Kashmir: Heaven on earth

Travel to Kashmir was like a dream that came true. Sunrise over the snowcapped mountains, valleys with only the sound of silence penetrating deep within the soul, first time experience of snowfall like first time in love, traversing on the snow covered paths and falling down like a toddler still learning to walk, charming kids with rosy cheeks, temperature highs and lows from the heaters indoors to the top of Apharwat (last Gondola stop), rajma chawal at the local food joints and i could just go on and on. Many little joys along the way seeing enthusiastic kids with layers of warm clothing walking miles to school in the chilling weather, locals carrying the kangdi within their overcoats to keep themselves warm, the men in uniform fighting the harsh weather on duty, floating markets along the house boats, cherry blossoms on trees and so many other memories until the next trip in summer.