[Coooolcat21]

Sir,
Very well written log with amazing pictures. This log makes us wonder if we should do leh via srinagar so that we can atleast get to see a bit of it.
Thanks again for sharing.
Regards

[DKG]

Originally Posted by Coooolcat21

This log makes us wonder if we should do leh via srinagar so that we can atleast get to see a bit of it.

This month end we are doing a road trip that involves going up to Leh via Manali and coming down via Srinagar. You could do it the other way too. Either way try to budget two days in Pahalgam and see Baisaran, Chandanwari and Aru. Its enchanting !

[Coooolcat21]

Sir,
Thank you for the info. Seems like we need to dedicate a complete trip to see its beauty of Kashmir as you have done.
As of now have planned to do the spiti loop, then to leh and back via manali next month. Long trip..
All the best to your road trip to Leh. We can look forward to another beautiful TL from you.
Regards

[DKG]

Originally Posted by Coooolcat21

We can look forward to another beautiful TL from you

and some gorgeous pictures from your side ! Wish you and your family a safe and most enjoyable journey

[Dry Ice]

Awesome log DKG.

Taught me something today. Wherever you are, never forget to zoom out! Don't fret over petty things and spoil your day. Thank you sir!

[mayankjha1806]

I was searching for places to go in December end (my org is having shutdown for a week) and we thought Kashmir would be a good place.

Searched the web looks like the temperature would be something in minus and hence we may not be able to roam too much nevertheless we would want to go. Does Srinagar, Pahalgaon, and Gulmarg sounds like a good idea? or maybe i should just stick to Srinagar and one more place?

How much snow would we be able to see?

[hvkumar]

Originally Posted by mayankjha1806

I was searching for places to go in December end (my org is having shutdown for a week) and we thought Kashmir would be a good place.

Searched the web looks like the temperature would be something in minus and hence we may not be able to roam too much nevertheless we would want to go. Does Srinagar, Pahalgaon, and Gulmarg sounds like a good idea? or maybe i should just stick to Srinagar and one more place?

How much snow would we be able to see?

It is not that cold in Srinagar, mercury dips down to zero in the night, maybe below on some days. Gulmarg is a great place to be in at that time, since it would have snowed already. Pahalgam does not sound a great idea at this point in time since greenery will be less and river water flows also low.

[DKG]

HVK when does it start to snow there? I was told by many that Kashmir snowed in is a sight to behold !

[hvkumar]

Originally Posted by DKG

HVK when does it start to snow there? I was told by many that Kashmir snowed in is a sight to behold !

I have been in GUlmarg during the winter of Dec 2002, it snowed first on Dec 19. When I visited Gulmarg, it was soft snow on the ground.

[h.s.r]

I thought of reviving this great travalouge by DKG.
Here's my contribution to the thread.
I wll try to highlight the unexplored areas which were inaccessible by tourists few years ago or are still not accessible due to militancy,lack of proper information etc.
If you want to explore real kashmir, try going there by road,alteast from Jammu,which is approx 290 Kms from srinagar.
The Highway is pretty wide & decent for a Hill road,not like HP or UK hilly roads kudos to BEACON,
Who maintains it all year long except for few days in rainy seasons when avalanches or in winters when there is heavy snowfall.
The other reason for upkeep of this highway is presence of army in the J&K for obvious reasons.
This highway serves as lifeline of the Valley as everything is transported through trucks be it fuel or groceries or anything else.
There are only 2 ways to reach kashmir as of now:Roadway & Airway,Third which is Railways being constructed.
There are many breathtaking views and one can stay overnight at Patnitop which is 100 Kms from Jammu.
The whole journey from Jammu to Srinagar takes about 7 hours if there are no jams or closure due to Avalanche,accidents,army convoy etc etc.
I am posting pics in from all of my trips therefore may not be in chronological order but i will try to post them in sequence.
Now i will let pics do the talking.

View of the Shaitaan Naala 3 Kms from Jawahar Tunnel.

Baglihar power project, Built on river Chenab.
This is the project which pakistan was opposing to.
Its huge and sight to behold.
Its indeed Neighbor's Envy India's Proud..

Almighty river Chenab.Look at the size of sumo on left side on road.

Jam on highway.

Patnitop in Clouds
More to follow..

[DKG]

Originally Posted by h.s.r

try going there by road,alteast from Jammu,which is approx 290 Kms from srinagar.

Totally agree !! Last August I did a trip which involved driving up from Delhi to Leh and through Srinagar and back to Delhi via Jammu. I fell in love with Patnitop.

Someday soon I want to head back to Kashmir in my Thar and explore areas like the Bangus valley and other lesser travelled spots.

Kashmir is too beautiful to take in in one lifetime !

[ADI_77]

DKG, that was one great photofeast, bringing alive the beauty of Kashmir. I really regret on cancelling my trip this year. I am planning to go there next April (is this a good time or should I visit in May, June)

Just like another traveller my earlier plan included Srinagar-Gulmarg-Pahalgam-Srinagar, but now shall make it a point to include Baisaran & Chandanwari.

Request you to share details of the places you recommend staying at Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Chandanwari.

[DKG]

Originally Posted by ADI_77

should I visit in May, June)

May is ideal as you still have a lot of snow on the mountain tops and the whole sight of melting snows and raging streams adds to the magic.

Baisaran and Chandanwari are close to Pahalgam so two days there will allow you to cover both and Aru valley.

[nilanjanm]

This brings back a lot of memories, and the pictures and the narration are both great—in fact detrimental to people like me, who are sitting in office, sighing... I need to get inspired and get into my car and start driving towards the hills!

[h.s.r]

Water falling in deep gorge.

So close to the nature & god.

The more i see it,more i love it.

Deep Gorge. Dare to look down.

After a rainy drive.

Tea with Sweet Pooras.Perfect Brunch for rainy day.

Driving on hills in rains is altogether different experience,add steep ascent for descent to it & your driving skills are tested to the core.
This place is approx 200 Kms from Jammu.
Jawahar Tunnel is near about 30 Kms.