In the heart of winter, Kashmir transforms into a mesmerizing wonderland of snow! My trip to Kashmir was nothing short of a dream come true.
The journey began with a flight that took me from bustling city life to the serene realm of Kashmir. As I deplaned at the Srinagar airport, I was greeted by a cool, crisp air that signaled the beginning of an adventure like no other.
One of the highlights of my trip was experiencing not only snow but also snowfall for the very first time! As the delicate snowflakes gently fell from the sky, I felt like a kid again, unable to contain my excitement. These are the memories I will cherish forever.
Getting There:
With a limited number of direct flights from Hyderabad to Srinagar, we had to make a stop in Delhi and then board another flight to reach Srinagar.
First things first- In Srinagar, you'll encounter our military every 500 meters, and I offer my salute to them for their dedicated service in challenging conditions.
The capital city, situated at about 5200ft above sea level is known for its picturesque landscapes.
Culture:
To combat the severe winter cold(often sub zero temperatures), Kashmiris carry "Kangris"-a kind of pot with hot charcoal in it. They tuck these inside their long woolen coats known as "Pherans" to keep themselves warm.
The shikara ride on the pristine Dal Lake, was spectacular in all ways. The reflection of the snow-capped mountains on the crystal-clear waters created a beautiful panorama, but the evening was extremely cold. To warm up, I savored a steaming bowl of Maggie at a floating restaurant.
Srinagar’s historic Nishat Bagh, painted the landscape with vibrant colors and fragrant blooms. We took a stroll through the garden which is truly worthwhile.
I also indulged in some delightful shopping, bringing back a collection of treasures that included delicious dry fruits (among all, pistachios, walnuts and cranberries are my picks), luxurious pashmina shawls and of course their unique apples and apple-based pickles which were entirely new experiences for me.
Accommodation:
A reasonably priced hotel with great value.
We made a last-minute hotel reservation here, which offered all the amenities but was slightly expensive.
Tip:
Prior research is essential when booking Srinagar hotels online. (From my personal experience) We reserved a hotel online, only to discover that it was non-existent when we arrived at the location.
Gulmarg, with its sprawling meadows and majestic mountains, was another gem of Kashmir. It is a two-hour drive from Srinagar. We embarked on our journey in the morning and made a stop along the way to acquire stuff like jackets and snow boots, preparing for the winter activities like skiing.
The Gondola ride, was the highlight of our day as we spent the entire day playing in the snow and having a fantastic time. The journey to the top of the world’s second-highest operating cable car was a thrilling adventure. The panoramic views from the gondola ride were simply breathtaking.
However, as evening approached, I began to experience a headache due to the high altitude. To remedy this, I enjoyed a soothing cup of Kashmiri Kawa (tea).
I still held out hope of witnessing snowfall! The next morning, as I peered through the window after breakfast, not wanting to leave Gulmarg and still daydreaming about snowfall, my wish finally came true. Light snowfall started, and I couldn’t have been happier. I relished every moment of the snowfall, making the most of this magical experience.
After spending a considerable time playing in the snowfall, we headed back from Gulmarg, but the snowfall intensified and we could barely see anything in front of us. But all Thanks to our skilled driver for safely bringing us to our next destination!
Accommodation:
This hotel's rooms are quite small, which makes it feel overrated. However, the positive aspects include the availability of 24/7 heating and a satisfying breakfast.
While enroute to Pahalgam, our driver mentioned that we'd find this town even more enchanting than Gulmarg. I couldn't help but wonder what could surpass the beauty of snow in Gulmarg. However, upon arrival, I was truly taken aback by the captivating beauty of this valley!
The meadows, snow-capped peaks, landscapes, horses and the river that winds through the town adds charm with its crystal clear waters.
Accommodation:
Pahalgam is a quaint town with several mid-range hotel options.
Chandanwadi is a beautiful and scenic location. It is a starting point for the famous Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, which takes place annually during the summer months. This place is accessible by car.
To reach Baisaran Valley, you have the option to trek or ride a horse, which takes approximately an hour to ascend and another hour to descend. Our horse journey was an adventurous experience. We were fortunate to witness another round of snowfall.
As we arrived at Baisaran-The mini Sitzerland of India, we were greeted by the lush green surroundings, but in a matter of moments, it transformed into a stunning white landscape due to the snowfall.
Now I comprehend the reason behind Kashmir's prestigious title "Jewel of India"! Kashmir is elegantly positioned at the top of the Indian map, rightfully adorning itself as the nation's crown!
And, I am grateful to have been able to experience its magic and I'm certain that I'll revisit Kashmir perhaps during a different season, to witness another remarkable facet of nature's beauty!