Hello my travel lovers, Rishav Pal is here!!!
Join me as I go on a soul-stirring journey through the beautiful valleys, mountains, and serene lakes of Kashmir. It is located in the lap of the Himalayas. Kashmir is often described as “Paradise on Earth”, and rightfully so.
Route to Srinagar, Kashmir
Taking a flight to Srinagar, I felt the cool mountain air embrace me like a breath of fresh air. It had been months of waiting for this trip to Kashmir, and I finally made it. Carrying my backpack and full of excitement, I headed to my homestay for the night.
Accommodation in Kashmir:
- I stayed at a homestay for Rs. 15,000 per person per night, including breakfast and dinner.
- In addition, I stayed at the Go Stops Hostel for Rs. 800 per night per bed.
The hotel in Pahalgam was quite costly at the time of the New Year.
5-day itinerary: places to visit in Kashmir
- Day 1: Exploring Srinagar
After a hearty breakfast at the homestay, I set out to explore the city. My first stop was Lal Chowk, in the heart of Srinagar. The vibrant colours of the markets and the sound of vendors hawking their wares filled the air. I picked up some traditional Kashmiri souvenirs and savoured the local cuisine, including the famous Wazwan feast.
Next, I visited the Shankaracharya Temple, a serene oasis in the city. The temple’s stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere left me feeling rejuvenated. I also visited the beautiful gardens of Srinagar, including the Nishat Bagh and the Shalimar Bagh, both of which were feasts for the senses.
- Day 2: A Journey to Gulmarg
The next morning, I headed to Gulmarg, a beautiful town in the Himalayas. The cab fare for travelling to Gulmarg was approximately Rs 2,200 for a three-seater vehicle. The journey was long, but the breathtaking views of mountains and valleys made it worthwhile. In Gulmarg, I rode a gondola up to the mountaintop. The views of snow-capped peaks were stunning. The ride itself felt like an adventure, floating through the air on a cable.
After coming down from the gondola, I explored Doodhpathri nearby. It’s a green valley with meadows and streams. Breathing in the fresh mountain air and hearing the babbling brooks left me feeling refreshed.
- Day 3: Discovering Pahalgam
The next day, I went to Pahalgam, a lovely town with green forests and clear streams all around. I checked into the hotel and then went out to see what the place had to offer. My first stop was the Betaab Valley, a beautiful spot with wildflowers and greenery everywhere. It’s named after a Bollywood movie that was shot here called “Betaab.”
After that, I went to Chandanwari, a gorgeous meadow encircled by snowy peaks. It was full of wildflowers, and the sound of the flowing brooks was calming to the ears.
- Day 4: Exploring Sonamarg
On the fourth day, I headed to Sonamarg, a town nestled in the Himalayas. The trip was lengthy, but the breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys made it completely worth it.
In Sonamarg, I took a walk through the meadows, which were filled with wildflowers and the sound of the babbling brooks. The fresh mountain air and the stunning vistas left me feeling invigorated.
- Day 5: Leaving the beautiful place, Kashmir
On my final day, I said goodbye to the beautiful valley of Kashmir and returned to Srinagar. I spent the day exploring the city, picking up some last-minute souvenirs, and savouring the local cuisine.
As I boarded my flight back to Delhi, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. Kashmir has captured my heart and will explore its beauty once again.
Best to visit Kashmir:
The best time to visit Kashmir is from March to August. Tourists flock to the Kashmir Valley to experience its heavenly beauty and enjoy everything it has to offer. During this time, you get to witness two seasons: spring (March to early May) and summer (early May to late August).
Necessary things to pack:
- If you’re visiting Kashmir in winter, be sure to pack heavy woollens, sweaters, and scarves to keep warm.
- Bring along sturdy shoes if you’re planning on doing any adventure activities.
- It’s also a good idea to carry basic medicines like Vicks, Avomine, Metacin, Saridon, etc.
- If you’re travelling in December, don’t forget to pack an umbrella to shield yourself from the occasional rain.
Travel tips:
Here are some tips from my side if you are planning a trip to Kashmir:
- A postpaid SIM is a must.
- As I told you earlier, gondola bookings should be done in advance.
- People in the gondola ask for high rates for everything, so try to negotiate.
My five-day adventure in Kashmir was a perfect blend of thrill, natural beauty, and tranquillity. I highly recommend this journey for anyone seeking an unforgettable experience. For captivating travel stories and inspiring adventures, check out https://sowl.in/stories, till then happy exploring, everyone!
