Jannat-e-Kashmir: Discover the Paradise on Earth
Away from the bustle of urban life, tucked away in paradise, my stay in Kashmir was an unforgettable experience. The locals lead a simple life but infuse it with a deeply rooted and rich culture. The view of the snow-capped peaks too is just as striking.
I am an adventurous soul, so I headed to Gulmarg, a lovely hill station without much crowd, and the best one for a really high adrenaline rush. Skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating – you have it all. If you’re not too much into adventure and prefer basking in the lap of nature, you have the captivating views of the valleys in Sonmarg and Pahalgam, coloured with bright flowers, with the mighty peaks giving a solid background.
But, these hill stations are becoming too common now. I wanted to explore more and go a little offbeat, so I chose to stay at Yousmarg, a hidden jewel of Kashmir. That’s where I got to taste the best of the state.
The markets adorned with the Pashmina shawls and locally crafted embroidered garments give you the first glimpse into the Kashmiri culture. About that, meeting the locals was truly a highlight, because Kashmir may be the coldest region in the country, but it surely has some of the warmest hearts in its shelter! The villagers keep their hearts and houses full of love and warmth, despite the occasional unrest.
I was welcomed with the traditional Kashmiri Kahwa, a special tea made of herbs and infused with saffron and other spices. It is the perfect way to soothe your throat and keep it warm in the biting cold. Every sip bursts with flavours and it is not something I am going to forget for the longest time!
The food too is just as memorable as the scenic landscapes. Rogan Josh and Dum Aloo are famous all across the country, but you have a lot more – like Kashmiri Saag, Aab Gosht, Modur Pulao… all lip-smacking dishes, taking you on a roller coaster of flavours.
The highland of Kashmir serves you with the warmest hospitality and the most delightful experiences with beautiful landscapes to trek on. Here are a few places I really loved –
1. Tarsar Marsar, twin lakes in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, offer some pristine views and a peaceful trekking experience.
2. Naranag Gangabal is a trek full of picturesque views and lush meadows. Perfect for nature lovers
3. Kashmir Lakes Trek, which covers all the beautiful lakes in the land, like Vishansar Lake, Krishnasar Lake, Yamsar Lake, and many more leaves you with a lifetime of memories and experiences.
The thrill shoots up from the word go, with even the roads leading to Gulmarg from Srinagar welcoming me on a white carpet, painted with beauty. In the end, I sure did get a taste of paradise…
When should you visit, you ask?
Well, one of the most unique points about Kashmir is that it has something to offer to its visitors every season;
Spring (March-April) brings with it bright flowers and fruits in full bloom, painting the white canvas with life. If you want to bask in the sun and enjoy the warmth of nature, this is the season for you. What’s more? The region hosts the Tulip Blossom every April – when the garden is in full bloom. Interesting, isn’t it? Summer (May-August) continues to stretch the colourful canvas all over the valley and offers a splendid getaway from the scorching heat of the plains and coasts. Explore the Himalayas with the sounds of gushing streams and pristine lakes around. Autumn (September-November) starts lowering the temperatures a little but makes the landscape all the more picturesque as the leaves start turning red and give the colour of fire to the mountains with some hints of gold in them. The landscape may not be as colourful but remains just as bright and upbeat. There are more layers visible on people around, but the experience keeps you warm.
For more on travel to Kashmir, visit our website or send me a DM!
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