"chroniclesofvirginia"

KASHMIR

Wanted to do a solo trip ever since I have learnt about Kashmir. So here it is!

Dal Lake

Serenity defines Dal lake, if you know where to look

I had never seen a lake as beautiful as Dal. Surrounded by hills, it offers one of the most breathtaking sunsets I have ever witnessed.

A Shikara ride (a traditional wooden boat) is a must when in Srinagar. Play your own music, sip on warm Kashmiri Kahwa, bring along your favorite snack or pick one up from the floating vendors right on the lake. Time slips away without you even noticing.

You can stay overnight at a houseboat to have a closer lake experience!

The Valleys

At a 2.5-hour drive (without traffic) from Srinagar, Pahalgam is a small hill station. The beautiful Liddar River sets it apart from many other hill stations in India. Take an evening stroll through the small market and sit by the river, soaking in the mesmerizing scenic beauty.

“Agar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast,
Hameen ast-o hameen ast-o hameen ast.”

If there is a heaven on earth, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here!

Baisaran Valley is a treat to the eyes. The vast meadows, with the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, felt like a wallpaper from my laptop had come alive right in front of me.

Roam around the valley, take your own sweet time, sit and relax; you will truly find peace within.
I skipped the tourist spots and followed the breeze, walking into the dark, deep woods. Such a woodland it is! You will feel as if the deodars speak, asking you to sit beneath them as if they have stories to tell. The breeze carries a sound that seems to whisper of happiness and peace.

An hour-long horse ride from Pahalgam market to Baisaran is an experience in itself. You can also choose to trek, or even camp overnight. I can only imagine how magical and breathtaking a night spent there would be.

Waadiyan - Aru Valley, 25-30mins from Pahalgham best defines the beauty of this word.
Please sit, breathe and appreciate!

You must have seen forests but Kashmir will truly remind you of ‘woods are lovely, dark and deep’.
If you are a nature lover, you will love the route to Aru!
That green little house made me feel like I was stuck at a page of my childhood story book.
I cannot define this place in words anymore!

Sweet memories: People were nice; to my surprise, while entering the national park my driver told the forest guards ‘Ah sharam karo, akeli aayi hai’. So they smiled at me and did not charge the whatever very nominal entry fee. The driver later became my photographer too.

Another stop is Betaab Valley: They say Betaab Valley is named after the Bollywood movie ‘Betaab’ which was shot in the location and was originally called as Hajan Valley.

Betaab is now a commercialised tourist spot to be honest. It remains crowded most of the time is what I heard. It seemed to be a picnic spot for families and school students.

But nevertheless, it is beautiful!

The valleys in Kashmir will truly remind you of the poem, “The woods are lovely, dark and deep; miles to go before I sleep, miles to go before I sleep.”