Mission Kashmir : Exploring the Enchanting Beauty of Kashmir.

Traveling offers opportunities for relaxation, rejuvenation, and stress relief. Exploring new places, engaging in leisure activities, and disconnecting from daily routines can improve mental well-being and enhance overall quality of life.

Recently, I also got a chance to visit the heaven on earth, Kashmir, with my family. This was my first trip to a hill station with my children. Therefore, there was some concern about the health of the children but it was good that the children adjusted well to the climate of Kashmir during the trip.

Left for Jammu

So in this way we left for Jammu on 19 March 2024 by Jhelum Express from Bhopal. Along with me, my wife Nirjara, my son Tattvarth and daughter Anavadya, as well as my friend Vivek, his wife Nikita and son Nirgranth set out on this journey. Our journey to this heaven on earth started after reaching Jammu on 20th March. The pleasant weather, beautiful valleys, long road tunnels were surprising us.

Traveling about nine hours from Jammu, capturing the beautiful locations in our cameras and sharing them by making reels on Instagram, WhatsApp, we reached Pahalgam at around 9 pm the same day.

 Day 1: 21 March

Our first stop of the journey was Pahalgam where we stayed at Hotel Mountain Peak, the location of this hotel surrounded by beautiful valleys made us say wow. I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the breathtaking view of the snow-capped Himalayas. The crisp mountain air welcomed us as we landed, and we immediately felt the serene charm of Kashmir. Pahalgam beckoned us with its scenic beauty and serene ambiance. We strolled along the Lidder River, surrounded by pine forests and meadows dotted with colorful wildflowers. The Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood film "Betaab" shot there, was a highlight with its crystal-clear streams and towering mountains. Our adventure continued as we embarked on a trek to the Aru Valley, passing through quaint villages and lush landscapes. The pristine beauty of the valley, with its meandering rivers and alpine meadows, left us speechless. We also visited the Chandanwari, the starting point for the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, immersing ourselves in the spiritual aura of the place. 

Day 2: 22 March

We were surprised to know that at the time when we were on Kashmir tour, some of our acquaintances and other friends had also gone on Kashmir tour, among them we unexpectedly met one of our very special friends, Akatva, on 22nd March we celebrated Akatva's birthday together. Also celebrated. After Pahalgam we reached our next stop Srinagar. In Srinagar we stayed at Hotel Velmont. On 22nd March we enjoyed the local sightseeing scene of Srinagar, visited some gardens and enjoyed a shikara (traditional wooden boat) ride in Dal Lake.

Day 3: 23 March

Our journey took us to Gulmarg, known as the "Meadow of Flowers." The gondola ride to Kongdori provided us with unparalleled views of the surrounding snow-clad peaks, and we indulged in exhilarating activities like skiing and snowboarding. The lush green meadows of Gulmarg were a stark contrast to the snowy slopes, creating a picturesque landscape. In Gulmarg, my son Tattwarth, daughter Anavadya and my friend's son Nirgranth made many attractive snow figures and the children had a lot of fun on the snow covered land and mountains.

In Evening we spent leisurely exploring the local markets of Srinagar, Lal Chauk etc where we indulged in shopping for exquisite Pashmina shawls, intricate Kashmiri handicrafts, and aromatic spices etc. 

Day 4 : 24 March

After checking out from Velmont Hotel, Srinagar, we left for Sonamarg for the next leg of our journey. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Kashmir Valley, Sonamarg is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous souls seeking natural beauty and tranquility. Translating to "Meadow of Gold" in Kashmiri, Sonamarg lives up to its name with its golden meadows, pristine rivers, and majestic snow-capped mountains.

Our journey begins with a scenic drive from Srinagar, winding through lush green valleys and quaint villages. As we approach Sonamarg, the air becomes crisper, and the landscape transforms into a postcard-perfect scene. Upon arrival, we check into a cozy guesthouse surrounded by pine forests and overlooking the roaring Sindh River. 

After returning from Sonamarg, we stayed at the famous Boat House of Srinagar on the same evening. The experience of a boat house gives a very royal feel. These boat houses are 100 to 150 years old where you get to see many antique items. After fatigue, staying at the boat house amidst the waves of Dal Lake is quite relaxing.

Day 5:

On 25th March, after checking out from the boat house in the morning, we set out to see some more unexplored places of Srinagar. We set out early to explore the iconic Shankaracharya Temple perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of Srinagar city and the Dal Lake below. Later in the day, we visited the Mughal Gardens, with their meticulously manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and ancient chinar trees. Tulip garden and Shalimar Bagh left us in awe of their grandeur and historical significance. 

After this, having lunch at around 2 pm, we left for Jammu in our Toyota car from where we had to catch Jhelum Express back to Bhopal. During the journey, instead of eating too much outside, we gave priority to eating breakfast brought from home and food items prepared by ourselves on the spot.

As we bid farewell to Kashmir, we carried with us memories of a lifetime—the majestic mountains, serene lakes, lush valleys, and warm hospitality of the Kashmiri people. Kashmir truly is a paradise on earth, a destination that captivates the soul and leaves an indelible mark on the heart.

Back to Bhopal

We reached back to Bhopal around 5 am on the 27th. Since the train was late by about 5 hours, instead of reaching our destination late at night, we landed at Bhopal early in the morning.

Of course, we spend some money while travelling, but the memories associated with these journeys have no value, those priceless memories are what we gain from these journeys.