“From golden dawn over the Himalayas to a peaceful sunset by Dal Lake, we walked where emperors once paused — and found our own quiet paradise.”
🌄 A Golden Morning Surprise
Our Day 4 in Kashmir began with an unforgettable surprise.
At around 6:15 AM, my wife called me from bed, whispering, “Look outside the window!” I pulled the curtain aside—and there it was: a golden sunrise painting the Himalayan peaks. After three cloudy and rainy days, this bright, sunlit morning felt like nature’s special gift to us.
Without wasting a second, I grabbed my camera and woke up my daughter, who shares my passion for photography. For this trip, I bought a new Canon Z50 Mirrorless Camera, while she proudly carried my old Canon D3300. We also had our trusty Sony camera for video shoots. The next one hour was pure magic — we clicked endless photos, shot sunrise videos, and soaked in the warmth of that golden glow over the snow peaks. Words simply fall short to describe the feeling.
After freshening up, we enjoyed a refreshing cup of tea in our room, while my daughter sneaked in a short nap. The morning also involved a bit of practical work — cleaning and drying our muddy pants and shoes from the Baisaran trek. Thankfully, the hotel staff had helped us dry them overnight.
🍽️ Breakfast & Checkout at The Grand Comfort
Once ready, we packed our luggage, as this hotel stay was for just one night.
Breakfast at The Grand Comfort was warm and homely — Aloo Paratha with pickle and hot tea, served with the crisp Srinagar air floating in through the windows. After breakfast, we completed the checkout process while waiting for our driver, Zuied Bhai, who was observing Ramadan and arrived around 10:45 AM after his morning roza.
Before leaving, we clicked a few pictures in front of the hotel reception — simple moments that make wonderful memories.
🌿 First Stop – Pari Mahal (Palace of Fairies)
Our Day 4 in Srinagar began with a visit to one of the city’s most enchanting historical spots — Pari Mahal, also known as the “Palace of Fairies.”
Perched on the Zabarwan mountain range overlooking the Dal Lake, this beautiful terraced garden is not just a visual delight but also a place rich in Mughal history and mystical charm.
🌿 Historical Background
Pari Mahal was built during the Mughal era in the mid-17th century by Prince Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Emperor Shah Jahan. Originally, it served as a Buddhist monastery, which Dara Shikoh later converted into a school of astrology and philosophy for his Sufi teacher, Mulla Shah Badakhshi.
The name “Pari Mahal” (meaning Palace of Fairies) is said to have originated from the ethereal beauty of the structure, which seems almost magical against the backdrop of the snow-clad mountains and serene Dal Lake. The site reflects a perfect blend of Mughal architecture and Persian garden design, with multiple terraces, arched doorways, and flowing water channels once used to irrigate the lush gardens.
🌄 The View & Experience
From the upper terraces of Pari Mahal, the panoramic view of Dal Lake and the entire Srinagar city is absolutely breathtaking — especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset.
We spent more than an hour exploring the terraces and stairways, capturing beautiful photos and video clips for our travel vlog. Each level of the garden offers a new perspective — the lower ones filled with flowers and greenery, and the uppermost terrace giving a royal vantage point over the valley below.
Tripods or camera stands are not allowed inside, so we had to leave our tripod at the ticket counter. However, handheld shots and photography are allowed, and the natural lighting there is just perfect for both photos and videos.
(You can watch our full experience in the video here 👉 Pari Mahal, Srinagar | Travel With Surajit)
🎫 Entry & Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: ₹20 per person (Indians), ₹100 for foreigners
- Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Closed: Every Friday
- Photography: Allowed (Tripods/stands not permitted)
- Time Required: Around 1–1.5 hours to explore comfortably
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for the best light and clear views of Dal Lake
- Best Time to Visit: April to October for pleasant weather and lush greenery, or March to May for blooming flowers and beautiful weather.
🌺 Final Thoughts
Pari Mahal is not just another Mughal garden — it’s a peaceful escape with layers of history, spirituality, and unmatched views. The calm surroundings, terraced architecture, and panoramic scenery make it one of the must-visit destinations in Srinagar.
If you love photography, history, or simply wish to enjoy a quiet moment gazing over the Dal Lake, Pari Mahal will surely leave you spellbound — just as it did for us.
📸 Watch our full experience here:
🎥 Pari Mahal, Srinagar | Travel With Surajit YouTube Video
🌺 Second Stop – Chashme Shahi (The Royal Spring)
After exploring the beautiful Pari Mahal and enjoying its panoramic views of Dal Lake, we headed to the charming Chashme Shahi Garden, another jewel of Srinagar’s Mughal-era landscape. Our auto driver dropped us directly at the garden entrance, and before leaving Pari Mahal, we collected our tripod from the ticket counter (as tripods are not allowed inside the Mahal).
💧 The Garden of the Royal Spring
Chashme Shahi, meaning “The Royal Spring,” was built in 1632 AD by Ali Mardan Khan, the governor of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, for his son Prince Dara Shikoh.
The garden was laid out around a natural spring that still flows with crystal-clear water, believed to have medicinal and healing properties. The Mughal-style terraced layout, with its cascades, fountains, and flower beds, creates a perfect harmony of nature and design.
The garden is relatively small compared to Shalimar or Nishat Bagh but is incredibly peaceful and beautifully maintained. It consists of three terraces, each representing a different aspect of Mughal garden architecture — water, greenery, and floral beauty.
🌸 Our Visit & Experience
We spent around one hour exploring and filming around Chashme Shahi. The gentle sound of the flowing water and the scenic views of the surrounding Zabarwan mountains made it a very relaxing experience.
Although we visited in late March (2025), the garden still had some beautiful flowers blooming, and the weather was pleasantly cool. The symmetry of the garden, with its stone pathways, bright flower beds, and the running spring water, made for some wonderful photography and video moments.
(Our full Chashme Shahi video will be published soon on Travel With Surajit YouTube Channel)
🎫 Entry & Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: ₹20–25 per adult (rates may vary by season)
- Timings: Around 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (varies slightly by day and month)
- Open Season: March to November
- Photography: Allowed (Tripods usually not permitted)
- Average Visit Duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour
- Best Time to Visit: April to June for full-bloom gardens
🌼 Final Thoughts
Chashme Shahi is one of the most charming Mughal gardens in Srinagar — smaller but more intimate and serene. The sound of the spring water, the fragrance of fresh blossoms, and the views of the Dal Lake below make it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Kashmir.
🌿 Third Stop – Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, Srinagar
After exploring the charm of Chashme Shahi, we called our cheerful local auto driver, who arrived within five minutes. He smiled and said, “Next stop, Nehru Botanical Garden!” The cool breeze carried the fragrance of flowers as we drove down the scenic hill road.
Located just beside the famous Tulip Garden and at the foothills of the Zabarwan Range, the Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden is one of the most peaceful green spaces in Srinagar — a true paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking calm away from city noise.
Our driver dropped us near the entrance gate, we paid him ₹200 for the ride covering Pari Mahal, Chashme Shahi, and Botanical Garden, and thanked him for his friendly help throughout the morning.
🌼 About the Garden – A Living Tribute to Pandit Nehru
This lush garden was established in 1969 by the Department of Floriculture, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, in memory of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister. Spread over 80 hectares, it is not just a park — it’s a living museum of Himalayan flora.
The garden has four main sections:
- Recreational Garden – Perfect for picnics and strolls.
- Botanical Garden – Dedicated to rare and indigenous plant species.
- Research Section – Maintained for the study of Himalayan flora.
- Plant Conservation Area – Preserves endangered and medicinal plants.
There are over 150,000 ornamental plants, hundreds of species of trees, shrubs, and flowers, and even a small artificial lake where visitors can enjoy boating. The garden also houses a greenhouse filled with exotic orchids and tropical plants — a photographer’s delight!
🕘 Visitor Information
- Entry Fee:
- Adults: ₹24
- Children: ₹12
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (daily)
- Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (March–May) for blooming tulips and fresh greenery.
- Summer (June–August) for pleasant walks under shade.
- Morning hours are ideal for photography when light is soft and air is crisp.
- Average Visit Duration: 1–2 hours
📸 Our Experience & Photography Moments
As soon as we entered, we were greeted by endless rows of colorful flower beds and manicured lawns stretching toward the mountains. The garden was quiet, only filled with the sound of chirping birds and gentle fountains.
My daughter immediately set up her camera (Canon D3300) and began capturing macro shots of dew-kissed petals. I, on the other hand, roamed around with my Canon Z50, shooting wide-angle frames — the reflection of trees in the pond, the delicate bridge over the stream, and the soft clouds drifting above Zabarwan hills.
The pathways were clean and beautifully designed, leading to cozy benches shaded by willows and chinars. We took a short rest under a tree, enjoying the peaceful surroundings. My wife, ever the nature lover, collected a few fallen leaves as souvenirs — each with unique patterns and colors.
One of our favorite moments was near the artificial lake, where we spent time filming the calm water and the distant view of Tulip Garden hills. The golden sunlight filtering through the leaves made the entire scene glow like a painting.
🌳 A Peaceful Pause in Our Journey
We spent nearly one and a half hours here — it didn’t feel like sightseeing; it felt like a pause, a breath of serenity amid our fast-paced journey.
Before leaving, we sat on a bench, sipped bottled spring water we had filled at Chashme Shahi earlier, and just admired the garden’s beauty. It was an experience of nature, art, and quiet reflection all together — something we’ll cherish forever.
By the time we stepped out, the sun was high, and it was almost lunchtime. We walked toward the nearby Tulip Garden car parking, where Zuied Bhai was waiting with a smile and cool air from the car — ready to take us to the next delicious chapter of our day: the famous Kashmiri Wazwan Thali lunch!
🍛 Lunch Break – Authentic Kashmiri Wazwan Experience
By noon, hunger led us to a local restaurant recommended by Zuied Bhai. We relished the traditional Kashmiri Wazwan Thali, featuring Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, Gushtaba, and other delicacies. Each bite was rich, flavorful, and deeply comforting — truly a royal feast of Kashmir.
🌹 Fourth Stop – Shalimar Bagh (Abode of Love)
After enjoying the authentic Kashmiri Wazwan Thali —it turned out to be a royal treat! We set off to visit one of Srinagar’s most magnificent Mughal creations — Shalimar Bagh, famously known as “The Abode of Love.”
🏛️ About Shalimar Bagh – A Mughal Masterpiece of Love
Shalimar Bagh, located on the banks of the Dal Lake, is the largest and most celebrated of all Mughal gardens in Kashmir. Its name, “Shalimar”, is derived from the Sanskrit word Shalimar, meaning abode of love — and its story beautifully justifies it.
This garden was built in 1619 by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife Empress Nur Jahan. Designed in the classic Persian Charbagh (four-part garden) layout, it perfectly combines symmetry, nature, and architecture. Every terrace, fountain, and canal reflects the romantic artistry of the Mughal era.
Historically, Jahangir described it as “a garden of bliss, where the heart finds peace.” Later, during the reign of Shah Jahan, the garden was further beautified with pavilions, chinar trees, and black marble niches that once held oil lamps to illuminate the night.
🌿 Architecture & Layout
Shalimar Bagh is spread over 31 acres and laid out in three terraced sections, each designed for a specific purpose:
- Upper Terrace (Royal Garden): Reserved for the emperor and the royal family. It has the iconic black pavilion with intricate carved arches.
- Middle Terrace (Zenana Garden): Built for the royal ladies, featuring serene fountains and delicate flower beds.
- Lower Terrace (Public Garden): Open to the courtiers and visitors, where the famous water channels reflect rows of chinar trees.
The garden is a masterpiece of Mughal water engineering — a central canal, sourced from Dal Lake, flows through each terrace, feeding 410 fountains in total! The rhythmic sound of water, combined with the rustling of chinars, gives the garden a deeply soothing charm.
💐 Visitor Details
- Entry Fee: ₹20 per person
- Timings: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Open Days: All days of the week
- Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (March–May): When tulips, daffodils, and almond blossoms are in bloom.
- Autumn (September–October): To witness golden chinar leaves carpeting the garden.
The best time for photography is late afternoon, when sunlight filters through the chinar branches, creating golden reflections on the water channels.
📸 Our Experience at Shalimar Bagh
As soon as we stepped inside, we were greeted by the gentle murmur of fountains and the cool shade of ancient chinar trees. The perfectly aligned water channels mirrored the sky, while beds of tulips and pansies added splashes of color along the walkways.
My daughter eagerly began capturing every frame — from the glistening water streams to the play of light on Mughal arches. The garden’s symmetry gave us endless compositions for photography and videography. My wife, enchanted by the serenity, sat quietly near one of the fountains, dipping her fingers into the cool water.
Every corner of Shalimar Bagh tells a silent story — of love, peace, and artistic grandeur. Standing near the upper pavilion, we could imagine how the royal couples once admired the garden from that very spot.
We spent nearly an hour and a half here, wandering through the walkways, recording video clips, and capturing timeless frames of history and beauty intertwined. The soothing sound of the fountains created the perfect background for our travel footage.
🌅 A Perfect End to a Beautiful Afternoon
As we exited, the golden hour light began to soften over Dal Lake, casting an ethereal glow across the garden. We felt deeply content — it wasn’t just a visit; it was an experience steeped in art, emotion, and timeless beauty.
Shalimar Bagh truly lived up to its name — The Abode of Love. It was easy to imagine why Jahangir built it for Nur Jahan — a place where love itself seems to bloom in every petal and ripple of water.
From here, we continued our journey to Hotel Hassanz Enclave near Dal Lake, with hearts full of awe and memory cards full of unforgettable frames.
🏨 Evening Check-in – Hotel Hassanz Enclave, Srinagar
By late afternoon, we reached our new hotel, Hassanz Enclave, located near Dal Lake and Nishat Ghat. After a quick check-in and settling our luggage, we were back in the car within 15 minutes for our remaining sightseeing.
🧵 Fifth Stop – Visit to a Kashmiri Carpet Factory
After Check-in, our driver Zuied Bhai suggested, “Before we head to Nishat Bagh, let’s stop by a traditional Kashmiri Carpet Factory — you’ll love it!”
Curious and excited to explore another layer of Kashmir’s culture, we agreed immediately. Within a few minutes’ drive, we reached a quaint, two-storied workshop nestled in the lanes near Nishat Road, where a wooden signboard read:
“Welcome to the World of Kashmiri Carpets – Handmade with Love and Heritage.”
🏡 A Glimpse into Centuries of Art & Heritage
As we entered, we were warmly welcomed by the owner — a soft-spoken Kashmiri gentleman dressed in traditional pheran. He offered us a cup of Kahwa, that aromatic saffron tea we’d already grown fond of, and began explaining the fascinating history of Kashmiri carpets.
The art of carpet weaving in Kashmir dates back to the 15th century, introduced by Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin (popularly known as Budshah), who brought skilled Persian artisans to the valley. Over time, Kashmiri weavers developed their own unique styles — blending Persian designs with local motifs inspired by nature: chinar leaves, flowers, vines, and paisleys.
Each carpet here is hand-knotted, not tufted or machine-made, and can take months or even years to complete, depending on size and intricacy. The artistry is passed down through generations — often within families where both men and women contribute to the weaving process.
🧶 The Art of Weaving – From Threads to Treasure
We were then guided into the workshop, where the real magic happens. The rhythmic clack of wooden looms filled the room as skilled artisans worked with complete focus. Their hands moved with incredible precision — tying each tiny knot by hand, one thread at a time.
The guide explained that Kashmiri carpets are made primarily from pure silk, wool, or a blend of both, and their quality is measured in knots per square inch (KPSI). Some of the finest carpets can have up to 900 knots per square inch, a level of detail hard to believe until you see it up close!
The natural dyes — derived from pomegranate, indigo, saffron, and walnut bark — give the carpets their rich, everlasting colors. We even saw a few artisans brushing the surface with fine combs to smooth the pile — an ancient finishing technique still used today.
🎥 Our Experience & Capturing the Craftsmanship
The workshop was dimly lit but filled with a warm, earthy glow from the wool, silk, and wooden looms. We couldn’t resist capturing every detail. I took several wide-angle shots on my Canon Z50, while my daughter recorded close-ups on the Sony camera, focusing on the weavers’ hands — their skill, concentration, and artistry.
We also recorded a few short clips for our upcoming travel vlog — showing the entire process from dying the yarns to knotting and finishing the carpets. The owner was kind enough to let us document it all and even demonstrated how to count knots and read a pattern map.
It was mesmerizing — every inch of the carpet seemed to tell a silent story of patience, dedication, and love for art.
🏛️ Showroom Visit & Shopping Experience
After exploring the weaving area, we entered the showroom, where finished carpets hung like masterpieces on the walls. Each design was unique — Tree of Life, Persian Garden, Hunting Scene, and intricate floral motifs in deep reds, blues, and golds.
The staff explained how each carpet carries the signature of its weaver — a small hidden symbol woven into the pattern. Prices ranged from ₹12,000 for small woolen rugs to over ₹2 lakh for fine silk carpets, depending on size and knot density.
We didn’t plan to purchase anything that day, but it was fascinating to see how each piece was priced and displayed like art in a gallery. My wife particularly admired a turquoise-blue silk carpet with chinar motifs — it truly captured the spirit of Kashmir.
❤️ A Heartfelt Goodbye
Before leaving, we thanked the owner and his team for their warm hospitality and for giving us such a personal glimpse into Kashmir’s living heritage. They smiled and said, “Please tell others — we make carpets, not just for homes, but for hearts.”
That line stayed with us long after we stepped outside. It was a touching reminder that Kashmir’s beauty lies not only in its mountains and gardens but also in its artisans — the hands that weave beauty from threads.
We spent around 40 minutes in total — learning, filming, and appreciating — before heading toward Nishat Bagh, our next stop for the evening. With our hearts warmed by the experience and cameras full of stories, we set off once again, ready to next stop – Nishat Bagh (The Garden of Pleasure) and embrace the magic of sunset over Dal Lake.
🌺 Sixth Stop – Nishat Bagh (The Garden of Pleasure)
Leaving the warm smiles of the carpet artisans behind, we drove a short distance to our next destination — Nishat Bagh, the enchanting Garden of Pleasure. The afternoon sun glowed softly over Srinagar, and the light breeze from Dal Lake carried the scent of blooming flowers.
Our driver, Zuied Bhai, parked near the entrance and said, “Spend your time here peacefully — I’ll go for my evening shopping and prayers. You can walk back to your hotel; it’s not far.” We agreed with a smile, and he left us with a wave, promising to meet again for the next day’s early morning drive to Gulmarg.
Originally, we had planned a Shikara ride, but strong winds over Dal Lake made it unsafe, so we postponed it for another day. Zuied Bhai told us spent releax time on Nishant Garden, then enjoy the Sunset of Dal Lake from Nishant Ghat, we back to hotel by walk or auto.
🏞️ About the Garden – A Masterpiece by Asif Khan
Nishat Bagh, meaning “Garden of Joy” or “Garden of Delight,” was laid out in 1633 by Asif Khan, the brother of Empress Nur Jahan and brother-in-law of Emperor Jahangir. The garden sits gracefully on the eastern shore of Dal Lake, with the Zabarwan Range as its majestic backdrop.
It’s the second-largest Mughal garden in Kashmir (after Shalimar Bagh) and is considered one of the most scenic, thanks to its incredible terraced layout of twelve levels — symbolizing the twelve zodiac signs or twelve months of the year.
Each terrace rises higher up the mountain slope, offering sweeping views of the lake below and the snow-capped Pir Panjal range in the distance.
🌿 Design & Charm
The garden follows the classic Mughal Charbagh (four-part) design, with a central water channel running through each terrace. The water flows from a mountain spring and passes through fountains, marble platforms, and pools, dividing the lawns symmetrically into flower beds and walkways.
On both sides, towering chinar trees stand like ancient guardians, providing shade and charm. During spring and early summer, rows of tulips, roses, and pansies bloom in vibrant colors, adding magic to the entire setting.
💐 Visitor Details
- Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (April to October)
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (November to March)
- Best Time to Visit:
- Spring to Summer (April–June) for colorful blooms.
- Late Afternoon for golden lighting perfect for photography.
📸 Our Experience & Capturing the Beauty
As we stepped in, the sound of running water instantly calmed us. Families, couples, and travelers strolled across the lawns, some sitting quietly under trees, others posing for photos near fountains.
My daughter, camera in hand, found endless inspiration — reflections of chinars in the still pools, the play of sunlight over the marble platforms, and panoramic views of Dal Lake shimmering below. I recorded wide-angle video shots to capture the entire grandeur, while my wife took a moment to rest near a flower bed, enjoying the fragrance of roses drifting in the air.
Each terrace offered a new frame — layers of history and nature coming together like poetry. We spent around an hour here, completely immersed in the peace and the beauty that surrounded us.
As the light began to soften, the golden hues hinted that it was time for our final stop of the day — the Sunset over Dal Lake.
🌅 Final Stop – Dal Lake Sunset (Evening at Nishat Ghat)
Just outside Nishat Bagh lies the charming Nishat Ghat, one of the many serene spots along the banks of Dal Lake. As we stepped out of the garden, the sun had begun its slow descent, casting ripples of gold and pink across the lake’s surface.
The scene was mesmerizing — shikaras gliding smoothly across the water, their reflections shimmering like paintings. The air was cool, carrying the distant echo of the azan from a nearby mosque.
We found a perfect spot near the edge, sat on a stone platform, and simply watched. Cameras were ready, but for a few minutes, we didn’t even feel like recording — we just wanted to absorb the beauty of that moment.
The mountains turned purple as the sun dipped lower, and the sky transformed into shades of orange, rose, and violet. The calm water mirrored the colors perfectly. It was peaceful yet powerful — one of those moments that remind you why Kashmir is called “Paradise on Earth.”
📸 Photography & Memories
Of course, we couldn’t resist capturing the magic before it faded. My daughter took stunning stills of the sunset with the shikaras in silhouette. I switched to video mode to record a slow pan across the glowing water — a perfect closing scene for our Day 4 vlog.
People around us were equally enchanted — some locals feeding ducks, tourists posing for selfies, and a few couples enjoying quiet moments on the lake’s edge. The atmosphere was serene, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
We didn’t realize how quickly time passed. By the time the last light disappeared behind the hills, it was around 7 PM. We began our 1–1.5 km walk back to our hotel, strolling along the lakeside path with the soft sound of water accompanying us.
🌙 A Cozy Night & Next Day’s Plans
By the time we returned to Hotel Hassanz Enclave, the night air of Srinagar had turned pleasantly cool. The faint sound of crickets mixed with the distant murmur of shikaras returning to their docks on Dal Lake. The golden glow of the streetlights reflected softly on the lake’s surface — a peaceful ending to an unforgettable day.
As we entered the hotel, the staff greeted us with warm smiles. “How was your day, Sir?” one of them asked, genuinely curious. I could tell they weren’t just being polite — they truly cared. When we shared how beautiful the gardens were and how we ended our evening by watching the sunset at Nishat Ghat, they seemed happy for us, as if we were family visiting their hometown.
They quickly brought us hot water, tea, and biscuits, without even asking. My daughter smiled, saying, “Baba, they treat us like relatives, not guests.”
I couldn’t agree more — that simple kindness touched our hearts deeply.
🏨 Winding Down for the Night
Our room, though on the ground floor, felt cozy and peaceful. The faint sound of the breeze brushing through trees outside created a calm rhythm. My wife organized our clothes and bags for the next day, while my daughter replayed some of her best clips from today’s recordings — each moment reminding us of how magical the day had been.
I connected my camera to the laptop, transferring photos and videos, labeling folders for easier editing later. The golden hues of the sunrise, the emerald lawns of Shalimar, the floral magic of Chashme Shahi — every frame looked like a postcard.
By now, it was around 8:30 PM, when my phone rang. It was Zuied Bhai, our driver and dear travel companion. His tone was a bit serious.
“Bhai, tomorrow’s plan for Gulmarg has a small change,” he said.
He explained that the Gondola tickets (Phase I & II), though included in our travel package, hadn’t been purchased yet by the agent. “Don’t worry,” he assured, “one of my friends at Gulmarg will help you get Tatkal tickets early morning.”
To make it in time, we would need to leave the hotel by 4:30 AM, as early arrivals often mean shorter queues for the Gondola counter.
This also meant checking out tonight itself, since the next night’s stay was already arranged at a hotel in Gulmarg.
💖 Heartfelt Gesture from the Hotel Staff
When we informed the hotel reception about our early checkout and request for a packed breakfast, the staff’s response truly touched us.
“Don’t worry, Sir,” they said warmly. “We’ll keep your breakfast ready — some sandwiches, fruits, and tea packets. You just pick it up when you leave.”
Their willingness to help, even before dawn, showed how much heart they put into their service. It wasn’t just professionalism — it was care, the kind that stays with you long after you check out.
Just as we were preparing to sleep, another gentle knock came at our door. A staff member brought in two cups of hot Kahwa, the traditional Kashmiri tea infused with saffron, almonds, and cardamom.
“Sir, this will help you sleep well before your early journey,” he said softly.
That small gesture — a cup of Kahwa served with a smile — felt like a warm hug from Kashmir itself.
🌄 Preparing for the Big Day
After our dinner at the hotel restaurant — simple but heartwarming with rice, dal, and paneer curry — we began getting ready for the next day’s adventure: Gulmarg, the crown jewel of Kashmir.
We rechecked all our luggage, packed warm clothes, gloves, caps, and camera gear.
Camera batteries – charged.
Mobile phones – plugged in.
Memory cards – emptied for tomorrow’s shoot.
Tripods & jackets – packed near the door.
My wife smiled and said, “Tomorrow will be another unforgettable day.” I nodded, knowing how much Gulmarg meant to us — especially with the promise of snow and the thrill of riding one of the highest cable cars in the world.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Hassanz Enclave Hotel, Srinagar
🎥 Next: [Day 5 – Exploring Gulmarg’s Phase I, Strawberry Valley, Golf Course & Heritage Palace]
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