the shawls, craftwork, and décors (made of walnut or maple wood) were made by people in their houses while visiting a few handicraft businesses. People made handicrafts at home and marketed them as a business instead of developing large-scale companies that mechanically generate trinkets for tourists. What I found amazing about this was that each décor or shawl was different from one shop to the next and was never precisely the same. As a result, you’ll have a genuinely one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home.
Sonamarg and Gulmarg
Kashmir is a fantastic place to visit, particularly for those who want to experience the teeth-chattering cold and snow for the first time. Sonamarg and Gulmarg promise a lot of snow fun and will ensure that you return home with snow-capped memories engraved on your mind.
When there’s snow on the ground, a snow battle is unavoidable, regardless of age. You’ll even get to create a snowman, which has been a longtime ambition of yours.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam has a lot to offer, including enticing cold temps with snowfall. Unlike Gulmarg, where the weather is bitterly cold, a variety of apple orchards, enormous saffron fields, and a variety of dry fruits thrive. Pahalgam is a great site to visit because of its distinct parks, such as Bethab Valley, Aru Valley, and Chandan Valley.
A morning walk or a brief stroll will never be enough to appreciate the amount of natural beauty on display. The huge sunny lawns of Bethab Valley are dotted with groups of towering, evergreen trees. While gazing at the white Himalayan range, a rushing stream runs through the park, keeping you company.
Kashmir was a fantastic experience, and I plan to return there frequently. Even after a week, I realised there is still so much to discover. I have yet to witness their spectacular fall foliage, tantalising apples, and other enthralling scenery.
My Experience of Kashmir:
Day 1:
Meet our agent upon arrival and check into your hotel/houseboat. Proceed to Mughal Gardens, Chashma Shahi, Nishat Bagh, and Shalimar Bagh for a half-day local sightseeing tour of Srinagar. Enjoy a Shikara ride on the Dal Lake in the evening.
Day 2:
After breakfast, depart for Gulmargh for a full-day tour (the meadows of flowers). We arrive in Tangmarg, a little picturesque market town, and continue on a lovely 14-kilometer trip to Gulmarg. Gulmarg features the greatest ski slopes in the world and the world’s highest 18-hole golf course. On a clear day, you may see the Nanga Parbat. Various winter activities, such as the Gondola cable car, are available. Later, at the strawberry valley, you can go horseback riding.
Day 3:
After breakfast, depart for a full-day excursion to Pahalgam (The valley of shepherds). En route, stop by Pampore’s saffron fields, the Awantipura Ruins (1100-year-old Lord Vishnu temple built by King Awantivarman), and take in the gorgeous countryside vistas. Take a scenic drive through the pine forests. Arrive in Pahalgam and take a dip in the Lidder Stream. Later, take a walk along pony trails with spectacular mountain views.
