My first solo journey to Kashmir was more than an escape from the ordinary. Between serene Shikara rides, snow-covered peaks and the warmth of Kashmiri hospitality, it became a journey of discovery—of the destination, and of myself.
Shreya Shimpi
“East, West, South or North makes little difference. No matter what your destination, just be sure to make every journey a journey within. If you travel within, you’ll travel the whole wide world and beyond.”
— The Forty Rules of Love
I couldn’t have thought of a better way to begin the story of my first solo sojourn. This quote perfectly encapsulates the thoughts I had as I embarked on my first solo adventure, with Kashmir as the backdrop. Having travelled a bit, it was now time to travel differently—to escape the ordinary, alone!
Ask me anything, but how did I find the place? How does one describe the swan-white mountains kissing the azure skies amidst a veil of foggy clouds? Or how the emerald valleys meet rivers that dance cheerfully among the boulders? It’s ineffable! Perhaps the answer lies in my pictures and memories. My eyes and my smile reflect the happiness of a thousand splendid suns. This voyage made me realise that some journeys are meant to be explored twice—once through the eyes and once from within.
Srinagar
I experienced Meraki—the joy of small things—as my slow mornings unfolded cosily in a Shikara, sipping Kehwa over Dal Lake. The majestic Zabarwan and Pir Panjal ranges painted an idyllic landscape. The Mughal Gardens and the Badamvaer were a floral fairy tale, while Pari Mahal felt like Srinagar’s undiscovered treasure.
The 240-step hike up to the Shankaracharya Temple rewarded me with magnificent panoramic views of Srinagar. I stayed at the ‘Island Hotel’ on Dal Lake. The enchanting view from the hotel, warm hospitality and strategic location of the property left me spellbound.
Pahalgam
‘Faiz This Raah, Sarbasar Manzil’—the journey to Pahalgam itself is the destination in many ways.
Pahalgam greets you with postcard views as you drive past the melodious Lidder River. The meadows and snow-capped mountain ranges captivate your attention. My stay in Pahalgam was at ‘Pahalgam Days’. The heartfelt hospitality, stunning location and soulful food made Pahalgam even more special to me.
The Aru Valley and Betaab Valley remain key attractions in this paradise, as Pahalgam heals and awaits a significant revival of tourism. I visited Pahalgam exactly a year after the unfortunate terrorist attack, and it felt safe. There are stringent security measures in place, and the valley and its people are keen to welcome tourists.
Gulmarg
If Pahalgam is poetry, Gulmarg is transcendental.
The winter wonderland, home to Asia’s highest gondola, is a traveller’s Alpine dream come to life. The Apharwat Peak (14,000 feet) is a pristine, snowy retreat and a haven for adventure lovers. I was lucky enough to experience some snowfall at Phase 2 too—an unmissable experience.
The Matarani Temple, Strawberry Valley and the Golf Club are some picturesque places worth visiting. Through its peaks, valleys, vistas and scale, Gulmarg evokes feelings of happiness, awe, wonder, melancholy and humility—all at once.
“It’s not the place, it’s the people.”
Having experienced the exemplary hospitality of Kashmir during my last visit, my heart carried no doubts while revisiting the valley. It is safe and truly a paradise on earth—one that you need to experience for yourself.
‘I travel not to see places, but to see different versions of myself in those places.’
This trip was my pursuit of happiness, my quest for serenity and a test of my resilience. Did it overwhelm me? Did it scare me? No! It only made me happy to move beyond my comfort zone.
What’s the best travel souvenir I got from this trip?
The version of me that came back!
