GULMARG-THE MEADOW OF FLOWERS

The Gondola rides were booked, and we had spent way more time in the school than decided at Sopore. As we discussed time with the driver, he is a local who took a shortcut which was through the little hamlets and woods; we were passing through the most scenic route in Kashmir. With the whoosh of the wind and the purr of the engine, we drank in the beauty around.

The drive was beautiful with green pastures, densely populated with tall Pine trees, and sparse or no habitation. It seemed the road and miles were never-ending. We had our doubts about us being on the right road, we sat in silence with a bit of apprehension.

The silence was killing and to break it we kept the conversation going by asking the driver questions about the surrounding till we took a hairpin turn uphill and hit the main approach road with milestone reading Gulmaarg 10km, each one heaved a sigh of relief, the driver was sure but we weren’t.

Tourists in Kashmir are like Gods. The driver later quoting the incident said he could feel we were tense, but he was sure.

THE MEADOW OF FLOWERS

Gulmarg is known as the “Meadow of Flowers” is one of the safest places in the valley frequented by tourists throughout the year and got its name in the 16th Century from Sultan Yusuf Shah Chak who visited the place with his wife Habba Khatoon.

The Gondola Experience 

Gulmarg the resort town and Asia’s best skiing destination took us to a different level altogether. Much excited we boarded our Gandola “world’s highest cable car” to get our first view of the Pir Panjal ranges and the Kongdoori valley which also hosts the world’s highest golf course at a height of 2650mtrs.The valley and golf course both are covered in snow in the peak winters and give the place a look covered in White Fur, as the spring sets and the temperature rises the valley blooms with wildflowers and lush green meadows.

As the Gondola ascends and gains height you are left with nothing else but to ogle at the beauty around. Down under the backdrop is set with snowcapped mountains lined with pine trees and white carpet with little color full dots as people, houses, and green patches.

Reaching the second level, I relax with a hot cup of tea the Kashmiri KEHWA . My mind is just free, the hard disk is empty to fill in and drink in nature, and the KEHWA.

Adventure in Gulmarg

I see people trekking on foot or pony to the frozen Alpha tar Lake to view the Apharwat peak. The valley is bestowed with immense beauty and skiing is fun. We were visiting in spring and hence could try a volley or two at the highest Golf Course in the world.

Gulmarg is an easy reach from Srinagar via Tan Marg. A drive of 2 to 3 hours, is well connected by road.

Rubaru with KEHWA 

A drink we all got hooked to, you can drink this concoction all the time without thinking about calories. Made from whole spices like saffron and almonds it is mild, fragrant, and helps keep your body warm. Served from a beautifully crafted pot called the Samavar.

Food Palette

This was a power-packed day in terms of visiting the school, riding the Gondola to reach new heights, and finding insights, in the process, we forgot our growling stomach. But as the sounds grew and reached our minds the search began and we landed at this amazing place just outside Gulmarg where I had my first taste of real Kashmiri food.

The hot and spicy food in red gravy mostly lamb is high on butter, curd, and spices. The tantalizing smell of saffron, Cinnamon besides many other local spices made the growling sound louder.

The Mutton Roghan Josh, Gushtaba (soft meatballs cooked in natural yogurt, white curry) Rista (Soft Meat Balls in delicious Gravy, Red Curry) was a gastronomical treat.

Every tourist is a valued guest, the food is served lovingly with gracious quantities and the climate makes you eat more than the normal appetite. The simplicity of the people catches you off guard.

Self-evolution-Hitting the Pause button

I realize the importance of hitting the pause button now and then. The worth of small and big moments of life, reflecting on them and gaining new insight on how important it is to slow down the pace to know yourself and the surrounding better.

Nature I feel is a great teacher. It’s so self-sufficient that we humans forget this and tamper around with GOD’s OWN CREATION.

 Gulmarg

•  Driveaway of 2 to 3 Hours from Kashmir
• Pre book your Gondola Tickets to avoid the rush
• Sit back and relax at the levels with a cup of tea and Maggie
• Keep hitting the Camera Button you can’t have enough of it.
• It’s been there done that feeling at the world’s highest Golf Course.
• It’s a resort town. Accommodation is available easily to suit each one’s pocket.

Stay tuned to Varsha Mahore Blogs. Enriching lives Through Travel.