Greetings to all those passionate about traveling,
Rinchen Tshering this side, a travel lover would like to share my trip experience to Kashmir. Lazing around at home, I stumbled upon a captivating episode of “Kashmir” on the Travel and Living channel, sparking a quick desire to experience the stunning beauty of this Himalayan region. Searching on Google, I came across Kashmir, which is known as India’s Switzerland. Since India’s partition, Kashmir has been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan for over six decades.
Kashmir is full of promises of cool summer air, alpine scenery, and the allure of Srinagar’s romantic houseboat accommodations. Inspired by Bollywood films shot in this breathtaking locale like Rockstar, Yeh Jawaani hai Deewani, Fitoor, Highway, and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, I embarked on a journey from my hometown of Darjeeling to explore the magic of Kashmir.
Route from Darjeeling to Srinagar:
- Affordable flights are available from major Indian cities to Srinagar. I took a flight from Bagdogra (the closest airport to my hometown) and flew to New Delhi.
- From New Delhi, I preferred going by car, making it a road trip. In between, we reached Amritsar (approximately an 8-hour drive) and wished to go to the Golden Temple.
Note: Flights from New Delhi to Srinagar are directly available.
After seeking blessings at the Golden Temple and relishing a delicious “Langar,” I spent the night in Amritsar. The next morning, I left for a ten-hour drive to Srinagar. I made a pit stop in Jammu for breakfast and reached India’s “Switzerland” after a long day of travel. It was already dark when I reached Srinagar.
Monarch Bathhouse: Best Accommodation in Srinagar
In Srinagar, I stayed at the Monarch Boathouse, which offered breathtaking views of the Dal/Nageen Lake. The boathouse provided comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms, a bathtub, and delicious breakfast and dinner for Rs. 2800. The living room with an attached balcony allowed me to enjoy the passing shikaris, which offered shopping for local Kashmiri dresses (“FIRAN”), saffron, and jewelry. I ended up shopping for a few of them. T
The highlight of my stay was waking up to breathtaking mountain views and enjoying hot KAHWA served by Aijaz Bhaijaan, the gracious owner of the boathouse.
I got ready in a hurry after breakfast, wearing the beautiful FIRAN I just purchased. I felt like a Bollywood actress in it.
Places to visit in Kashmir:
- Day 1: I explored the local market, Lal Chowk, where I bought more Kashmiri dresses called “Firans” for my friends and family. I also visited unique mosques, drove around Dal Lake, and fantasized about life while singing songs from Bollywood movies like “Rockstar.” Further, I visited Pari Mahal, a seven-terraced garden fronting the Dal Lake. In the evening, I enjoyed a Shikara ride, wearing a traditional Kashmiri dress, and a photographer clicked my pictures. I felt like a celebrity with the paparazzi papping me, and all of this was just for Rs. 500. After that, I went back to the hotel and had an amazing dinner.
- Day 2: I took a trip to Gulmarg, where I experienced Swiss and Austrian vibes. I took a cable car ride called “Gondola” to the first phase for Rs. 780 and enjoyed a delicious lunch at the restaurant. After that, we explored Khilan Marg on horseback for Rs. 500 to witness the mesmerizing meadows of Gulmarg (approximately 2.5 km away).
- Day 3: On my way to Pahalgam, I visited the Avantiswami Temple, located just forty minutes from Srinagar and an hour away from Pahalgam. The temple resembled ruins from ancient Greece and Turkey. Upon reaching Pahalgam in one hour, I drove uphill for 15 minutes to reach Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood movie “Betaab.” Further uphill, 15 minutes away, I reached Chandanwadi, the starting point of the famous Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage.
- Day 4: I visited Sonmarg, which is 2 hours from Srinagar, a picturesque place with snow-covered landscapes during the winter and lush green meadows during the summer. I saw the river curve its way through the mountains. After SONMARG, I drove three more hours to get to Kargil. The Kargil War Memorial, commemorating the 1999 war between India and Pakistan, was a deeply emotional experience.
Best Food in Kashmir:
- Try local Kashmiri cuisines like Goshtab, Dum Aloo, etc. at Monarch Boathouse.
- I enjoyed a delicious lunch at Las Vegas Restaurant (Kashmiri chicken pulao, chicken gravy, and kahwa) for Rs. 990.
The best time to visit Kashmir :
The best months to visit Kashmir during the snowy season are January to March, as the region receives most of its snowfall from late November to early February. The area is completely turned into a charming white wonderland at this time, providing guests with an incredibly enchanted experience.
Travel hacks for a trip to Kashmir
- Pack wisely and avoid overpacking. Bring winter clothes and stick to 2-3 basic-colored trousers (black, brown, or beige), along with 2-3 versatile long-sleeved shirts. Don’t forget to wear jackets or shrugs for layering.
- Opt for backpacks instead of suitcases for easy mobility.
- Carry snacks like protein bars, chocolates, and cookies for emergencies.
- Always have a raincoat or umbrella handy.
- Pack a small first-aid kit customized to your needs, including essentials like band-aids, painkillers, and sanitary napkins for women.
My visit to Kashmir was an unforgettable experience and meeting the hospitable people of the region was overwhelming. I urge you to book your tickets and embark on this journey to experience the unmatched beauty of Kashmir for yourself.
