The description of Kashmir is beyond all words. Each one of us knows that Kashmir is appraised as the bride as well as the pride of India. Every corner of this state is covered with an incredible alpine mountain range and wonderful natural beauty. The valleys, lakes, temples, eye-catching Mughal gardens, gushed-out parks, and everything else belonging here have inspired the writers, directors, painters, photographers, and various other artists through the centuries.
The implausible beauty of this place can even stimulate an artist in a common man. It is a state that provides ultimate gratification. Nature has gifted this place almost everything that you can imagine. The best of all is that this intriguing beauty remains unchanged throughout the year. And all the thrilling experiences enhance double during the wintertime with Kashmir Tour Packages.
Appealing snowflakes falling create a mystic and majestic aura. It would be quite great to build some memories here during this time. Memories that will stick with you forever, making you feel blissful every time to pick Kashmir as your next destination.
Some of the finest spots to visit primarily during winter are Zanskar region which offers thrilling treks, Dal Lake which offers a marvelous boat ride and a fantastic view with snow-flakes covering the magnificent landscapes, Gulmarg which offers the best skiing area and the most famous Gondola ride, Shalimar Garden (The Garden of Love) which offers exceptional beauty of flowers, etc.
Among these all, the landscapes are one more apparent reason that makes this place breathtaking. The Chinar trees here symbolize the serenity using different shades of Golden making you feel like a character of a fairy tale. The Betaab Valley Bangus Valley, Gurez Valley, Shankar Acharya temple, Shankaragaurishvara temple, Shree Kheer Bhawani Durga temple, and many, many more such outstanding natural beauties will embrace your tour like no other. The above all will linger in your mind with a refreshing and charming mood always.
And then comes Srinagar, Hemis, Sonamarg, Leh, Kupwara, Kathua, Kargil, Pulwama, Doda, etc distinguishably represents its grace perfectly. No wonder that Kashmir is regarded as the ‘Paradise and Heaven on Earth’. Thus, in this article, I have mentioned below some interesting and spectacular to do and witness in Kashmir Travel Guide apart from just viewing the resplendent and picturesque locations. Here is the list of finest things to do in Kashmir:
Go for a Shikara Ride at Dal Lake
The Shikara is a light wooden rowing boat with enough space to carry six to seven people at a time including the driver. It is found not only in Dal Lake but also at various lakes of Kashmir. These shikaras are considered a cultural symbol. They are used for transportation, harvesting vegetation, fishing, and some of them which are covered by tarpaulins are specifically used by tourists. While some are converted into floating houses.
Their boating ride is thrilling and soothing at the same time. It is the best way for admiring and sightseeing the calmness of Dal Lake. The ride bestows a perfect composition of adventure and tranquility. High Range Mountains mixed with sparkling water of the lake is something you would not want to miss.
There is even a market in between the lakes adding delight to your ride. You will find beautiful handicrafts, artifacts, earrings, and carpets, etc. The cost of the ride depends on the type of your shikara and your riding amount of hours. One hour costs approximately around Rs. 400.
Experience Skiing and Cable Car Ride in Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a hill station popularly known for skiing and cable car rides. It is observed as the scintillating glory of Jammu & Kashmir. For those who always wanted to try adventurous skiing and ride, this is the place. The place is superbly filled with snow with spicy slopes. Not to forget that Gulmarg has one of the highest skiing slopes in the world. The cable car ride also famously known as the Gondola ride is again one of the longest and highest rides in Asia. It is all packed with fascinating deals. The price starts from Rs.700 and ranges accordingly.
Enjoy Pony Ride in Pahalgam+
Pahalgam holds a Mini Switzerland called Baisaran Valley. It is endowed with the finest dense forests and snow-flaked mountains making it an outstanding sightseeing spot.
Along with it comes the Pony Ride (Horse Riding) which is the most recommended thing here. Travelers can hire horses starting from Rs. 1,655 per person varying on the number of hours and the areas covered. It is yet another tremendous activity with sufficient ramifications.
Explore the best of Sonmarg
Sonmarg represents the history of Kashmir as it holds the ancient gateway on Silk Road which connects Kashmir with China. It provides the importance militarily and stands as a base camp for Ladakh. As the name suggests Sonmarg is a synonym of the white and gold valley which makes it another absolute paradise on earth.
Thajiwas Glacier, Satsar Lake, Nilagrad River, Great Lakes Trek, Baltal Valley, Gangabal Trek, Krishnasar Lake, etc are some of the famous locations of Sonmarg that must be visited. It is considered the most suitable attraction for exploring, camping, trekking, and hiking.
Try Kashmir Special Winter Delicacies
After loads of traveling, it’s time to explore the cuisine of Kashmir. A distinctive variety of winter foods are available here each made up from a different technique. As we all are known with the fact that the kitchen of Kashmir possesses sophisticated cooking measures with utmost quality and luxury. Here are some must to try Kashmir Special Winter Delicacies:
Wangan-Hachi
Wangan-Hachi is dried brinjals or you may call aubergines split into four sections and then bought together by adding green calyx on the top. It is cooked with either Moong Dal or using Green Gram.
Al-Hachi
Al-Hachi is also made up of the same drying method. The long and thick strands of bottle ground are first peeled off then sliced out before drying it out in the sun. It is cooked with either only light spices or mutton.
Rwandan-Hachi
Rwandan—Hachi is again nothing but dried tomatoes. The tomatoes are dried with the same process and then cooked with seasonal salt and herbs. It is filled with a tangy taste and sometimes also is used with curries.
Nadru
Nadru is the edible stem of a lotus. It is a very delicious dish found in every menu of Kashmiri and even non-Kashmiri restaurants. There are several cooking or preparing process of it.
Noon-Chai
Noon chai also famously known as Sheer Chai is the traditional tea of Kashmir. It is taken as the mandatory part of breakfast. It is made with green leaves, milk, and baking soda and served with adding the topping of malai and dry fruits. The color in which it turns out is quite charming.
Try Skiing in Kashmir
There is no wonder in saying that to achieve the most of skiing; Kashmir is one of the ideal places for it. It has some thrilling hill stations with dashing fall of snowflakes giving the area the finest slopes. Some of the best places to try Skiing in Kashmir are as below:
– Patnitop,
– Sonmarg,
– Hemis,
– Leh,
– Nubra Valley,
– Kathua is some of the other hill stations that offer skiing.
It is really difficult to write about the experience of Skiing unless you experience it. It involves the element of fun and danger in the same moment. Rushing down in the slopes around clear and crisp natural beauty is an experience of a lifetime. It thrives the perfect combination of hormones being wrapped around in excitement, freedom, loss of control, and fear. One must give it a confident try.
Go for Winter Hiking
Physical activities such as hiking, trekking, climbing, etc anyway are very healthy for both mental and physical health as it realizes endorphin and energizes your mind, body, and spirit. It works out perfectly in making you jovial and cheerful. Opting for hiking during the journey in winter will keep you warm and refreshing, making your heart pump accurately in the body. It is also regarded as one of the best exercises to reduce weight and mental stress. Some of the best places to go for winter hiking are as follows:
– Kashmir Great Lakes Trek,
– Tarsar Marsar Trek,
– Narang Mahlish Trek, and
– Kolahoi Glacier Trek etc are popular hiking destinations.
Conclusion
I hope this blog has made you already pack your bags for Kashmir. Make sure that you be part of all the above-mentioned things. You will certainly have an experience of mesmerizing and gratified impression, making you visit this place again and again. Besides, it is always an ideal decision to take some time out and explore the unseen and unordinary destinations. To which Kashmir is a selection of lifetime. Moreover, the surreal beauty of this place will make you indulge in yourself thriving an inner connection of your higher self.