“Between rain-kissed meadows and misty hills, we found that the beauty of Kashmir isn’t just seen — it’s felt in every breath you take.”
🌅 Morning at Dal Lake – Waking Up to a Kashmiri Morning
The morning air of Dal Lake had a certain stillness — the kind that makes you pause and just feel. The first light slipped through thin clouds, painting soft gold on the wooden walls of our houseboat. Inside, the air was cold but peaceful.
We made our first tea of the day using the electric kettle — that first sip of hot tea felt magical against the chill. As we stepped onto the deck, the breeze brushed gently across our faces. The lake was calm, and from the far distance, we could clearly see the Shankaracharya Temple perched on the hill — a sight that we had missed under the night lights yesterday.
The sunlight was playing hide and seek behind drifting clouds — sometimes golden, sometimes grey. There was a slight tension that it might rain, but the beauty around made us forget everything else. I took a few video clips and photos — the kind where you don’t just capture the place, you capture the feeling of being there.
Breakfast soon arrived — Aloo Paratha, Mix Veg, Pickle, Chutney, Watermelon slices, and of course, steaming hot tea. Sitting on the houseboat’s dining area, enjoying this simple yet soulful meal, we felt deeply connected to the essence of Kashmir.
🎬 Watch the Video:
➡️ Where Dreams Float – Our Houseboat Awakening on Dal Lake – Kashmir Vlog: Day 2 Ep 1
🚤 Farewell to Houseboat – A Promise to Return
After breakfast, it was time to check out. We packed our luggage, took one last look at the shimmering Dal Lake, and promised ourselves we’d return again later in the trip (as per our itinerary, we were scheduled to stay again on Day 4).
This time, our Shikara ride was motorized. The same Ghat No. 19 awaited us, but the experience was entirely new — the reflection of morning light on the water, the sound of the motor echoing gently through the mist, and tiny ripples spreading across the lake surface.
Just as we neared the ghat, a few raindrops touched the water, creating circular ripples that danced away from us. I remember holding my camera tightly, worrying about light conditions and how the videos might come out — the classic traveler’s mix of excitement and tension.
At the ghat, our friendly driver Zuneid Bhai was waiting, smiling warmly under his umbrella. We loaded our luggage and began the next chapter of our journey — Srinagar to Pahalgam, the valley of shepherds.
🎬 Watch the Video:
➡️ Gliding Through Paradise – Dal Lake’s Peaceful Morning Ride – Kashmir Vlog: Day 2 Ep 2
🚗 On the Road – Srinagar to Pahalgam
We started around 9:30 AM. The drive took us along the scenic NH-44, a route filled with beauty at every turn. As Srinagar faded behind us, the grey skies opened up, and sunlight began streaming through patches of cloud. It was as if Kashmir itself was blessing our journey.
Soon, we passed endless stretches of mustard fields, their golden-yellow blooms waving gently in the breeze. It was cinematic — the kind of view you see in movies but rarely experience in life.
🎬 Watch the Video:
➡️ NH44 Unfolds – Our Scenic Escape to Pahalgam – Kashmir Vlog: Day 2 Ep 3
Further down the road, we crossed Anantnag, known for its willow bat factories. Rows of wooden cricket bats lined the small workshops. Though we didn’t stop to buy, I managed to film a few clips from the car window — a glimpse into Kashmir’s craftsmanship.
🎬 Watch the Video:
➡️ Awantipora’s Wooden Soul – Willow Bats & Scenic Roads – Kashmir Vlog: Day 2 Ep 5
Our first real stop was an apple garden. Here, we were welcomed by the fresh scent of apples and the cheerful smile of a local vendor. We tried fresh apple juice — just pressed, no preservatives, pure sweetness — priced at ₹100 for a 200ml glass. It was delicious and refreshing. We also bought some apple jam and pickle, neatly packed, costing between ₹50 and ₹200 per pack.
🎬 Watch the Video:
➡️ Sip of Nature – Apple Garden Moments & Fresh Juice Bliss – Kashmir Vlog: Day 2 Ep 6
🌸 Saffron Fields of Pampore – Fragrance & Heritage
A little further on, we entered Pampore, the “Saffron Capital of India.” Even though it wasn’t the flowering season, the fields held an air of heritage and pride. A local shop owner explained how saffron is carefully plucked and dried, showing us its delicate crimson strands.
We tasted Kashmiri Kahwa, rich with the aroma of saffron and almonds. I also captured some short clips about saffron’s cultivation and history — something every traveler should experience when passing through Pampore. After buying a few packets of saffron and dry fruits, we continued our drive.
🎬 Watch the Video:
➡️ From Petals to Sip – Discovering Pampore’s Saffron & Kahwa Magic – Kashmir Vlog: Day 2 Ep 4
🌲 The Scenic Route – Along the Lidder River
The road to Pahalgam soon turned narrower and more beautiful. Pine trees lined both sides, and the Lidder River ran parallel, its clear blue waters glistening under the soft afternoon light. The rhythmic sound of the river followed us, as if narrating its own story.
By now, it was nearly 1:30 PM, and we reached Baisaran Valley, famously known as Mini Switzerland. The sky turned cloudy again, and light drizzles began.
Route: Dal Lake (Srinagar) → Pampore → Anantnag → Baisaran Valley (Pahalgam)
Distance: ~96 km | Duration: ~4 hours (with stops)
🎬 Watch the Video:
➡️ Into the Pines – Our Scenic Ride to Baisaran’s Pony Station -Kashmir Vlog: Day 2 Ep 7
🐎 Adventure at Baisaran – Riding into the Mist
After some long negotiation (a skill every visitor must master in Kashmir!), we hired three horses with two guides for ₹6,900 (though ₹4,500 would’ve been fair if you bargain well). The moment we began the ascent, we realized this wasn’t going to be a simple ride.
The path was steep, narrow, muddy, and rocky — made more challenging by last night’s rain. We rented gum boots (₹100 per pair) and raincoats (₹150 each) before starting. The horses carefully stepped on the wet stones, and at times, it felt like we were balancing on the edge of the world — one side a deep valley, the other, high forest slopes.
My daughter, just sixteen, was both thrilled and nervous — it was her first time on such a trail. My wife, however, was smiling quietly, perhaps remembering her own first experience in a Shikara ride when she was around the same age. That thought alone made this day special — as if two timelines were overlapping, creating one shared family memory.
After about 45 minutes of slow, cautious climbing, we reached Baisaran Valley. The sight left us breathless — wide green meadows surrounded by misty mountains, horses grazing, and clouds rolling across like waves. It truly lived up to its name — “Mini Switzerland.”
At the top of Baisaran Valley, after taking in the misty meadows and dramatic slopes, we paused at a small wooden stall for hot Maggi and steaming coffee. The warmth against the crisp mountain air was heavenly, and we captured a few candid moments of laughter and awe on video.
🎬 Watch the Video:
➡️ The Ride We’ll Never Forget – Pahalgam to Baisaran’s Wild Path – Kashmir Vlog: Day 2 Ep 8
☕ Pony Station, Lunch & Selfie Stop
After about an hour, we began our horse ride back to the pony station. The descent was thrilling — the muddy, rocky paths demanded care, but also gave us a chance to enjoy the valley from a different angle, with small streams and greenery rushing past.
🎬 Watch the Video:
➡️ A Moment in Mini Switzerland – Baisaran’s Peaceful Embrace – Kashmir Vlog: Day 2 Ep 9
At the pony station, we had lunch at Punjabi Dhaba at 3PM— simple, wholesome vegetarian food, flavorful and satisfying, with very reasonable prices. It was the perfect pause before the final stretch to the hotel.
On the way back from the pony station, we stopped at the famous Pahalgam selfie points — a true treat for photographers and nature lovers alike. The spot is right beside the Lidder River, its waters rushing gently yet energetically, reflecting the muted light of the cloudy sky. Surrounding us were snow-dusted hills, their icy white peaks framing the landscape like a natural amphitheater.
The view was cinematic: the combination of the flowing river, green valleys, and the distant mountains created perfect layers for photography and video. Even with the light drizzle, the freshness in the air, the scent of pine, and the crisp cold breeze made every frame magical. One could easily spend 1–2 hours here, wandering along small paths, capturing the interplay of clouds, water, and hills, and finding countless angles for selfies and group photos.
We managed about an hour before the rain started intensifying, cutting our time short. Still, it was enough to create beautiful memories and footage for our trip — a must-visit spot that captures the essence of Pahalgam’s charm.
🎬 Watch the Video:
➡️ Framed by Nature – Pahalgam’s Lidder Selfie Point – Kashmir Vlog: Day 2 Ep 10
🏨 Hotel Notes — Comfort After a Long Day
Although our broader package covered accommodation, it’s useful to note typical arrangements: The Home 2 is a 3-star deluxe style hotel; per-night charges for a similar room generally range around ₹3,000–₹3,500 (season-wise) and usually include dinner and breakfast. The room comfort mattered that night — hot water in the bathroom, a generator for power backup, and an electric kettle with tea/coffee made the cold evening much more pleasant. Beds were clean and comfortable, and the staff polite and helpful — small comforts that count after a long day on the trail.
As per our itinerary, the plan was to cover Aru, Betaab and Chandanwari (ABC) by local cab the next day and return to the same hotel, but plans changed later — I’ll explain the reason for that in the following day’s entry.
- Room amenities: Deluxe category, with an installed/attached room heater and electric bed heater, keeping the room warm and comfortable throughout the chilly evening.
- Other features: Hot water, electric kettle with tea/coffee, generator backup, clean beds, polite staff, and included dinner & breakfast (per package/season).
🌙 Evening in Pahalgam – Rest & Reflection
🎬 Watch the Video:
➡️ From Trails to Tranquility – One Night in Hotel Home 2 Embrace – Kashmir Vlog: Day 2 Ep 11
The hotel was cozy — neat rooms, hot water, electric kettle, and friendly staff. Dinner was served buffet-style at 9 PM — roti, rice, chicken curry, dal, paneer, and salad. The food was comforting after a long, adventurous day.
Before sleeping, I cleared the camera memory cards and backed up all photos and videos — a ritual by now. As we lay down, the rhythmic sound of rain outside and the cold mountain air filled the room with quiet peace.
Tomorrow’s plan was for Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, and Chandanwari, but as we’d soon find out — Kashmir had other plans.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: The Home 2, Pahalgam
Next: [Day 3 – Exploring Pahalgam and Returning to Srinagar]
💡 Travel Tip – Day 2
- Always carry rain gear (gum boots, raincoat) — weather in Kashmir changes quickly, especially in Pahalgam.
- Practice polite bargaining for horse rides — start from one-third of the initial quote.
- Keep a power bank and plastic covers for your camera or phone to protect them from rain.
- Try fresh apple juice and Kashmiri saffron Kahwa along the way — authentic local experiences not to be missed.
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