“If there is paradise on Earth, this is it”
If you are visiting India or you are a Indian looking for a spectacular experience that would go on to be the best of your vacations, Kashmir is the one I can advice.
Kashmir was my first tour with my wife after marriage and we are forever glad to have chosen this little preview of heaven.
When to travel?
Early winter is the ideal time to plan for a visit to Kashmir. We will suggest to keep your itinerary short . And enjoy the best trip of your life.
As we were flying close to Srinagar, about 20 minutes before landing , all of a sudden , every passenger in the aircraft was on his toes craning their necks over the tiny window to catch a glimpse of the arrival of the mountain ranges. A fleet of Snow Giants.
Visit Meena Bazaar in Dal Lake
A night on a House boat
Your tour of Srinagar cannot be deemed complete without a stay on a houseboat on the Dal Lake.
The story here: After dark, we went in to check-in on the above house boat. A quiet, long one-of-a kind ride among the lightly lit water routes, water lillies and all kinds of vegetation all around us. It was unusual at first but I was entusiastic. This adds to one of the unique things you can enjoy. Getting to your hotel everyday on one of the shikaras. Talk about life changing.
Here’s how they look lined up in the morning.
Our suggestion for Srinagar
Take a Shikara ride
Admire the crystal-clear reflection of the mountains.
Spot fish and water birds as you glide along.
Savor a traditional Wazwan meal, and start your morning with a cup of Kahwa—it’s a charm unique to Kashmir. Nowhere else compares.
Spend two days in Pahalgam. On the first day, visit Mini Switzerland with a scenic horse ride.
Visit Sonemarg. Enjoy the snow.
On your way to Pahalgam, visit apple orchids . Taste all kind of apples. The golden ones are supposed to be the best.
The dark ominous mountains look like some forbidden place. I was simply amazed.
Aru valley is the most beautiful sight among all the points in Pahalgam. Visit this on your second day in Pahalgam.Set out early.
Every journey you make will mesmerize you . The melting snow. The blue stream, your constant companion. Take breaks. Keep your camera busy.
In Sonemarg, visit 3 major points by jeep
Put your high boots and thick fur coats on, and enjoy some sledging, and snow ball fights. Its playtime.
What we learned from this trip:
From this trip, we gained a lot of experience, had to churn out lots of tricks to tackle prices and deals right from landing to return back home. They might save you a lot of money.
Here’s our suggestion for a honeymooning couple or family
- Day 1: Srinagar – Local sight seeing (3 gardens) and house boat stay
- Day 2: Sonemarg and back to Srinagar
- Day 3: Pahalgam (Horse ride to Mini Switzerland)
- On the way to Pahalgam, visit Apple orchards and Saffron fields
- Day 4: Pahalgam (Car tour to Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, and Chandanwari), then back to Srinagar
- Day 5: Gulmarg, and back. Shop in Srinagar till shops close down (Around 8 PM)
- Day 6: Shikara ride of the Dal Lake. Then catch the afternoon flight after 2 PM .
Food to Try:
Wazwani cuisine is famous for its wide variety of dishes. Satiate your culinary desires .
- Veg lovers: Sorry not too much to offer. Try the Kashmiri Pulav and Kashmiri Alu Dum. Its an all time fav.
- Non-veg lovers : The Wazwani Thali, Chicken Irani and Chicken Kanti
Where to book your package
- Book from a local tour arranger. Preferably government run agency . I am providing details of the one we used.
Web: www.srinagartourism.com | www.kashmir-tourism.com |Email: [email protected]
- Buy tickets for flight/train yourself. Pay them only after reaching their office.
How to deal with local guides
Note: I visited on 2016, so prices may have changed.
This is the most important piece of advise we want to give you, so you do not get cheated.
At Sonemarg:
- Deal offered by guides – 7500 Rs for couple. 3 spots in Jeep . 12 points on sledge (which is nothing but may be a few feet of snow track). Snow clothes and boots for both.
- What you should pay : Max 3000 Rs. (In summer, pay 500 Rs per head max)
- Why: Out of 3 spots, 2 are in the same place. You don’t need snow clothes if already are protected well.
At Pahalgam:
- Offer for mule trip: For mini Switzerland (plus 2 spots on the way), deals offered by guides – 1800rs per head.
- What you should pay: Max 1500 Rs per head.
- Why: 2 spots are nothing but views of Pahalgam village…and some water tank with a story. The open plateau (mini Switzerland) is although worth visiting.
At Gulmarg:
- Don’t hire a horse if you want to visit the Gondola alone. Just walk the mile.
- Don’t rent any winter clothes. No matter how cold it is, you are going to sweat when you reach the top. Your normal winter clothes you already brought along will be sufficient.
- Hire a guide. Pay 300-400 Rs (INR), and no more. He will get you the tickets for Gondola (to avoid getting in ticket line and join the actual queue to Gondola ride) Shopping Tips
What to shop:
- Shawls – Bargain very well…they start from 300 Rs (INR) to unlimited..
- Carpets – We got a good deal of 9000 Rs on a 5 X 7 inch carpet…It’s awesome
- Bed covers – Single ones 2000 Rs max, doubles 3500 Rs max.
- Food items like Saffron, Walnuts, Apricots (Khubani) , Almonds, Kidney Beans, Kashmiri Mirch . Buy these on your way to Pahalgam near Pampur village.
Note : If you are getting your purchases couriered by the shopkeeper, please do not pay the whole amount . And note down more than one contact’s phone number.
Where to buy?:
Everything is available in Srinagar in and around. Shop while returning from Gulmarg on the highway. Buy all items from one shop to get a good bargain….And bargain very large…Never agree to prices that are asked at first..Trust us…We brought down prices to their knees…Max 60% of the asking price.
Most importantly, enjoy being there…It’s just beautiful and peaceful to be there..I felt privileged to get an opportunity to visit Kashmir…Now I can die in peace…Best of luck fellow travellers.