Houseboats, Meadows, and Beyond: Priyank's Thrillophilia Review of a Kashmir Trip
During our usual Sunday movie night, I casually mentioned the need for a break, and my words caught my wife’s attention. She was caught off guard by the suddenness of it and asked where we should go. When I said 'Kashmir,' it wasn’t just a trip anymore - it was a rekindled dream.
I thought about my grandmother’s tales of the snow-covered mountains and the royal Mughal gardens and felt an unexpected surge of nostalgia. That night, our usual routine gave way to a spontaneous decision to visit the paradise that had once been a distant wish.
A Calm Start in Srinagar
Our Kashmir trip began in Srinagar, where we had a relaxing start to our journey. The first day was all about admiring the natural landscapes around us. We spent the morning exploring the area near our hotel, taking in the peaceful ambience and admiring the views of snow-capped peaks in the distance. The kids were thrilled to be in such a beautiful place, asking questions and pointing out everything they found interesting.
After a bit of rest, we decided to explore the local markets of Srinagar. The markets were filled with vibrant stalls, with vendors selling everything from Pashmina shawls to handicrafts and antique jewellery. The kids enjoyed picking out little souvenirs, and we even bought a few beautiful Pashmina shawls.
We also found some embroidered carpets, which made for great gifts. Though it wasn’t an action-packed day, it was the perfect way to ease into our trip and appreciate the charm of Srinagar’s markets.
Adventure in Gulmarg and Sonmarg
The next day we headed to Gulmarg, where we got a chance to try the Gondola ride that took us up to Kongdoori Station. The views from the Gondola were incredible - lush valleys below us and snow-capped mountains in the distance. It felt like we were floating above the world. The kids, mesmerized by the views, exclaimed, “It’s like we’re on top of the world!”
At the top, we explored Gulmarg’s golf course, the world’s highest. Although we didn’t play golf, we spent time walking around, taking photos, and enjoying the stunning landscape. The peacefulness of the area made it feel like we had the place to ourselves.
The following day we visited Sonmarg, which our guide said was also known as the 'Meadow of Gold'. We began by visiting the Sindh River, where the kids were eager to dip their feet in the water. They had fun playing near the river, and we had a great time admiring the natural beauty. “This is the biggest playground ever!” one of the kids said as they splashed around.
Up next on our list was Thajiwas Glacier. Although it wasn’t snowing in June, we could still see the distant peaks covered in snow. The kids had a blast sledging on the artificial slopes, racing down over and over. We also took a pony ride up to a nearby glacier. It was a fun ride, and the kids loved being on horseback.
When we reached the glacier, they even built a snowman (well, more of a snow-pile), and got in a snowball fight with each other. It was a fun day that had us all laughing and enjoying the outdoors.
The Houseboat Experience
On the next day, we travelled to Pahalgam, a town known for its beautiful landscapes. It was unreal how the landscapes had us awestruck every time. We started with a visit to Aru Valley, a quiet village surrounded by towering mountains. It was one of those moments when time seemed to slow down, and we just relaxed and enjoyed the scenery. Afterwards, we visited Betaab Valley, where we got the chance to take a look at the Lidder River.
Our final stop in Pahalgam was Chandanwari, where we saw the famous snow bridge, an interesting natural formation. The kids found it fascinating and loved learning about the Amarnath Yatra and how it started from here. It was a short but memorable visit.
On our last day, we returned to Srinagar to explore some of the city’s famous sites. First, we visited the Mughal Gardens: Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. Both of them were full of blooming flowers, fountains, and stunning views of Dal Lake. The kids enjoyed running around the gardens, and we took plenty of pictures.
We also visited the Shankaracharya Temple, which offered fantastic views of the entire city. It was a bit of a climb, but the kids didn’t mind- they were too excited by the thrill of it. Later, we stopped by the Hazratbal Shrine, a calm and spiritual place that added depth to our experience.
In the evening, we spent some time shopping at Lal Chowk, where we picked up some last-minute souvenirs. The kids loved bargaining for small trinkets, and we ended up buying more Pashmina shawls and some local crafts. The highlight of our trip was the houseboat stay on Dal Lake. The kids were excited to sleep on a houseboat, and it turned out to be a magical experience. We had a lovely dinner onboard and enjoyed the quiet ambience of the lake. It was the perfect way to conclude our Kashmir adventure.
From the serene Mughal Gardens to the thrilling Gondola ride in Gulmarg and the peaceful houseboat stay in Srinagar, every day was filled with memorable moments. The kids had so much fun exploring, and we got to experience the beauty of Kashmir in a way that felt both exciting and relaxing. Kashmir truly is a paradise, and we’ll cherish these memories for a lifetime. Thank you Thrillophilia!
Read More: Thrillophilia Kashmir Reviews