River Rafting

River Rafting,

"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water"

 

Move the body, still the mind.

River Rafting in Kashmir is one such activity that fills the itinerary with some slashing moments. Today, after the advancement of adventure tourism in Kashmir, river rafting has become one of the popular water sports in India. It swiftly maneuvers through the rich green valley with several whirlpools, which makes the goosebump voyage challenging and yelling. River rafting in Kashmir mostly combats against rapids ranging from Grade I to III but it also runs down through Grade IV rapids in some stretches.

If in doubt, paddle out.

River rafting is popular in the River Lidder that stretches from Langabal to Goneshpora covering approximately 12 kilometers and having rapids ranging from Grade I to Grade IV. The stretch is further divided into three lengths. The Lidder Joy Ride, which is approximately 2.5 kilometers, from Varganpal to Yaneer Bridge and having rapids ranging up to III, is ideal for beginners and amateurs. The Lidder Long Ride, which is approximately 5 kilometers, from Varganpal to Ganeshpora and having rapids ranging up to III, is also ideal for beginners. Whereas the Lidder Extra Long Ride, which is approximately 12 kilometers, from Langabal to Ganeshpora and having up to IV, is perfect for experts.

Water Warrior.

River Sindh in Sonmarg is another destination where one can go for white water river rafting in Kashmir. The untamed river Sindh that gushes past spectacular mountains is having rapids ranging from II to IV and is also divided into three sections. The Sindh Joy Ride is approximately 3.5 kilometers that have rapids ranging up to II. The Sindh Long Ride is approximately 7 kilometers and is having rapids ranging up to II. the Sindh Joy Ride and Sindh Long Ride are both ideal for intermediate and beginners, whereas the Sindh Extra Long Ride, which is approximately 24 kilometers long, is having rapids ranging from II to IV and thus perfect for experts. Other than river rafting in Kashmir, one can also take up white water canoeing in rivers like Sindh, Drass and Suru and in the many high altitude lakes like Gangabal, Kaunsarnag, and Vishensar. It's worth the time and money that you will spend on it.

We must take adventures to find where we truly belong.

River Rafting in Kashmir is no that challenge as it is in River Ganga in Rishikesh and Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh. But before coursing down thr rivers, Lidder and Sindh, one must also take certain precautions as the rivers.

Skiing In Kashmir

Skiing,

                                           "If you are not falling, you are not learning"

                                                                                                                 

Skiing in Kashmir over the years has gained such popularity that even the leisure travelers come here today to guide down the thick bed of snow and spend their leisure holiday in the valley farther framing some thrilling moments.

My Life is Going downhill.

  Gulmarg, which has some of the best slopes in the world, is one such pick during the winters that transforms into the world's best slopes in the world, is one such pick during the winters that transforms into the world's best skiing resort. It receives some of the heaviest snowfalls in the Indian Himalaya that has helped it earn its title. from the month of January till the mid of February, Gulmarg is packed with global skiers. It has a vertical descent of over 2,200 meters in the lap of Mt.
Apharwat and the venue are ideal for intermediate to expert level skiers and snowboarders, Access from the resort to the venue is possible via the Gandola, which was installed in the year 2005 making Gulmarg one of the highest lift-served resorts in the world. 

There is no such as too much Snow.

"Skiing is the art of catching cold and going broke while rapidly heading nowhere at great personal risk"

Trekking

Trekking,

                                                                 "The Mountains are calling and I must go".

                                                                                                                      John Muir.

    

In every walk with nature, one receives more than he seeks.

Surrounded by the Great Himalaya and Pir Panjal mountain range, the serene valley of Kashmir is home to the people who are trailing in the mountains like a nomad. Being vested with colorful meadows, crisscrosses by streams and dotted with placid lakes, Kashmir enriches the concept of Indian tourism. Further, with its undulated and rocky terrain on the fingers of the lush green meadows, Kashmir is a feast for the eyes. Trekking in Kashmir is exciting as it turns out to be challenging. Cutting through edges and passing through the rich verdure, en route the narrow rocky tracks, makes trekking tours in Kashmir tricky and dicey. But the journey winds up framing some of the best lifetime moments scooping the trekker's gossip.

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

Tourism in Kashmir today has maneuvered more into adventure seeing the growing demand of trekking in the valley of Kashmir. Even when you are with your family, the Kashmir valley boasting with several short treks is rather going to make your vacation more adventurous. Some of the popular short treks in Kashmir get crack from the rich green meadows of the Bangus Valley, which a Himalayan sub-valley of the Kashmir Valley. It is situated in the North area of the Kupwara District, in Jammu and Kashmir. Bangus is 72 kilometers away from Srinagar and lies at an altitude of 10,000 ft. above sea level. The principal valley is locally known as "Badi Bangus" (Big Bangus) and has an estimated area of about 300 square kilometers. It consists of a linear elliptical bowl aligned along the east-west axis and is surrounded by Rajwar and Mawar in the east, Shamasbury and Dajiungun Mountains in the west and Chowkibal and Karnah Guli in the north. Kazinag Range (up to 4732 meters from the sea level) in the south. A similar valley is known as "Lokut Bangus" (Small Bangus) lies on the north-eastern side of the main valley. Another rich green meadow of Pahalgam, which is cut across but the River Lidder and few from Sonmarg, which is secluded within several five thousanders like the Sirbal Peak, Kolahoi Peak, Amarnath Peak, and Machoi Peak. Short treks in Kashmir which are preferred for tiro trekkers, also winds up from Gulmarg that is perched at an altitude of 2,900 meters. A popular day hike is to Khilanmarg, which is approximately 5 kilometers from Gulmarg and Alpather Lake that is further 8 Kilometers away.  Another popular short trek in Kashmir is from Gulmarg to Ningle Nallah. More audacious explorers can take the 5-day trial to Tosa Maidan that branches off from the Ferozpur Nallah and beyond to the hamlet of Tosamaidan. From Sonmarg, a pleasant day trail winds up to the Thajiswas glacier and from Pahalgam, the trek to Aru that is approximately 12 kilometers away is another popular short trek in Kashmir, which is ideal for beginners and families.

The harder the climb, the better the view.

Coming onto the gossip of intrepid trekkers about the Kashmir Great Lake Trek, which is a popular one commencing from Sonmarg. It is one of the most beautiful treks in the Kashmir Valley that covers the lakes of Gangabal, Vishansar, Kishansar and goes close to the Harmukh Peak. Further, adding on to their list, the Aru-Kolahoi Glacier Trek is yet another challenging one that commences from Pahalgam.

Mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence.

Trekking in Kashmir is also a map-questing task for several explorers who delve into new destinations beyond the reach of tourism. winding up to the hem of towering peaks in the Pir Panjal and Korakoram Range is an excellent way to acquaint with the lofty peaks more closely. Further, the notable Amarnath Yatra that commences from the valley of Pahalgam is one of the spiritual treks in Kashmir. The trek passes through Sangam combating steady climbs and takes approximately 4-5 days to cover the distance.

Some popular trekking Tours in Kashmir Himalayas...

Naranag-Gangabal Trek.

Kolahoi Base camp Trek.

Sonmarg Vishansar Narang Trek

Pahalgam-Tarsar-Marsar Trek

Bangus Valley Kupwara Trek

Shikara

Dal is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, India the urban lake, which is second largest in the union territory, is integral tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Lake of Flowers", "Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir", or "Srinagar's Jewel". Dal Lake is famous not only for its beauty but for its vibrance, because it sustains within its periphery. The houseboat and Shikara communities have lived for centuries on Dal, and so complete is their infrastructure on the lake, that they never have to step on land!

Great expeditions are fulfilling, the travel experience is inspired by a great facilitator.

Shikara, the small wooden carved boat, usually seen at Dal Lake and Nageen Lake of Srinagar, is one of the mesmerizing attractions of the city. Regaining the old world charm, the swift moment of a Shikara provides a unique way to experience the external beauty of Kashmir.

The journey is the destination.

Considered as a cultural symbol of the region along with houseboats, Shikara rides in Kashmir are one of the most captivating aspects of Jammu and Kashmir tourism. A relaxing ride while enjoying the views of the surrounding around Dal Lake and Nageen Lake is truly a worthful pleasure. Shikara boats rides are also used for sightseeing attractions that are located close to Dal Lake like Nishat Garden, Shalimar Garden, and the Hazratbal Shrine. Shikara in Kashmir is also used for other purposes apart from leisure. Locals mainly use this low rowing boat for transportation.
    

Camping

 

"My wish to stay always like this, living quietly in a corner of nature."

                                                                                            Claude Monet.

Away From The City.

The valley, secluded within the Pir Panjal and Himalaya Range, offers a host of outdoor activities in the mountains to enjoy the bits and bytes of nature. Camping in Kashmir finds an easy escape right in the lap of nature and allows one to feel the exotic ambiance. Camping in the mountains, in reality, is a leisure activity. For someone looking for a change in their holiday, and to stay away from the four walls equipped with modern amenities, camping in Kashmir is just an idea as it allows them an unparalleled outing. The Kashmir region, stretching from the golden meadows of Sonmarg a Valley of Pahalgam to the Great Lakes in the midst of hulking high snow-capped peaks, offers ample opportunity for camping. Over the years, camping in Kashmir has not only won the pedes accolades of trekkers but also the souls of leisure travelers.

The fire is the main comfort of the camp.

Pahalgam is the ultimate destination that is ideal for a quaint camping holiday in Kashmir. It brings forth a rich green valley that is dotted with pine trees and cut across by the River Lidder. While camping at Pahalgam, one can go for a short excursion to the Tarsar and Marsar Lakes in the Upper Dachigam area and further embark on the short treks to Sheshnag, Panchtarni, and Baltal making camping holiday in Kashmir more adventurous and beautiful.

There is no place like camp I wish could stay forever.

Camping in Kashmir is also possible in the valley of Sonmarg, which is also the staging point for some of the most popular treks in the higher altitudes in Kashmir. One can even go for a pleasant excursion to the Thajiwas glacier, which is approximately 8 kilometers away and further, the notable Kashmir Great Lake Trek commences from the valley of Sonmarg. Camping in Kashmir is further possible in the breathtaking environment of Gulmarg.

Magic happens when and I go camping.

Jeep Safari

"Go where you feel most alive."

Jeep Freeks.

"Travel is the only thing that you buy that makes you Richer"

Kashmir is indeed the real paradise on Earth. The natural beauty and rich culture are what is promised across the length and breadth of the Valley. From the peaceful capital Srinagar to the scintillating Gulmarg, the distinct beauty of Kashmir fascinates visitors at its very first sight.

Wrinckler, Jeep, Hunting.

To best explore and get a step closer to nature, Jeep Safari in Kashmir is a liable method. It lets one explore the wilds and tramp to remote yet beautiful places in the valley. In fact, it proffers a good opportunity to explore the vast topography and get to the dense forest regions. Kashmir Jeep Safari tour offers adventure seekers a better way to discover the mysteries of the Himalayan region, ranging from the small temples perched upon hilltops to distinct wildlife in dense lush green forests. Where trekking is confined to physically fit people, Jeep Safari enables everyone to enjoy their share of adventure expedition. Sonmarg, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Yusmarg are the primary destinations that can be covered through Jeep Safari.

White Jeep in White Snow.

The Safari allows witnessing the spectacular view of Shikaras floating proudly on the Dal Lake, marvel at the grandeur of shrines like Hazratbal and Jama Masjid and enjoy capturing pictures of unique floating vegetable market and the houseboats. The next exotic destination of the Jeep Safari is Sonmarg. It offers visitors the option to contemplate the beauty of the snow-clad mountains, vivid color flowers, and sparkling lakes. The visitors to Thajiswas Glacier and the Zojila Pass are the highlights of Sonmarg. Another prominent destination of the Kashmir Jeep Safari is Yusmarg. The Places offer a peek inside a rustic Kashmir the Saffron fields, ruins of Awantipura, Doodhpather, and Sang-e-Safed Valley are must-visits in Yusmarg.

Black Safari.

Gulmarg is again an important destination for a Jeep safari in Kashmir, it is famed for lofty snow-clad mountains and exotic places like Khilanmarg, Alpather, and Nagin Lake, Making the safari a success by large, Pahalgam holds a vital place in Kashmir. This pleasing place situated on the bank of Lidder River and is surrounded by snow-clad mountains. The Aru Valley, Betaab Valley (named after the Bollywood movie Betaab) and many more Lakes like Tulian Lake, Sheshnag, Kausar Nag, Gadsar Lake, Manasbal Lake, and Marsar Lake are some of the most exotic places that can be visited in Pahalgam. The whole idea of the Jeep Safari tour is to provide the travel enthusiasts the right opportunity to explore, understand and feel the authentic Kashmir.

Jeeps Off-Roading.

Sonamarg Dairy

"If there is a Heaven on earth,

it is here............it is here............it is here"

                              Jahangir.

A paradise on Earth - Beautiful Kashmir

Though a lover of the seas I love to travel the whole world.

A trip to Kashmir has been long due and at last, we finally manage to plan it. Kashmir has always been evaluated to dreamland and heaven on earth.

Going away

so we started for a trip on the 26th of May 2019. So we planned a tour for 3 days that covered Sonamarg, Srinagar, and Gulmarg. The trip started with sightseeing in Kupwara.

The first-day experience was not really what we expect. We reached too late at approximately 9 pm. We met the person who suggests to us where we set up our camping tent.

Home is where you park it.

There are so many experiences big and small throughout this trip that it is difficult to compress all of it within a single post. So I would rather concentrate on a few pointers and suggestions that I have learned from the overall experience of the trip.

The very first is, Kashmir is hot during May and may depending on the places you visit. Once we reached the destinations which were above a certain altitude the temperature had decreased, but not on the way. The weather is extremely unpredictable in Kashmir. If it rains, the temperature drops drastically. Luckily we did not get any rain until the very last of our trip.

If you like something, rock it. If you want to rock a cap every day, go for it.

If you visit any of the points like ice point in Gulmarg, the zero point from Sonamarg, places like Chandanwari- proper shoes, blazers or Feran is mandatory. I guess if we had the jackets suitable for the places.

If winter comes, can spring be far behind?

Roads are unpredictable there are always high chances that you would be held up by traffic or even by herds of sheep, goats and even horses. We had an idea that Kupwara to Sonamarg would be 2 hours journey roughly. But in reality, it is a minimum of 3 hours and by all means, it can be more but not less unless your driver drives like a madam. This is an adventurous drive but no doubt, a hectic one.

Snow fighting is fun but up to a certain limit, you would not enjoy the blisters you get from excessive clawing in the snow. If you want, get proper snow gloves and do not take inspiration from the local people and start clawing the snow barehanded. This can be tolerated for a few minutes but not for hours if you are planning on spending that long in the snow. My friend got blisters and I ended up with numb and stiff fingers.

The boy in Green Open Field Near Mountain Under White Skies

If you want to get the feel of ice sports like skiing, and sledding then Sonamarg is the best place to be precise the zero point. The prices they quote are reasonable and one does not have to bargain and lot and the experience you have is priceless. One can also come across similar sports in Chandanwari and Gulmarg as well but they are like child's play compared to the experience one has to zero points and they are by far unrealistically expensive.

Brown and White Cattle in Green Open Field Near Mountain Under White Skies

  "Kashmir is the delicate reminder of the fact that poetry not always need pages and words. When the pages are torn and ink is faded, the living poetry can be felt through heartbeats and emotions." 

The fall of dropping water wears away the Stone

In short, these are all I could think of for now. I will go down to detailed descriptions of each day of the trip in my next post. So stay tuned and keep reading ...