I did my Kashmir Trip in 50k, you can do in less (part 1)

For the love of snow I always wanted to go to snow clad mountains, I'd already covered many places in Himachal so this time I thought of Kashmir, and ofcourse who hasn't heard about 'Jannat - E - Kashmir'. Believe me it looks more beautiful on seeing it through your own eyes. Although I had gone without any guide or any trip company (so it was all of my own) trip I have realised some money could be saved during sight seeing, so here is my advice for you all. Drivers cost is almost same (only 200-400 up-down is there)

Day one was for Srinagar city site visits only. City was covered in a day in which I started (after breakfast around 10am) with Dal lake Shikara Ride. For shikara it takes around ₹2500 for a single ride(2-3hours) I found it worth that amount but yes it could be bargained till ₹1700-1800.

Dal lake has its own shopping boats (found them overpriced) so, I think there is not need to buy from there rather handloom/handicrafts could be bought from geniune government shop or the shops that are in main market of city.

After Dal lake I'd gone to Shankaracharya temple and guess what, I first time a my life saw snow and snowfall (snow flakes are exactly the same shape as we see in movies 😍)

Do not miss visiting temple because it is very peaceful very less crowded and has a view point overlooking dal lake and palace.

Then I visited Hazratbal masjid. It's on the other side of Dal lake and again very soothing and peaceful. There are few shops near by where one can but very beautiful baskets and lamp shades made of willow rushes

Later, I visited Jamia masjid. okay so one intresting fact I will share here. I have visited and studied about many mosque designs but this was the first time I have seen mosque with square base conical roof (many mosque has circular onion shape domes). So beautifully designed with 370 wooden columns and splendid courtyard. Architecturally I found this one the best among all places.

And I ended with Zero bridge. Very beautiful bridge made of wooden arches on Jhelum river. This bridge is only for pedestrian movement.

For shopping Lal Chowk has got good shops with bargain and knowledge about stuff one can get beautiful shawls and kurtas from here.

At every place I had gone with my driver

(He took around 3000₹ (Scorpio car) for one day city sight seeing)

Because it was January and tulip gardens were dry I didn't go there

Day 2 was for Pahalgam. My driver dropped me in Pahalgam from where one has to take pony rides to go to more altitude

IMPORTANT

So here one can save lots of money

Firstly if I would have known this place before I would have not taken pony ride. In Pahalgam one place that is called Mini Switzerland is worth going to. On pony one can reach in 30-45 min, by trekking it could be done in 1.5 hr maximum. Trek to this place is very simple and easily accessible

So on pony ride they start from ₹3000-12000

I took pakage of 12000 that he discounted till 6000

But even 6000 could be saved if I'd gone trekking

if you are a youngster and do trekking don't take pony, I would rather suggest go on foot and enjoy this trek also like one do in Himachal

If you are a family man or cannot trek then do bargain and cut price by 60-70%

Gulmarg to be continued in next trip article