Exploring a Life Unknown- Sanjana’s Beautiful Family Trip to Kashmir
What does travelling to a place mean?
Does it mean touring the attraction and the tourist spots? Or does it include talking to the local people we meet on the road and the interactions with natural treasures or the place?
For our family, it was a blend of both.
We went to Kashmir last year in May and we were looking to spend some quality time with our family. Me, my husband, and my two kids were very excited about this trip as Kashmir is a place that is adored by all.
Its name, Paradise on Earth, has not been in vain, it has gained this respect because of its beauty. We were also interested in knowing how the people survive and live…how they deal with the cold, the hostile environment, the endangered ecosystem, and the growing tourism.
With all these questions in our minds, out of sheer curiosity, we landed in Srinagar.
Our transports and stays were already arranged, thanks to Thrillophilia, and we were greeted by a very welcoming guide named Mudassir Bhai. From the moment he started his car and took it out of the driveway, we knew he was a very skilled driver. My husband kept on telling me throughout the trip,
“I wish I could drive like this on the mountainous road…ah, such a wonderful dream!”
My kids were lost in the stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, while I was searching for a small tea stall to try their chai. I had heard before coming on this trip that Kashmiri Chai is a delicacy that is a must to try and being an Indian, our day does not quite start without sipping on a hot cup of chai.
The Shikara Ride
From the car, we were directly transferred to Dal Lake, and from there we were to go on the shikara ride. What could be a better start to a Kashmir trip than this?
We boarded the boat, and it started to glide through the lotus blooms. It was such a heart-warming experience to sit on the shikara looking at the mountains ahead, and the flowers all around! We went into the floating market and my husband got me and our kids a bunch of flowers. We also got some apricots for snacking.
That night we were to stay in the houseboat itself, so we were asked what we would like to eat on board. We were prompt to answer. We all spoke together,
Something regional and authentic of the destination.
They had prepared some momos and butter tea for snacks. For dinner, we were served smoking hot Sheermal, Shab Deg, and Nadir Monji. We were flattered by the rich flavours and the soft bread and thanked the staff heartily instead.
The highest gondola in the WORLD!
Our trip to Gulmarg Gondola was out of the world. We could see vast expanses of valleys and the snow-covered mountains that guarded them. They could see the entire town of Gulmarg, and far beyond it. The views of the landscapes seemed straight out of a dream, the pines and conifers dotted the place, making the entire scenery come alive!
Upon reaching the top of Kongdoori Peak at 3747 m, we found out that there were snow activities taking place. Thrilled, we all ran towards the skiing spot, booked our tickets, pulled up the skiing suit and cheered for life!
Then we swooshed down the slope multiple times, all four of us. We were really LIVING!
Bhumro and their friends
On our Pahalgam trip, we came across a shepherd while returning from the Aru valley and Betaab valley. He was just sitting on a rock on a mountainous trail while his sheep and goats munched on green pastures. Both my kids went up to him and started talking. I was happy to see that they were getting along with the locals, and so were we.
Each of them was so warm, genuine, and helpful. They were unlike us, the city people who were always finding faults and taking things for granted. They lived in gratitude, being thankful to nature for the food and for sustaining them. There is so much to learn that you might feel dumb at times, and this happens especially while travelling. I realised, there is never a dearth of knowledge if you have the willingness to learn.
We were clicking a few pictures with the white sheep and goats, when a bird, seemingly a young Shinu Pippin (as the shepherd told us), flew up to my son and landed on his arms. He was so happy to see that, but he did not jump or move even an inch, thinking if the bird would fly away.After spending a nice time there, my son flew the bird away and we started back to our hotel.
We came across several meadows and valleys filled with flowers. There were some bees enjoying their nectar lunch from these flowers. The sight was so pleasing and soothing that none of us wanted to come back home from there.
If you respect nature, she will give you moments that you will cherish forever. We knew nature was with us on this trip, perhaps rejoicing and being playful.
A winter world
In Sonmarg, we went to the Baltal and Thajiwas Glacier. It was there that we came across a landscape that was thoroughly blanketed in a thick sheet of snow.
The terrain of Kashmir is very diverse and extraordinary. And to experience it, one must take a Kashmir tour at least once in their lives I believe.
Especially in the winter season, I am sure things would be much more surreal. Since we were visiting in May, the peak season, there were a lot of tourists. However, we were saved by our guide and our tour manager Ayushi as they guided us throughout. Ayshi was available readily for phone calls and any kind of help, so we could rest assured that we had someone to fall back on.
The last bit of the trip offered a thorough tour of Srinagar, its Mughal Gardens, the famous Hazratbal Shrine, and the Shankaracharya Temple. We also did a lot of shopping from Lal Chawk including pashmina shawls, a Kashmiri carpet, and Phirans as well as Kaftans. I personally loved the embroidery works and the handicrafts, so I got a few souvenirs as well- wooden boxes and crafts items. We also saw a boat-making workshop, and had a delicious dinner with Modur Polao and Dum Aloo, and finally ended the trip.
After coming back home, we were actually missing the place so much that we sat together one evening and made an album of the trip. Looking at the pictures and videos rejuvenated us, and also brought back some fresh memories.
We loved the experience. Thank you Thrillophilia, hope to travel with you guys again!
Read More: Thrillophilia Kashmir Reviews