KASHMIR
To fully experience the allure of this bit of paradise, one must plan a lengthy trip to see the Himalayan splendour. There are seasons when Kashmir blooms with maple trees in the fall and verdant pastures in the summer, but Kashmir’s winters are truly exceptional. The biggest tourist destinations in Kashmir, such as Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, and Srinagar, all appear more beautiful when they are covered in snow.
Nevertheless, take part in huge adventures that loom in the distance against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountain peaks. The best aspect is that not many people are there, especially in the winter. A possible itinerary for visiting Kashmir for 7 days during the winter is provided below.
3 DAYS IN PAHALGAM
Pahalgam, is a little village east of Srinagar, gradually adapts to the higher mountains. Locals live in the town, where you may find a small market, neighbourhood stores, houses, and people going about their daily business. It is more cosy and less touristic. The temperature drops below zero during the peak winter. Hence, the entire area is fully covered with snow that looks almost magical.
WHERE TO STAY?
In Pahalgam, the Welcomhotel by ITC Pine N Peak is the most popular lodging choice for luxury travellers. Travelers come to the hotel located on a hill in a large estate with a variety of local attractions around. Hotel Pine n Peak enjoys the best views of the sparkling Lidder River, snow-capped mountains, and valleys that are bathed in various colours throughout the day thanks to Pine-n-pure Peak’s beauty that is unaffected by the bustle of the market. The resort has 80 rooms, apartments, and cottages that are tucked away among the unbroken snow layers and fir-lined walkways.
The Kolahoi Green Resort, Kashmir’s newest luxury four-star resort when visiting the well-known Pahalgam Bowl, offers 30 luxurious, centrally heated villas, suites, cottages, and tents, as well as multi-cuisine dining, first-rate recreational opportunities, and a very unforgettable holiday. The hotel features a spa centre and sauna room if you want to calm your senses while enjoying the lovely weather and peaceful surroundings. The design of the cottages and their décor, with the vast garden in the centre, are in perfect harmony with our surroundings, making them excellent for the kind of vacation where you disconnect from the outer world. The Pahalgam market is 3.5 kilometres away from the resort.
DAY 1
Book a cab that would take you around the Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and Chandanwadi.
Aru valley is one of the popular places for sightseeing near Pahalgam where tourists flock for some fantastic views of the dreamy mountain ranges.
On the way to Chandanwadi you will come across the Betaab Valley. The valley’s name comes from the hit Bollywood movie ‘Betab’ starring Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh that was shot here. In fact, the two decades from the 60s – 80s is when Bollywood made Kashmir its go-to destination for shooting. Today, you can find a sprawling park in Betab valley. The Lidder river makes its way through the park with icy cold and crystal clear water that the locals drink from directly.
Based on the name of the popular Hindi film, Betaab, this valley is definitely worth a visit in Pahalgam because of its secluded surroundings, beautiful topography and the extensive green landscapes.
If you are fascinated by the Amarnath journey but are not making it, I would suggest you can make your way to Chandanwadi and find more about it. It is also the last village on this route.
DAY 2
While in Pahalgam, do not miss the horse ride as it will let you explore the beauty of the place on your way to the valleys. The horse climb to the Baisaran or the Mini Switzerland will give you feels of Narnia, the huge pine trees snow covered grounds steep climbing give a sense of some mid aged adventure.
The horses are restricted to enter the premises of Pahalgam Baisaran. Once you reach the gate, you need to purchase entry tickets for letting you go inside the premises of Pahalgam visiting places. The snow-covered mountains and crystal-clear environment will let you enjoy the sight of natural scenic beauty. The place also offers range of paid activities.
DAY 3
If you are visiting Pahalgam make sure to invest one day and try out the local cuisines and take a walk to get the essence of the snow-clad village. The refreshing banks, one can bask and enjoy the bliss of nature in absolute peace. The ultimate in extravagance is Wazwan, the royal wedding feast created by wazas (master cooks) who travelled from Samarkand under Timur’s dominion in the 15th century (without wastage). The buffet at Welcome Hotel by ITC Hotels, can include up to 36 dishes. For each preparation, certain slices of meat are picked with care, beaten into submission with wooden mallets, and then cooked slowly over wood fires in copper pots. Instead of being served on a conventional traami (platter) that is shared by four people, you may now choose a smaller version at a hotel that is individually plated. It still embodies gluttony.
You must try the local tea Kahwa whether at the local shops or at a café. The mind-blowing tea with a whiff of cardamom, cinnamon and cloves. It can be sweetened with honey and acts as a momentary relief from the strong chill in the air. kahwa is a marker of hospitality and friendship in Kashmir.
You can then transfer to Gulmarg after lunch, which takes 3.5 hours via road.
3 NIGHTS GULMARG
For a brief introduction, Gulmarg is a hill station located in Kashmir, in the Pir Panjal Range of the western Himalayas, at an altitude of 2,650 meters (8,690 ft).
The name Gulmarg, literally translating into “meadow of flowers” was awarded by Sultan Yusuf Shah Chak who frequented the place with his wife Habba Khatoon in the 16th century. Whether it’s the serenity, winter sports, the world’s highest Gondola ride, nature walks, or just a snow destination Gulmarg offers immersive travel experiences to the tourists. Gulmarg in winter looks like a piece of heaven.
WHERE TO STAY?
Perched on the mountaintop overlooking the Aparwat Range is the Khyber Himalayan resort and spa. The resort is one of the best ski resorts in India with breath-taking views. Imagine yourself in a heated swimming pool, looking at the snow all around you. It is one-of-a-kind experience.
The service, hospitality, view from each room will make this an unforgettable trip.
DAY 4
You can rest a bit at your hotel and can go around the local sightseeing and visit the Maharani temple, St. Mary’s church, Maharaja Palace, etc.
The much-revered Hindu temple known as The Maharani Temple is devoted to Shiv Bhagwan and Mata Parvati. Mohini Bai Sisodhia, wife of Maharaja Hari Singh, is credited with building the Maharani Temple in the year 1915.
While walking to St. Mary’s Church in the winter, your feet could become partially buried in the snow. The St. Mary’s Church in Gulmarg, which is close to the golf course, was constructed by the British in 1902. This historic Church, built in the traditional British architectural style, serves as a sombre reminder of the British Empire’s illegal annexation and plundering of India.
Christened after Baba Payamuddin Reshi, a Sufi saint, the Ziyarat Baba Reshi Shrine is one of the best places to visit near Gulmarg. Baba Reshi is also the name of the village in Kashmir where this shrine is located.
DAY 5
Gulmarg most famous is the presence of one the highest Gondola or cable car here. Gulmarg also has the highest gold course in the world. What adds to the immense popularity of Gulmarg is the abundant snow one gets to experience in Gulmarg.
The area is a visual feast in the winter when it is completely covered by snow. People who are seeking snow or have never witnessed a live snowfall should visit this location.
Depending on where you are staying in Gulmarg, you may have to do a bit of walking to get to the Gondola boarding point. From Maharani temple, it is about 2 kilometers of a walk. If you did not want to walk that much, you can also hire a pony to take you there. There are two phases of Gulmarg Gondola, or in simpler words, there are two stops of Gondola. Gulmarg town is the starting point of the ride and the top of Apharwat peak is the endpoint. Kungdoor is the center point in between
In India, Gulmarg is said to have the best skiing powder. In other words, throughout the winter, Gulmarg is home to what is known as “powder,” which is really just soft, fluffy snow and is regarded as the best in the world. Skiers from all over the world travel by plane to Gulmarg. Gulmarg is regarded as a haven for skiers as a result.
DAY 6
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve deserves another day devoted entirely to it. You have many opportunity to see biodiversity in its most magnificent forms, including the beautiful species of flora, animals, and avifauna, at the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve. In this reserve, which is located at a height between 2,400 and 4,300 metres above sea level, you can capture the animals, including both common and uncommon species, in their many moods and moments.
WHERE TO STAY?
Located on a hill with a great view of the mountains and Dal Lake from your room window, Hotel Vivanta is only a short drive from the airport. Vivanta Dal View in Srinagar will make you happy with a great new buzz that elevates it to the top of the valley’s style list. From Srinagar International Airport, travel 20 kilometres and enjoy lovely backseat surprises .You will feel as though you have finally arrived in Kashmir thanks to the hardwood interior and the Kashmiri rug that has been put in the foyer. At Latitude, the entire dining experience is remarkable since they set up the sitting in the manner of Kashmiris and provide freshly prepared food.
1 NIGHT IN SRINAGAR
The breathtakingly picturesque Srinagar serves as the capital of Kashmir, a state that truly is a paradise. The phrase “Heaven on Earth” is the most well-known of the capital city’s many beauty personified tags. Considering the beauty of Srinagar’s upheavals, it has never raised any questions or raised any eyebrows.
DAY 7
Dal Lake shikara rides are a no-brainer. Visitors to Kashmir are welcomed on kitschy boats that are decorated with vibrant carpets and rugs. The settlement beside the lake may be a must-see location. Get a trip to the nearby neighbourhood to observe the floating vegetable market. However, the market often opens just in the morning. Despite the cold, this maze of ravelled streams and canals appears to have bloomed in Kashmir’s sweetness. In December, Dal Lake freezes, creating an amazing spectacle!
The Polo View market has all sorts of Kashmiri handicrafts and paper machie items that we’ve all loved since kids. For those of you who enjoy shopping for clothes, you can head to Lal Chowk (Ghanta Ghar) market.
Some restaurants to try include GN Sons and Aadhos, which is renowned for its bakery specialties. Nearly every market has options for non-vegetarians, and the street cuisine in this region is especially delicious!
In winter the gardens are not open as the climate is not favourable for flowers.
However, you can visit the Dargah Sharif, the Hazratbal Masjid is considered to be Kashmir’s holiest Muslim shrine. This historic mosque is situated at the edge of Dal Lake. The Mosque is widely regarded for its unique architecture, and is one of the most visited places in Kashmir. Popularly known as ‘The Abode of the Fairies’ or ‘The Home of Angels’, the famous Pari Mahal is one of the other notable monuments in Srinagar which you must visit.
Whether in summers or in winters The awe-striking natural beauty of Kashmir steals everyone’s heart. Winters with snow clad mountains and white magic everywhere it will leave your senses spell bound.
