Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”

Tripoto
14th Apr 2022

Travel Agent: Duke Kashmir Travels - Rubeena Contact Number: +91 9149531003

Guide/Companion: Mr. Mudasir Gilkar

Hotel: Aqeeq Towers (Day 1) and Shuhul Resorts (Day 2 & 3); Srinagar.

Over the last 6-7 years I had been craving to visit the Kashmir Valley which also included couple of failed attempts over the last 2 years, however, we have completed a successful trip to Kashmir. This was a very short one lasting 3 nights and 4 days, but then it was very fruitful and we enjoyed every moment of the trip.

Kashmir as best described in Persian by the Great Poet Amir Khusrau “Gar firdaus, bar ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin ast.” which in literal sense means "If there is a heaven on earth, it's here, it's here, it's here".

It is indeed a Heaven on Earth, there are no second thoughts to that.

The valley is bounded on the southwest by the Pir Panjal Range and on the northeast by the Greater Himalayas range hence making the views even more breathtaking.

Kashmir is absolutely safe for tourists and we should keep visiting this beautiful place to have a great impact on tourism there.

I would like to thank Duke Kashmir Travels to manager our short trip to Kashmir really well; we had to halt at Srinagar all 3 nights which really worked well for us. Although we visited Kashmir for 4 days only , I could still manage to write so much about this is quite enthralling.

We hope to visit Kashmir again to cover the places we could not cover during this short trip.

Day 1

Srinagar: Local Sight Seeing

We had an early flight from Mumbai with a layover at Leh Airport (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport) and then reached Srinagar .

The Leh Airport is the 23rd highest airport in the world at 10,600+ feet above sea level.

The landing views were simply amazing, our eyes were just glued to viewing the snow-capped Himalayas. I have shared couple of pictures here.

Post reaching Srinagar - we proceeded for Local Sight Seeing as per the itinerary.

The highlights of the 1st day were Dal Lake Shikara ride and Visit to the Tulip Garden.

1. Dal Lake: The second largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir, the lake has various names like the "Lake of Flowers" or "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir".

The Lake is so huge with various ghats (kind of gates) where one can enter and then enjoy the Shikara ride.

The Shikhara ride on the Dal Lake, remains one of the best visual retreats, and therefore one enjoys the authentic daily scenes of the local culture during a trip.

We were fortunate to get a Shikara ride at a reasonable rate. Our Shikara Driver Mr. Javeed Bhat (Number: +91 7006271698) was very experienced, humble and acted as a guide too during the boat ride. The Shikara ride is a must do activity when in Srinagar, it doesn't only provide spectacular mountain views; but also you can eat; buy stuff, view houseboats which is a different experience. The floating market inside Dal Lake is simply superb.

During the relaxing Shikara ride, one would also experience floating lotuses on Dal Lake, which is one of the add-on moments of to grab the fantastic experience of the Shikara ride in Dal Lake.

Tip: When in Srinagar, one should not miss the Shikar ride. Do not miss purchasing Kesar from Kashmir.

2. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip garden: Post the Shikara Ride we proceeded to Tulip Garden. The Tulip Garden opens for a period of 40 days from March to April only. We were fortunate to visit this lovely Garden during our trip.

Personally, we had always craved to see Tulips and as we know Kashmir is the only place where Tulips are grown in abundance during a particular period. We were quite astonished to visit this garden, it is the largest tulip garden in Asia spread over an area of about 30 hectares. The Garden also provides an overview of the Dal Lake.

3. Nishat Bagh: After visiting the Tulip Garden we then proceeded to Nishat Bagh.

'Nishat Bagh’ means the 'Garden of Joy', 'Garden of Gladness' and 'Garden of Delight'. The Bagh was designed and built in 1633 by Asif Khan, elder brother of Nur Jahan (wife of the Mughal emperor Jahangir).

It is a terraced Mughal garden built on the eastern side of the Dal Lake.

4. Shalimar Bagh: We then proceeded Shalimar Bagh which is also known as Mughal garden. Shalimar Bagh was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan. It is referred to as the "Crown of Srinagar".

It was quite a long day for us and then travelled back to our hotel for the stay.

Hotel: Aqeeq Towers, Srinagar - The hotel stay overnight was quite comfortable coupled with Dinner that night and breakfast the following day.

Tulip Garden Close view 2

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma

Floating Market Dal Lake

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma

Dal Lake View

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma

Dal lake

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma

Leh Airport Take Off

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma

Shalimar Bagh

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma

Tulip Garden Close View

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma

Tulip Garden Close View

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma
Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma

Tulip Garden

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma

Leh Mountain View

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma
Day 2

As per the Itinerary we were supposed to visit Gulmarg this day, however we had to replan due to unavailability of Gondola Ride tickets and we then proceeded to Pahalgam.

While we were off to Pahalgam, our companion's (throughout our Srinagar trip) house was on the same route to Pahalgam and we decided to visit his place.

We really loved the reception at his place, his mother,, sisters and grandmother all were so welcoming and were happy to see us visit their place. We felt as if we are locals and it was an enriching experience. We were offered Kashmiri Noon Chai and local bread. The Noon Chai was superb, in fact quite refreshing.

His place was located close to the Aishmuqam Dargah where some part of the movie Bajrangi Bhaijaan was shot.

Pahalgam: The name 'Pahalgam' is derived from 2 Kashmiri words: Puheyl and Goam, wherein Puheyl means Shepherd and Goam means Village. It is believed that Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd's village.

Pahalgam is also the starting point of the annual Amarnath Yatra where thousands of Shiva devotees travel to visit the Amarnath Shrine.

Note: For local sight seeing in Pahalgam, one needs to hire a local cab, the charges vary as per the places selected by the Tourists according to the Government Rate chart.

We proceeded to Pahalgam and covered Chandanwari, Betaab Valley and Aru Valley.

Chandanwari : Surrounded by snow-dusted mountains and the Lidder River flowing by, Chandanwari is perfect to enjoy time in snow and experiencing majestic mountain views. Is the starting point for Amarnath Yatra.

Betaab Valley: Originally called as Hajan Valley or Hagan Valley. Betaab name was derived from the Sunny Deol-Amrita Singh hit debut film Betaab.

The valley is surrounded by lush green meadows, snow clad mountains and covered with dense vegetation.

When you watch the song 'Jab Hum Jawaan Honge' shot almost 40 years back and when you see the Betaab Valley personally, it looks exactly the same.

Great efforts by the Government to keep the Valley well maintained and intact.

Aru Valley: When then proceeded to Aru Valley which is on a different route around 19 km from Betaab Valley. Aru Valley is no less than a beautiful wallpaper set on the computer screen, providing a background of snow-capped mountains, misty meadows, pine and conifer trees. The view is simply spectacular.

Post covering these spots we proceeded to Srinagar for a night stay at the hotel.

Suggestion: While in Pahalgam do try Blueberries, has a lot of health benefits and available at quite a reasonable rate.

Betaab Valley - Aerial View

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma

Betaab Valley - Time for a selfie

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma

Betaab Valley - Another Selfie

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma

Betaab Valley - Tree House

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma

Chandanwari

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma

Lidder River - Chandanwari

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma

Chandanwari

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma
Day 3

Sonamarg was not even in our itinerary for this trip. It was planned on the same day due to unavailability of Gondola Ride tickets in Gulmarg and we had to potentially skip Gulmarg.

Travelling to Sonamarg, turned out to be a blessing in disguise for us.

Sonamarg or Sonmarg means 'the land of gold'. Sonamarg had historical significance as a gateway on the ancient Silk Road, connecting Jammu and Kashmir with Tibet (now China).

When in Sonamarg, you have a lot of things to cover viz: Thajiwas Glacier, Zero Point (Zoji La Pass); Drass and Kargil. If one needs to cover all the points it is worth have an overnight stay in Sonmarg.

One needs to hire a local taxi/cab there and the rates are not fixed, we did come across local guides who were quite rude, demand their own rates. The inflow of tourists was at peak during the period and cabs were also limited, we could hire a small cab for INR. 5,000 to Zoji La Pass, which was over expensive, however we felt we needed to cover that.

Zoji La: Zoji La Pass is considered as one of the most enthralling passes in the entire world. Known as Zero Point, a high mountain pass that runs through the Kashmir valley to Ladakh. Situated approx. at 13,500 feet above sea level, it is one of the most dangerous passes in the world. Zoji La Pass also plays an important role in safeguarding the defence line of India.

The drive from Sonamarg to Zero point is quite adventurous. One can catch the glimpses of the splendid Amarnath parvat. We also came across the last village of Kashmir; Baltal base camp for Amarnath yatra and India Gate.

Fortunately, we did not have long halts during our journey to Zoji La and reached zero point around 2 hours which was good.

At Zoji La - For the first time, we experienced 4-5 feet of snow it was mesmerizing. We just loved being there in the snow, just a great sight to view with the snow-clad mountains looked like so very close to you.

We returned from Sonamarg and left for Srinagar.

On the way back to our hotel we travelled to Dal Lake for a Shikara ride in the night. Shikara ride in the night looked really special with lights around the lake. The experience was too good, we had hired the same driver Mr. Javeed Bhat as we did on our first day.

While on Shikara ride relished eating the tasty fish and chicken barbeque on the Shikara from Dolphin Caterers.

That was our last night in Kashmir and the next day we had to travel back to Mumbai with a lot of good memories.

Sonamarg

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma

Zoji La view

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma

Zoji La

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma

India Gate - On the way to Zoji La

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma

Dal Lake - Houseboat Cheerful Charlie - Movie Mission Kashmir was shot

Photo of Kashmir Trip - "Paradise on Earth" - "It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” by Rahul Sharma