Kashmir Visit (April 9–14, 2025)
In April 2025, nine of us embarked on a long-awaited family trip to the breathtaking region of Kashmir—India’s crown jewel. The group included my wife Subhadra, my brother Naresh, sister Sneh and her husband Dr. Suresh, my niece Tanu Bansal and her husband Naveen, my son Akhil, and my son-in-law Anil Bansal. With excitement in our hearts and warmth in our bonds, we set off on what turned out to be an unforgettable six-day journey through the valleys, gardens, and snow-covered peaks of this magical land.
Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar and Journey to Gulmarg
We departed from Delhi on the morning of April 9. The short flight to Srinagar, lasting just about 90 minutes, gave us mesmerizing aerial views of the Himalayas. It was a visual treat, offering stunning aerial views of snow-capped mountains and deep valleys. After arriving at the Srinagar Airport, we attempted to get local SIM cards, but faced some challenges. Fortunately, we had two postpaid phones, which kept us connected throughout.
Our driver and two Innova Crystas—arranged through our travel package—were waiting outside. After a round of group photos, we hit the road towards Gulmarg, passing through the quaint town of Tangmarg.
Highlights En Route to Gulmarg:
- Tangmarg Market: A bustling area where we shopped for two Pashmina shawls, sarees, and local Kashmiri attire.
- Mustard & Saffron Fields: These golden-yellow fields were a feast for the eyes. We couldn’t resist stepping out for photos and reels amid the vibrant blooms.
- Gurung Waterfall: A charming stop where we enjoyed the serene cascade and took professional photographs courtesy of some enthusiastic local photographers.
We headed for Gulmarg which has one of the best Ski slopes in the world and the highest golf course of the world with 18 holes. Gulmarg is also famed for its ‘Gondola Ride’, one of the highest cable car rides in the world
We reached The Khyber Himalayan Resort, undoubtedly the crown jewel of Gulmarg hospitality. Our spacious rooms, complete with plush sofas and gorgeous views, welcomed us with comfort and elegance. Though the weather was initially unkind, it cleared up by the afternoon. We ventured out into the hotel’s scenic backyard, capturing the panoramic beauty of the surrounding hills. A rejuvenating dip in the heated pool, followed by a jacuzzi and sauna session, left us utterly refreshed. That night, over a mixed dinner of hotel delicacies and homemade food brought from Delhi, Kanpur, and Faridabad, we bonded over laughter, stories, and a spirited game of cards.
Day 2: Gondola Ride & Drive to Pahalgam
After breakfast, the three youngsters—Akhil, Anil, and Naveen—queued up early to secure tickets for the Gulmarg Gondola. After a three-hour wait, they enjoyed a scenic ride to Phase 1, choosing to return early due to unpredictable weather and long queues. The rest of us had pre-booked tickets, but seeing the crowd and anticipating a four-hour wait, we chose instead to relax with tea back at the hotel.
Our journey continued towards Pahalgam via Anantnag.
Stopover at Martand Sun Temple (Mattan):
An ancient Hindu temple dedicated to the Sun God, this spot offered a blend of spiritual calm and natural beauty. A tranquil pond teeming with fish and surrounded by pigeons provided a moment of peace and reflection. We enjoyed feeding the fish and the pigeons.
Check-in at hotel Heavan
We checked into Hotel Heavan, nestled by the Lidder River, where our rooms offered spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and the gurgling river just outside. The evening was spent enjoying homemade Maggie and Thaple, along with a variety of sweets.
Day 3: Exploring Pahalgam’s Valleys
The next day, after breakfast, we went to have the glimpse of the ABC Valley
Aru Valley:
Aru Valley, an elevated valley surrounded by rolling landscapes, dotted with grazing horses and snow-dusted mountains, provided a peaceful retreat. Though the location was charming, we didn’t indulge in shopping, choosing instead to immerse ourselves in nature’s tranquility.
Betaab Valley:
Named after the Bollywood movie Betaab, this picturesque area features lush lawns, dense forests, and a gently flowing river. Well known for its striking beauty, * Betaab Valley* is surrounded by dense pine forests and towering peaks. A winding river enhanced its charm, making it one of the best locations for photography. we spent a joyful hour walking, clicking photos, and soaking in the natural beauty.
Chandanwadi:
The starting point of the revered Amarnath Yatra, where pilgrims begin their spiritual journey. This valley offered a spellbinding winter wonderland with snow blanketed hills. We spent nearly two hours exploring, playing in the snow, and joining the throng of over 2,000 tourists in admiration of its surrealness.That evening, we returned to Pahalgam, explored the local market, and picked up Kashmiri dress, handicrafts and gifts to take home.
Day 4: Srinagar Bound with Historical Stopover at Avantipur
After our breakfast at hotel Heavan in Pahalgaon, we started for Srinagar via Avantipur. We paused at Avantipur, home to 9th-century temple ruins with impressive stone carvings and a rich sense of antiquity. The intricate carvings on the remaining pillars provided a glimpse into the region’s rich past.
Shikara Ride on Dal Lake:
In Srinagar, we enjoyed a peaceful one-hour ride in two traditional Shikaras, gliding gently across Dal Lake, an experience that felt straight out of a dream. Floating peacefully on the lake, surrounded by houseboats and misty mountains, was a pure bliss.
Nishat Bagh:
This 17th-century Mughal-era garden, whose name means Garden of Joy, lived up to its name with rows of blooming flowers, cascading fountains, and panoramic views of the lake,creating a picture-perfect landscape for an evening stroll. We fully enjoyed it and stayed for an hour there. Thereafter we started for check into our hotel Vivanta Taj Dal view.
Hotel Vivanta Taj Dal View.
We checked into Vivanta by Taj – Dal View, perched atop a hill with commanding views of Dal Lake and the famed Tulip Garden. The evening sun painted the sky in golden hues, providing the perfect backdrop for a family photo session in the garden. Our night ended with a delightful dinner, cards, and cherished conversations.
Day 5: Day Trips to Sonmarg and Doodhpathri
After our breakfast at the hotel, we split into two groups:
Sonmarg Adventure-the snow paradise
Akhil, Anil, and Naveen took horses up to the snow-covered meadows of Sonmarg, where they enjoyed sledging and hired a professional photographer for unforgettable memories.
Doodhpathri Delight- A Meadow of Dreams
Subhadra and I, along with Naresh, Sneh, Dr. Suresh, Tanu, and Naveen, visited Doodhpathri—a pristine valley with verdant meadows and snow-draped mountains. Peaceful and less crowded, it was a heaven of calm where we spent a couple of tranquil hours before returning.
Tulip Garden Visit:
In the evening, we visited Asia’s largest Tulip Garden, which was in full bloom. Rows of tulips in every color unimaginable stretched into the horizon, creating a visual symphony. Walking through this vibrant floral paradise was an unforgettable experience. We strolled through the garden, capturing its beauty in photos and reels.
Day 6: Final Day in Srinagar
Early in the morning, our three youngesters went to see the Shankaracharya Temple, which is at a height more than our Kutub Minar. They hired a taxi which brought them back within 2 1/2 hours at the hotel.
After breakfast and check-out, we visited Lal Chowk, the bustling heart of Srinagar. Laden with shops and local markets, it’s a political and commercial hub. We indulged in some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport.
Our bags now carried not just shawls and souvenirs, but also memories—of laughter, snowball fights, scenic views, spiritual moments, and deep family connections.
moments, we realize Kashmir is not just a place—it is an emotion, a memory, and a dream we lived together.
——end———-
DK and Subhadra's Visit to various countries and cities! 