Our plan to visit Kashmir was very random, we booked everything at the last hour. Pahalgam and Gulmarg had always been on my Bucket list so I was really excited for the trip. And when we were finally on-board, flying above the mesmerizing snow-capped mountains, I already had this feeling that Kashmir is truly going to be a paradise.
Flying above the Himalayas and landing in Srinagar
A smooth journey from Delhi to Srinagar over the snow-capped mountains was enough to double our excitements. And by the time we landed on Srinagar, the fresh breeze was all that we needed to rejuvenate our souls. We began our explorations with a level of excitement that had no bounds.
Travel Tips
Buy your tickets atleast 15 to 30 days prior to get the cheapest deals. Last minute deals can cost you heavy!
A Magical Journey by Road from Srinagar to Pahalgam
Upon reaching Srinagar, we were happy to see that our pre-booked cab was already awaiting. Our cab bookings (for the entire trip of 4 days) were made by a relative who had connections at Srinagar, so it was much affordable. We set our journey by road to reach Hotel Heevan at Pahalgam which was going to be our stay for 2 days.
Pahalgam is a journey of few hours by road through the mesmerizing valleys of Kashmir. The views on our way were so picturesque that left us all spellbound. Upon reaching Hotel Heevan, we got enticed by the riverside view, I could spend my whole life sitting at a balcony with a view like that. After freshening up we went to the nearby local market to try out some Kashmiri delicacies and buy some souvenirs.
Travel Tips:
- Log Inn Café has amazing food along with an equally beautiful ambience.
- Dana Pani at Pahalgam is one the best vegan restaurant to try some delicious North Indian food.
- Cab Fares are comparatively low if you book them with the help of locals. Fares are around ₹ 2,000 for the whole day.
- Hotels can be booked on spot or online, but on peak seasons it is better to come prepared and make your bookings prior.
Exploring more of Pahalgam
The beauty of Pahalgam cannot be put to words, our next day was all about exploring the dreamy valleys nearby. We opted for Horse Rides from the locals to explore the nearby mesmerizing valleys. We visited Baisaran, Kashmir and Pahalgam valley, and the views were equally enchanting with lush green, snow-capped mountains encompassing us.
Travel Tips:
- Explore nearby valleys with the help of locals, they introduce you with lot cheaper options.
- Kesar King is the best shop in Pahalgam to buy some authentic and pure Saffron.
Gulmarg- A Luxurious Stay amidst the Heavenly Abode of Mountains and Clouds
Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa was the place we were going to stay for the next two days. Our experience with Khyber was truly amazing, the luxurious stay, the serene surrounding, the peaceful aura, the food, everything was just perfect. Exploring Gulmarg was even more exciting because we were able to engage in some adventure activities. We opted for the Gondola rides to reach at the top for a bird’s eye view.
The Gondola (cable car) ride in Gulmarg should not be missed by anyone. It gives you the best experience ever while offering a breath-taking view. We explored various points with the help of these Gondola rides and also wi tnessed the last layers of snow covering the peaks (since we visited in July).
Travel Tips:
Gulmarg’s Gondola rides are Asia’s largest and World’s 2nd largest Cable Car project.
Dreamy Shikara Rides on Dal Lake
Your visit to Kashmir is incomplete if you don’t visit the Dal Lake at Srinagar and take a Shikara Ride. We had a couple of hours before we could fly back to Delhi, so we made the most of this time (Carpe Diem!). The Shikara Rides give you an amazing experience, you come across many vendors selling food, accessories, flowers and so much more! The floating market at Dal Lake is an amazing place to buy some authentic souvenirs that you can take back home as memories. Picturesque and peaceful, the Shikara ride was all about living the moment and recollecting days spent at Kashmir.
Kashmir will forever have a special place in my memories and my heart.
Additional Tips:
- Carry an Umbrella if you are visiting Kashmir between the months of July and August.
- Do not litter anywhere in these valleys keep them the way they should be.
- Carrying a few warm clothes may help because here temperature changes drastically.
- Explore the local markets for the best local food and accessories.
About The Traveller
Yash Premani is a wanderer and an explorer who loves to visit places that pull him close to nature. He is passionate about Travelling and puts conscious efforts into keeping the beauty of the destinations as it is. He believes in living all out and making the best out of every experience in life.
