The landscape on the way to Gulmarg in hot summer July 2006.
The same landscape on the way to Gulmarg in winter Feb 2010.
Heavy snow in Gulmarg.
In 2006 Ika and I spent about 6 days in Srinagar, Kashmir in summer. Both of us fell in love with Kashmir especially the calm, placid waters of Dal Lake. We spent hours on the boathouse verandah watching the shikaras gliding passed by. July in summer was hot and I chose to see winter in Kashmir this year. With DHIA Holidays led by Azizan (HP 012-229 6310) and Nor Akmar of Serata Awana Holidays (HP 012 324 8349), a family of 6 and me made a trip to India covering Kashmir, Jaipur, Agra and New Delhi from 11-18 Feb 2010. For anyone who is interested to go for small group holidays, I strongly recommend these 2 enterprising young ladies. I have enjoyed their company and their professioanlism to give the best to their clients.
Winter in Srinagar, Kashmir was really amazing. Lake Dal was totally transformed in scenery compared to in summer. The backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan was breathtaking. Seeing is truly believing!! Though it was cold (about 10 degrees celsus), the fascinating scenery compensated the icy cold weather which could sooth away your stress.
Rows of houseboats in Lake Dal, curtained by snow-capped Himalayan mountain range.
Lake Dal in hot sJuly ummer 2006
With 2 delightful young men of the Azhar clan- Alif (Left) and Faiz (right) at Lake Dal boathouse garden.
Pic shows Nor Akmar (Left) and Azizan (mid) at Shalimar Garden.
The visit to Moghal Shalimar Garden which Ika and I didn't go was another surprise. There was no flowers and though trees were devoid of leaves, yet the scenery was beyond words. The Garden commands a majestic view of the Himalaya about 4, 500 meters above sea level.
View of Moghal Shalimar Garden (Garden of Love) with Himalayan mountain range as the background.
Field of white daisies in Gulmarg in hot summer of July 2006.
The scenery is totally changed in winter. The field of white daisies in summer transformed into clean white snow-covered ground. I hardly recognised the place. Going into the gondolas to the mountain watching people skiing down the mountain is like being in Switzerland. No wonder Kashmir is referred to as the Switzerland of the east. Unfortunately snow blizzard forced us to get down before the gondolas are closed.
I managed to roll myself on the soft snow reminiscence of the days as a young student in Bloomington, Indiana. Playing snow balls was exciting and exhilirating. I was young again!
Going to the Gondola station was tricky. We have to go by wooden sledge pulled by a guy. It was sheer hard work!! I tipped the guy even though he has been paid by the guide. I walked a short distance on the way back to the bus, I tripped 5 times inspite of wearing rented snow boots. Lucky I landed on my flashy bump amidst screams and laughter and no casualty. It was fun!!!
At Kongdoor, the gondola hill station in Gulmarg. With Faiz and Nor Akmar trying to shy away from the heavy snowfall, just before the gondola was closed due to snow storm. 140210
Shopping in Srinagar is mind-boggling. In winter things are so cheap. The intricate silk on silk carpets were sold at a sing-song price which would be 3 or 4 times more in KL. You don't need to go to the shops as the shops would come to your boathouse. They will be waiting for you and brought their wares to show you at a bargained price. Being poor they are hardened by hard weather and hard work. I stopped short of buying handbags, jackets etc made from the skin of mountain goats. They have been hunted to almost extinction.
I love Kashmir and want to go again in autumn and spring one day in future. From the bare tress in winter I can picture the riots of colours when the leaves turn colour in autumn. In October, the saffron fields will yield products and in May, cherries and other fruits will be in abundance.
If ever you know anybody going to Kashmir suggest to them to bring Quran, mukaddam, pens, pencil to sedekah to any mosques there.
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