Valley of meadows

ROAD TRIPPING TO KASHMIR

As we packed our bags and loaded up the car ready to leave from Chandigarh, excitement bubbled within me like a fizzy drink ready to burst. This was it – the much-anticipated road trip to Kashmir with my three best friends. With the wind in our hair and the open road ahead, we embarked on a journey that promised adventure, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

The journey started smoothly, with laughter and music filling the air as we cruised along the highway. But just when we had covered almost half of the distance, Mother Nature decided to throw us a curveball. Dark clouds gathered ominously overhead, and before we knew it, we were caught in the midst of a raging storm.

boat houses
Boat Houses in Dal Lake

The wind howled fiercely, whipping through the trees and sending branches flying through the air like projectiles. Rain lashed against the windows of our car, obscuring our vision and making it impossible to continue driving. With no shelter in sight, we pulled over to the side of the road, seeking refuge from the tempest raging outside.

cafe owner's collection of different currencies.
Cafe in Kashmir with Currency from Around the World

Huddled together in the safety of our car, we waited out the storm, each clap of thunder and flash of lightning a reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature. It was a moment of vulnerability, but also one of solidarity, as we clung to each other for comfort and reassurance.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the storm began to subside, leaving behind a sense of calm in its wake. With relief flooding through us, we resumed our journey, grateful to have weathered the worst of it together.

kashmir valley
Beauty Of the Journey,(Somewhere In Kashmir)

But our trials were far from over. As we neared the city of Jammu, our excitement turned to frustration as we realized that none of our mobile phones were picking up signals. It was late at night, and with no way to contact anyone outside of Jammu and Kashmir, we faced the daunting task of finding a place to stay without any access to networks.

a local selling flowers to tourist visiting dal lake
Famous Boat Sellers

Undeterred, we relied on old-fashioned methods of navigation, asking locals for directions and relying on paper maps to find our way. Eventually, we stumbled upon a cozy guesthouse tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, where we could rest our weary heads for the night.

The next morning, with new SIM cards in hand and our spirits renewed, we set off once again towards our destination. Despite the challenges we had faced along the way, we were more determined than ever to reach Kashmir and experience all the beauty and wonder it had to offer.

Kashmir has a lot of army patrolling and this is one of their trucks.
Kashmir Military Trucks

As we continued our journey, we encountered friendly locals who welcomed us with warmth and hospitality. They shared stories of their lives in the mountains, offering us glimpses into a world so different from our own. We laughed, we bonded, and we forged connections that would last a lifetime.

Along the way, we stopped at charming roadside cafes and quaint villages, immersing ourselves in the local culture and cuisine. We savored steaming cups of Kashmiri chai and indulged in mouthwatering kebabs and biryanis, each bite a tantalizing blend of flavors and spices.

Water Lily from Dal Lake, Kashmir

One of the highlights of our trip was our visit to the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar. We glided across the tranquil waters in a shikara, marveling at the floating gardens and ornate houseboats that lined the shore. The beauty of the lake was mesmerizing, casting a spell on us that we never wanted to break.

Sunset at Dal Lake, Kashmir

But our adventure didn’t end there. We ventured further into the heart of Kashmir, exploring hidden waterfalls, ancient temples, and remote villages off the beaten path. With each new discovery, we felt a sense of wonder and awe, as if we were uncovering secrets whispered by the mountains themselves.

Beautiful Gulmarg

As the sun began to set on our final day in Kashmir, we found ourselves reluctant to leave. The memories we had made, the friendships we had forged – they were treasures we would carry with us always. And as we drove away, our hearts full and our spirits soaring, we knew that this was just the beginning of many more adventures to come.

MAH….

So here’s to the open road, to friendship, and to the magic of Kashmir. May we always wander, may we always explore, may we always find joy in the journey and may we go on.

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