Hey folks! So, I recently embarked on a trip to Kashmir, often touted as the "Paradise on Earth".
It was the first time that I was visiting a valley, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of magical - Mighty mountains surrounding me from all sides made me feel as though I had stepped into a postcard!

Even though words can't describe the mesmerizing scenery, I am certain that the pictures which I have shared below will make you realise that instead of calling Kashmir the 'Switzerland of India', it's high time we start calling Switzerland the 'Kashmir of the World'!

GULMARG

I spent my second day in Gulmarg (morning 2-hr ride from Srinagar to Gulmarg). It was my first-ever encounter with snow, and boy, it felt as though I was walking into a winter wonderland!

The real highlight was the ropeway ride from the mountain base to the peak, also known as the GONDOLA RIDE. As I rode up the mountain, it appeared like I was climbing into the sky itself! The ride ahead was almost invisible as it was very steep with clouds enveloping from everywhere - it truly felt like a 'Stairway to Heaven'!

There were two stations to get down; I chose to first visit the peak (Station 2) because the weather there was claimed to be unpredictable.
On reaching Station 2, I found myself at such a staggering height that clouds engulfed me from all directions, and snow stretched as far as the eye could see, creating a surreal blanket of white. Standing on this peak made me literally feel as though I was on top of the world!
The crowd was sparse which allowed me to soak in the scene with crystal clarity.
I had a small trek into infinity, and had a chance encounter with an armyman beneath the Indian flag fluttering proudly atop the peak. It was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers, and it filled me with an overwhelming sense of pride for my country.

After spending some time here, I travelled down to Station 1. Here I enjoyed a snow-bike ride and would definitely recommend this to everyone (pics below).

After coming down to the base, I visited Mahraja palace - Hari Singh's house.

Advice: Start for Gulmarg very early, as the queue for Golconda ride becomes heavily crowded from mid-morning.

Here, I have also covered my itinerary, pics & summary of the places I visited.

DAY 1
Morning: Shankaracharya temple - 250 step climb to the temple (Time spent here depends on your stamina & crowd)
Noon: Tulip Garden, Chashme Shahi (doesn't take more than 45 minutes each)
Afternoon: Lunch
Late afternoon: Shikara ride on Dal lake (Around 1-1.5 hrs)
Early Evening: Visited Hazratbal mosque
Late Evening: Shopping, Lal chowk
 

DAY 2 - Gulmarg
Early morning: Leave for Gulmarg from Srinagar (2 hr-ride). Leave ASAP because the queue for Gondola ride becomes too long with time.
Morning: Gondola ride to station 2, Trek to Indian flag (there are no activities available here).
Gondola ride to station 1 - Snow bike ride, Lunch.

I chose to go to Station 2 at first because the temperature here is said to be unpredictable.
Afternoon: Maharaja palace.

Unfortunately Bota Pathri was closed 🙁

Evening: Drive back to Srinagar.