They say beauty Lies in the eyes of beholder, but Kashmir is a place where every eyes see the same beauty.
We went for a 6day family trip to Kashmir in April. There was no snow, which allowed us to see the true beauty of the place. We covered Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg.
First day, we reached Srinagar. Later on, we went to Shalimar Bagh, and few more gardens.
Second day, we went to Zero Point. Its literally near Leh. We reached the starting point at around 1’0 clock in the afternoon. But Zero Point was closed, as there was slight landslide. So we took photos nearby. Until our tour guide said, we can now go to Zero Point at around 3.30pm. They took us through jeeps as bus is something which is not recommended. The driver told us it will take around 3hours or so. On the way, we got to see the Military Convoy. Which was surreal. The roads were narrow. The driver was crazy. We experienced a snow fall as well. It literally took us 3hours to reach there. We decided will just spend 15-20mins over there. As it will be too dark until we go back to the starting point. That moment was a dream come true. There was snowfall and snow all around. It was mesmerizing. We clicked some photos and videos and we left. While returning there was too much traffic. There was an ambulance which was stuck. Ambulance made it way, and too our surprise our driver also went behind the ambulance, which lead too more traffic. Suddenly a rock hit our jeep. We didn’t realize what just happened. It was because of the landslide. Later on, we checked the size, it was too big. Thankfully, it came down slowly, otherwise it would have cost us our life. After that moment, we were 8 of them in our jeep, we were just chanting hanuman chalisa and finally we reached around 9pm. It was a thrilling experience and an unforgettable day. That night we went to Dal Lake. We stayed in the house boat. It was too cold at night. I was a bit scared.. What if it catches fire or what is we sink.. These were the weird questions which I was getting in my mind. But all was good. Nothing happened.
Third day, we had shikara ride included in our package. It was just basically a boat named as shikara. It will just roam you around. There were other shikara which sell items. They come near your shikara and try to sell some items. After that we were supposed to travel to Pahalgam. The roads were so beautiful. The flowing rivers.. OMG.. I can’t express that in words. While going to Pahalgam, we went to Apple Valley and saffron market. We reached Pahalgam.
The hotel was beautiful. We could see snow capped mountains all around. There were no ac or fans in the room. Thankfully, we had a bed with heater. In Pahalgam, you can see military officers at every 250-500M distance. Salute to them, to guard us at such low temperatures.
Fourth day, we went sightseeing.. We went to Betaab Valley and Aru Valley. As usual, they were beautiful. While returning we did some shopping.
Fifth day, we went back to Srinagar. That was a relax day, some went shopping. The next day, we were supposed to go to Gulmarg through Gandola ride. Sadly, we could get only Phase 1 tickets. There are 2 Phases: Gandola Phase 1 and Gandola Phase 2.
Sixth day, we went to Gulmarg. There was a long queue. It was so irritating. Thankfully, we had a group of 40-50, so we could manage to get in the line. Gandola ride is basically a cable car ride. We reached Phase 1. As I mentioned earlier, we didn’t got tickets for Phase 2. The guide booked us a horse ride. So basically, we went to Phase 2, through a horse ride. Though it was a glacier. As horse could not go till Phase 2. It took us to a glacier nearby. There were snow rides available so we took sledge ride. They took us at the top.. We had maggi at the top. That was the best maggi ever in the mountains. Later on we came back through a sledge. It was too sunny. Because of which it was too hot. Thats why, I didn’t like Gulmar g much. If it could have been a bit pleasant, we could have enjoyed more. While returning, again till Phase 1 we came through a horse ride. And then finally from Phase 1 to starting point, we took Gandola. We came back to Srinagar on that same day.
Seventh day, it was a day to say goodbye to Kashmir. This was one of the best trips I have ever been on. The beauty was surreal. I had always wanted to visit Switzerland, but after seeing Kashmir, my perspective has changed. I would definitely recommend everyone visit Kashmir at least once in their lifetime.