Kashmir is a place that is close to my heart, and it's not just because of its breathtaking beauty. It's the people and their culture that make it special. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and they have a way of making you feel at home.
Our journey started with a mini transit at Delhi, and then we took a flight to Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir. The city is known for its beautiful gardens, lakes, and houseboats. We spent a few days exploring the city and its surroundings, and it was a great way to start our trip.
Next, we headed to Gulmarg, which is known for its ski resorts and beautiful landscapes. It was a unique experience to see snow in the middle of summer. We enjoyed skiing, snowboarding, and taking a cable car ride to get a bird's eye view of the valley.
From Gulmarg, we headed to Pahalgam, a picturesque town located on the banks of the Lidder River. It's a popular destination for trekking, camping, and fishing. We spent a few days exploring the town and its surroundings and enjoyed some of the best local food.
We also visited some interior cities that were less explored but equally beautiful. These places gave us a glimpse of the local lifestyle and culture. The people were warm and welcoming, and we had some of the best experiences of the trip here.
I cannot emphasize enough how safe and beautiful Kashmir is. The media has portrayed it negatively, but the reality is different. The locals are proud of their heritage and culture, and they go out of their way to make you feel welcome.
Before I end, let me say this – Kashmiris are some of the most beautiful people I have ever seen. It's not just their physical appearance but their inner beauty that shines through. I cannot wait to visit Kashmir again and experience its magic once more.
One of the highlights of my trip to Kashmir was visiting Sonmarg, a picturesque town located in the Srinagar district. I remember missing my long hair and smiling from ear to ear as I enjoyed the natural beauty of this place. We spent a lot of time skiing and playing snowballs here, and it was one of the best experiences of the trip.
However, the cold weather did take a toll on us. I remember my hands freezing like a Magnum bar, and I could barely feel them. But even with the cold, we had a lot of fun. The snow-covered mountains, the clear blue skies, and the fresh air made it all worth it.
Sonmarg is a popular destination for skiing, trekking, and camping. It's a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some peace and quiet. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and they have a way of making you feel at home.
I will never forget the memories I made in Sonmarg, and I cannot wait to visit this beautiful place again.
During our journey to Gulmarg, we came across the Martand Sun Temple, which was an abandoned and broken temple. The temple had a rich historical significance, but it had been destroyed by the Mughals over centuries. Visiting the temple gave us a sense of the history and culture of the region, and it had a unique vibe of a lonely and abandoned place.
As we explored the temple ruins, we came across a pigeon that got caught unintentionally. We couldn't help but notice its innocence and beauty, and it made for a great photo opportunity. The pigeon was a reminder of the wildlife and natural beauty that surrounds us, even in abandoned places like the Martand Sun Temple.
Kashmir has a rich history and culture, and it's fascinating to explore the remnants of the past. The Martand Sun Temple is just one example of the many historical places that are waiting to be explored in Kashmir.
Like in movies LOOK AT THAT. He looks so majestic and I couldn't get much pleased at the view. They had beautiful rivers as well (Oh so Romantic!)
This picture is taken from Dal Lake in Srinagar, where small-scale industries and even government work take place on boats. It's like a mini Venice that you must see when you visit Kashmir. The lake is a hub of activity, with locals going about their daily lives and tourists taking in the stunning views. It's a unique experience that you won't find anywhere else in India.
I don't know who this guy is but he looked Hot!. I shouldn't have taken his picture without his permission but if he reads this "Helloo!! Let's grab a cup of coffee? maybe :)"
A street local shops and people having their own boats to row and buy stuffs they want. (The one in the front with along hair is me :))
One of the most memorable experiences of my trip to Kashmir was riding the Gondola in Gulmarg on our first day there. We were told that if the cable car went beyond the hill, we would be able to see Pakistan. However, our bad luck struck, and we got stuck in between the ride. All the cars were on hold because we visited on the day of maintenance, and we were suspended at a height of 70 feet from the ground. It was a fun experience, but unfortunately, we missed out on seeing Pakistan.
Despite the minor setback, the Gondola ride was still worth it. We got to see stunning views of the mountains and valleys, and it was a thrilling experience being so high up in the air. It's one of the must-do activities when visiting Gulmarg, and I highly recommend it.
This shot is not for the guy but for all the snacks and tin cans he has in the boat (YUM!)
During our trip to Kashmir, we had the opportunity to rent our own boat and stay on it for an entire day and night. It was an amazing experience, and we got to soak in the beauty of the Dal Lake. The calm waters, the stunning scenery, and the cool breeze made it a perfect day and night.
At night, the lake was lit up with colorful lanterns and golden lights, which reminded me of the opening scene in the movie "Yin Yang Master: Dream of Eternity" on Netflix. It was a magical sight, and I felt so grateful to have witnessed such beauty firsthand.
Kashmir is a place that never ceases to amaze me. It's a land of wonders and natural beauty that you have to see to believe.
One of the most memorable experiences of my trip to Kashmir was spending a night on a boat on the Dal Lake. The ambience was perfect, with the calm waters, the cool breeze, and the breathtaking scenery. It was like a scene straight out of a Fitoor movie, and I felt like I was living a dream.
As night fell, we got to read old French books and English poetry while sipping tea from ceramic cups and enjoying food on ceramic plates. It was a surreal experience, and I couldn't believe how lucky I was to be there. The boat's porch was the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the beauty of Kashmir while listening to the soulful tracks from the movie "Manmarziyaan."
The intense desire to go back to Kashmir again is still with me, and I can't wait to experience its magic once more. Kashmir is a beautiful land that has so much to offer, and I feel privileged to have been able to witness its beauty firsthand.
BEAUT!
Memories have a way of triggering our senses, and for me, the song "Guzarish" from the movie "Ghajini" and the scent of Yardley Lavender Perfume (the luxury one in a glass bottle) always take me back to my trip to Kashmir. The song was playing during one of our long drives through the beautiful landscape, and the scent of the perfume was in the air during one of our visits to a local market.
It's amazing how a simple song or scent can evoke such powerful memories. Kashmir has a way of leaving an imprint on your mind and heart, and it's a place that I will always cherish. The natural beauty, the friendly locals, and the unique experiences are what make Kashmir such a special place.
Another exciting activity we did on the Dal Lake in Kashmir was water skiing. We had a motorboat pull us with a rope, and we stood on a skateboarding kind of thing. It felt like we were surfing on the lake, and it was an exhilarating experience. I had no idea that Kashmir had water skiing, and it was a pleasant surprise to discover this activity.
Kashmir has so much to offer, and it's a place that never ceases to amaze me. From its natural beauty to its culture and history, there's something for everyone. I can't wait to go back to Kashmir and explore more of its wonders.
It feels like my second home even if I have no one there. It just feels so right and would love to go back again <3 <3 <3
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