Reached(from Delhi) by 08:30 am flight. Arrived and after RT-PCR(a 5 mins covid test) at exit door, we start our move to Dal Lake(the Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir) houseboat by Innova taxi. Sudden realization came that we left a backpack. After a constant touch with airport staff we got it. We lost some 2 hrs on this. And ultimately reached Ghat 19A(total 21 Ghats) around 1:30 pm.
On the way we took lunch. It’s a 1 hr drive from the airport to Dal Lake. Ghats are allocated to some 700 houseboats. Charge around Rs 200/- from one side to another side. We reached our beautiful, neat and clean houseboat after a 15 mins sail, welcomed by KAHWA tea(a Kashmiri tea 50/- per cup all around). After a little fresh we start our 1st day tour of local sightseeing Pari Mahal, Chashm-e-Shahi and Nishat gardens. Thus the 1st day was half-finished.
2nd day started with a snack at houseboat and moved towards Pahalgam a 2-1/2 hrs travel 90 Kms. On the way found Kashmir’s world-famous saffron(Keshar)plantation at’Saffron Town’ Pampore, abundant cricket bat manufacturing unit. A brief stop at a road side apple orchard. Full of green trees sprinkled with shiny red apples and let the picture-perfect scene be etched in your memory forever. Enjoyed the scenic beauty of Lidder River, reached around 1:30 PM at the place famous for its scenic beauty. Later we spotted at Baisaran Valley, the picturesque beauty mini-Switzerland, by horse ride Rs 850/- per person. It’s a hilltop green meadow dotted with dense pine forests and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. An amazing greenery fields. Enjoyed. Backed to Srinagar.
3rd day dedicated for Gulmarg, renowned for paradise-like beauty and heavenly landscape which is dotted with lakes, meadows & streams. Straight 1hr 30mins drive a 49 km journey. Avoided Gondola because of no snow sight. Horse ride, pony ride took Rs 2800/- for 4 aduts. Backed to Houseboat.
4th day began by 5 AM and got ready for early morning Shikara(boat) ride to famous floating Sabzi Mandi(Vegetable market). A definite spot to enjoy. After this, we took a leisurely one-hour ride through the local canals to see the beauty of Char Chinar and the nature bounded by Pir Panjal mountains in a never-ending view. On way back around 9:30 AM to our houseboat enjoyed a brief stopover at Nehru garden island. Ready with breakfast, pack up and dropped at bank(charge Rs 2000/- Shikara). Left Dal Lake. Wished but cancelled Eidgah and Shalimar Bagh garden. Could be possible but knowing heavy security check we reached early at the airport for our 3 PM flight. Taxi charged Rs 2500/- per day. Avoid menu less dinner program in houseboat.
An unforgettable trip. Staying in the houseboat is a unique experience.