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ROAD TRIP Himalayan window to Pahalgam
If there
is one domestic holiday destination I would recommend to every travel
enthusiast, it will be to Kashmir. Inexplicably the most picture-perfect,
postcard-in-reality idyllic location, Kashmir has romance spilling over in
its fresh air and something unique to offer to its lovers. And that warm
feeling you shall forever hold on to.. for years.
Snow-tipped hills, lakes,
conifers:
Moving away from cliche references, let me stick to terms that make sense
to corporate travellers. Pahalgam in Kashmir is an ideal place for family
fun, couple time and also selfdiscovery crusaders. It’s here, where you can
open your resort window in the morning and get an overwhelming glimpse of
the mighty Himalayas. It’s as if your Geography textbook is right in front
of your eyes and images are popping into snow-clad reality. The sparkling
waterfalls where selfies and photo shoots are a given. Tall conifers that
tower over you on meandering road drives. It’s nature embracing you like
you are its very own. Pahalgam spells solitude and quiet.
Kawa and cookie invitations:
Being a childhood fan of Ruskin
Bond’s narrations, life in the hills has made its impact subconsciously.
Pahalgam’s welcoming roads pave way to sturdy four-wheelers where breezy
sights of beautiful ponies sitting near the curb and
Hansel and Gretel houses pop up near Lidder River
banks. Roses lining the walkway to small family-run resorts, Pahalgam is
dotted with cute little home-stays and fully-operational resorts. The owner
Arif Laigroo, a resort owner in Pahalgam was quick to extend kawa and
cookie invitations by the hour to us during our stay here. The resort’s
team of chefs and stewards would welcome us with a lavish spread of
Kashmiri food at meal times. It’s just so delicious and fresh that the
taste and aroma of Wazwan dishes including Aloo Dum, Rogji Rajma, Rogan
Josh, Kulchas, Katlam, Kheer, Modur Pulao lingers on. We promise, that you
are bound to get an overdose of calorie intake here. Fret not!
Chandanwari Glacier walk:
Situated 16-kms away from Pahalgam, Chandanwari is the starting point
of the annual pilgrimage Amarnath Yatra. You need to hire a local cabbie,
who will drive you on a semi-road, with the Lidder River below and snow-capped
mountains above. At Chandanwari, Sheshnag River flows from another high
point. Rent out boots, jackets and warm caps. Go sledge riding or walk up
the glacier. Locals here are friendly and narrate interesting folklore
surrounding this beautiful hiking spot. Once you are done for the day, sip
on hot cuppa kawa and have light snacks at the eateries. Your driver will
also take you to Indian filmmakers spot of Betaab Valley (Betaab film
starring Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh was shot here). We suggest, you roll
your own video camera and make a family movie here. Ride the robust ponies
and take to the breezy romance of Pahalgam. As time stands still in the
hills and the lush valley below, get blissed out and relax, at your own
pace.
Nimisha.TiwariETTR 140417
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