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 met on the road and the interactions with natural treasures of the place?

For Sanjana’s family, it was a blend of both.

They went to Kashmir last year in May and were looking to spend some quality time together. Sanjana, her husband, and their 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. They 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 mind, out of sheer curiosity, they landed in Srinagar.

Their transports and stays were already arranged, thanks to Thrillophilia, and they were greeted by a very welcoming guide named Mudassir Bhai. From the moment he started his car and took it out of the driveway, they knew he was a very skilled driver. Sanjana’s husband kept on telling her throughout the trip,

“I wish I could drive like this on the mountainous road…ah, such a wonderful dream!”

The kids were lost in the stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, while Sanjana was searching for a small tea stall to try their chai. She had heard before coming on this trip that Kashmiri Chai is a delicacy that is a must to try, and being Indian, the day does not quite start without sipping on a hot cup of chai.

The Shikara Ride
From the car, they were directly transferred to Dal Lake, and from there, they went on the shikara ride. What could be a better start to a Kashmir trip than this?

They 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. They went into the floating market, and Sanjana’s husband got her and their kids a bunch of flowers. They also got some apricots for snacking.

That night, they were to stay in the houseboat itself, so they were asked what they would like to eat on board. They were prompt to answer. They all spoke together,

“Something regional and authentic of the destination.”

The staff prepared some momos and butter tea for snacks. For dinner, they were served smoking hot Sheermal, Shab Deg, and Nadir Monji. They were flattered by the rich flavours and the soft bread and thanked the staff heartily instead.

The highest gondola in the WORLD!
Their trip to Gulmarg Gondola was out of the world. They 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, they found out that there were snow activities taking place. Thrilled, they all ran towards the skiing spot, booked their tickets, pulled up the skiing suit and cheered for life.

Then they swooshed down the slope multiple times, all four of them. They were really LIVING!

Bhumro and their friends
On their Pahalgam trip, they 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 kids went up to him and started talking. Sanjana was happy to see that they were getting along with the locals, and so were she and her husband.

Each of them was so warm, genuine, and helpful. They were unlike 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 one might feel dumb at times, and this happens especially while travelling. Sanjana realised there is never a dearth of knowledge if one has the willingness to learn.

They were clicking a few pictures with the white sheep and goats when a bird, seemingly a young Shinu Pippin (as the shepherd told them), flew up to their 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, their son flew the bird away and they started back to the hotel.

They 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 them wanted to come back home from there.

If one respects nature, she will give moments that will be cherished forever. Sanjana’s family knew nature was with them on this trip, perhaps rejoicing and being playful.

A Winter World

In Sonmarg, they went to the Baltal and Thajiwas Glaciers. It was there that they came across a landscape thoroughly blanketed in a thick sheet of snow.

The terrain of Kashmir is very diverse and extraordinary. To experience it fully, one must take a Kashmir tour at least once in their lives.

Especially in the winter season, it would be much more surreal. Since they were visiting in May, the peak season, there were a lot of tourists. However, they were guided throughout by their guide and tour manager, Ayushi. Ayushi was readily available for phone calls and any kind of help, so they could rest assured that they had someone to fall back on.

The last part of the trip offered a thorough tour of Srinagar, its Mughal Gardens, the famous Hazratbal Shrine, and the Shankaracharya Temple. They also did a lot of shopping from Lal Chowk, including pashmina shawls, a Kashmiri carpet, and phirans as well as kaftans. Sanjana personally loved the embroidery works and the handicrafts, so she got a few souvenirs as well, wooden boxes and craft items. They 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, they missed the place so much that they sat together one evening and made an album of the trip. Looking at the pictures and videos rejuvenated them and also brought back some fresh memories.

They loved the experience. Thanks to Thrillophilia’s Kashmir tour packages, they hoped to travel with the company again, perhaps to a different destination, but with the same trust.

Read More: Thrillophilia Kashmir Reviews