When we planned our Kashmir adventure, we stumbled upon a fantastic travel agency offering a deal that felt too good to pass up. For an affordable price, we got airport pickups, visits to all the iconic sights, cozy accommodations for 4-Day Discovery in Kashmir, and two meals a day. It made our journey stress-free, especially flying from Delhi to Srinagar. Let’s dive into this 4-day exploration!
Collecting a Travel SIM
Upon landing, the first task was buying a tourist SIM card. In Kashmir, these SIM cards only work within Srinagar, so once you step out into more remote areas like Gulmarg or Pahalgam, connectivity vanishes. It’s worth preparing for this, especially with navigation or contacts, but the beauty is—no distractions, just you and the landscape!
Quick Hotel Review
Our hotel was lovely! It was well-decorated, and dinner was part of the package, which was a great bonus. But boy, was it cold in March! The heater in our room worked like an electric blanket, but a little heads-up: don’t leave it on overnight for safety reasons. Also, a word of advice—take a thorough shower before you hit the cold. You might not feel like it afterward!
Day-by-Day Breakdown: Our 4-Day Adventure
Day 1: Chashme Shahi Garden We kicked off our trip with a peaceful visit to Chashme Shahi Garden. Mughal architecture, vibrant flowers, and mountain breezes greeted us. It felt like a perfect introduction to the magic of Kashmir.
Day 2: Kesar Land, Apple Valley & Pahalgam This day was dedicated to Kashmir’s agricultural gems. We wandered through the saffron fields of Kesar Land and later visited Apple Valley. The fresh apples were an absolute treat—nature’s own candy! Read more
Day 3: Gulmarg Gulmarg was beyond words. We took the famous Gondola ride, which gave us panoramic views of snow-covered peaks and lush meadows. It’s like something out of a dream. Read more
Day 4: Doodhpathri & Dal Lake On our final day, we visited Doodhpathri with its milky streams and ended our trip with a magical night at Dal Lake, staying on a houseboat. The lake at sunset was the perfect way to close our Kashmir journey. Read more
Exploring Chashme Shahi Garden
Chashme Shahi was one of the most serene spots we visited. The terraced garden, dotted with Mughal fountains and towering chinar trees, felt like a hidden paradise. The calm and quiet made it a perfect place to relax, and the mountain views were simply breathtaking.
Location
Nestled in the Zabarwan Mountains, Chashme Shahi is only 9 km from Srinagar’s city center. It’s also close to Dal Lake, which enhances the charm. If you’re visiting Srinagar, don’t miss out on this scenic garden! Google Map
Things to Do
The peaceful atmosphere allows you to slow down and take in the beauty. I even had the chance to try on traditional Kashmiri attire and take some professional photos. Drinking fresh water from the garden’s natural spring was another refreshing highlight!
Local Street Food
After a stroll through the garden, we couldn’t resist indulging in some local street food. From crispy Kashmiri pakoras to flavorful Seekh Kebabs, it was a foodie’s dream. And, of course, a hot cup of Kahwa to warm up—it was heaven!
Is Chashme Shahi Garden Expensive & Safe?
Entrance to the garden is usually free, and it’s generally a very safe spot for tourists. If you opt for extras like a traditional photoshoot, there’s a small fee, but it’s well worth the experience. You’ll leave with beautiful memories and pictures to last a lifetime!
In just 4 days, Kashmir captivated our hearts, leaving us with memories of stunning landscapes, delicious food, and the kindest locals. If you’re planning a trip, I highly recommend booking with a local travel agency to take care of all the details—it truly makes a difference. Happy travels!
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