Kashmir, Heaven on the Earth - Part 2

Dear Friends, in the first part I have shared my solo travel experience about Srinagar. So, before going to the second part, If anybody of you would like to review the first one please follow the link below.

Kashmir, Heaven on the Earth - Part 1

In this blog, I'm going to brief you about the travel plan of the most beautiful places in Kashmir i.e. Sonmarg, Pahalgam, and Gulmarg which commonly attract tourists, and also how we can access these places by shared taxis from Srinagar which is the cheapest mode of travel in Kasmir.

1. Sonmarg: 

How to reach: Srinagar (Karanagar circle) --> Kangan Village -> Sonmarg

Sonamarg provides trekking routes leading to Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, Gangabal Lake, and Gadsar Lake in the Himalayas. Here I'll mention my short day-trek to "Thajiwas Glacier". Also, the Sonmarg offers stunning views of the "Sindh river".

Here Hotels stay are costly. Starts with a minimum of 1200 Rs /- per night. Also, availabilities are limited so ensure to have pre-booking in peak season.

The distance between Srinagar to Sonmarg is 80 KM. You can get the shared taxi from Karanagar circle in Srinagar. Get down at "Kangan Village" then you have to catch another taxi from Kangan to Sonmarg. It takes 2.30 Hrs to reach. The total fare I paid was 230 Rs /- and it is fixed, you cannot negotiate on that. 

Thajiwas Glacier trek: This is an easy trek that starts from Sonmarg base station for approximately 6 to 7 KM two-way. Pony is also available to take you to this place. Their charges start from 500 Rs to 1200 Rs depending on how you negotiate with them. 

 I think the beauty of the places cannot be simply express in words but I feel it's to be experienced once in a life. 

2. Pahalgam: 

Pahalgam is a small village in Anantnag district situated surrounding the mountains and Liddar river. Its lush green meadows and pristine waters attract thousands of tourists from all over the world each year.

How to reach: 

Srinagar (Taxi stand) --> Anantnag -> Pahalgam 

It is located 88 KM from Srinagar and takes 3 Hrs to reach by shared taxi. If you are going to catch a taxi from the taxistand you will have to wait for long hours till all seats accommodate. So, better to board the running taxis from the road, just beside the taxi stand. The total taxi fare is approximately 270 Rs /- Only. 

Hotel Stay: 

It is easy to get a decent hotel in the center of the village. Rates start from 600 Rs /- per night. Ensure to have the Hot water included.

In Pahalgam, some common places people visit by Pony. Below is the screenshot I'm sharing for rates. For all the points rates were mentioned 4000 Rs /- in August 2021 but if you can negotiate properly all the sightseeing can be done in 2500 Rs /-. All the points are on the same route.

The list of points to be visited is given below:

1. Kashmir Valley or Baisaran
2. Pahalgam Valley
3. Kanmarg
4. Tulyan Lake

Tulyan Lake is the place you should not miss in Pahalgam. Also, all listed points are on the way to this Lake. Pony will drop you at the base of the glacier. from there you have to perform the trek. Trek is moderate. Carry the eatables, Water bottles with you. The real Kashmir valley you can enjoy here. Photos of all the places I'm posting below.

Also, the Aru valley, Betab valley, and Chandanwadi are also nearby most visited tourist places. You can visit the points easily by shared taxi.

If you are rich with time and want to explore other offbeat places like Sheshnag lake, Tarasar Lake, Katarnag Lake, Sumbal Pass, below are the taxi rates. You can negotiate totally up to your skills.

3. Gulmarg:

Gulmarg is the place located 52 KM from Srinagar. It is especially well known for its Gondola ride and also there are many Snow activities are available. If you are with family must go to this place.

Gallery :

Note:

During the Kashmir trip and the places wherever you are exploring, note that here many people survive on the business of tourism. So if you are buying anything from them like Pashmina shawl, Kesar, Dry fruits, etc. people can tell you prices in thousands and those could be duplicate products.

Also, When you will be happy with exploring such beautiful places, your local tour guide here will try to flatter you on how you enjoyed your trip, they talk very sweetly and eventually, will ask you to offer money as tips. So just be aware of such things.