Welcome to our captivating travel blog, where we invite you to join us on an extraordinary adventure to the picturesque destinations of Pahalgam, Sonmarg, and Gulmarg in the heavenly region of Kashmir, India. With their breathtaking landscapes, serene valleys, and exhilarating experiences, these three gems offer a glimpse into the sheer magnificence of nature's artistry. Let's embark on this unforgettable journey together!
Let's visualise the planning from beginning ....
Planning
Well, this is one of our dream places to travel. We think, it's a common psychology that if we hear about something a lot, it gives a trigger to experience about those things and that's what happened to us and Kashmir got added to our travel lists.
Planning is important but getting into it too much may ruin your travel. Therefore, we believe in deciding the place first, and without thinking much we simply book the travel tickets and then follow the necessary steps that are needed for travel.
Our journey brief:
Journey | | |
24-Mar-2023 | ||
25-Mar-2023 | Night stay at Gulmarg | |
26-Mar-2023 | Night stay at Srinagar | |
27-Mar-2023 | Night stay at Boat house * | |
28-Mar-2023 | Reached home 😊 |
Ticket Booking ℹ️
Traveling to a new place is always challenging, isn't it? A lot of things come to our mind like how the places, foods, accommodations would be. At the same time, these shouldn't be a barrier for us because we believe experiencing such things have its own feelings and we shouldn't be thinking much about these. And with that we did the began the booking process ...
Source station: Bangalore
Via 🚌 - Didn't search for as there was a time constraint for us.
Via 🚉 - Not available.
Via ✈️ - No direct flight. We went via Delhi. Total cost ~ Rs. 50k. [Begnaluru ➡ Kashmir ➡ Begnaluru]
As per our experience, we recommend not to delay on flight booking else cost might get increased. Here are a couple of learnings from our experience:
1. A timely booking could have saved Rs. 10k but we ended up loosing this because of delayed in flight booking by a couple of days and costs us ~ Rs. 50k. 2. Although it was delayed in flight booking but another mistake we made was not to communicate about flight booking with the trip advisor that one of my friends has shared (will be sharing more updates soon). If we would have booked via them could have saved Rs. 15k and our total cost would have been total ~Rs. 35k. We got to know about the offer when share the air ticket to them.
Trip Planning (Accommodation and Inter-city travel)
Traveling to a place where we have never been always challenging and exciting to tour of, isn't it? At least, we think so. Here is what we have done to get the first step sorted out i.e. planning the trip.
Some of you may think, we do have various platforms who has already solve such problems than why to worry. Yes, that's right. But the problem with those problem is that their cost is way too much. Also, if some of yours close who has already visited such places and share their experience then it gives a lot of confidence, and that's where "travelihood" happens to us.
One of my friends has already visited to Kashmir and he has shared the details of Mr. Abdul from "Travelihood". Trust us, Mr. Abdul is simply awesome in terms of listening your queries, giving the right guidance that you need. More importantly, his communication is bang-on. You don't have to wait for any queries that you have. Once, you get all the necessary informations, make your decision and decide the next step.
If any of you plan for Kashmir trip, please leave a comment and will share the necessary details or else simply contact to travelihood through - contact@travelihood.com
Journey Begins
Well, within Kashmir, our touring day started from Pahalgam! So, here are the details with some of the key highlights.
Pahalgam - Where Nature Unleashes Its Splendor
The Valley of Shepherds: Exploring Pahalgam Prepare to be enchanted by Pahalgam, a scenic paradise known as the "Valley of Shepherds." Surrounded by towering mountains, lush meadows, and gushing rivers, this idyllic town offers a perfect escape from the mundane. Encompassing the Saffron fields of Pampore and the beautiful countryside. Driving to Pahalgam through the dense pine forest, confluence of the streams flowing from the river Lidder & Sheshnag Lake which are famous for their picturesque beauty will rejuvenate your soul.
Place covered - Baisaran Valley(Mini Switzerland).
Baisaran Valley, located just 5 kilometers away from Pahalgam in the Anantnag district of Kashmir, is famous as a top sightseeing destination, called mini-Switzerland because of its picturesque beauty. It’s a hilltop green meadow dotted with dense pine forests and surrounded by snow capped mountains. This famous offbeat tourist place is great for those wanting to spend a quiet time in the company of nature. It also serves as a campsite for trekkers going to Tullian Lake.
A quick summary on Pahalgam visit:
Carry snacks/fruits - Ensure that you carry fruits or some snacks to minimise stepping outside from hotel unnecessary. You have necessary places to cover any way. Which places to cover first - If you have to choose between "Mini Switzerland" and "Aru and Betaab valley" then we would prefer to go for Mini Switzerland. However, if you have additional days, cover other places too. Keep yourself hydrated - Carry water bottle and keep drinking it in regular interval even you don't feel thirsty. You will be saved from de-hydration. Protect yourself from cold/drizzling/rain - Wear hand-gloves and water resistance jackets. Don't pay additional fees/charges - Be aware of getting additional charge for horse riding to reach to the Baisaran which is close to 5km from Pahalgam. For us, they started from Rs. 3500 and came down to Rs. 2700 for two person. You have to pay extra from Gum shoes and Jackets. We were needed only Gum shoes. Carry some cash - This you can use to get corn, tea/coffee, etc. once you reach to Baisaran valley.
Gulmarg - Where Adventure Meets Serenity
Winter Wonderland: Embracing the Magic of Gulmarg - Experience the thrill of winter sports and immerse yourself in the snow-covered wonderland of Gulmarg. Embark on an exhilarating skiing or snowboarding adventure on powdery slopes, or simply revel in the serenity of the white landscapes. Gulmarg's charm lies in its seamless blend of adventure and tranquility.
Gondola Ride: Soaring to New Heights - Embark on a breathtaking Gondola ride, one of the world's highest cable car systems, offering panoramic views of Gulmarg's surrounding peaks. Ascend to Kongdoori Mountain and then to the majestic Apharwat Peak, where you'll be greeted by awe-inspiring vistas of the Himalayan ranges. People say this adventure is not to be missed but we missed it as we couldn't buy ticket because of the slots were full.
- If Gondola Ride is in your list then please don't forget to pre-book the ticket online. Link to book ticket online is - https://jkcablecar.payu.in/ - Be aware of scam. A lot of local people would come forward promising a lot of things and will charge more amount. Be aware of such things and make a conscious decision. If you find it reasonable and promising, go for it!
What else can be explored in Gulmarg?
In our view, it all depends on how many days of trip are and how you have planned to spend those days. If you have plenty of time then there are plenty of others things to explore in Gulmarg and here is source that you can explore to know them - Gulmarg Sightseeing.
A quick summary on Gulmarg visit:
- We felt that spending a day or two in Gulmarg is worth. - Got more time? Just relax and enjoy the beauty of Winter Wonderland, Gulmarg. Don't get yourself tired. - Carry water bottle and keep drinking it certain interval even you don't feel thirsty. You will be saved from de-hydrated. - Be aware of getting charged for certain activities that you can explore by yourself - In the main place of Gulmarg, there are plenty of things to do without any cost like walking on the ice, sliding, photo/video shooting, etc. There are NO charges involved by any officials.
Srinagar - Boat House
In the evening and as the sun begins to set along the horizon, you will enjoy a fun filled Shikara boat ride on scenic Dal Lake. Apart from wearing the outlook of a fancy looking medieval artwork, the houseboats in Kashmir are equally adorned with the tranquilising nature from all sides. Warm hosts and some delicious Kashmiri food make a stay in one of these houseboats a fetish for many! But unlike the houseboats in the backwaters of Kerala that are mostly on the move, the Kashmiri houseboats are wonderfully adorned mostly docked by the lake’s periphery. So end your trip with a good note by staying in a Houseboat.
A quick summary on Boat House stay and Shikara Ride:
Let's start with Shikara Ride
Awesome view - I think one of the best you would experience with Shikara ride. DON'T MISS! Shikara Ride and its price - Ensure that you check with multiple vendors. There will be various GHATs where you can choose to experience the ride. While walking through the side of the lake, you would find many authoritative persons who will keep asking you about the ride with the price. For us, it was Rs. 100/hour. There will be a package but be mindful of the package and ask yourself if you need to with the package. Feeling Hungry - Near to the GHAT, there are various restaurants available. You can go with your choice. Don't compare the food item prices, you will find costlier then your city from wherever you have come from 😀.
Stay at Boat House
Very poor experience - It's a worst decision we have made to our trip. Let's see why we are saying this? - A lot restrictions like be careful while using bathroom, no proper food, unable to get sleep because of lot of external sounds, power fluctuation - Once you get into the boat and wanted to come to the main market, there is no other option except taking boat ride and every time it costs you Rs. 100. - If any medical emergency, you are stuck. Overall, we won't recommend to opt for stay at Boat House. Instead, enjoy the Shikara ride and book a hotel in the city. But still, if you want to experience the stay, please ensure that you have figured out all the above-mentioned points.
Conclusion: Our journey through the captivating destinations of Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and in Kashmir, India, has come to an end. From the serenity of Pahalgam's valleys to the awe-inspiring wonders of Sonmarg and the thrilling adventures of Gulmarg, these destinations have truly stolen our hearts. Kashmir's natural beauty, warm hospitality, and unforgettable experiences make it an absolute paradise on Earth. We hope this blog has inspired you to embark on your own extraordinary journey to this enchanting region, where magical moments await at every turn.
Need help on planning trip to Kashmir, please reach out through the Contact Us page. We will ensure that the all the possible questions are answered and necessary references are shared. Information is totally FREE!
Thanks for reading out! Happy travel!
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