Heaven before death- Kashmir!

We keep hearing about Kashmir bearing the tag of 'Heaven', and unless and untill you dont visit this place, you'll never understand why people say so.

We started our journey from Jammu to Srinagar by car. Though the journey was long, but the lovely views kept us energetic and busy. On reaching Srinagar, in the evening, we were greeted by mild rainfalls dropping the temperatures to as low as 5 degrees in the month of April. Yes, its biting cold even at that point of time.

Next day we headed for a day trip to Sonmarg to enjoy snow activities. The road beyond Sonmarg leads to Leh, which remains open only during Summers. The next day we went for local sight seeing in Srinagar and relaxed on the Shikara at the Dal lake.

Our next stop was Pahalgam. Pahalgam is a beautiful place with markets offering local handicrafts, shawls and general stores. Places to visit around Pahalgam include Baisaran( mini Switzerland), Chandanwadi, Betaab valley etc.

We then headed towards Gulmarg, and when we entered Gulmarg, we were completely awestruck. The whole city of Gulmarg was covered in snow. All we could see was white cotton soft snow and obviously the temperature in single digit. We saw the Gulmarg Lake which was frozen. It was not in our itinerary to stay in Gulmarg, but the mesmerizing views of the Kongdoor peak and Gulmarg itself held us back. Next day we took the much talked about Gondola Ride on the Kongdoor peak. The views were amazing, 8-10 feet of soft snow, untouched beauty. On reaching Phase 1 of the Kongdoor peak, we rested for a while, did a bit of skiing, rode the snowmobile and a hot cup coffee was all the more soothing. (PS- don't forget to take your sunglasses, as the sun rays may damage your eye).

Next, we headed back to Srinagar to stay in a House boat. Which is an amazing experience.

Surely, Kashmir is the heaven you experience even before you die. And anyone visiting this place will surely make a promise to 'visit this place again in the future'.