Kashmir – A Symphony in Snow

Updated: April 24, 2025

🌙 The Journey Begins – 9th March 2023

With hearts pounding in excitement and bags packed with anticipation, my dream trip began on a cool March evening. I left with my family from Junnar at 8 PM, aiming to catch our midnight flight from Pune. The plan was simple—reach Pune, grab a bite, and gear up for the adventure. But life had its own sense of humor—we left the flat keys behind in Junnar. Oops!

So, instead of a cozy rest, we found ourselves perched on hotel chairs, chuckling over our forgetfulness while grabbing a quick meal. By 12 AM, we were already en route to the airport, buzzing with sleep-deprived energy. Let the madness begin!

✈️ Touchdown in Paradise – 10th March

Boarded the 5 AM flight and landed in the heart of heaven—Srinagar. The moment we stepped out of the aircraft, we were embraced by Kashmir’s signature chill. It wasn’t just cold; it was nature’s own air-conditioning, cool and crisp, sweeping through the wide-open airport with no AC.

Waiting at the exit was our tour cab from Heena Tours. Also waiting, was an unexpected twist—a newlywed couple who’d be sharing our journey. At first glance, we wondered if our vibes would match. Spoiler: they became family by the end of the trip.

We reached the legendary Dal Lake and stepped into a floating marvel—a grand houseboat. “What a house, what a boat!” The aesthetic was straight out of a postcard. Each houseboat hosts six guests, and yes—you guessed it—the couple joined us! After a quick refresh and a divine lunch (thank you, Heena Tours, for spoiling us with lip-smacking Jain food), we were treated like royalty: morning bed tea, elaborate breakfasts, unlimited dry fruits and curd, high tea, custom lunches, and dreamy dinners.

📵 PSA: Local prepaid SIMs don’t work in Kashmir, so first thing we did—buy new ones!

The Dal Lake shikara ride was nothing short of a floating fairytale—petals on water, boats with hot kahwa, floating markets, and vibrant handicraft shops only accessible by boat. A wood-carving artist etched our names and dates onto keychains—a memory engraved forever. By evening, tucked into our cozy heated beds, wrapped in the warmth of blankets, we didn’t want to move. But dinner called, and so did destiny. That night, over chatter in the royal living room, that couple turned into Bhai-Bhabhi—a bond stitched in laughter and shared cold.

🐴 Mini Switzerland Calling – 11th March

Waking up to bed-tea in paradise is underrated. After breakfast, we said goodbye to our floating home and headed to Pahalgam.

As we reached the hotel nestled amid snow-dusted mountains and the sound of a rushing river, all I wished for was a room with a view. And magic happened—I got the best one! I could see nature's masterpiece right from the window: snowy peaks, flowing waters, and cinematic charm. Post lunch, it was time for adventure—Baisaran Valley, a.k.a. Mini Switzerland! Though I felt bad making a horse carry me, my wanderlust won. Riding uphill on horseback with a hired photographer capturing every moment, we finally reached a land that looked like it belonged in a movie. Photos, snow, laughter, and memories!

Coming downhill was even more thrilling. We thanked our loyal horses with treats. After dinner, in 3°C temperatures, we played Antakshari and Kho-Kho, because when you’re this happy, even the cold feels warm.

❄️ Snowy Escapades – 12th March

Off to Chandan Valley! Picture this—snow like whipped cream under your feet, everyone slipping and laughing. And me? I wore heels (yes, heels!), and my dear Bhai had to hold me the entire time so I wouldn’t tumble. Later, we visited the serene Betaab Valley. Though we hadn’t seen the film, the place was cinematic. My feet were done with the heels, so I went barefoot—and it was bliss.

This day deepened the connections in our group. From strangers to soulmates in snow.

Back at the hotel, it was time for food, stories, and cozy indoor games. Another perfect day, wrapped in warmth and winter vibes.

🏏 Bats, Boulevards & Beautiful Moments – 13th March

After breakfast and a hundred selfies, it was time to say goodbye to Pahalgam and return to Srinagar. En route, we stopped by a bat factory—5-foot-tall cricket bats, anyone?

Then to a saffron store—a sensory treat of color and fragrance.

We reached Shalimar Bagh, soaked in its charm, and clicked photos in traditional Kashmiri attire. My mom fulfilled her fantasy of meeting a Kashmiri child and, of course, took a picture!

Our room in Srinagar turned out to be secretly connected to my parents’ room—a delightful surprise. That night, the dinner was delicious, the laughs were louder, and the excitement for Gulmarg was real.

🚠 Gulmarg – Winter Wonderland – 14th March

Sunblock? Check. Thermals? Check. Off to Gulmarg, a snow-glazed fairytale. As we ascended in the Gondola cable car, the scenery below turned whiter with every meter.

At the top, a restaurant made of igloos greeted us. My sister tried skiing and hilariously fell (a lot). Then came the most epic part—a snow bike ride through 5km of frosty wonder.

Lunch with snow-covered rooftops outside the window was straight out of a dream.

🏔 Sonmarg – The Final Flurry – 15th March

As we drove to Sonmarg, one breathtaking moment stood out: looking back, the mountains were brown and green; ahead—just snow and sky. The contrast was surreal.

The snow was piled 4 feet high on both sides of the road. We stepped into this frozen world, threw snowballs, built the best snowman in a mini competition, and laughed like children. Lunch was in a hotel almost buried in snow—the door was literally dug out. Despite slipping multiple times on the icy paths, we were all smiles.

And how can I forget—it was my parents’ wedding anniversary! The Heena team surprised us with a cake and celebrations. A heartwarming end to a snowy saga.

🛫 A Fond Farewell – 16th March

The last day. Bittersweet emotions as we had our final breakfast together. Flights were scheduled throughout the day, and ours was the last at 5 PM.

One lesson learned—long layovers are better than long waits. Next time, we’ll explore during halts instead of killing hours at the airport.

And with that, our fairy tale in Kashmir came to an end. Hearts full, cameras loaded, souls recharged.