A Traveler’s Journal of Srinagar, Kashmir
Dear Diary,
Today marks the beginning of my long-awaited journey to the heart of Kashmir.
Day 1: April 15, 2024: I arrived in Srinagar around noon, greeted by a crisp, cool breeze and the sight of snow-capped mountains in the distance. The air here feels different—cleaner, purer, as if nature itself is welcoming me with open arms.
My journey started with a warm welcome from the team at Kashmir Ladakh Tourism, the travel company that will be guiding me throughout this adventure. They arranged a lovely homestay for me in a quaint house in the old part of the city, not far from the Dal Lake. The family running the homestay is incredibly hospitable, treating me to a traditional Kashmiri meal of Rogan Josh, Kahwa, and Kashmiri Naan.
In the evening, I took a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood, soaking in the sights and sounds. The narrow lanes, lined with traditional wooden houses and small shops selling local crafts, gave me a glimpse of the city’s rich cultural heritage. As the sun set, casting a golden hue over the valley, I felt a deep sense of peace. I can’t wait to explore more of this beautiful city in the coming days.
Day 2: April 16, 2024 – Discovering Dara Harwan and Dachigam
Dear Diary,
This morning, I set out to explore Dara Harwan, a serene village located about 15 kilometers from Srinagar. The drive itself was breathtaking, with the road winding through lush green meadows and apple orchards. Dara Harwan is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with its picturesque landscapes and the tranquil waters of the Harwan Reservoir.
After spending some time in Dara Harwan, I headed to Dachigam National Park, which is just a short distance away. Dachigam, meaning "ten villages," is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers. I was fortunate enough to spot the endangered Hangul deer, also known as the Kashmir stag, along with a variety of birds. The park is a dense, green paradise, with towering trees, clear streams, and trails that lead deeper into the wilderness.
In the evening, I returned to my homestay, where the family had prepared a traditional Kashmiri Wazwan for dinner. The flavors were rich and exotic, a perfect ending to a day spent in the lap of nature.
Day 3: April 17, 2024 – Floating Market and Sonwar
Dear Diary,
Today was an early start. I woke up before dawn to visit the famous floating market on Dal Lake. The market is a vibrant, bustling affair, with shikaras (traditional wooden boats) filled with fresh produce, flowers, and handicrafts. It’s a sight to behold—the lake, shrouded in morning mist, with the shikaras gliding silently on its surface. The sellers, mostly local farmers, were incredibly friendly, offering me a taste of their produce as they went about their business.
After the floating market, I visited Sonwar, a neighborhood known for its beautiful gardens and historical significance. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Asia’s largest tulip garden, was in full bloom, a riot of colors spread out like a carpet before the mountains. I spent hours wandering through the garden, taking in the sight of thousands of tulips swaying gently in the breeze.
In the afternoon, I returned to the Dal Lake area and spent some time exploring the houseboats. The craftsmanship on these floating homes is extraordinary, with intricately carved woodwork and richly decorated interiors. I even had a cup of Kahwa on one of the houseboats, while the owner shared stories of the lake and its history.
Day 4: April 18, 2024 – Exploring Downtown and Rainawari
Dear Diary,
Today was dedicated to exploring the heart of Srinagar—Downtown and Rainawari. Downtown Srinagar, also known as Shahr-e-Khaas, is the oldest part of the city, where history breathes through the narrow, winding lanes. The old wooden houses with their distinct balconies, known as Jharokhas, tell stories of a bygone era.
I visited the historic Jamia Masjid, a beautiful wooden mosque with Indo-Saracenic architecture. The tranquility inside the mosque was a stark contrast to the bustling streets outside. From there, I wandered through the local markets, where the aroma of freshly baked bread from Kaandarwans (local bakeries) filled the air. I couldn’t resist trying some Girda and Sheermal, both traditional Kashmiri breads.
Next, I moved to Rainawari, a culturally rich neighborhood known for its blend of Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh communities living together in harmony. I visited the Raghunath Temple and the Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi, both places of great religious significance. The narrow lanes of Rainawari, with their colorful houses and vibrant street life, were a photographer’s delight.
Day 5: April 19, 2024 – Habba Kadal and Kashmiri Handicrafts
Dear Diary,
Today, I explored Habba Kadal, a historic area known for its cultural significance and traditional Kashmiri handicrafts. Habba Kadal is named after the famous Kashmiri poetess Habba Khatoon, whose verses continue to resonate in the valley.
The area is renowned for its Kashmiri shawls, Pashmina, and papier-mâché items. I visited several workshops where artisans were busy creating beautiful handwoven shawls, intricate papier-mâché items, and finely carved walnut wood furniture. The craftsmanship here is unparalleled, each piece reflecting the rich artistic heritage of Kashmir.
In the evening, I enjoyed a traditional Kashmiri tea at a local tea house, surrounded by the warmth and chatter of locals discussing the day’s events. The sense of community in Habba Kadal is strong, with people taking pride in their cultural roots and traditions.
Day 6: April 20, 2024 – A Day in Yousmarg
Dear Diary,
Yousmarg was the destination for today, and what a magical place it turned out to be! Located about 50 kilometers from Srinagar, Yousmarg is a sprawling meadow surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped mountains. The drive itself was a visual treat, with the road winding through picturesque villages and verdant fields.
Yousmarg is often referred to as "the hidden gem of Kashmir," and rightly so. The tranquility of the place is unmatched, with only the sound of birds and the distant rush of a stream breaking the silence. I spent the day walking through the meadows, absorbing the beauty of nature in its purest form. There were a few shepherds with their flocks, adding to the pastoral charm of the landscape.
The highlight of the day was a short trek to Nilnag Lake, a small, crystal-clear lake surrounded by dense forests. The reflections of the trees in the still water created a picture-perfect scene. As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, I reluctantly made my way back to Srinagar, my heart full of the serene beauty of Yousmarg.
Day 7: April 21, 2024 – Gangabal Lake Trek
Dear Diary,
Today was a day of adventure—a trek to the stunning Gangabal Lake, one of the high-altitude alpine lakes in the Ganderbal district. The lake is nestled in the Harmukh mountain range, and the trek is considered one of the most beautiful yet challenging in Kashmir.
The trek started early in the morning, with a local guide from Kashmir Ladakh Tourism leading the way. The trail took us through dense forests, across gushing streams, and up steep inclines. The views along the way were breathtaking, with the Harmukh peak towering majestically in the distance.
After several hours of trekking, we finally reached Gangabal Lake. The sight of the pristine, emerald-green waters against the backdrop of the snow-clad mountains was worth every step of the journey. We spent some time by the lake, taking in the serene beauty of the place, before making our way back to the base camp. The trek was tiring, but the experience of being surrounded by such untouched natural beauty made it all worthwhile.
Day 8: April 22, 2024 – A Day of Rest and Reflection
Dear Diary,
After the intense trek to Gangabal Lake, I decided to take a day to rest and reflect on my journey so far. I stayed at my homestay, spending the day reading, writing, and simply enjoying the peace and quiet. The family at the homestay shared stories about the history of Kashmir, giving me a deeper understanding of the region’s rich cultural and historical tapestry.
In the evening, I took a short walk around the neighborhood, visiting a local park where children were playing and elders were gathered for their evening chat. The simplicity of life here, the strong sense of community, and the natural beauty all around have a calming effect on the mind and soul.
Day 9: April 23, 2024 – Exploring Manasbal Lake
Dear Diary,
Today, I ventured out to explore Manasbal Lake, often referred to as the "Gem of Kashmir." Located about 30 kilometers from Srinagar, Manasbal Lake is known for its clear waters and the abundance of lotus flowers that bloom in the summer. there is a nearby famous temple devoted to the kashmiri pundits by the name of kheer bhawani, every year there is a mela where many devotes gather to pay homage, later i went fishing in the lake and met some local fishermen which collect fish and their womenfolk sells the fish in bazaar. later i drove back to srinagar to enjoy a sumptuous meal comprised of kashmiri chicken curry and mutton gosh korma and haak saag.
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